Destiny 2 Exalting The Flame Guide: Solar Exotics & Best Builds 2026

Hey Guardians! It’s 2026, and if you’re still diving into the Light subclasses, you might’ve noticed Ikora Rey has three quests up for grabs. The Solar one, Exalting The Flame, is a fantastic way to not only get a powerful Exotic armor piece but also truly master your fiery abilities. I’ve run this on all three classes more times than I can count, so let me walk you through it—step by step, with my best tips and build advice. Whether you’re a new Light or a seasoned veteran, this guide will have you scorching enemies and collecting that shiny new Exotic in no time.

Step 1: Acquire Mission From Ikora At The Tower

First things first—head to the Tower and look for Ikora Rey in the Bazaar. She’s the veteran Warlock standing near the central tree. If you’ve already unlocked all three Light subclasses (Arc, Solar, and Void) on your current character, she’ll have three Exotic missions waiting for you. Grab the one named Exalting The Flame, and you’re ready to burn things. No hidden requirements, no power level gates—just a straightforward pickup.

Step 2: Use Your Solar Abilities

Now the fun begins. Switch your subclass to Solar and get ready to complete three simple tasks:

• Kill 40 enemies using any Solar ability (Grenade, Melee, or Super).

• Scorch enemies with your Solar abilities. This one can be a little tricky without the right setup.

• Cast your Solar Super three times. Easy peasy.

While the first and third tasks are self-explanatory, the Scorch requirement often trips people up. Scorch is the damage-over-time burn effect applied by certain abilities, and not every skill applies it by default. That’s why I always recommend swapping your build to maximize Scorch output right from the start. You can do this step in any activity—Patrols, Dares of Eternity, Vanguard Ops, or even the seasonal activity. Just find a high-density enemy area and go wild.

🔥 Best Build For Scorching Enemies

I’ve tested dozens of combinations, and here’s the setup that’ll have enemies turning into crispy critters in record time:

Aspects:

Fragments (equip all four):

• Ember of Char (spreads Scorch on ignition)

• Ember of Singeing (faster class ability recharge while Scorching)

• Ember of Blistering (grenade energy on ignition kill)

• Ember of Combustion (your Super causes ignitions on final blows)

Super Choice:

• Titan: Burning Maul

• Warlock: Well of Radiance

• Hunter: Blade Barrage

With this setup, your grenades and melee will apply Scorch almost constantly. Touch of Flame enhances your grenades, making Incendiary Grenades apply massive Scorch stacks, while fragments like Ember of Char ensure that Scorch spreads to nearby enemies. You’ll finish the Scorch requirement in a single activity. Trust me, I once did all three tasks in a single Blind Well run—efficient and satisfying.

Step 3: Complete Skydock IV Lost Sector

Almost there! Spawn into the EDZ and land at the Sunken Isles zone. If you’ve ever run the Arms Dealer strike, you’ll recognize the giant crashed spaceship in the center of the area. Make your way to the middle of that ship’s wreckage, and you’ll spot a Lost Sector icon painted on one of the pillars. The entrance to Skydock IV is right behind it.

Inside, you’ll face Cabal—lots of them. The final boss is a beefy Colossus, but watch out for the Nightmare Warbeasts that swarm you from behind cover. Since many Cabal are shielded, an Anti-Barrier weapon is a lifesaver. In 2026, the seasonal Artifact mod shifts, but an Auto Rifle is almost always a safe pick. Pair it with a shotgun or a grenade launcher to deal with the warbeasts before they get too close. The Colossus itself moves slowly, so any Power weapon will melt him—a rocket launcher or a linear fusion rifle makes the fight a breeze. Take your time, clear adds, and enjoy the chaos.

Step 4: Receive Your Exotic Reward From Ikora Rey

Head back to the Tower and speak with Ikora again. She’ll hand over a class-specific Exotic armor piece, and these are still absolute bangers in 2026’s sandbox. Here’s what you get:

• Titan: Cynthoceps Gauntlet – increased melee lunge range, plus bonus Super and melee damage when surrounded. Perfect for aggressive, punch-everything plays.

• Warlock: Starfire Protocol Chest Armor – Fusion Grenades gain a second charge, and final blows with them restore Rift energy. Still one of the strongest support-DPS hybrids around.

• Hunter: Young Ahamkara’s Spine Gauntlet – Tripmine Grenades deal increased damage, last longer, and grant grenade energy on ability hits. Fantastic for explosive ability loops.

These exotics have aged like fine wine, and they’ll instantly elevate your Solar build.

Step 5: Equip Your New Exotic & Enable Solar Subclass

Put on that gorgeous new armor, double-check that you’re on the Solar subclass, and get ready to feel the power spike. Even without mods, you’ll notice a massive difference.

Step 6: Complete The Arms Dealer Strike

Now it’s time to take your new toy for a spin. Launch The Arms Dealer strike from the EDZ director (or the Vanguard playlist). It’s a 3-player activity, so you’ll have backup, but don’t sleep on this strike—it’s longer than most and throws multiple mini-bosses at you before the final showdown.

Once again, an Anti-Barrier weapon is crucial to pierce those annoying Cabal shields. A linear fusion rifle or a machine gun works wonders against the final boss, who tends to perch on distant platforms. Play it safe, use cover, and let your new Exotic shine. I’ve had runs where Starfire Protocol’s dual grenades basically carried the entire boss phase. It’s a fun victory lap.

Step 7: Meet Banshee-44 At The Tower

After downing the Arms Dealer, return to the Tower one last time and visit Banshee-44. He’ll reward you with the Cry Mutiny Grenade Launcher, a universal reward that all classes can enjoy. It’s a solid Heavy weapon with a unique perk pool—perfect for clearing groups or adding to your collection.

Wrapping Up

And there you have it—Exalting The Flame from start to finish, as relevant in 2026 as it was back in the Season of the Deep. The quest is a perfect introduction to Solar buildcrafting, and the Exotics you earn can serve as cornerstones for endgame setups. Whether you’re a Titan punching your way through hordes, a Warlock dropping double fusion nades, or a Hunter turning Tripmines into death traps, you’re in for a treat. Get out there, Guardian, and set the world ablaze. See you in the Crucible—I’ll be the one on fire! 🔥