In a significant shift for Destiny 2 enthusiasts, the familiar realm of D2 Legendary Shards is on the cusp of a phased exit, set to culminate with The Final Shape expansion slated for February 2024.

For years, Legendary Shards have stood as a linchpin resource, garnered through various activities, chiefly via disassembling high-tier gear. This currency has been the linchpin for transactions with the elusive Xur, focusing on engrams, and unlocking cherished legacy Exotics.

D2 Legendary Shards
D2 Legendary Shards are one of the primary resources in the game (Image credit)

Why are D2 Legendary Shards being removed?

Bungie is ushering in a change, asserting that D2 Legendary Shards have long been a source of instability in Destiny 2’s economic landscape. Their removal is intended to streamline the experience for newcomers and alleviate the clutter of currencies, consumables, and items. With the advent of Season 23, D2 Legendary Shards will cease to be a factor in costs associated with the Monument to Lost Lights. Glimmer, Exotic Cipher, and Spoils of Conquest costs, however, will stand firm.

In the realm of ritual gear focusing, Legendary Shard expenses will be entirely nullified, leaving only ritual engrams and Glimmer as requisites for non-Adept focusing. On the flip side, focusing Adept weapons will still necessitate seven wins in Trials Passages or Nightfall Ciphers.

New costs

Gear TypeRarityGlimmer RewardSecondary RewardSecondary Reward Drop ChanceGunsmith Reputation
GeneralRare75
ArmorLegendary1000Enhancement Core25%10
ArmorExotic2000Enhancement Core60%20
GhostsLegendary1000
GhostsExotic1500
WeaponsLegendary1000Enhancement Core25%10
WeaponsExotic2000Enhancement Core60%20

With the arrival of The Final Shape, any vestiges of Legendary Shards as sources or costs within the game will vanish entirely. Bungie, however, will not be implementing a currency exchange mechanism for accumulated D2 Legendary Shards. At the same time, Glimmer prices for items won’t be subject to any hike, and there won’t be any new replacement costs for items that previously relied on Legendary Shards.

D2 Legendary Shards
D2 Legendary Shards caused a significant instability in the game, Bungie says (Image credit)

So, what’s the takeaway for Guardians dismantling their gear? Bungie’s objective is to furnish players with meaningful rewards when they part ways with their weapons and armor, centring around Glimmer, Enhancement Core, and reputation bonuses. In a pleasant turn, Bungie also plans to eliminate the cost associated with retrieving Ships and Sparrows from Collections. This means they won’t come with any attached rewards upon dismantling, given their cost-free nature.

Dismantle rewards

Item TypeEngramGlimmerMisc
New Ritual Weapons10
Standard Ritual Pool Weapons35000
Standard Ritual Pool Armor35000
Legacy Weapons515,000
Legacy Armor515,000
Iron Banner Weapons525,000
Nightfall Weapons525,000
Adept Nightfall Weapons150,00010 Nightfall Ciphers
Trials Weapons525,000
Adept Trials Weapons150,0007-Win Trials Passage

In an intriguing development, Bungie has hinted at the return ofStrange Coins in transactions with Xur. Presently, the Agent of the Nine demands both Glimmer and Legendary Shards for his arsenal of Exotic and Legendary-class gear. However, once D2 Legendary Shards bid their final adieu, alternative forms of payment will be welcomed.

D2 Legendary Shards
With the removal of D2 Legendary Shards, dismantling will be heavily reliant on Glimmer (Image credit)

Meanwhile, if you ever need help at any point the game with anything, make sure to check out our articles on Destiny 2 to see if we have a prepared guide on the matter. Like how to get Essence of Oversoul and how to get Silver Leaves in Destiny 2, we have many guides that could be of assistance.

Featured image credit: Bungie