Destiny’s The Iron Banner has begun; here’s how it works

Destiny's "true" Crucible test began today with the opening of The Iron Banner.

Accessible via the Crucible playlist, this week-long event, which ends on October 14, offers players a different kind of PvP experience by removing the automatic balancing that has been in place since the game's launch. This means the abilities you've unlocked and the gear you've acquired finally makes a difference. With the level advantage enabled, you'll want to equip your most powerful gear as the Attack and Defense ratings foryour weapons and your armor will be crucial to victory.

The Iron Banner is set up similar to The Queen's Wrath event, but with a focus on PvP. Basically, you need to complete specific Iron Banner bounties to earn Iron Banner reputation. At certain ranks, you can unlock Legendary weapons and armor which can then be purchased with Crucible Marks. One way to earn Iron Banner reputation is to complete specific Iron Banner bounties. Below are today's bounties, but they will refresh each day.

• Anvil of Light: Defeat 50 Guardians while competing in the Iron Banner, with the Iron Banner Class, Emblem and Shader items equipped.
• Hard Forged: Earn 10,000 XP while competing in the Iron Banner tournament
• Iron Wrath: Defeat 10 Guardians without dying while competing in the Iron Banner tournament
• Rise Above: Complete an Iron Banner match with the highest score.
• Focused Aggression: Defeat 50 Guardians with Auto Rifle headshots while competing int he Iron Banner tournament
• Exacting Measures: Earn 15 Headshot Sprees while competing in the Iron Banner tournament

Lord Saladin, the Iron Banner vendor, can be found inside the Iron Banner curtain — the same location as the Queen's Emissary, but on the right side.

There are three ranks to the Iron Banner. Here's what they do:

Rank 1

• Unlocks Iron Banner Embem and Shaders
  • Embelm and Shader each provide stacking 10% boosts to Iron Banner reputation gains

Rank 2

• Unlocks Iron Banner Class Items
  • Class Item provides stacking 10% boost to Iron Banner reputation gains

Rank 3

• Unlocks Iron Banner Armor Items
  • Unlocks additional Iron Banner Emblems and Shaders

[Bungie]