Trials Of Osiris returns to Destiny 2 with a new currency and a big old weapon

Now that we're done with The Final Shape's first global raid race for Salvation's Edge in Destiny 2, it's time to get back to normal weekend activities, and that means the return of the Trials of Osiris. The high-stakes competitive mode returns this weekend, allowing you to reach the perfect level and earn some serious one-of-a-kind rewards. And like just about everything else in The Final Shape, Trials sees some significant changes to the way it works.

Bungie gave us some details on these changes in its latest This Week In Destiny blog post. The specific new change is that Trials is getting a new currency, called Osirian Cipher. However, it's unclear what exactly this will get you: the blog post only says: “This new, aptly named currency can be redeemed for rewards every weekend.” Nothing in the inventory of Saint-14, the Trials vendor, currently requires an Osirian Cipher to purchase, but Bungie advises you to “use them wisely”, which suggests that you will be able to use them to obtain specific rewards. We will add more details here as they become available.

As the blog post details, Osirian figures are going to be somewhat difficult to find. You can earn one by completing a persistence pass, and if you manage to get perfect and reach the lighthouse, you'll get four numbers. You can keep a total of 10 in your inventory.

Meanwhile, this weekend lets you earn the Adept version of The Summoner for your Trials tribulations. The automatic rifle is very accurate and fires bullets quickly, making it quite deadly. Bungie also updated it to be a Strand weapon rather than Kinetic, so if cars are your thing you might want to try grabbing one.

As always, Trials of Osiris rewards and the map are randomized when the mode goes live at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET on Friday. Here's what you're facing this weekend:

• Card: Banner Drop
• Game mode: Domination (capture a control point or eliminate all opponents to win)
• 20 rounds won – Pinnacle Trials Engram
• 7 matches won – Pinnacle Trials Engram
• Reputation Rank 10 – Aisha's Care (Strand Pulse Rifle)
• Reputation Rank 16 – Shayura's Wrath (Void Submachine Gun)
• Flawless Run – The Summoner (Adept), Solar Auto Rifle

If you're unfamiliar with Trials of Osiris, the special PvP event runs from the daily reset on Friday until the weekly reset on Tuesday, giving you four days to participate. Your goal is for you and the other two players in your squad to have a “flawless” run, in which you win seven matches without losing any.

Going Flawless lets you travel to the Lighthouse, a special social space you can't reach otherwise, and gives you special rewards, including Adept Weapons that can only come from Trials. These have additional stat bonuses, making them one of the most coveted items you can get your hands on.

To access the mode, you will need to purchase a Trials Passage from Saint-14. The card tracks your wins, but not your losses, so you can continue playing and earn rewards even if you lose during a flawless run. You also earn rewards based on the number of rounds, rather than matches, you win during your session. Saint-14 has a reputation system similar to other providers that will distribute Trials-only loot in exchange for your participation, even if you don't clear any lobbies.

Finally, you will also earn Trial Engrams by participating in the mode, which you can exchange with Saint-14 during the weekend you receive them. You can tune these engrams to get specific pieces of loot, or try your luck with random drops that will expand what's available in your loot pool. You get engrams even if you don't get Flawless, so it's worth trying your hand at this mode to get some cool rewards even if you don't clear out the competition. Just note that your weekend engrams must be cashed in before the weekly reset on Tuesday.

Check out the rest of our Destiny 2 coverage with our Final Shape guides hub and Final Shape review. You might also want to check out what Xur is offering this weekend.