Ah, Guardians! Gather ‘round, for I have a tale to tell—a tale of secrets, of blights, of whispers in the dark, and of a weapon so exotic, so strange, that it will make your enemies tremble.
This is the story of the Barrow-Dyad, the Strand submachine gun that’s as elusive as it is deadly. And trust me, the journey to get it? It’s a wild ride.
Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the Dreadnaught, and things are about to get weird.

The Call of the Barrow-Dyad
Picture this: you’re floating in the depths of the Dreadnaught, the air thick with Taken energy. You’ve heard whispers of a weapon—a weapon that defies the laws of reality itself.
The Barrow-Dyad. A Strand SMG that doesn’t just shoot bullets—it unravels the very fabric of existence.
But here’s the catch: it’s not just handed to you. Oh no, Guardian. You’ll have to earn it.
This journey begins with the “Taken Path” Exotic questline, a labyrinth of secrets, puzzles, and heart-pounding moments that culminates in the “Derealize” mission.
And let me tell you, the payoff? Worth every second. But first, you’ve got to find the quest. And that’s where the real adventure begins.

Step 1: The Hunt Begins in the Dreadnaught
The first step is simple in theory, but maddening in practice. You need to find a secret Blight hidden in the Dreadnaught during The Nether activity.
But here’s the kicker: it’s not marked. No waypoints, no hints, no glowing arrows pointing you in the right direction. Nope. You’re on your own, Guardian.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Load into The Nether repeatedly until you spawn in the Court of Oryx area, specifically the Hall of Souls. (Yes, this might take a few tries. Patience, young Guardian.)
- Once you’re in the Hall of Souls, head to the middle platform where you’d normally fight the boss. Look up and to your right. Do you see it? A massive Blight ball clinging to a strut near the ceiling? That’s your ticket.
- Clear out the enemies (because, let’s be real, Thralls are annoying), and pull out your Ghost. You’ll spot invisible platforms leading up to the Blight. Climb them, or if you’re rocking Strand, just grapple your way up. Then, leap into the Blight. Yes, into it. Trust me.
Step 2: The Blighted Cyst Puzzle
Welcome to the Blighted Cyst, Guardian. This place is… unsettling. You’ll see a green barrier with a blank rune, a directional plate, and a Taken portal.
Ignore the portal (seriously, don’t touch it). Instead, stand on the plate. Wait. Listen. Do you hear it?
A whisper. “Something whispers to the right.”
Here’s what you do:
- Shoot the rune while standing on the plate.
- Step off the plate to your right as you shoot. If you’ve done it right, you’ll teleport to the other side of the barrier. (Pro tip: If you’re with friends, make sure they do the same. Teamwork makes the dream work!)
- Once you’re through, head to the elevated table and interact with it. You’ll pick up the Taken Osseous Fragment, a mysterious Exotic item that’s your key to the next step.
Step 3: The Taken Path Quest
Now that you’ve got the fragment, it’s time to head to Eris Morn’s apartment in the Shaping Slab. Talk to the Shaping Slab, and voila! You’ll unlock the “Taken Path” Exotic quest. This is where the real fun begins.

The quest will take you across the solar system, hunting down secrets, solving puzzles, and facing off against some of the toughest enemies the Taken have to offer.

But stay focused, Guardian. The reward at the end? The Barrow-Dyad. A weapon so powerful, so unique, that it’s worth every second of the grind.
Step 4: Derealize and Dyadic Ascension
The final leg of your journey is the “Derealize” mission. This is where you’ll face the ultimate challenge and claim your prize.

But wait—there’s more! After you’ve secured the Barrow-Dyad, you’ll unlock the “Dyadic Ascension” quest, which lets you upgrade the weapon’s Intrinsic perks.
This is where the Barrow-Dyad truly shines, becoming an unstoppable force in your arsenal.
Why This Quest is Worth It
Let me tell you, Guardian, the first time I fired the Barrow-Dyad, I felt like a god. The way it tears through enemies, the way it feels in your hands—it’s unlike anything else in Destiny 2. And the journey to get it? It’s unforgettable.

From the eerie whispers in the Blighted Cyst to the heart-pounding finale of “Derealize,” this quest is a masterclass in storytelling and gameplay.
So, what are you waiting for? Load into The Nether, find that Blight, and start your journey. The Barrow-Dyad is calling. Will you answer?
Steps to Get the Barrow-Dyad Exotic in Destiny 2 in Brief
- Load into The Nether until you spawn in the Hall of Souls.
- Find the secret Blight, climb the invisible platforms, and jump in.
- Solve the “something whispers” puzzle in the Blighted Cyst.
- Grab the Taken Osseous Fragment and head to Eris’ apartment to start “The Taken Path” quest.
- Complete the questline, finish the “Derealize” mission, and claim your Barrow-Dyad.
- Upgrade it with the “Dyadic Ascension” quest and dominate the battlefield.
Now go, Guardian. The Taken Path awaits. And remember: the best loot is earned, not given. See you starside!