In the ever-evolving world of Destiny 2, where combat prowess is paramount, a different kind of battle is being waged—one fought on the catwalks of the Tower. As of 2026, with the echoes of The Final Shape expansion now part of the game's rich history, player creativity continues to shine. A recent trend has seen dedicated Guardians turning themselves into living shadows, fashioning their armor into stunning tributes to one of the game's most iconic and menacing enemy factions: the Taken. But how are they achieving this sinister transformation? The key lies in a coveted prize from a pivotal 2024 update.
The Superblack Catalyst: From Into the Light to Embracing Darkness
The surge in this dark fashion movement can be traced directly to the Destiny 2: Into the Light update, released by Bungie in April 2024. While this free update was designed to bridge the gap before The Final Shape, its legacy endures. It wasn't just about the thrilling Onslaught mode or the powerful BRAVE Arsenal weapons; it was also a treasure trove for fashion-minded players. One of its crown jewels was, and remains, the Superblack shader. This highly sought-after, all-black color scheme is the ultimate tool for any Guardian looking to project an aura of pure darkness. Earning it required proving one's mettle to the legendary Lord Shaxx, making it a badge of honor as much as a cosmetic item. Isn't it fascinating that an update named 'Into the Light' provided the perfect tool for stepping into the shadows?
Masters of Mimicry: Two Inspiring Creations
The true potential of Superblack was unlocked by visionary players who saw it as more than just a coat of paint. Two creators, Bluejay_leather and revadike, showcased their artistry on the DestinyFashion community, presenting Taken-themed ensembles for the Titan and Hunter classes that left the community in awe.
Revadike's 'Flashlight Face' Hunter: This creation masterfully answered the question: how do you replicate the Taken's signature look of inky blackness pierced by searing white light? Superblack formed the deep, shadowy base on the Hunter's cloak and mask. However, the genius lay in the mixology. Revadike layered other shaders like Amethyst Veil and Precursor Vex Chrome, which have strong white elements, to create those iconic radiant streaks. Key armor pieces sold the illusion:
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Cloak: Aphotic Lamellar (from Season of the Deep)
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Helmet: Holdfast Mask
This combination perfectly mimicked the unsettling 'flashlight face' of a Taken foe, proving that sometimes, you need a little light to perfect the darkness.
Bluejay_leather's Thrall-Inspired Titan: Taking a more thematic approach, this Titan ensemble channeled the aggressive, swirling energy of a Taken Thrall. The creator leveraged a brilliant trick: using exotic armor with built-in visual effects. The centerpiece was the Heart of Inmost Light exotic chest piece, equipped with the Abyss, Inverted ornament. When worn, this ornament causes the armor to emit a distinct, eerie Taken radiation. Bluejay_leather built the rest of the set around this dynamic core:
| Armor Piece | Name | Source/Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Gauntlets | Heartrend | Seasonal |
| Helmet | Gensym Knight Helm | Io / Planetary |
| Legs & Mark | War Numen's Set | King's Fall Raid (Remastered) |
The result was a Titan that didn't just look like a Taken Thrall—it practically pulsed with the same malignant energy.
Why This Fashion Trend Resonates
Players weren't just impressed; they were inspired. The comments under these posts highlighted several reasons why this trend struck a chord:
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Functional Fashion: Bluejay_leather's build received particular praise for being 'battle-ready.' By using the Heart of Inmost Light—a top-tier exotic for ability regeneration—the fashion statement came with zero compromise to combat effectiveness. A Guardian could dominate in both a raid and a style contest.
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Nostalgia & Identity: The Taken are a deeply ingrained part of Destiny's lore and aesthetic. Embodying them allows players to engage with the game's world in a unique, personal way, celebrating its iconic villains through their own avatar.
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Creative Expression: These builds demonstrate a high level of system mastery. They go beyond applying a single shader, requiring knowledge of how different shaders interact on various armor materials, which pieces have unique effects, and how to blend items from across years of content into a cohesive whole.
In 2026, Destiny 2 remains a game where endgame activities are as much about the loot as they are about the look. The Taken fashion trend, sparked by the Superblack shader from the Into the Light era, is a perfect example of how player creativity continues to define the Guardian experience. It asks the community: if you could wield the darkness as your aesthetic, what form would you take? For these fashionable Guardians, the answer is clear—they choose to become the nightmare itself.