Look, the Dreaming City isn't exactly "new" anymore, but for anyone chasing the Cursebreaker title or just trying to snag a decent Retold Tale roll, the weekly loop is still a thing. Honestly, it’s kinda nostalgic. But the portal rotation can be a massive headache if you aren't keeping track.
This week, specifically for the reset of January 18, 2026, the ascendant challenge this week is Ouroborea.
It’s the one tucked away inside Aphelion’s Rest. If you've been away for a while or you’re a newer Guardian wondering why the map doesn't just mark the spot, welcome to the old-school Destiny 2 cryptic bullshit we all secretly love.
Where Exactly Is the Portal?
You’ll want to land at The Strand. Hop on your Sparrow and gun it toward the Aphelion’s Rest Lost Sector. It’s located right underneath the gazebo where Petra Venj sometimes hangs out when the curse is weak.
Don't just run in there like a madman and expect to see it. You need a Tincture of Queensfoil. Basically, if you don't drink the "space juice," you’re blind to the portal. Once you’ve popped the Tincture, clear the Lost Sector as you normally would. After you've opened the final chest, look up and slightly behind the statue.
The portal is hovering right there. It’s a big, swirling Taken tear in reality. You can't miss it once you're actually "ascendant."
🔗 Read more: Who Should You Actually Travel With? The Skyrim Companions List That Goes Beyond Lydia
What You're Doing in Ouroborea
Inside, it’s dark. Very dark.
The mechanics here are straightforward but can get messy if you’re under-leveled or just clumsy. In the center of the arena, there’s a massive protected crystal. You can't hurt it yet.
You’ve got to hunt down four Taken Blights scattered around the edges of the room. Here’s the catch: there are giant Abyssal Knights stalking you. They are fast. They hit like a freight train. And they are completely immune.
- Step 1: Run. Seriously, don't try to fight the Knights.
- Step 2: Find a Blight, stand inside its bubble, and destroy the core.
- Step 3: Repeat this for all four Blights.
- Step 4: Once the last Blight pops, a message says "A seal breaks."
- Step 5: Dash back to the middle. The big crystal's shield is gone.
Dump everything you’ve got into that crystal. Use a sword, use a Super, use whatever. Just watch your back because those Knights are still there, and they’re likely annoyed. Once the crystal shatters, the Knights vanish, the chest spawns, and you’re golden.
Pro Tips for the Time Trial
If you’re going for the Time Trial Triumph, you need to be fast. Like, sub-two-minutes fast.
Mobility is king here. If you're a Hunter, Stompees are your best friend. Warlocks, use Icarus Dash to stay ahead of the Knights. You basically want to create a mental map of the Blight locations before you even start.
The most common mistake? Getting cornered. The Knights have a weirdly long reach with those axes. If you hear that heavy thump-thump of them running behind you, do not stop to reload. Keep moving in a circle.
Also, a quick note on the Ahamkara Bones and Corrupted Eggs. If you’re a completionist, the bones in this challenge are located at the very end of the spiral path, tucked away near some rocks outside the main arena. For the eggs, you’ll need the Wish-Ender exotic bow. There are three eggs hidden in the void here. One is way out in the distance to the left as you enter, and another is under the main platform.
Why Bother With This in 2026?
You might think Dreaming City loot is power-crept, but Bungie has a habit of refreshing these perk pools. Twilight Oath and Vouchsafe are still solid options in the current meta, especially with the newer Origin Traits. Plus, the XP from Petra’s weekly bounties is one of the easiest ways to boost your Season Pass without grinding the same three Strikes for the thousandth time.
The ascendant challenge this week is one of the easier ones to solo. You don't need a fireteam, and you don't need a PhD in raid mechanics. Just some spatial awareness and a bit of speed.
Next Steps for Your Session:
- Check your inventory for a Tincture of Queensfoil. If you're out, go visit Huginn (the skull) in Harbinger's Seclude to buy some for 50 Baryon Boughs.
- Grab the "Ascendant Challenge" weekly bounty from Petra Venj before heading to Aphelion's Rest so you actually get the Powerful Gear drop.
- Equip Wish-Ender if you still need those Corrupted Eggs for the Marasenna lore book.