How to Get the Barrow Dyad Exotic Quest in Destiny 2

Destiny 2’s latest expansion, Heresy, introduces us to the Barrow Dyad. It is a Strand Exotic submachine gun that’s as powerful as it is unique. To obtain this one-of-a-kind weapon, you’ll need to complete the lengthy “The Taken Path” Exotic questline. Which culminates in the demanding “Derealize” mission.

This guide will walk you through every step to get the Barrow Dyad Exotic quest, from starting the quest to solving puzzles and eventually claiming your reward. Sharpen your wits and ready your loadout, Guardian adventure awaits.

What Is the Barrow Dyad SMG?

The Barrow Dyad Exotic SMG is a standout addition to Destiny 2. Drawing from Strand energy, this submachine gun delivers agile, fast-paced gameplay while offering unique abilities that make it a favourite among players who crave versatility. Its exotic perks and Strand-based power turn it into a formidable weapon, with upgrades available through the quest "Dyadic Ascension."

Before you can wield the Barrow Dyad, however, you’ll need to overcome a series of challenges that test both your skill and your resourcefulness.

How to Get the Barrow Dyad Exotic Quest SMG

To earn the Barrow Dyad SMG, you need to:

Locate “The Taken Path” quest in the Dreadnaught during The Nether activity.
Progress through the multi-step quest to unlock the Exotic mission, “Derealize.”
Complete "Derealize" to earn your Barrow Dyad—right before confronting its mission's final boss.

Step 1: Starting “The Taken Path” Quest

Unlike more modern Destiny 2 Exotic missions, “The Taken Path” Barrow dyad exotic quest doesn’t notify you of its existence. No waypoint or quest marker is guiding you to it. Instead, you’ll need to start hunting for a secret item deep within the Dreadnaught.

Finding the Blight in the Dreadnaught

The key to beginning this quest is an unusual Blight that has a chance to spawn in a random area when you load into The Nether activity within the Dreadnaught. Although it can appear in multiple zones, the most confirmed location is the Hall of Souls.

Launch a private instance of The Nether and load it into the Dreadnaught.
Keep reloading the area until you spawn in the Hall of Souls.
Head to the middle platform where you usually fight the zone boss. Look up and toward the right to spot a giant Blight latched onto a structural strut near the ceiling. If the Blight is missing, reload the instance and try again.

Once the Blight appears, you’re ready for the next steps.

Step 2: Accessing the Blighted Cyst

Clear enemies in the Hall of Souls to create space for navigation.
Approach the strut where the Blight is attached and pull out your Ghost. This will reveal some invisible platforms.
Carefully ascend the platforms until you can jump into the Blight—or use the grapple ability from Strand for easier traversal.

You’ll now find yourself inside an area called the Blighted Cyst, where you’ll face a small but tricky puzzle.

Solving the “Something Whispers” Puzzle

Inside the Blighted Cyst, you’ll encounter a rune covered by a green energy barrier, a directional plate, and a Taken portal.

Stand on the plate until the rune displays a symbol. It will also notify you with a prompt like “something whispers to the right.”
Shoot the rune while stepping in the direction it indicates (in this case, to the right). You’ll be teleported across the barrier.
Any fireteam members must repeat the same process to join you.

Once you’re on the other side of the barrier, interact with the elevated table in the room. Doing so will grant you the Taken Osseous Fragment, an Exotic redeemable item.

Step 3: Picking Up “The Taken Path” Quest

Now that you’ve obtained the Taken Osseous Fragment, open your Director and head to Eris Morn’s apartment in the HELM. Go to the Shaping Slab and interact with it to pick up the “The Taken Path” quest. This officially marks the start of your mission toward obtaining the Barrow Dyad Exotic Quest.

Completing “The Taken Path” Quest

The rest of “The Taken Path” involves a scavenger hunt across the solar system. You’ll explore hidden areas, defeat mini-bosses, and solve multiple puzzles that reward you with the components needed to progress.

One of the final steps in this quest is gaining access to the “Derealize” mission, where the Barrow dyad exotic quest awaits you just before the mission's climactic encounter.

Final Step: The “Derealize” Mission

The “Derealize” mission is the very definition of a blockbuster objective. With its challenging mechanics, taken enemies, and intense final boss battle, it’s one of the more demanding Exotic missions in recent Destiny 2 history.

Complete "Derealize" and claim your reward from the mission chest, the coveted Barrow Dyad Exotic SMG.

Bonus Quest: Dyadic Ascension

After acquiring the Barrow Dyad, you’ll unlock a follow-up quest named “Dyadic Ascension.” Completing this quest will allow you to strengthen the gun’s Intrinsic perks, further enhancing its performance.

Why You Should Get the Barrow Dyad SMG

The Barrow Dyad Exotic SMG isn’t just another weapon it’s a versatile tool for both PvE and PvP activities, especially for players who love innovative Strand builds. Here’s why it’s worth your time:

Strand Synergy: Elevate your Strand subclass gameplay with its Exotic perks.
Flexible Combat: Great for both crowd control in PvE encounters and fast-paced engagements in PvP.
Upgradeable: The “Dyadic Ascension” quest ensures even better perks as you progress.

Helpful Tips for the Quest

Patience is Key: Spawning the Blight can take multiple attempts. Be prepared to reload several times.
Strand Mastery: Use Strand abilities to grapple during platforming sections, especially in the Blighted Cyst.
Coordinate with Friends: Puzzles like “something whispers” are easier with good team communication.
Efficient Loadouts: Equip weapons and mods that deal extra damage to Taken enemies—they’ll be your main opponents throughout the quest.