The Imbaru Engine

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The Imbaru Engine is a puzzle-focused mission activity in Destiny 2, introduced during Season of the Witch. Located within Savathûn's Throne World, this labyrinthine space serves as a tribute-gathering mechanism for the Witch Queen, who gains power through the confusion and deception she inflicts upon those who attempt to solve its mysteries.

Overview

The Imbaru Engine is accessed through the H.E.L.M. once players reach Step 34 of The Bladed Path seasonal quest. Unlike traditional combat missions, the Imbaru Engine consists entirely of puzzles and tests designed by Savathûn to generate Imbaru - a form of paracausal tribute she gains when beings are misled or fail to understand her schemes.

Imbaru Concept

Imbaru is Savathûn's reinterpretation of the Sword Logic originally established by her brother Oryx. While traditional Hive gain power through killing, Savathûn derives strength from:

• Deception and misdirection
• Failed attempts to understand her plans
• Confusion and uncertainty
• Lies and half-truths

The Four Tests

Test of Cunning (Week 5)

Available during Week 5 of the season (Step 35 of The Bladed Path)

• Objective: Open chests with the correct Hive rune symbol
• Solution: Look for chests marked with the "spider" symbol (X-shaped rune with diagonal slashes in corners)
• Card Location: Automatically available

The test consists of three trials, each requiring players to identify and open only the correctly marked chests while avoiding decoys.

Test of Strength (Week 6)

Requires finding the Opaque Card in Savathûn's Spire

• Card Location: Before the final boss arena, turn right to find the card floating in a corner
• Objective: Complete combat-themed puzzles
• Mechanics: Tests understanding of damage types and combat mechanics

Test of Navigation (Week 8)

Requires finding the Navigation Card in Altars of Summoning

• Card Location: Held by a statue in the southern portion of the arena
• Objective: Navigate through elemental doorways
• Recommended Weapon: Hard Light for element switching
• Mechanics: Doors display three Hive runes with elemental associations

Players must match their weapon element to the door markings to progress through the maze.

Test of Truth and Lies (Final Week)

Limited-time event that must be completed before Season 23

• Card Location: Above a pillar in the right-most arena of Altars of Summoning
• Objective: Light three braziers found across Season of the Witch activities
• Brazier Locations:

 - Savathûn's Spire
 - Altars of Summoning  
 - Imbaru Engine itself

This final test reveals critical lore about Savathûn's plans and the Witness's portal.

Hidden Secrets

Ahamkara Egg

At the center of the Imbaru Engine lies an Ahamkara egg from Riven's clutch, kept by Savathûn as part of her contingency plans. This revelation connects to larger narrative threads involving:

• The Last Wish
• Savathûn's schemes
• The nature of Wishes and deception

Season 23 Teaser

The final test provides hints about:

• How Savathûn will aid Guardians
• The method to traverse the Witness's portal
• Future story developments

Rewards

• Forbidden Wish - Exclusive shader
• Seasonal lore entries
• Triumph completions
• Narrative revelations

Design Philosophy

The Imbaru Engine represents a departure from typical Destiny 2 content:

• No combat encounters
• Pure puzzle-solving focus
• Environmental storytelling
• Meta-commentary on player expectations

Accessibility

• Accessible via H.E.L.M. node after unlock
• No Power Level requirements
• Can be replayed for missed collectibles
• Puzzles reset weekly for new attempts

Lore Significance

The Imbaru Engine demonstrates:

• Savathûn's evolution beyond traditional Sword Logic
• The power of deception as a paracausal force
• The Witch Queen's long-term planning
• Connections between Truth, Lies, and the nature of reality in Destiny

Trivia

• The name "Imbaru" comes from Sumerian mythology
• Each test card has unique artwork depicting Hive symbolism
• The Engine's architecture resembles synaptic pathways, suggesting mind games
• Completing all tests provides a complete picture of Savathûn's Season of the Witch plans

References

• Bungie.net - Season of the Witch
• Destinypedia - Imbaru
• Ishtar Collective - Imbaru Lore
• GameRant - Imbaru Engine Guide