The Red War
The Last City falls as the usurper Dominus Ghaul cages the Light and claims Earth with the Red Legion.
The Red War stands as a pivotal catastrophe in the history of humanity and the Traveler. It marks the moment when the Red Legion, led by the usurper Dominus Ghaul, launched a full-scale invasion of Earth to seize control of the Last City. This conflict serves as the opening chapter for Destiny 2, fundamentally altering the status quo established during the original game's era. The event reshaped the solar system and stripped Guardians of their power temporarily. It is remembered not just for the military defeat, but for the psychological impact on the Vanguard who watched their home fall while powerless to stop it initially. This timeline entry covers the invasion, occupation, and eventual liberation of Earth from Red Legion rule.
Quick Facts
- Belligerents
- Red Legion vs. Guardians and Last City
Lore & Background
Dominus Ghaul, a ruthless usurper who held the rank of Dominus while the exiled Emperor Calus bore the true imperial title, orchestrated this assault to secure the Traveler's energy for his own empire. He and the Consul leveraged Cabal intelligence on humanity's defenses, but had no pre-invasion mastery of the Light. When the invasion began, the Vanguard was caught off guard, and the Tower fell within moments. The most devastating consequence was the theft of the Guardians' Light.
Ghaul used the physical Traveler Cage device to sever the connection between Ghosts and the Traveler, cutting off their access to the Light. Crucially, the bond between each Ghost and its Guardian remained intact, leaving the protectors of humanity powerless but not disconnected from their companions. This forced the surviving Guardians into hiding or desperate resistance while the Red Legion occupied the City and enslaved its population.
Reader's Guide
The conflict begins with an unprovoked assault on Earth by Dominus Ghaul and his fleet. The Cabal forces overwhelm the City defenses, capturing key Vanguard leaders and occupying public spaces. Guardians are stripped of their powers as Ghaul severs the link between Ghosts and their charges. Surviving Guardians must regroup in secret to plan a counteroffensive against the overwhelming enemy presence on Earth and in orbit.
The resistance focuses on infiltrating the enemy flagship, the Dreadnaught, which orbits above the planet. This mission requires stealth and combat prowess as the Guardian navigates through high-security Cabal zones. Key objectives include sabotaging Ghaul's operations and locating the device responsible for suppressing the Light. Alongside allies like Ikora Rey, the Guardian pushes deeper into enemy territory despite heavy odds.
The climax occurs at the heart of the Dreadnaught where a final confrontation takes place against Dominus Ghaul himself. Upon his defeat, the suppression technology fails, allowing Ghosts to reconnect with their Guardians. This victory restores the Light and liberates the Last City from occupation. The war ends with Cabal forces retreating from Earth, though tensions remain across the solar system.
Did You Know?
- It was the first major story event in Destiny 2's launch campaign.
- The Tower was physically occupied by enemy forces during this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the enemy forces during The Red War?
The conflict is spearheaded by Dominus Ghaul, a Cabal Emperor who commands the Empire against the Guardians and the Vanguard. His ambition drives the military campaign to conquer the solar system's capital.
How does The Red War end for the Guardians?
Although the Last City initially falls, the Guardians eventually defeat Ghaul and reclaim their stolen Light. This victory restores human control over Earth and marks the beginning of a new era in Destiny 2.
What major change happens to Guardian powers during this event?
At the height of the invasion, the Cabal Emperor strips all Guardians of their Light, leaving them powerless for a significant period. This loss forces humanity to fight with conventional weapons until the Light is returned.
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