In the world of Destiny 2, few missions have created as much excitement and discussion as Excision, a climactic Grandmaster (GM) strike that brings together intense gameplay, emotional storytelling, and the culmination of years of narrative buildup. The GM Excision mission is not just another strike; it is a landmark event for players who have followed the game’s evolving universe. It challenges guardians’ skills, coordination, and understanding of Destiny 2’s deep lore. For many, it represents both an ending and a new beginning within Bungie’s vast sci-fi saga.
The Importance of GM Excision in Destiny 2
Excision stands out as one of Destiny 2’s most significant missions because it ties together multiple storylines that have been developing since the game’s early expansions. It is the conclusion of the Light and Darkness saga a conflict that has shaped the entire Destiny universe. The Grandmaster version of this mission, often referred to as the GM Excision, amplifies everything players love about Destiny 2 the cooperative challenge, high-stakes encounters, and cinematic storytelling.
Players who take on GM Excision know that it’s more than just about defeating enemies. It’s about perseverance, teamwork, and understanding the culmination of the Traveler’s long battle against The Witness the mysterious being that represents the Darkness itself. Completing this Grandmaster strike gives players not only powerful loot but also the satisfaction of conquering one of the toughest challenges in the game’s history.
What Makes GM Excision Different
The GM version of Excision pushes guardians to their limits. Compared to the normal or heroic versions, the Grandmaster variant introduces tougher enemies, limited revives, and high-level modifiers that make every mistake costly. It’s designed for players who have mastered Destiny 2’s mechanics and are prepared to coordinate closely with their fireteam.
Unlike other Grandmaster strikes, GM Excision also carries emotional weight. Players are not just fighting for rewards they are closing a chapter that has been building for nearly a decade. The mission’s pacing, dialogue, and atmosphere are designed to make players feel the gravity of their journey. Every moment of combat and every cutscene reinforces the theme of sacrifice, unity, and hope.
Key Features of GM Excision
- High DifficultyEnemies deal more damage, have stronger shields, and require advanced strategy to defeat.
- Limited RevivesPlayers must carefully manage revives, making every death a major setback.
- Match Game ModifiersEnemy shields require specific elemental damage types to break effectively.
- Champion EnemiesThe presence of unstoppable, barrier, and overload champions tests loadout versatility.
- Power Level RequirementOnly high-level guardians can access the GM mode, ensuring that only experienced players attempt it.
The Story Behind Excision
The narrative of Excision is one of the most memorable in Destiny 2’s long history. The mission revolves around the final confrontation with The Witness, the enigmatic villain who has manipulated events across galaxies. For years, The Witness has been the shadowy force behind many of Destiny 2’s major conflicts. In Excision, players finally face this cosmic adversary head-on.
The mission’s structure feels epic from the very beginning. Guardians join forces with allies across the solar system, including the Vanguard, the Awoken, and other long-standing factions. The sense of unity and scale is unlike anything seen before in the game. It truly feels like the final stand a battle for the very survival of Light itself.
The Witness and the Light vs. Darkness Saga
The Witness has always represented the antithesis of the Traveler. Where the Traveler symbolizes creation and life, The Witness embodies destruction and control. Throughout Destiny 2’s expansions, fromBeyond LighttoLightfall, players have seen how this philosophical war has shaped the destiny of countless civilizations. Excision serves as the moment of truth, where the centuries-long battle finally comes to a head.
This mission is not only about fighting an enemy but also about resolving deeper themes of belief, loyalty, and redemption. Characters like Zavala, Ikora, and even Eris Morn play important roles in this grand conclusion. Their dialogues remind players of how far they have come from fledgling guardians on Earth to the saviors of the galaxy.
How to Prepare for GM Excision
Preparation is crucial before entering GM Excision. This is not a mission that can be completed without proper planning and coordination. Players must ensure their power level meets the requirement and that they bring optimized builds suited for both damage and survivability. In this mode, teamwork is everything.
Recommended Loadouts and Strategies
While the specific meta can change with each season, certain strategies consistently work well for Grandmaster content
- WeaponsUse weapons with anti-champion mods such as Arbalest, Witherhoard, or Izanagi’s Burden. Heavy weapons like Gjallarhorn or Lament are excellent for burst damage.
- Subclass ChoicesSolar Titans with Sunspots, Void Warlocks with Devour, and Arc Hunters with Gathering Storm are reliable picks for damage and survival.
- Team CoordinationAssign roles one guardian focuses on adds, another on champions, and the third on support and healing.
- ModsPrioritize resilience, resistance mods, and ammo finders. Every second and every shot counts in Grandmaster difficulty.
The Experience of Playing GM Excision
Players often describe GM Excision as both thrilling and emotionally charged. From the first wave of enemies to the final cutscene, the mission demands constant focus and cooperation. The combat arena is filled with enemies that punish mistakes but reward precision. Guardians must communicate continuously to survive the endless onslaught.
One of the most impressive aspects of the mission is its pacing. The tension builds steadily, keeping players engaged throughout. Each phase feels like a step toward an inevitable, universe-altering climax. By the end, players are not only physically exhausted but emotionally moved by the story’s resolution and the sense of accomplishment it delivers.
The Final Battle and Its Symbolism
The climax of Excision is one of the most visually stunning and narratively powerful moments in Destiny 2. The final confrontation symbolizes the unity of Light and Darkness an idea that Bungie has hinted at for years. Instead of simple good versus evil, the story reveals that balance is necessary for creation to endure. This philosophical twist gives the mission emotional depth beyond its gameplay challenge.
When guardians finally stand victorious, it’s not just a win for their characters but for every player who has journeyed through Destiny 2’s many expansions. It feels like a collective triumph, the culmination of countless battles, memories, and friendships formed within the community.
The Rewards of GM Excision
As with any Grandmaster strike, GM Excision offers exclusive rewards. Players can earn adept weapons, high-stat armor, and exotic enhancement materials. However, the true reward lies in the prestige and satisfaction of completing one of the hardest missions Bungie has ever designed. For many, the completion emblem or title associated with GM Excision becomes a badge of honor proof of endurance, teamwork, and mastery.
Moreover, Bungie’s design ensures that players who complete GM Excision feel their effort is recognized. Unique dialogue, cinematic moments, and rare drops make the mission more than just a test of skill; it’s a celebration of dedication to the Destiny 2 universe.
Community Reactions and Legacy
The Destiny 2 community responded to GM Excision with overwhelming enthusiasm. Forums and social media were filled with stories, strategies, and emotional reactions. Many players described it as one of the best narrative experiences in the franchise, blending challenge and storytelling perfectly. Even those who struggled to complete it appreciated its ambition and significance.
In a broader sense, GM Excision marks a milestone in Destiny 2’s evolution. It closes one of the most important arcs in the game’s history and sets the stage for what comes next. For long-time fans, it is both an ending and a promise proof that Bungie continues to push boundaries in game design and storytelling.
GM Excision in Destiny 2 represents everything that makes the franchise special challenging gameplay, emotional storytelling, and a sense of shared achievement. It brings closure to the Light and Darkness saga while pushing guardians to their absolute limits. Whether players experience it for the first time or return to master it again, GM Excision remains a defining moment in Destiny’s history.
Ultimately, this Grandmaster mission reminds every guardian of why they fight not just for loot or glory, but for hope, unity, and the light that connects them all. In the end, GM Excision is more than a mission it is a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring spirit of the Destiny 2 community.