Mastering Kell’s Vengeance in Destiny 2: The Revenant Guide

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Skolas has returned in the finale of Destiny 2‘s Revenant episode. Fikrul has brought back one of the series’ most iconic Fallen enemies, and it’s your fireteam’s mission to take him down. In “Kell’s Vengeance,” you’ll revisit the Prison of Elders for one last showdown, which requires a team to complete. Just like in the Dual Destiny mission, you need to have at least one teammate to kick off this challenge.

Fortunately, Kell’s Vengeance is relatively straightforward, despite its various modifiers. With a solid build and your favorite Grenade Launcher, you can take Skolas down within a few tries. Before we dive into how the Skolas fight differs in Destiny 2, let’s go over the modifiers that come with Kell’s Vengeance.

Modifiers and Recommended Loadout

Kell’s Vengeance is a shorter version of Contest of Elders that features Skolas, Scorned Wolf as the final boss. It incorporates co-op mechanics from Skolas’ original fight in Destiny. Since this is a team-based activity, you need at least two players to initiate it. It’s not possible to start this mission alone.

Apart from the co-op condition, the other modifiers are largely similar to Contest of Elders. Threats, Surges, and Overcharge are active, which adds major damage boosts for both you and your foes. There are no Champions present, but enemies will have random Bane modifiers that require you to strategize your build accordingly.

For your loadouts, opt for a powerful burst damage heavy weapon along with a build that emphasizes survivability. Grenade Launchers are particularly effective here, especially those with the Bait and Switch perk and a reload perk like Envious Assassin. Pair your GL with a reliable primary weapon for clearing adds, and you should tackle most of the mission’s combat encounters with ease.

When it comes to builds:

• Prismatic Titans using Consecration excel here. The small battlegrounds enhance your Ignitions, and your slam damage can serve as backup DPS against Skolas.
• Warlocks with Bleak Watcher turrets, either through Osmiomancy Gloves or Rime-Coat Raiment, can effectively manage adds during this mission. Prismatic Warlocks can use the Song of Flame for a solid support and DPS combination when it’s time to damage Skolas.
• Hunters capable of using invisibility can bypass many of Skolas’ mechanics. Obtain the buff from your team, charge it, go invisible, and find the right Servitor to deposit the buff into. Nightstalker, Prismatic, or any melee-based build with Assassin’s Cowl will work well here.

Beginning the Encounter

The mission starts with the same format as the Tomb of Elders and its more challenging variant. Your fireteam will first clear a preliminary section, followed by a single combat encounter in a confined area, where you must complete a random main objective. Beyond the activity modifiers, the primary distinction is that you cannot fail the secondary objective, or your fireteam will be wiped. Work closely with your team to ensure all secondary objectives are completed before the timer runs out.

Unlike a typical run of Tomb of Elders, this mission has no multiple encounters between you and the final boss, Skolas. After finishing the opening encounter, the Warden will take you directly to Skolas. Be sure to have a solid loadout ready before using the Rally Flag. You can change your gear during the fight, but it’s best to have a full stock of Heavy ammo and charged abilities before starting.

The Skolas Encounter

Skolas, Scorned Wolf remains quite similar to his original appearance in the Prison of Elders. The good news is that you don’t need to rely on Gjallarhorn to defeat him anymore—any Grenade Launcher with the Bait and Switch perk will suffice, along with Rocket Launchers and Swords.

At the start of the fight, one member of your team will receive a debuff called “Devouring Essence,” which lasts for 30 seconds. This debuff will cause death once the timer expires. Similar to the chalice mechanic in Crota’s End, one of your teammates must collect the buff. Simply walk next to the player with the essence and hold the interact button to take their essence and reset the timer.

Midway through the encounter, a Revenant Baron will appear at the edge of the arena. Taking it down will drop a mote that enhances your Devouring Essence buff to Enhanced Essence, which you can then use to empower one of three Servitors located around the arena. Deposit your mote in the Servitor that corresponds with your current Ether Level buff, indicated by the circles shown on the left-hand side of your screen. For instance, if your Ether Level shows one filled circle, dunk the mote into the Servitor with one circle filled.

Charging all three Servitors will initiate the damage phase. Skolas will raise his arms and become vulnerable for about 15 seconds. During this period, red orbs will spawn and slowly drift toward him, healing any damage taken if they make contact. Assign one team member to destroy the orbs while the rest focus on dealing damage to Skolas directly. Repeat this process as necessary until Skolas is defeated, hopefully for good this time.

Rewards for Kell’s Vengeance

Once you defeat Skolas, you’ll find yourself in a treasure room filled with abundant tonic materials, Tomb of Elders weapons, and the Renunciation Exotic ship for your first completion. There’s also a slim chance to snag the Revenant Redress emblem when opening the chest. If you don’t get it on your first try, you can repeat this mission as many times as needed until it drops.