I have a confession: I collect Destiny 2 Triumphs like a raccoon collects shiny objects, and the Ritual Under Shadow Triumph is one of those shiny objects that looks simple until you are lost in the Derelict Leviathan with a Rocket Launcher and a bad sense of direction. Back in Season of the Haunted, this Triumph was part of the Reaper title chase, and it asked Guardians to hunt down the Nightmare of Sy'ad, the Unending. In 2026, I treat it as a legacy checklist item: Bungie's content vault is the real final boss, so if the Derelict Leviathan is available in your current rotation, great; if not, keep this guide in your back pocket for legacy runs. Either way, the ritual itself is a tidy little loop of navigation, Nightmare pest control, and ranged violence.

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Finding the Haunted Alcove without becoming a Haunted Guardian

First, load into the Derelict Leviathan and head to the Royal Pools. The ship is a maze designed by someone who hates minimaps, so here is my route: from the Castellum Landing Zone, travel North. At the third unlit brazier, take a left, which leads to the main entrance of the Royal Pools. Once inside, head through the corridor and continue directly North. The Haunted Alcove sits west of the Nightmare of Qalec, the Sniper, and it is marked by corrupted tendrils. I use the tendrils as a creepy little welcome mat.

The enemies inside are not always present and will take time to respawn after their defeat. So if the alcove looks empty, do not assume you broke the quest; the Nightmares are simply on a respawn timer. While you wait, Royal Pools has plenty of other events. When the message 'Dark Ether thickens in the air...' appears above your abilities, a Nightmare Lurker will take post near the entrance to the Haunted Alcove. Further inside, other Nightmare Scorn will continue to spawn. I call this the spooky waiting room phase.

Summoning Sy'ad, the Unending

Inside the Haunted Alcove, there are three Ritual components that need to be activated. Before you start the ritual, clear the lesser Nightmares. This prevents you from being overwhelmed and gives you a damage buff from the Unstable Essences they drop. I like to think of Unstable Essences as spicy snacks for my damage numbers.

Sy'ad, the Unending is a Nightmare Abomination, which means he is big, angry, and rude about personal space. Ranged heavy weapons are your best friends: Rocket Launchers and Linear Fusion Rifles work the best. Stay far away, because standing too close invites a ground slam that deals immense damage. I learned this the hard way, and my Ghost is still filing the paperwork.

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Loot, title progress, and the 2026 reality check

Once Sy'ad is defeated, you earn the Ritual Under Shadow Triumph and a loot chest. That chest gives you an additional chance at the new Haunted weapons or armor. It can also contain one of Destiny 2's Opulent Keys, which are needed for a different Triumph. In my opinion, the chest is the real reward, and the Triumph is the excuse to open it.

Here is a quick cheat sheet I wish I had taped to my monitor:

Step What to do Guardian brain note
1 Reach Royal Pools from Castellum Landing Zone North, then left at the third unlit brazier
2 Find the Haunted Alcove West of Nightmare of Qalec, marked by corrupted tendrils
3 Wait for the Dark Ether message Nightmare Lurker and Scorn spawn
4 Clear lesser Nightmares Avoid overwhelm and collect Unstable Essences
5 Activate three Ritual components Summon Sy'ad, the Unending
6 Fight at range Rocket Launchers and Linear Fusion Rifles are ideal
7 Loot the chest Haunted gear and possible Opulent Keys

There are many more of Calus's powerful Nightmares hidden on the Derelict Leviathan. Guardians who wish to earn the Reaper title should seek out every Haunted Alcove. I plan to do exactly that, right after I stop getting distracted by every shiny chest in the Royal Pools.

Final 2026 note: seasonal destinations come and go, so check whether the Derelict Leviathan is currently accessible before you commit to a full Nightmare safari. If it is, bring a ranged heavy weapon, clear the adds, activate the ritual, and blast Sy'ad from a safe distance. If it is not, well, at least the Triumph can live in your memory alongside my dignity after that one ground slam.