A Complete Guide to Motes of Light in Destiny 2: 1 Minute to Mastering Motes of Light and Their Uses

Destiny 2’s "Motes of Light" are an integral part of the game’s rich ecosystem, fueling both gameplay mechanics and progression systems. Whether you’re a seasoned Guardian or fresh to the world of Destiny, understanding how to use Motes of Light can significantly impact your experience, from Gambit matches to weapon upgrades. In this guide, we'll explore what Motes of Light are, how to obtain them, their uses, and best strategies for maximizing their value.

What Are Motes of Light in Destiny 2?

In Destiny 2, Motes of Light are special items primarily associated with the Gambit game mode. Here, players collect motes from defeated enemies and bank them to progress their team's score. Beyond Gambit, motes occasionally appear in seasonal events or as upgrade components, though their importance has shifted with various content updates.

How to Get Motes of Light

The primary method of acquiring motes is by defeating enemies in Gambit and collecting the motes they drop. You can carry up to 15 motes at once; being eliminated before banking them means you'll lose them. Some seasonal activities, Nightfall strikes, or limited-time events may also offer Motes of Light as rewards, though their appearance here is less consistent.

Uses for Motes of Light

- Banking in Gambit: The core gameplay loop—collecting and banking motes—increases your team's progress and can summon blockers for the enemy team. - Seasonal Upgrades: Certain past events allowed motes to be spent on gear upgrades, unlocks, or cosmetic items (always verify in-game for current seasons). - Other Purposes: While their name pays homage to their Destiny 1 predecessor (which was used for leveling up gear), Destiny 2’s motes are primarily event-specific resources.

Tips to Maximize Your Motes in Gambit

As a designer, I see parallels in optimizing space in interiors and optimizing your strategy in Gambit. Just like a smartly-planned room flows better, careful mote management can be game-changing:

1. Bank Early, Bank Often: Don’t get greedy! If you have 5 to 10 motes, consider banking rather than risking a wipe.
2. Coordinate With Teammates: Banking together can summon larger blockers and disrupt the enemy team—think of it as creating functional zones in a multi-use space.
3. Prioritize Survival: Sometimes, defense (using cover in maps) is as critical as offense—much like thoughtful space planning in room layouts.
4. Stay Aware of Invaders: If an enemy invades, seek safety rather than chasing enemies for more motes.

Smart strategizing is like leveraging the best design tool—the right tool can transform a chaotic room (or team) into something truly efficient. For Guardians interested in perfecting their base both in-game and out, checking out room planning tools can inspire organizational strategies that translate from digital to real life spaces.

Tips 1:

In Gambit, specialization can help the team: designate players as mote collectors, blockers, or invaders, optimizing efficiency much like assigning furniture functions in an open-concept room. Good communication and organization are as crucial in Destiny 2 as they are in any well-designed space.

FAQ

Q: What are Motes of Light used for in Destiny 2?

A: Primarily, motes are collected and banked by players in Gambit games to progress objectives and earn points for their team.

Q: Can I use Motes of Light outside of Gambit?

A: While their main use is in Gambit, some seasonal events or special activities may feature motes as reward items, but they’re not as versatile as in Destiny 1.

Q: What happens if I die while holding motes?

A: You lose all unbanked motes when eliminated, so bank them early to avoid losing progress for your team.

Q: How many motes can I carry at once in Gambit?

A: Each player can carry up to 15 motes. Try to bank frequently to minimize risk.

Q: Are Motes of Light the same as in Destiny 1?

A: No, Destiny 2's motes are primarily an objective resource, not a gear upgrade material like Destiny 1's version.