Guardians battling Brakion, Genesis Mind, a massive Ultra Vex Hobgoblin.

An Ultra (also known as Boss in Destiny 2) is the most powerful type of enemy in the Destiny series due to their high damage and health values. They can be identified by the way their health bar is displayed: shown as a giant yellow bar with a skull next to it in Destiny, or a skull symbol integrated into the bar in Destiny 2. They may have health bars displayed on the bottom of the screen instead of being on top of them. They are often large sized, sometimes simply an enlarged version of the kind's Major look, but often sporting unique designs.

Gameplay

Ultras serve as bosses, and are thus often the focal enemies in an activity. They appear in Story missions, Dungeons, Strikes, and Raids; rarely will they appear during Patrol, usually as part of a World Event. Ultras at the end of activities often have unique attacks, defenses, or mechanics related to their battle, generally increasing in number the more complex the activity is meant to be. Some very rare enemies only appear as Ultras. All Ultra generally share the following characteristics:

  • Area-of-Effect Melee Attack (if large sized).
  • Heavy Ranged Attack (from their equipped weapon).
  • Summon Reinforcements.
  • Rapid Movement.
  • Immunity to Blinding, Suppression, Freezing and Suspension.
    • Ultras shatter shortly after being frozen by Stasis.
  • Immunity to Finishers (with the exception of Lightbearer Hive).

List of appearances

References