The Iron Banner returns to Destiny today, alongside patch 1.2.0.2

The Iron Banner, Destiny's original hardcore PvP event for the Crucible (before Trials of Osiris), returns today.

The week-long event should kick off later today, introducing the special playlist in which gear matters. Similar to Trials of Osiris, The Iron Banner enables level advantages, meaning your defense rating and attack rating will affect how much damage you take and inflict. And, of course, completing specific Iron Banner bounties will reward you with reputation to increase your rank with Lord Saladin, who can be found in the Tower with special gear and Etheric Light.

This will be the first Iron Banner event since the launch of the House of Wolves expansion, and as such will have in effect all of the changes introduced with update 1.2.0.1. While the most notable addition is the ability to purchase Etheric Light — the item required to ascend pre-House of Wolves legendary gear — at ranks 3 and 5 of Iron Banner reputation; but, there were a number of other changes as well.

Check out the highlights of what'll be new in next week's Iron Banner event:

• Lower-ranked Guardians on your account will receive a reputation boost to catch up to your higher-ranked Guardian more quickly
• Rewards cost less Glimmer – the grind is less real
• Etheric Light is available for purchase at Rank 3 and Rank 5
• The Gunsmith has inherited Lord Saladin’s weapon reforging service
• Power still matters, and it matters a little more as the delta between two players increases
• The Cauldron and Pantheon have been added to the playlist, along with Exodus Blue on PlayStation

In addition to the changes brought on with 1.2.0.1, Bungie has confirmed that they will deploy a new update (1.2.0.2) today between the hours of 8:00am and 9:00am Pacific. Patch notes for update 1.2.0.2 have not yet been posted, but should be made available around the time the update rolls out.