Unlocking the Reaching Within Shader in Destiny 2: Your Complete Guide

Destiny 2 offers a vast range of cosmetics and customization options, allowing players to personalize their Guardians. Among these customizations, shaders stand out as a key way to define your Guardian’s style. One of the most sought-after shaders is the “Reaching Within” shader, which offers a unique aesthetic. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this shader—how to unlock it, maximize its use, and explore alternatives. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, this guide will ensure you’re well-equipped to style your Guardian with the Reaching Within shader.

What is the Reaching Within Shader?

The Reaching Within shader in Destiny 2 is known for its deep, mysterious color palette. It applies a striking combination of dark, shadowy hues and metallic accents to your Guardian’s armor and weapons, giving them a sleek and powerful look. Unlike many shaders that are flashy or overly bright, Reaching Within is designed for players who want a more subtle yet impactful appearance. Its shades of black, grey, and muted colors make it versatile, pairing well with almost any armor set.

This shader is part of the ongoing evolution of Destiny 2’s cosmetic options, where players can customize their Guardian’s appearance to suit their playstyle or personality. For players who prefer darker and more mysterious themes, Reaching Within is the perfect choice. It’s not just about aesthetics, either—this shader can make your Guardian look formidable, and that’s a feeling that carries over into gameplay.

How to Get the Reaching Within Shader in Destiny 2

Obtaining the Reaching Within shader in Destiny 2 requires dedication and a little bit of luck. While this shader is not tied to a specific raid or mission, it is often made available through limited-time events or through Bright Engrams. Here’s a breakdown of how you can get your hands on it:

1. Bright Engrams: Players can unlock Reaching Within through the in-game rewards system by earning Bright Engrams. These can be obtained as you level up or by purchasing them with Silver, the game’s premium currency. Each engram has a chance to contain shaders, emotes, and other cosmetics.
2. Seasonal Events: Sometimes, Bungie ties shaders to seasonal events or activities. Make sure to keep an eye on the weekly reset announcements and seasonal event details to see if Reaching Within or other exclusive shaders are up for grabs.
3. Eververse Store: Occasionally, shaders like Reaching Within appear in the Eververse store, where they can be purchased directly using Bright Dust or Silver. Keep checking the store during new seasons and events.
4. Random Drops: Finally, shaders can sometimes be obtained through random loot drops. This method is unpredictable, but it’s always a good idea to dismantle armor and weapons you don’t need, as this can yield a range of shaders, including Reaching Within.

Best Tips for Using the Reaching Within Shader

Once you’ve unlocked the Reaching Within shader, it’s time to make the most of it. This shader offers a distinct and elegant look, but knowing how to pair it with your gear and environment can elevate its impact. Here are some expert tips to help you maximize the shader’s potential.

Combine with Legendary Gear for Unique Looks

While Reaching Within can look great on any gear, it truly shines when applied to Legendary or Exotic armor. These armor pieces tend to have more detailed designs, which allow the shader’s darker tones and metallic highlights to stand out. For example, pairing the shader with armor sets like the Iron Banner’s Iron Will or Trials of Osiris gear enhances the overall aesthetic.

Experiment with different combinations of helmets, gauntlets, chest pieces, and leg armor to see how the shader interacts with various textures. Legendary weapons also take on a new life when coated in Reaching Within’s dark hues, giving them a foreboding presence in battle.

Experiment with Light Sources for Best Effects

Lighting plays a significant role in how shaders look in Destiny 2. Reaching Within is especially stunning under low or ambient lighting conditions, where its deep shades and metallic accents are emphasized. When you’re in bright, direct light, the shader might appear more muted, so consider environments like The Dreaming City or The Moon, where shadows and light interplay perfectly with the shader’s design.

Use Emotes to Maximize the Shader’s Impact

Destiny 2 offers a variety of emotes that can highlight your Guardian’s appearance. Using emotes that involve slow, deliberate movements, such as the “Meditate” or “Bow” emotes, can show off your armor and the Reaching Within shader to other players. This is particularly effective in social spaces like the Tower, where your Guardian can stand out among the crowd.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Guardian by Reaching Within

Reaching Within is not just a cosmetic addition to your Guardian’s armor—it’s a way to reflect your style and personality in Destiny 2. Players who favor stealth, precision, and power in their playstyle often gravitate toward shaders like Reaching Within. By coordinating your armor and weaponry with this shader, you can create a cohesive look that matches your character’s in-game role.

For example, pairing Reaching Within with weapons like the No Time to Explain pulse rifle or The Last Word hand cannon emphasizes the shader’s dark and brooding tone, making your Guardian feel more imposing. Similarly, using gear that has angular, sharp designs can enhance the shader’s sleek appearance, giving your character an intimidating presence on the battlefield.

Alternatives to the Reaching Within Shader

If you can’t get the Reaching Within shader or are looking for similar options, don’t worry—there are plenty of great alternatives. Here are a few shaders that offer a similar aesthetic, focusing on dark tones and subtle metallic accents:

1. Midnight Talons: Midnight Talons is a fan-favorite shader known for its sleek, dark aesthetic. Its combination of deep black and vibrant orange accents gives a sharp, predatory look to any Guardian, making it a top choice for players looking for a fierce and powerful appearance.
2. Chroma Rush: This shader provides a dynamic, color-shifting effect, which makes it a fantastic alternative for those who want a more versatile shader that changes with the environment. The Chroma Rush shader shifts between darker hues and bright flashes of color, offering a unique, ever-changing look.
3. Nefarious Smog: Nefarious Smog is another alternative for players who prefer darker shades. This shader applies a smoky, foggy effect to your gear, giving your Guardian an eerie, mysterious appearance that pairs well with more ominous weaponry.

How to Equip and Customize with Shaders in Destiny 2

Equipping and customizing shaders in Destiny 2 is a straightforward process, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you make the most out of your shaders:

1. Accessing Your Shaders: Shaders can be applied to armor and weapons through the Appearance Customization menu. To do this, open your character menu, navigate to the piece of gear you want to modify and select “Appearance.” From there, you can choose which shader to apply.
2. Applying Shaders to Weapons and Armor: While most players apply shaders to their armor, don’t forget that you can also apply them to weapons. This is a great way to ensure your entire Guardian—gear and weaponry—has a cohesive look.
3. Customizing Each Armor Piece: One of the best ways to make your Guardian stand out is by applying different shaders to each armor piece. This method allows you to experiment with contrasting shades and create unique, eye-catching combinations.

Final Thoughts on Reaching Within Shader

The Reaching Within shader is one of the most versatile and stylish shaders in Destiny 2, perfect for players who want to give their Guardian a dark, brooding appearance. Whether you’re aiming for stealth, power, or elegance, this shader helps you make a statement on the battlefield. Combined with the right gear and lighting, Reaching Within can transform your Guardian into a formidable force.

Midnight Talons: A Sleek Dark Alternative

For players looking for a sleek and aggressive appearance, Midnight Talons is a great option. Its deep black tones and bright highlights offer a sharp contrast, making your Guardian stand out, particularly in competitive modes like The Crucible. If Reaching Within isn’t available, Midnight Talons is an excellent alternative for players who love dark aesthetics.

Chroma Rush: A Dynamic Color-Shifting Choice

Chroma Rush is another shader worth considering if you’re a fan of color-shifting effects. This shader transitions between different colors depending on your environment and lighting, providing a dynamic look. If you want a shader that offers versatility and surprises, Chroma Rush is an excellent pick.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Guardian by Reaching Within

Ultimately, the Reaching Within shader is about more than just looks—it’s about representing your playstyle and attitude. Guardians who use this shader often favor a precise, methodical approach to combat. Pairing this shader with gear that enhances your Guardian’s performance will not only make you look good but feel empowered as you take on Destiny’s toughest challenges.

Last Line

The Reaching Within shader is a powerful tool in your cosmetic arsenal. By unlocking it and learning how to use it effectively, you can elevate your Guardian’s style and presence in Destiny 2. Whether you’re aiming for a dark, mysterious look or simply want to stand out from the crowd, the Reaching Within shader is an essential addition to your collection.