Crucible

The Crucible is a player vs. player game mode in Destiny. Items bought or earned in other parts of the game can be used in the Crucible, whereas purchasing items for playing in the crucible can be used in the rest of the game. The Crucible will randomly reward players after matches, while players can also purchase weapons from the Crucible Quartermaster and Armor and Shaders from Lord Shaxx and Lord Saladin. Faction vendors will also sell Crucible gear branded with their faction logos, but require faction reputation as well.

All maps are completely separate and unique from explorable locations in the game. Each map will feature nearly all game modes on them. Players start out with ammo for their primary weapon, and a small amount for their special weapon; throughout each map, there are multiple chests of special ammo, and Heavy ammo chests appear in the middle of the match that replenish more slowly than special ammo chests. Anyone who opens a chest gains heavy ammo for themselves, and any teammates that are close by.

Level advantages are normally disabled in the Crucible in order to have an even playing field. The two exceptions to this are the Iron Banner and the Trials of Osiris, where level advantages are enabled. This means that having high-level gear matters in these events. Also, Crucible bounties can be completed in Iron Banner matches, whereas Iron Banner bounties must be completed in Iron Banner matches. In addition to standard Crucible bounties, every week Lord Shaxx has a set of weekly bounties that are more difficult to complete. Completing every single one will reward a Nightfall-tier reward (namely, a legendary or exotic piece of gear).

The "Mercy Rule" will be implemented with the release of The Taken King. This allows matches to end early when one team is without any chance of winning. When the rule is enacted, no more players may join the match, and the game clock is reset to 10 seconds. After those 10 seconds, the match will end normally. All players will receive their end of match rewards and return to matchmaking. Bungie will update the rule's identification function over time.

Permanent Playlists

 * Clash
 * Control
 * Rift
 * Rumble
 * Skirmish

Rotating Playlists

 * Combined Arms
 * Doubles Skirmish
 * Elimination
 * Inferno Clash
 * Inferno Control
 * Inferno Rumble
 * Inferno Skirmish
 * Mayhem Clash
 * Mayhem Rumble
 * Salvage
 * Zone Control

Special Events

 * Iron Banner
 * Trials of Osiris
 * Sparrow Racing League
 * Crimson Days