Wyvern

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Wyverns are bipedal Vex combat units first introduced in Destiny 2: Beyond Light. These formidable enemies represent the first new Vex chassis type added to the franchise since the original Destiny, appearing primarily on Europa and in Vex-related activities.

Overview

Wyverns are heavily armored Vex units that combine elements of Harpy and Minotaur designs. They feature double-jointed legs ending in clawed feet and distinctive shield-wings wreathed in glowing blue tentacles. These wings project protective shields on either side and help balance their otherwise unstable bipedal frame.

Appearance

First encountered on Europa during the Beyond Light campaign, Wyverns can be found in:

• The Glassway Strike
• Empire Hunts
• Lost Sectors on Europa
• Spire Integration Public Events
• Various seasonal activities featuring Vex enemies
• Vex Offensive activities

Combat Capabilities

Weapons

Warp Lance

• Primary weapon system
• Functions as a close-range, shotgun-style Void cannon
• Capable of one-shot kills in Master-tier content
• Extremely high damage output at close range

Abilities

Aerial Slam

• Wyverns transform into their Harpy-like aerial form
• Hover briefly before rapidly descending toward targets
• Creates Arc damage shockwave on impact
• Knockback effect pushes all nearby non-Vex entities

Shield Wings

• Lateral shields provide defensive coverage
• Can block incoming damage from sides
• Must be circumvented for effective damage

Bite/Lunge Attack

• Quick melee-range bite attack
• Lower damage than Warp Lance
• Unexpected speed catches careless opponents
• Used when enemies get too close

Compelled Wyvern Abilities

Introduced in Episode: Echoes Act 2:

• Teleportation - Can instantly relocate to close distance
• Dodge - Evade incoming attacks
• Significantly increased threat in Grandmaster Nightfalls

Weak Points

Critical Spots

• Radiolarian Core - Always exposed from behind
• Front Core Access - Must stagger to expose
• Eye Spot - Red eye opens white critical spot below when shot

Stagger Methods

• Shoot glowing Void weapons on "arms"
• Use Unstoppable rounds
• High-impact weapons
• Special ammo weapons

Combat Strategy

Recommended Approaches

• Range Management - Maintain distance to avoid Warp Lance
• Sniper Rifles - Essential for safe critical hits
• Stagger Weapons - High-impact rounds reveal weak points
• Movement** - Constant repositioning prevents aerial slams

Countering Aerial Slam

• Watch for transformation animation
• Create distance when they hover
• Melee counter possible but risky
• Jump to avoid shockwave damage

Variants

• Minor Wyverns - Template:Icon Arc shields
• Major Wyverns - Template:Icon Void shields, increased health
• Boss Wyverns - Named variants with enhanced abilities
• Compelled Wyverns - Teleportation and dodge capabilities

Lore

Wyverns represent the Vex's adaptation to combat against Guardians and other paracausal forces. Their bipedal design and aggressive combat style differ significantly from traditional Vex units, suggesting an evolution in Vex military doctrine. The arrival of Wyverns on Europa coincides with increased Vex activity following the arrival of the Pyramid ship.

Development

Wyverns were designed to:

• Provide new combat challenges
• Force players to adapt strategies
• Represent Vex military evolution
• Create memorable encounters on Europa

Tips

• In high-level content, treat Wyverns as mini-bosses
• Coordinate team fire for quick elimination
• Use cover to break Warp Lance line of sight
• Anti-Barrier and Unstoppable mods help with stagger
• Freezing with Stasis provides safe damage windows

Trivia

• First new Vex enemy type since Destiny 1
• Name references mythological dragon-like creatures
• Community nicknamed them "Vex Chickens" due to bipedal stance
• Considered one of the most threatening non-boss enemies

References

• Destinypedia - Wyvern
• Bungie.net - Beyond Light
• GameRant - Compelled Wyverns
• The Gamer - Strongest Enemies