Destiny 2: Here's How Armor Synthesis Actually Works

After years of players pleading, Bungie finally added a transmog system to "Destiny 2." Accompanying the tumultuous "Beyond Light" expansion and its Eliksni villain Eramis, Armor Synthesis would let players forgo microtransaction cosmetics to turn acquired armor into Universal Ornaments they can use to change the appearance of their gear. The Armor Synthesis system has opened new doors for Guardians, but also created new hurdles too. The system does require a little know-how in order to get the most out of it, and players will still need to take some action if they are serious about becoming a cosmetic dynamo. Armor Synthesis introduces a new grind for the fashion-minded, but once players get started, they'll have no problem acquiring Synthweave and customizing armor sets on their own.

Armor Synthesis is the name of the transmog system "Destiny 2" uses. Armor transmog has existed for quite some time in other MMO titles, like "World of Warcraft," but it only recently made its way into "Destiny 2." It's essential for MMOs to have some kind of cosmetic system, as top-tier equipment changes regularly when new content arrives in-game. Before, players were stuck with whatever appearance their equipment initially had; now, Guardians can take that mismatched but powerful set of armor and make it look like their favorite holiday attire. Armor Synthesis opens up loads of new customization options for players, but they'll need to learn the ropes first. Here's how Armor Synthesis actually works in "Destiny 2."

Before Guardians are able to show off their best outfits, they'll need to complete a few tasks to help the returning Ada-1 get a new Tower function operational. First, players will need to speak to Banshee-44 in the Tower's Courtyard and he'll redirect players to Ada-1 in the Annex, just opposite the Drifter. This new location is called the Loom and it's the center for acquiring the vital components that make Armor Synthesis possible. After introductions, Ada-1 will ask Guardians to head to Europa to find a BrayTech processor that she needs to get the complicated machine started. The trip to Europa should be a short jaunt for players, as there are no significant challenges standing between them and the processor.

Once players make it back to the Tower and then to Ada-1, they'll be able to connect the BrayTech processor to the Loom to get everything up and running. For your trouble, Ada-1 will reward players with five Synthweave Bolts, Plates, and Straps. The three different types of Synthweave are each compatible with a single Class; for example, only Titans use Synthweave Plates for Armor Synthesis while Hunters and Warlocks use Synthweave Straps and Bolts respectively. Now that Guardians have their first bit of Synthweave, they can start using Armor Synthesis through the new Appearance Customization menu.

With Synthweave in hand, Guardians have access to the appearance of any same-type armor unlocked in their Collectons menu. As long as a player has obtained a piece of gear once before, excluding Exotics, they can use its appearance without needing to currently own the garment. The new hub for all cosmetic customization in "Destiny 2" is the Appearance Customization menu. Players can find it among Emotes and Finishers within their Character page. Here players can change the appearance for their entire armor set, and apply shaders, from one place. Additionally, the top of the Appearance Customization menu shows how much of each type of Synthweave a player current has.

The first bundle of Synthweave was Ada-1's reward for helping her get the Loom working, but players will have to work for the Exo if they want to keep getting more. Ada-1 will offer Amor Synthesis bounties players can undertake to acquire a lesser version of Synthweave, Synthcord. Like its bigger sibling, Synthcord also has three different variations; Plush, Rigid and Sleek. Each bounty awards 100 Synthcord, and that equals one Synthweave for players after being refined at the Loom. Each Season, Guardians can complete up to ten Ada-1 bounties for a maximum of ten Synthweave per character class.

With the Loom operation and the know-how on obtaining Synthweave, Guardians can go forth and recreate their favorite armor sets, or maybe even win a Threads of Light competition with an original creation.