Destiny 2 Cull’s Shadow and Oblation Mission Guide: How to Unlock Cull’s Shadow and Soulfire Catalyst

Image credit: Bungie

What to know

  • Cull’s Shadow is a new Exotic Fusion Rifle centered around Soulfire and Soul Forge mechanics.
  • You must first unlock the Oblation Exotic Mission through a hidden Moon quest chain.
  • The process involves the Scarlet Keep strike, Moon patrol puzzles, and a special mission in Sorrow’s Harbor.
  • The Soulfire Sukor Catalyst can be obtained during the mission after defeating the final boss.

If you’re looking to add Cull’s Shadow to your arsenal in Destiny 2, you’ll need to complete a multi-step secret quest that starts on the Moon and culminates in the Oblation Exotic Mission. The weapon rewards players with a unique fusion rifle that blends ranged attacks with melee-focused Soulfire abilities, making it one of the more distinctive Exotic weapons currently available.

Quick overview of Cull’s Shadow in Destiny 2

RequirementDetails
Exotic WeaponCull’s Shadow
Activity TypeSecret Exotic Quest
Starting LocationMoon
Main Strike RequiredScarlet Keep
Mission NameOblation
Key MechanicsSoulfire, Soul Forge, Rune Puzzles
CatalystSoulfire Sukor
ReplayableYes

How to unlock the Oblation exotic mission

Before you can obtain Cull’s Shadow, you must gain access to the Oblation mission through several hidden objectives on the Moon.

Complete Scarlet Keep with a Weapon of Sorrow

Your first objective is to launch the Scarlet Keep strike on the Moon while using a Weapon of Sorrow. Progress through the strike normally until reaching the final boss arena.

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After defeating the boss, look around the arena for a hidden rune puzzle. Interact with and solve the puzzle correctly to activate the next stage of the questline.

Following the Soulfire network frequencies on the Moon

After completing Scarlet Keep, you’ll need to track Soulfire frequencies across four Moon patrol zones.

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The four required patrol areas are the Moon regions of Archer’s Line, Anchor of Light, Hellmouth, and Sorrow’s Harbor. In each location, you must locate a glowing dead Cabal connected to the Soulfire network. Investigating these bodies leads you toward nearby Hive structures where localized rune puzzles await.

Completing the Moon Patrol zones

Travel to Archer’s Line and locate the glowing dead Cabal.

Solve the nearby Hive rune puzzle connected to the frequency signal.

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Repeat the process in Anchor of Light. Move to Hellmouth and complete its associated puzzle. Finish the final frequency investigation in Sorrow’s Harbor.

Once all four locations have been completed, the mission unlock sequence advances.

How to get Cull’s Shadow in the Oblation mission

Travel to Sorrow’s Harbor on the Moon. Locate the large red building within the area. Find the tunnel beneath the structure.

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Enter the tunnel and interact with the mission marker. Launch the Oblation Bloodline Exotic Mission.

The mission takes place within an environment heavily inspired by the Pit of Heresy dungeon and features several combat encounters and mechanics.

Defeat the Totality Enforcer

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Advance through the opening sections while eliminating enemies and navigating the mission path. Reach the Totality Enforcer boss. Destroy the cooling pillars around the arena. Handle encounter mechanics that resemble classic Cabal public event objectives. Defeat the boss to proceed deeper into the mission.

Navigating the maze section

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After the initial encounter, you’ll enter a maze-like traversal segment. Follow the mission route carefully through the winding corridors. Watch for hidden pathways and platforming sections. Continue progressing until you reach the final boss arena.

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How to defeat the final boss

The final encounter revolves around Soulfire energy and brazier mechanics. Locate the green Soulfire pits positioned throughout the arena. Defeat a Thrall to acquire a Soulfire charge.

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Carry the charge to the correct brazier associated with the mechanic. Light the brazier using the collected energy. Successfully activating the correct brazier removes the boss’s protection.

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Deal damage during the vulnerability phase. Repeat the process until the boss is defeated.

Upon victory, you’ll receive Cull’s Shadow.

Cull’s Shadow exotic perks and mechanics

MechanicFunction
SoulfireGenerates destructive green flame energy during combat
Soul ForgeEnhances melee-focused gameplay and ability interactions
Exotic TraitEnables powerful explosive interactions after building energy
Combat StyleAggressive mid-range fusion rifle gameplay

The weapon is designed around chaining kills, utilizing Soulfire effects, and triggering devastating explosions. Players who enjoy combining weapon damage with melee abilities will find its playstyle particularly rewarding.

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How to obtain the Soulfire Sukor catalyst

After defeating the final boss, don’t leave the mission immediately. Look for an upper platform in the completion area. Locate the hidden Hive book.

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Interact with the book to activate additional runes. Complete the newly spawned rune sequence. Claim the Soulfire Sukor Catalyst.

Cull’s Shadow rewards

RewardTypeRequirement
Cull’s ShadowExotic Fusion RifleComplete Oblation mission
Soulfire SukorExotic CatalystComplete post-boss rune puzzle
Additional CatalystsFuture Mission RewardsReplay deeper mission paths

Oblation is designed as a replayable Exotic mission. Subsequent runs grant access to deeper sections and additional secrets, including future catalyst upgrades and hidden rewards tied to the weapon’s progression path. If you’re aiming to fully maximize Cull’s Shadow, expect to revisit the activity multiple times.


Cull’s Shadow requires a substantial investment of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat mastery, but the reward is one of the most unique Exotic Fusion Rifles available. By completing Scarlet Keep, tracking Soulfire frequencies across the Moon, conquering the Oblation mission, and earning the Soulfire Sukor Catalyst, you’ll unlock the weapon’s full potential and gain access to its devastating Soulfire-based combat style.

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