- "The Iron Banner calls Guardians to prove themselves in the Crucible. Their emissary waits in the Tower to reward those who excel."
- — Event summary
The Iron Banner is a Crucible event, watched over by Lord Saladin. It is available on certain occasions (typically once every month) and lasts for one week.
Gameplay
Unlike normal Crucible matches, where gear is leveled to make an even playing field, having the best gear matters in the Iron Banner. Therefore, gear acquisition and selection is crucial before entering the event.[1] A Guardian's level will also affect the outcome.[2] While it's not impossible to fight competitively against players one or two levels ahead, there is a noticeable disadvantage in terms of damage dealt and taken. While anyone over level 20 can join, being as close to the level cap as possible is the key to staying competitive.
Rewards for the Iron Banner depends on how rapidly players can progress in Iron Banner reputation, as reputation levels are reset with every new event. Completing bounties, as well as wearing Iron Banner shaders, class items and emblems, each of which give an additional 10%, all boost reputation gains. Furthermore, players can lose up to five times in a row to earn Iron Medallions, to be cashed in with every win to earn reputation. Available rewards per event include two Iron Banner weapons, two Iron Banner armor pieces, an Iron Banner class item, two emblems and two shaders.
Each time a new expansion comes out and the level cap is increased, Saladin will offer players the opportunity to re-forge any Iron Banner weapon, including those from the previous event. This will re-roll any upgrades and reset progression. Each re-forge costs a few Motes of Light. Saladin will also offer a 12 hour buff called "Tempered," which will boost Iron Banner reputation gains. As the week goes forward, this boost will be increasingly potent, to help players starting later in the week to catch up. It is expected that in future Iron Banners these bonuses will be further refined.[3]