Jul 24, 2014 - DeeJ

Have you met Lord Saladin? If you crave the most hardcore challenge to be had in the Destiny Beta, this champion of the City is your dealer. The Iron Banner in the Crucible is his domain.





You’ll find him holding court in the plaza at the back of the Tower – playing hard to get and enjoying the best view of the sunset that our home has to offer. The doors to his haunt swing wide only for special occasions like the Iron Banner. His call to action is unforgiving.









The Iron Banner is just one of the ways we’ll keep you on your toes as you progress on your journey. It’s another reason to clash with other Guardians in deadly competition. If you’ve accepted this challenge before, all you need to know is that it’s coming back. Once again, it will send you into battle in four arenas: 'Rusted Lands' on Earth, 'First Light' on the Moon, 'Shores of Time' on Venus, and 'Blind Watch' on Mars.







If you have yet to sample the elevated carnage and mayhem of this limited time event, here are some things you need to know:

If you have yet to sample the elevated carnage and mayhem of this limited time event, here are some things you need to know:





-You must meet with Lord Saladin before you can compete. Seek him out in the Tower, opposite the landing zone.

-The Iron Banner is accessed as a separate playlist in the Crucible.

-The power ratings on your weapons and armor are crucial to victory. While combat in the Crucible offers a level playing field, the Iron Banner demands your very best gear.

-Victory earns you reputation and rank to unlock special Iron Banner gear, and you can only browse or acquire your rewards while the event is live!

-Iron Banner challenges are available from the Bounty Tracker to make your exploits in battle even more profitable.

-If you reach your competition-worthy rank of Level 5 while this event is happening, you’ll need to check in with Lord Shaxx first. He’ll issue your Crucible invitation in the Hall of Guardians, just down the stairs from the main landing zone in the Tower.









We want to know who the most powerful Guardian in the Tower is. Step forward and be measured by your peers. Bring the best items in your inventory, and show them the true meaning of war.







All times are PDT.





Friday, July 25th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM* 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Saturday, July 26th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM* 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM





*Earlier bouts added because we love our European players, too.





“Is this the special surprise that you had planned for Saturday?” you ask.





No. It’s not. Nor are these the permanent rewards we’ve promised. We’ll tease those tomorrow. The Bungie Weekly Update will tell you all about how this grand experiment that has been the Destiny Beta will end.





In the meantime, prepare to brave the Iron Banner!