In the Destiny franchise, Engrams serve as essential collectibles that provide players with a way to acquire new gear, ranging from basic armor to exotic weaponry. These distinctive dodecahedron-shaped crystals encapsulate encoded patterns representing various items, and their decryption is a critical gameplay element.

Engram Types and Rarity Levels

Engrams come in different varieties that correspond to various levels of rarity:

– Basic Engrams (white): Commonly found and provide low-tier items.
– Rare Engrams (blue): Offer mid-tier items and gear.
– Legendary Engrams (purple): Contain high-tier items, considerably improving your loadout.
– Exotic Engrams (gold): The rarest type, these hold the most potent gear available, often providing unique abilities or enhancements that can significantly impact gameplay.

How to Decrypt Engrams in Destiny and Destiny 2

Destiny (Original Game)
In the original Destiny game, players needed to visit the Cryptarch located in the Tower to decrypt Engrams. The process involved:

1. Bringing the Engrams to the Cryptarch: The player hands over the Engrams for decoding.
2. Receiving a Randomized Gear Piece: The Cryptarch will use the Engram to generate a piece of gear that aligns with the Engram’s type (e.g., armor, weapon).
3. Vendor Requirements for Rare Engrams: Some Engrams, particularly rarer variants like Encrypted or Exotic Engrams, require the Cryptarch to be of a specific rank to successfully decrypt them.

Destiny 2
Destiny 2 streamlined the decryption process for most Engrams. Key features include:

1. Automatic Decoding upon Pickup: Common (blue), rare (purple), legendary, and exotic Engrams are automatically decoded as players collect them.
2. Special Engrams: Certain types, like Prime Engrams, which offer powerful loot, and seasonal or event-specific Engrams, still need to be decrypted by vendors like Master Rahool or Tyra Karn in the Tower. This ensures that players receive optimal rewards.

Decrypting Exotic Engrams in Destiny 2
For those who want more control over their exotic gear, Destiny 2 introduces advanced decryption options for Exotic Engrams:

– Basic Decryption: Provides a random Exotic item.
– Advanced Decryption: Players can make selections based on their expansions, allowing for a more targeted approach.
– Precision Decryption: Enables players to select an Exotic they have already unlocked, but this feature requires reaching specific ranks with the vendor.

Conclusion
Engrams are a core component of gameplay in the Destiny series, providing players with the means to enhance their loadouts and experiment with different gear configurations. Players typically collect Engrams through enemy drops, treasure chests, and in-game challenges, and then bring them to the Cryptarch or designated vendors for decryption. This progression system facilitates continuous upgrades and customization, making it a vital part of the player experience in both Destiny and Destiny 2.