Destiny 2: How to Unlock All Cull's Shadow Catalysts - Complete Oblation Guide

Cull's Shadow is one of the most intricate Exotics to fully unlock, and its true potential isn't realized the moment you claim it from the Monument of Triumph. Four hidden catalysts, called Soulfire traits, are locked behind three secret post-game missions: Oblation: Bloodline, Oblation: Soulfed, and Oblation: Immolation. These traits transform the fusion rifle into a hybrid melee-ranged powerhouse, adding survivability, damage-over-time, melee energy regeneration, or burst damage. But finding them requires patience, a specific loadout, and a willingness to solve Hive rune puzzles while facing waves of Hive. This guide walks you through every step, from the critical "don't leave after the boss dies" rule to the worm-throwing mechanics and final boss encounter. Whether you are chasing the full collection or simply want to get the most out of Dredgen Cull's legacy weapon, here is everything you need to know.

Prerequisites and Overview: What You Need Before Starting

Before you can access the Oblation missions, you must first complete the initial quest that grants Cull's Shadow. This involves running the Scarlet Keep strike, tracking Soulfire crystals across the Moon, and entering a hidden portal. Once done, the three Oblation missions appear on the Moon destination screen, unlocking sequentially as you complete each one.

There is one equipment requirement that cannot be ignored: you must have a Weapon of Sorrow equipped to see and shoot the Hive runes used in the catalyst puzzles. Acceptable weapons include Thorn, Osteo Striga, Necrochasm, or Touch of Malice. No other weapon type will reveal the glowing runes, so make sure you have at least one of these in your inventory before you start.

Each of the four Soulfire traits enhances Cull's Shadow in a unique way:

• Soulfire Succor provides survivability through healing on soulfire crystal detonation.
• Soulfire Rancor applies a damage-over-time effect to enemies.
• Soulfire Zeal grants melee energy when you detonate soulfire crystals.
• Soulfire Skewer adds a burst of damage to your melee attacks after crystal detonation.

You must complete the missions in order: Bloodline first, then Soulfed, and finally Immolation. Each mission naturally unlocks the next, and each catalyst is earned either through a hidden puzzle or as a reward for completing the encounter.

Catalyst #1, Soulfire Succor (Oblation: Bloodline)

The first catalyst is the easiest to miss, and the single most common mistake players make is leaving the mission too early. After you defeat the final boss of Oblation: Bloodline, a large Hive Knight, do not return to orbit. The catalyst is hidden in the same arena.

Once the boss is down, backtrack to the central room where you encountered a floating Hive book earlier in the mission. Interact with the book. It will briefly display a sequence of glowing runes. Pay close attention to the order, or re-interact with the book as many times as you need.

With your Weapon of Sorrow equipped, look at a locked door nearby. Several runes are etched onto its surface, but only a few will be glowing. Shoot them in the exact order shown on the book. If you do it correctly, the door will open, revealing a chest containing Soulfire Succor.

Note: Some community guides spell this trait as "Soulfire Sukor," but the vast majority of sources use "Succor," reflecting its healing function. Both refer to the same catalyst.

Catalyst #2, Soulfire Rancor (Oblation: Soulfed)

Oblation: Soulfed introduces the worm-throwing mechanic that will also appear in the final mission. You will fight several bosses, a series of Knights and a final larger enemy, while managing Soulfire worms. The worms must be thrown at nearby crystals to create soulfire eruptions, which you then detonate for damage.

After the final boss is defeated, a loot chest will appear in the arena. Soulfire Rancor drops directly from this chest. There is no additional puzzle to solve. However, be warned: the chest may not spawn if you skip certain boss phases by killing the boss too quickly. Make sure you complete all the worm-throwing steps and detonations before the final blow. As long as you follow the encounter mechanics as intended, the chest will appear and you will receive Rancor.

Catalysts #3 and #4, Soulfire Zeal and Soulfire Skewer (Oblation: Immolation)

The third and fourth catalysts are both earned within Oblation: Immolation. One requires a clever puzzle involving your own weapon model, while the other is a straightforward mission completion reward.

Soulfire Zeal, The Hip-Fire Rune Puzzle

As you enter the main combat arena of Oblation: Immolation, look at the walls. Six Hive runes are scattered around the area, each large and clearly visible. Now look at Cull's Shadow equipped in your hands. When you aim down sights or even just hip-fire, the weapon model displays a sequence of glowing rune symbols on its side. Memorize this order.

With a Weapon of Sorrow in your hands, shoot each of the six wall runes in the exact sequence shown on your weapon. If you shoot the wrong one, the sequence resets, and you will have to start over. Do it correctly, and a chest will spawn containing Soulfire Zeal. You can complete this puzzle at any point during the mission before the final boss encounter.

Soulfire Skewer, Completing Immolation

The final catalyst is earned by finishing the mission. The encounter is against Ir Gohl, a powerful Hive boss. The mechanics involve killing Knights that stand on pressure plates scattered across the arena. One of these Knights carries a Soulfire and two worms. After killing the correct Knight, pick up the worms and throw them at nearby crystals to create soulfire eruptions. These eruptions damage Ir Gohl and make him vulnerable.

After depleting the boss's health, a trapped Lightbearer will appear, a Hive Ghost that must be freed. Complete this step, and the mission is over. Soulfire Skewer is automatically added to your inventory as the mission reward. No extra puzzles are required.

Note: Some older guides refer to this mission as "Oblation: Emulation," but the widely accepted name among players and the majority of coverage is Oblation: Immolation.

Golden Rules for the Oblation Catalyst Hunt

Remember three rules: always carry a Weapon of Sorrow, never leave the Bloodline arena without solving the rune door, and watch your weapon model for rune sequences during Immolation. With all four Soulfire traits unlocked, Cull's Shadow becomes a versatile hybrid weapon. Some players note its damage at higher difficulties doesn't match top-tier legendary fusion rifles, but for fans of Dredgen Cull and the lore of the Shadows of Yor, mastering this weapon is a fitting capstone to Destiny 2's journey. Whether you are a completionist or a theorycrafter, the Oblation missions offer a satisfying final challenge. Now get out there, track those runes, and claim your full arsenal.