Whether you’re a long-time Guardian or a New Light, you’ve no doubt heard of The Witness before, especially with their increasing presence in The Witch Queen and Lightfall expansions. Despite how pivotal The Witness is, it is shrouded in mystery. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about Destiny 2 The Witness explained, from the most basic details to the more complex lore tidbits.
If you’re looking to dive into Destiny 2’s complex story but are finding yourself lost, then don’t fret. We’ve also got guides on key locations and characters in Lightfall besides The Witness, including Destiny 2 Cloud Striders and Destiny 2 Neomuna.
Destiny 2 The Witness explained
The Witness is the leader of the Black Fleet pyramid ships, commanding the power of the Darkness to defeat the Traveler once and for all and bring about the ‘final shape’.
It is the main villain in the Light and Darkness saga that has been building since the launch of Destiny 1, though this story has only picked up momentum since Destiny 2 Shadowkeep in 2019. It is believed to be one of, if not the most powerful entity in the universe.
What species is The Witness in Destiny 2?
The Witness’ species is currently unknown. It’s theorised that The Witness, rather than being a single species, embodies the entirety of the species it has wiped out, explaining the cloud-like vapours coming from its head. Conversely, much like Rhulk, the first of The Witness’ Disciples, The Witness could be the last of its race.
Who is The Witness in Destiny 2?
The Witness, also known as The Entity and The Voice in the Darkness before they made their first physical appearance at the end of The Witch Queen expansion, is the leader of the Black Fleet and the Disciples.
The Black Fleet is the armada of iconic pyramid ships that have been pursuing the Traveler across the universe in the hopes of bringing about the ‘Final Shape’ of the universe, likely by eradicating the Traveler and the Light for good.
The Disciples of the Witness serve as almost commanders or champions of the The Witness, select powerful beings that carry out the bidding of their master. While these Disciples are largely shrouded in mystery, much like The Witness, they are masters of the Darkness and often represent the final of their species. Rhulk is the first known Disciple of the Witness, while Emperor Calus is the most recent to be appointed as a Disciple during the Lightfall expansion.
Little is truly known about The Witness, though they seem to be a being born from the Darkness, or at least a wholly devout believer in this force. Billions of years before the events of the games, The Witness had been travelling to different planets and manipulating the inhabiting species to align them to the Darkness. For instance, The Witness, alongside Rhulk, manipulated the Hive, then known as the Krill on Fundament, by giving Savathûn, then known as Sathona, a vision of her civilisations’ downfall. The Krill would then become servants of the Darkness and The Witness, transforming into the war hungry Hive.
What does The Witness want in Destiny 2 Lightfall?
In Destiny 2 Lightfall, The Witness has now arrived in the Sol system with the Black Fleet to face the Traveler once again to bring about the ‘final shape’ of the universe. While we don’t know what this final shape looks like exactly, it likely involves defeating the Traveler and removing the influence of the Light from the universe. Seemingly lacking all empathy, The Witness believes they are bringing about salvation and saving the ‘children of Sol’.
To complete their goal, The Witness will require the power of The Veil from Neomuna on Neptune, a plot point that will be picked up on in the Lightfall expansion.
This marks the second attempt by The Witness to defeat the Traveler and bring about the ‘final shape’. The first attack by The Witness, despite failing to complete this ultimate goal thanks to Savathûn’s trickery, caused The Collapse. This is the catastrophic event long before the events of the games that brought an end to The Golden Age of Humanity ushered in by the Traveler’s arrival, leading to the near extinction of humanity.
What powers does The Witness have in Destiny 2?
Given the immense power of The Witness, we’re yet to see the full extent of their power. However, we do know they are capable of manipulating the universe, somehow removing planets from time, alongside shapeshifting and inducing visions.
The Witness is highly manipulative and determined to complete their goals, representing the biggest threat the universe has faced.
Who are The Witness’ allies and allegiances in Destiny 2?
The Witness’ sole allegiance is to the Darkness, a powerful natural force of the universe antithetical to the Light. While the Light champions free-thinking, complexity, and the natural will to do good, the Darkness centres around reducing complexity and upholds that any being incapable of stopping it is not worthy of existence in the first place.
In The Witness’ pursuit in furthering the philosophy of the Darkness, they have recruited several allies, often through manipulation. These allies include Xivu Arath, Eramis, Calus, and Rhulk. Each of these allies have brought with them the might of their species, such as Xivu Arath using her Hive army to further The Witness’ goals, while Eramis and Calus command an army of Fallen and Cabal respectively.
That’s all you need to know about The Witness in Destiny 2. We’ll update this guide as more information is revealed, particularly during Lightfall and Season of the Defiance. To defeat such a powerful foe, you’ll surely need the best Destiny 2 Titan build, the best Destiny 2 Warlock build, or the best Destiny 2 Hunter build to take the fight to them.
