How to unlock Destiny 2 Parasite Exotic: Full “Of Queens and Worms” quest guide

Complete guide to unlocking Destiny 2’s Parasite Exotic grenade launcher with advanced strategies and time-saving tips

Parasite Weapon Mechanics and Unique Features

The Parasite Exotic Grenade Launcher represents one of Destiny 2’s most innovative weapon designs, fundamentally different from conventional explosive launchers. Rather than standard grenades, this unique armament projects living Hive worms that detonate violently upon impact with targets.

What truly distinguishes Parasite from other exotics is its signature Worm’s Hunger perk. This game-changing ability dynamically increases both blast radius and damage output based on how many combatants you eliminate using other weapons before switching to Parasite. The damage scaling operates on a stacking system, allowing strategic players to clear weaker enemies with primary weapons, accumulate substantial damage buffs, then unleash catastrophic explosive power against major threats and boss-level enemies.

An additional tactical layer comes from the Worm Byproduct trait, which provides a 15% damage boost to all your other weapons for 10 seconds if you suffer blast damage from your own worm projectile. This creates interesting risk-reward scenarios where skilled Guardians can intentionally trigger self-damage during safe moments to amplify their overall damage output during critical encounters.

Advanced players should note that Parasite synergizes exceptionally well with add-clear weapons like submachine guns and auto rifles. The optimal rotation involves building stacks with your primary, then swapping to Parasite for massive burst damage against champions or bosses. In high-level content like Grandmaster Nightfalls, this weapon can single-handedly delete dangerous targets when properly charged.

Prerequisites: Starting the Of Queens and Worms Quest

Before embarking on the quest for Parasite, Guardians must first complete the entire Witch Queen campaign storyline. This exotic questline directly continues narrative threads from the campaign’s conclusion, so players who haven’t finished the main story should avoid spoilers by completing those missions first.

Once you’ve witnessed the campaign’s finale, journey to the Enclave on Mars where Mara Sov awaits. She plays a pivotal role in initiating the Parasite acquisition process. The quest becomes available immediately after your final conversation concludes the Witch Queen narrative arc.

Pro tip: Ensure your Power level meets or exceeds 1510 before beginning this quest, as several steps involve combat encounters in Savathun’s Throne World where being under-leveled can significantly increase difficulty. If you recently completed the campaign on Legendary difficulty, you should be adequately prepared for these challenges.

Comprehensive Quest Walkthrough

Your initial objective involves completing the Birthplace of the Vile Strike located within Savathun’s Throne World. This activity requires 1510 Power and follows standard strike mechanics without special modifications or hidden objectives. Focus on efficient enemy clearance and boss damage to complete this step quickly.

Next, navigate to the Temple of the Cunning through the underground passages of the Throne World. The journey takes several minutes, so prepare for a substantial trek. Upon arrival, eliminate the Scorn contingent guarding the area, then proceed to eliminate 100 additional Scorn enemies anywhere within the destination. For optimal efficiency, seek out Resonant Splinter public events where Scorn congregate in large numbers, dramatically accelerating your progress.

The quest then directs you to complete three specific Lost Sectors, each requiring unique interactions. Begin with Sepulcher Lost Sector: after defeating the final boss and claiming your reward, locate the Deepsight Darkness Orb concealed behind the end-area statue. Activating this orb reveals hidden platforms leading to a secret chamber where you’ll place a Hive worm on a ceremonial pedestal.

Between Lost Sector completions, you’ll need to finish three patrols in Florescent Canal. Prioritize resource collection and enemy elimination patrols for fastest completion. Avoid scan patrols unless they’re conveniently located, as they typically consume more time.

Queen’s Baily presents your next destination, where another Scorn elimination encounter awaits. Clear all hostiles, then proceed to Metamorphosis Lost Sector for the second worm placement ritual. The process mirrors Sepulcher: complete the sector, activate Deepsight, navigate platforms, and position the worm.

Alluring Curtain introduces a variation: after defeating Hive enemies and using Deepsight to reveal platforms, you’ll find three unlit torches. Precise shooting ignites these flames, unlocking a special chest that advances your progress.

Extraction Lost Sector serves as your final worm placement location. Repeat the established pattern: clear the sector, utilize Deepsight mechanics, access the hidden area, and complete the ritual. Return to Fynch in the Throne World to receive your ultimate objective: the Parasitic Pilgrimage mission.

Parasitic Pilgrimage constitutes a moderately challenging mission best approached with a fireteam for optimal efficiency. Coordinate with allies to manage enemy waves and complex mechanics. Successful completion rewards you with the coveted Parasite Exotic Grenade Launcher, ready for immediate use in your arsenal.

Advanced Tips and Optimization Strategies

Maximize your efficiency by preparing specific loadouts before beginning the quest. For Scorn elimination steps, equip weapons with bonus damage against these enemies. Arc subclass abilities prove particularly effective against Scorn shields and can dramatically accelerate clearance times.

Common mistakes include attempting Lost Sector secret areas without proper platforming preparation. Ensure your mobility stat is adequately invested and consider using movement exotics like Lion Rampant or St0mp-EE5 for challenging platforming sections. Many players underestimate the platforming requirements and waste time on repeated attempts.

For advanced players seeking to minimize completion time, coordinate with a fireteam to split objectives. While one member handles patrols, others can simultaneously progress through Lost Sectors or elimination requirements. This division of labor can reduce total quest time by 40-50% compared to solo play.

During the final Parasitic Pilgrimage mission, bring champion-mod equipped weapons and coordinate elemental coverage with your team. Well-modded weapons and complementary subclasses transform this from a challenging solo endeavor into a manageable team activity. The mission contains several mechanics that benefit greatly from coordinated teamplay.

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