Defeating 1000 Dregs with melee attacks in a game like Destiny 2 can feel like a daunting task at first, but with the right approach, tools, and strategy, it becomes a rewarding and even enjoyable experience. Dregs are one of the most common enemy types found among the Fallen, and they show up in large numbers across multiple zones and activities. Whether you’re completing a Triumph, pursuing a catalyst, or just farming for fun, the goal of killing 1000 Dregs with melee is achievable with some planning and dedication.
Understanding the Challenge
What Are Dregs?
Dregs are the lowest-ranking members of the Fallen enemy faction. They’re small, agile, and usually wield shock pistols or melee weapons. Because of their weak armor and frequent appearance in patrol zones and certain playlist activities, Dregs are ideal targets for farming melee kills.
Why Melee Kills Matter
Melee kills are often required to unlock exotic catalysts, complete seasonal challenges, or fulfill Triumph objectives. Specifically targeting Dregs makes this easier due to their low health. However, since melee combat requires close-range engagement, it also introduces higher risk compared to ranged combat especially when dealing with large groups.
Best Locations to Farm Dreg Kills
Cosmodrome
The Cosmodrome is one of the most reliable locations to find large groups of Dregs. The Divide and The Steppes have several respawning groups that include Dregs, and you can continuously run a circuit between these areas to keep farming without long delays.
Trostland (EDZ)
Another excellent spot is the Trostland region in the European Dead Zone. In and around the church and adjacent buildings, you’ll often find packs of Fallen with many Dregs. Public Events also spawn frequently here, bringing more opportunities to farm melee kills.
Lost Sectors
- Widow’s Walkin the EDZ
- Veles Labyrinthin the Cosmodrome
- The Quarryin the EDZ
These Lost Sectors often contain a dense concentration of Dregs and allow for rapid reset and re-entry, making them excellent farming locations.
Tips for Efficient Melee Farming
Use the Right Subclass
- Titan: Try using the Arc Striker or Solar Burning Maul subclasses. Both offer melee-centric builds that deal area-of-effect damage and can regenerate melee energy quickly.
- Hunter: Arcstrider with Lethal Current or Combination Blow allows you to chain melee kills easily while regenerating health and melee energy.
- Warlock: Use Attunement of Flame (Solar) or Attunement of Hunger (Void) to utilize powerful melee abilities with healing and AoE damage.
Equip Melee-Boosting Gear
Armor mods can significantly improve melee uptime. Consider mods like:
- Heavy Handed Regains melee energy on charged melee kills
- Momentum Transfer Reduces melee cooldown when causing damage with grenades
- Well of Striking Collecting a Solar or Arc Elemental Well grants melee energy
Use Exotics That Enhance Melee
Several exotic armor pieces can make melee builds far more effective:
- Titan: Synthoceps Increases melee lunge range and damage when surrounded
- Hunter: Liar’s Handshake Perfect with Arcstrider for melee damage healing loop
- Warlock: Karnstein Armlets Melee kills grant health regeneration
Recommended Loadouts
Arc Hunter Melee Build
This build is built around speed, chaining, and healing. With Combination Blow, every melee kill boosts your next melee’s power and heals you. Pair it with Liar’s Handshake and Gambler’s Dodge to consistently reset melee cooldowns.
Solar Titan Melee Build
Use Sol Invictus with Throwing Hammers. Every melee kill can spawn a Sunspot, healing and empowering you. The build thrives in packed areas like Lost Sectors or during public events.
Void Warlock Build
Use the Devour mechanic to ensure that each melee kill heals and resets grenade cooldowns. Pair with Claws of Ahamkara to get a second melee charge and maximize your ability uptime.
Farming Strategy and Rotation
Spawn Loops
Run a loop around an area like the Cosmodrome’s Divide, moving in a circle to kill groups and force respawns. Clear enemies quickly and move to the next group without lingering. The faster you rotate, the more Dregs you encounter.
Resetting Lost Sectors
Clear a Lost Sector, exit the area to reset enemy spawns, and re-enter to repeat. You can often net 30-50 Dreg kills per run depending on the sector. This is one of the most efficient ways to reach your 1000 melee kill goal.
Participate in Public Events
Join Public Events in EDZ or Cosmodrome where Dregs appear in high numbers. These events, especially ones that spawn Fallen Walkers, are excellent for quick bursts of melee farming when timed well.
Tracking Progress
Using Triumphs or Catalyst Objectives
If your goal is related to an exotic catalyst or a specific Triumph, you can track progress in the Triumphs tab. Ensure the correct objective is being tracked on your HUD to stay motivated and measure your results.
Use Third-Party Trackers
While optional, some Destiny companion apps and websites can help you monitor your kill count and progress more precisely. These tools pull real-time data and show total melee kills, subclasses used, and session history.
How Long Does It Take?
Depending on your efficiency, subclass, and method, it can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours of dedicated farming to kill 1000 Dregs with melee. The more optimized your build and route, the faster you’ll finish. Taking breaks and mixing activities can also help avoid burnout.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Relying too much on abilities other than melee grenades and supers won’t count toward the melee objective.
- Farming in high-level content Dregs are less common and harder to kill with melee in Nightfalls or Raids.
- Ignoring armor synergies not using mods or exotic armor that enhance melee makes the grind much slower.
Killing 1000 Dregs with melee in Destiny 2 may seem like a grind at first, but with the right subclass setup, strategic location farming, and proper armor/exotic synergies, it becomes a streamlined task. The goal is not only a test of patience but also a fun opportunity to experiment with melee-focused builds and enjoy one of the game’s most satisfying combat styles. Whether you’re chasing a Triumph, unlocking a powerful catalyst, or just having fun with creative melee combos, this milestone can be reached efficiently and enjoyably with preparation and determination.