Destiny 2 Trials of Osiris Guide 2025

Alright, Guardians—it's Trials time! If you've been around Destiny long enough, you know that Trials of Osiris is the ultimate PvP flex. It’s been a rollercoaster over the years, from hype-filled weekends to frustrating metas, but one thing has never changed—this is where the sweatiest fights go down. Whether you’re here for the challenge, the god-roll weapons, or just to see how far you can push your skills, Trials is the endgame PvP mode you can’t ignore.

With the massive rework in Episode: Heresy, there’s never been a better time to jump in. We’ll break down how Trials works, how to get in, the best strategies, and what kind of loot you can grind for. Let’s get to it!

Before we dive in, if you want to go flawless 7 times in a row, you might want to try out Flawless Trials of Osiris Boosting at SkyCoach. This service guarantees seven consecutive wins, securing your access to The Lighthouse and exclusive Adept Weapons. You’ll also earn Osirian Ciphers, Trials Engrams, and powerful Flawless rewards without the frustration of solo matchmaking. Whether you choose self-play or account recovery, SkyCoach ensures a safe, fast, and hassle-free way to dominate Trials of Osiris.

Check out our other Destiny 2 guides:

• How to Get Chatterwhite Shader
• Sundered Doctrine Dungeon Guide
• Kell's Fall Exotic Mission Guide
• How to Get Ice Breaker
• Vesper's Host Dungeon Guide

 

 

What is the Trials of Osiris?

Destiny 2 Trials of Osiris is the most intense and prestigious PvP activity. It’s all about skill, teamwork, and smart plays, pushing even seasoned Guardians to step up their game. More than just another PvP mode, Trials is where players prove themselves, chase top-tier loot, and earn some serious bragging rights.

Lore Background

The origins of Trials of Osiris go back to the early days of Destiny 1, introduced during the House of Wolves expansion. It was designed as a weekly PvP event where only the strongest fireteams could rise above the competition. The rules were simple but unforgiving—win seven matches without a single loss, and you gain entry to the Lighthouse, a place reserved for the elite few who could truly claim mastery over the Crucible.

The mode was overseen by the mysterious Warlock Osiris, a once-revered Vanguard Commander turned exile. His followers, known as the Cult of Osiris, believed in the endless pursuit of knowledge and strength, guiding Guardians through this brutal test to find the best among them. Though Osiris himself was absent for much of Destiny’s history, his Trials remained a lasting testament to his philosophy: only those who adapt and overcome deserve to ascend.

Trials of Osiris in Destiny 2

When Trials of Osiris Destiny 2 returned, it carried the same high-risk, high-reward structure but with some major changes over time. Saint-14, the legendary Titan and former Vanguard, became the new overseer of the Trials, offering both encouragement and rewards to those who dared to compete.

However, Trials has not been without controversy. Over the years, matchmaking concerns, accessibility issues, and the ever-present challenge of balance made it a difficult mode for many players to enjoy. Those who struggled to find competitive fireteams often felt shut out from its best rewards, while top-tier players dominated the competition.

With the release of Episode: Heresy, Trials is receiving one of its most significant overhauls. While the challenge remains, Bungie has made sweeping changes to how rewards are earned, making the mode more accessible while still preserving its status as PvP’s ultimate proving ground. More players will now have the opportunity to visit the Lighthouse, and wins will contribute to meaningful progress even if a team doesn’t go completely Flawless.

Why Trials of Osiris Still Matters

Despite its challenges, Trials has remained Destiny’s definitive PvP experience. It is where skilled Guardians prove themselves, where teamwork is tested at the highest level, and where the best weapons and unique Destiny 2 Trials of Osiris armor can be earned. It is a mode built on risk and reward, tension and triumph—every match a step closer to greatness, every win a moment of glory.

With new changes aimed at making it more engaging for a wider range of players, Trials is evolving while still holding true to its core identity. It remains the pinnacle of competitive PvP, offering a challenge worth mastering, a battle worth fighting, and rewards worthy of legends.

When Does Trials of Osiris Start?

Want to know when does Trials of Osiris start? This is a weekend-only PvP mode, available for a limited time each week.

• Start Time: Fridays at the weekly reset
• End Time: Tuesdays at the weekly reset

Weekly Reset Time (Based on Bungie’s Ritual Reset Guide)

• During Daylight Saving Time (March–November) – 10:00 AM Pacific (UTC -7 / 1700 UTC)
• During Standard Time (November–March) – 9:00 AM Pacific (UTC -8 / 1700 UTC)

Trials does not run on certain weeks, including:

1. The first week of a new season (if it includes a Power level increase).
2. Any week a new raid launches.
3. When Iron Banner is active.

Players can find Trials of Osiris in the Crucible tab of the Director once it becomes available.

How Do Trials of Osiris Work?

Now, it’s time to learn how to play Trials of Osiris. Previously, Trials was heavily focused on going Flawless (winning seven matches without losing) to access The Lighthouse and its best rewards. However, with the Episode: Heresy update, Bungie has transformed Trials into a performance-based system, rewarding players based on overall match wins rather than flawless streaks.

Core Trials Mechanics

• 3v3 Elimination Format – The first team to win five rounds wins the match.
• Limited Revives – Players can revive teammates, but revives are limited and must be used strategically.
• Matchmaking Overhaul – Trials now uses a dual matchmaking system (Challenger Pool & Practice Pool) rather than separating Flawless players.
• Lighthouse Accessibility – Players no longer need a flawless 7-0 card to reach the Lighthouse; instead, anyone who wins seven games can access it.
• Win Streak-Based Rewards – Trials now rewards performance over time, with higher win streaks (1-7 wins) providing better loot.

These changes make this game mode more accessible, ensuring that even players who struggle to reach Flawless can still earn great Trials of Osiris loot while preserving exclusive rewards for top-tier players. BLOG20

Trials Passages & Matchmaking

To enter Trials of Osiris, players must purchase a Passage from Saint-14 in the Tower. However, the Episode: Heresy update has streamlined Passages, reducing them to two core options:

The Flawless Pool has been removed, and matchmaking now works based on performance rather than just win streaks. Players are split into two matchmaking pools:

1. Challenger Pool – Players on an active Lighthouse Passage or a Flawless Trials Passage. Matchmaking is connection-based (CBMM).
2. Practice Pool – Players with losses on their Passage. Uses weekly performance-based matchmaking (PBMM) and includes protections to reduce farming/stomping.

These matchmaking adjustments prevent extreme skill gaps while allowing dedicated teams to farm rewards without ruining the experience for casual players.

Trials Maps & Rotations

Trials takes place on a single map each weekend, which influences team strategies and loadouts.

Map Considerations:

• Large, open maps (e.g., Widow’s Court, Midtown) → Favor Pulse Rifles, Snipers, and long-range weapons.
• Small, close-range maps (e.g., The Cauldron, Javelin-4) → Encourage Shotgun rushing, SMGs, and melee combat.
• Vertical maps (e.g., Bannerfall, Endless Vale) → Reward mobility subclasses and aerial movement.

With Episode: Heresy, the devs expanded the Trials map pool, ensuring a more diverse and balanced experience.

New Reward System & Lighthouse Changes

The biggest shift in Trials with Episode: Heresy is how rewards are distributed. Players now earn Trials loot based on total match wins rather than a perfect 7-0 run.

1. The Lighthouse is now accessible to anyone who wins seven total games, regardless of losses.
2. Flawless runs still provide the best rewards, but additional loot is now tied to win streaks (1-7 consecutive wins).
3. Trials Engrams can be earned and focused at Saint-14 for specific loot.

More importantly, losses no longer severely punish progress, and reputation gains for losses have been increased by 10x.

Instead of Flawless being the only goal, players can now farm win streaks for better loot:

These changes allow all players to progress, while still offering top-tier rewards to Flawless players.

Trials Reputation & Ranks

In addition to match rewards, this game mode features Trials ranks and a reputation system similar to other ritual activities like Crucible and Gambit. Earning reputation allows players to unlock Trials Engrams, focus specific weapons or armor, and gain additional loot from Saint-14.

How to Earn Trials Reputation

1. Completing matches, regardless of win/loss
2. Winning matches grants more reputation
3. Higher win streaks (4-7 wins) provide increased gains
4. Playing with clanmates grants additional reputation bonuses

As players accumulate reputation, they will rank up with Saint-14, unlocking guaranteed loot and Trials-themed gear.

After reaching Legend, you can reset your Trials of Osiris ranks, similar to Crucible and Vanguard, to continue earning engrams and gear.

With Episode: Heresy, reputation gains for losses have been increased 10x, making progression more forgiving while still rewarding consistent wins. 

 

How to Unlock Trials of Osiris?

In this section, we’ll explain how to get access to Trials of Osiris, because this game mode isn’t available as soon as you get to the Tower. Trials of Osiris remains one of Destiny 2’s most competitive activities, requiring players to meet certain criteria before they can participate. While the mode has become more accessible in Episode: Heresy, players still need to complete a Trials Access quest, reach the seasonal Power soft cap, and own the latest expansion, The Final Shape.

Power Requirements

A major change in Episode: Heresy is the removal of Power Level advantages in Trials. This means that all players, regardless of their current Power Level, will compete on equal footing.

However, players still need to reach the seasonal Power soft cap before being able to access Trials. This ensures that participants have engaged with the seasonal content to some degree but removes the previous grind for higher Power Levels just to stay competitive.

Trials Access Quest

Before jumping into Trials, players must complete the Trials Access quest, which has been streamlined compared to previous seasons. This quest is obtained from Saint-14 in the Tower and serves as an introduction to high-level PvP.

To complete the quest, players must:

1. Score 50 kills in Competitive PvP matches
2. Complete Placement Matches in the Competitive playlist
3. Reach the Season Soft Cap

Once finished, players can buy one of two Passages from Saint-14, which serve as entry tickets into Trials and track match progress.

DLC & Expansion Requirements

Trials of Osiris remains locked behind expansion ownership, meaning players must own The Final Shape to participate.

So, with all the changes in Update 8.2, it’s clear that the developers are making Trials more accessible to a wider PvP fanbase while still trying to retain the hardcore nature. Afterall, we can’t imagine Trials without that 7-wins flawless streak. Whether or not these changes will be loved by the fans, Trials is undeniably more accessible than ever, which means it’s your time to shine. BLOG20

The Lighthouse & Flawless Rewards

With the Episode: Heresy update, Trials of Osiris has undergone a major change—the Lighthouse is now accessible to all players who secure seven match wins on a Lighthouse Passage, regardless of how many losses they’ve accumulated. While achieving Flawless (7-0) remains the highest goal, non-Flawless players can still claim significant rewards, making Trials more rewarding for a broader audience.

How to Earn Adept Weapons (Flawless & Non-Flawless Methods)

Adept weapons are still exclusive to Trials of Osiris, but there are now multiple ways to earn them:

• Flawless Players (7-0) – Going Flawless still grants an Adept weapon at the Lighthouse chest, along with additional loot bonuses.
• Non-Flawless Players (7 Wins with Losses) – Players who reach seven wins, even with losses, can still visit the Lighthouse, but their rewards will be slightly different.
• Win Streak Rewards – Bungie has introduced weekly win streak rewards (1-7 wins in a row) that allow non-Flawless players to earn high-tier loot, including Adept weapons, if they perform well across multiple games.

These changes mean that while Flawless runs remain the most rewarding, dedicated players who consistently win matches can still earn valuable gear.

Lighthouse Access Changes (Now Open to All Players)

• Previously, the Lighthouse was only accessible to players who went 7-0. With the new system:
• Entry is now based on match wins, not a perfect card.
• Players with seven total wins (regardless of losses) can visit the Lighthouse and claim rewards.
• Flawless players still receive the best loot, but the Lighthouse now benefits all Trials participants.

Lighthouse Chest Rewards

The Lighthouse chest now offers two types of rewards, giving all players a reason to return each week:

1. Repeatable Lighthouse Rewards – Earned every time a player completes a Lighthouse Passage, no matter how many times they’ve won that week.
2. Weekly Win Streak Rewards (1-7 Wins in a Row) – These require true win streaks (no mercy). The higher your streak, the better the rewards, with exclusive loot tied to reaching 7 consecutive wins.

This new system balances accessibility with prestige, allowing casual players to earn rewards while ensuring that Flawless players still stand out with the best loot.

Flawless Armor Glows & Exclusive Cosmetics

Flawless armor glows still exist, but they now reflect a player’s weekly Trials performance rather than being a one-time reward. Players who perform well each weekend will have their Flawless glow active, reinforcing that these rewards must be maintained rather than just earned once.

Additionally, new Trials-exclusive cosmetics have been introduced, including:

• A brand-new armor set
• A Trials-themed Ghost Shell, Sparrow, and Ship
• New emblems tied to high win streaks

This shift ensures that going Flawless remains prestigious, but dedicated players who consistently compete in Trials can still work toward meaningful rewards without needing a perfect 7-0 record.

Trials Matchmaking & Flawless Pool (Updated for Heresy)

The Episode: Heresy update has completely overhauled Trials of Osiris matchmaking, removing the old Flawless Pool system and replacing it with a performance-based matchmaking structure. Now, players are grouped based on their win streaks rather than their Flawless status, making for a more dynamic and competitive experience.

How Challenger & Practice Pools Work

Instead of separating players based on whether they’ve gone Flawless, Trials now divides players into two matchmaking pools that adjust based on performance:

1. Challenger Pool – This pool consists of players on higher win streaks and uses connection-based matchmaking (CBMM) to prioritize fairer connections. There is no skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) here, so players will often face similarly skilled opponents if they keep winning.
2. Practice Pool – Players with losses are placed here, and matchmaking adjusts based on weekly performance. This pool is more forgiving and uses a system similar to skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) to ensure players on losing streaks don’t face overwhelming competition.

These pools create a more fluid matchmaking experience where players compete at an appropriate difficulty level, rather than being locked into a separate Flawless playlist.

No Mercy for Streak Rewards

One of the biggest changes is the new win streak system. Players who want the highest-tier loot must maintain a consistent win streak. There is no mercy system for streak-based rewards, meaning that only players who continue winning will unlock the best rewards. This makes Trials a true test of endurance and skill for those aiming for the top-tier loot.

How Solo Players Are Matched

Bungie has introduced fireteam-based matchmaking, making Trials more accessible for solo and duo players.

• Solo players will now be prioritized to match against other solos and duos, rather than full stacks.
• This change reduces the frustration of constantly facing coordinated three-stacks, giving individual players a better chance to perform.
• Reputation gains are now 10x higher on losses, ensuring that even players who struggle to win consistently can still make progress and earn valuable rewards.

This adjustment encourages more players to enter Trials, rather than avoiding it due to an unfair matchmaking system.

How Flawless Status Affects Matchmaking

Going Flawless no longer locks players into a separate, harder matchmaking pool. Instead:

1. Difficulty is now determined by a player’s current win streak and overall performance.
2. Flawless players are no longer restricted from playing with non-Flawless friends or farming games after hitting the Lighthouse.
3. Win Streak Rewards provide long-term incentives for high-level play, but Flawless players can still farm non-Flawless games without being punished.

These changes make Trials matchmaking fairer and more rewarding, ensuring players aren’t locked into impossible games just because they hit Flawless once. With the new streak-based reward system, players are encouraged to stay competitive each week, while improved matchmaking helps casual and solo players find more enjoyable matches.

Winning in Trials: Best Strategies & Tips

With Trials of Osiris now more accessible, players need to adapt their strategies to match the new matchmaking system, win streak rewards, and overall gameplay balance. While teamwork, loadout choices, and positioning remain crucial, understanding how to approach each match effectively will greatly increase your chances of success.

Below are five essential tips to help you navigate Trials of Osiris and maximize your rewards.

1. Play as a Team & Take Advantage of Clan Bonuses

Trials is a team-based mode, and working together always increases your odds of success. Communication, map awareness, and revive coordination are essential. If possible, play with clanmates—not only do you gain bonus reputation for playing together, but you’ll also have a team that understands your playstyle.

If you’re solo queuing, use voice chat or text chat to coordinate with your team. Stick close to teammates, trade kills whenever possible, and be mindful of the revive economy—sometimes, keeping a teammate alive is more important than chasing a kill.

2. Adapt Your Loadout to the Match & Win Streak System

The Trials meta favors adaptability over rigid weapon choices. Instead of locking into one fixed loadout, adjust based on how your matches progress:

• Early Wins (1-3 streak) – Expect less experienced teams; aggressive weapons like SMGs, Shotguns, and Hand Cannons work best here.
• Mid Streak (4-6 wins) – Stronger teams will appear. Pulse Rifles, Scout Rifles, and Fusion Rifles can help counter aggressive play.
• Final Win (7-0 Flawless attempt) – Here, you’ll likely face stacked teams with high win streaks. Prioritize survivability, play off angles, and avoid unnecessary risks.

For solo players, balanced loadouts like Strand weapons, Sidearms, and Adaptive Frame Hand Cannons allow for both aggressive and defensive playstyles.

3. Control the Map & Play for the Objective

Trials encourages smart map control, and with Episode: Heresy, objective-based plays are more valuable than ever. Instead of mindlessly chasing kills, focus on:

• Controlling Revives – A lost round can quickly be turned around by controlling Ghosts and preventing enemy revives.
• Using Cover & Angles – Open areas are dangerous—hold angles and use team shooting to gain easy picks.
• Playing the Zone (Dominion Mode) – If the round goes to time, securing the capture point can force opponents out of cover and give you a positional advantage.

4. Play Smart—Avoid Hero Plays & Stay Alive

Since matchmaking now prioritizes fireteam balance, solo players won’t constantly run into full-stack teams. However, Trials is still a game of attrition, and one player staying alive can change the outcome of a round.

Instead of taking high-risk 1v3 fights, play to survive and delay while looking for an opening:

1. Rotate instead of engaging instantly – If you’re outnumbered, fall back and try to pick off an isolated enemy.
2. Use Revives Wisely – Don’t rush a revive under fire—bait enemies into overcommitting before attempting to pick up teammates.
3. Use Grenades & Abilities to Create Openings – A well-placed Grenade, Strand Suspend, or Smoke Bomb can disrupt enemy positioning and set up easy eliminations.

5. Understand Matchmaking & How to Play Around It

With the removal of the Flawless Pool, Trials now separates players into Challenger and Practice Pools. Understanding this system helps optimize when and how you play:

• Challenger Pool (For High Streaks) – If you're on a win streak, expect connection-based matchmaking with stronger opponents. Here, playing with a coordinated team is crucial.
• Practice Pool (For Casual Play) – If you’re not chasing high streak rewards, you’ll face opponents with similar performance levels. Even losses earn 10x more reputation, so playing consistently still leads to great rewards.
• Flawless No Longer Increases Difficulty – You can keep playing and farming Trials without punishment, so don’t hesitate to continue competing after a 7-0 run.

Success in Trials of Osiris now depends on playing smart, adapting to the streak system, and focusing on team-based play. Whether you're aiming for Flawless, chasing weekly win streak rewards, or just earning loot, using these strategies will maximize your effectiveness and make each match more rewarding. BLOG20

Conclusion

With Episode: Heresy, Trials of Osiris has evolved into a more accessible and rewarding experience for all players. The new system ensures that Flawless is still prestigious, but it is no longer the only path to earning high-end loot.

Matchmaking changes provide a more balanced and less punishing experience, while performance-based progression allows players to earn meaningful rewards, even if they don’t achieve a perfect win streak.

Whether you’re a seasoned PvP veteran chasing the best Adept weapons or a casual player looking to test your skills in Destiny 2’s most competitive PvP mode, Trials now offers a rewarding grind for everyone.

F.A.Q.