So, you’re looking for a Curio of the Nine. Destiny 2 is famous for dropping weird items in your lap without much of an explanation, and these things are the definition of "cryptic." If you’ve spent any time hanging out with Xur or grinding through the Dares of Eternity, you’ve probably seen these sitting in your inventory or the vendor screen, staring back at you with that strange, swirling green energy. They’re basically exotic-tier consumables that feel a bit like relics from a different era of the game, mostly because they’re tied to the 30th Anniversary pack.
Honestly, Bungie has a habit of making things more complicated than they need to be. You get these curios, you hold them, and then you wonder if you're actually getting any value out of them or if they're just taking up space. Let's get into what they actually do.
What is a Curio of the Nine Destiny 2 actually for?
The Curio of the Nine isn't a weapon. It isn't armor. It’s a "transmat effect" item, but with a twist. Basically, when you’re playing Dares of Eternity, you earn Treasure Keys. You take those keys to Xur’s Treasure Hoard—that giant, golden room with all the chests—and you start unlocking rewards. Most people are there for the Forerunner catalyst or the legendary weapons like the BxR-55 Battler. But the Curios are the aesthetic "flex" of the activity.
They are one-time use items that you apply to your ship. When you spawn into a map or summon your sparrow, the Curio changes your transmat effect to match the aesthetic of the Nine. Think cold, dark shadows, swirling white sand, and that eerie, high-contrast look you see in the Prophecy dungeon.
It's purely cosmetic. Does it help you kill a Hive God? No. Does it make you look cooler while you're doing it? Absolutely. But there is a catch: because they are consumables, you have to be careful about which ship you put them on. Back in the day, everything was a one-off. Now, things are a bit more flexible with the Collections tab, but many players still treat these like rare treasures.
How to get them without losing your mind
You can't just find these sitting in a chest in the EDZ. You have to earn them through Xur. Specifically, you need to rank up your Strange Favor. This is your reputation with Xur in the Treasure Hoard.
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To get your hands on a Curio of the Nine, you usually have to hit a specific rank—often Rank 16—to unlock the ability to purchase certain high-tier rewards. You'll also need Treasure Keys. Getting those keys means running Dares of Eternity over and over again. It’s a bit of a loop. Run Dares, get keys, rank up, buy Curio.
Is it a grind? Yeah. Dares of Eternity is fun for the first five runs, but by run fifty, you’re probably dreaming about Horse’s neighs and spinning wheels. But if you want that specific "Nine" look, this is the only way to do it.
The weird history of Xur and the Nine
Destiny 2 lore is a mess of cosmic horror and space magic. The Nine themselves are these sentient loops of dark matter that inhabit the solar system. They use Xur as their "agent," which is why he looks like he’s melting and why he sells you these Curios.
When the 30th Anniversary dropped, Bungie wanted to celebrate their history. They brought back the Magnum (Forerunner) and the Energy Sword (The Other Half). The Curio of the Nine was meant to be the bridge between the old "Trials of the Nine" aesthetic and the modern "Dares of Eternity" gameplay. If you missed out on the old Trials gear before it was vaulted, these Curios are the closest you can get to that specific visual style today.
Interestingly, many players confuse "Curios" with "Strange Coins" or "Starhorse Bounties." They are all part of the same ecosystem, but the Curio is the end-state reward. It’s the "I finished the grind" badge of honor.
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Why some players think they are bugged
There’s a common frustration in the community. You go to Xur, you see the Curio, but it says "Requires Rank X" or "Inventory Full." People often think their game is broken.
Actually, the most common issue is that your Modifications tab in your inventory is packed. Curios don't go into your "Materials" or "Quest" tab. They go into the Mods section. If you’re a veteran player with a thousand old shaders and transmat effects you never deleted, the Curio won't have a place to land. Clear out a few spots. Delete those old Vanguard transmat effects you’ll never use.
Another thing: you need the 30th Anniversary Pack. If you’re playing the free-to-play version of Dares of Eternity, you can participate in the activity, but your access to the higher-tier rewards in Xur’s Treasure Hoard—including specific Curios and the Forerunner Catalyst—is limited. You have to pay to play if you want the full "Nine" experience.
Maximize your Dares of Eternity runs
If you're going for the Curio, don't just mindlessly run the normal version of Dares. It's inefficient. You want to aim for Legend Dares.
Legend Dares of Eternity has a fixed rotation of enemies. You can plan for it. You can bring the right mods. Most importantly, it gives you a much higher chance of getting "Lightning Rounds." Lightning Rounds are the secret sauce. They give you extra chests, extra keys, and massive boosts to your Strange Favor rank.
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- Get a Fireteam: Don't rely on matchmaking for Legend. It doesn't even have it. Use the Bungie Fireteam Finder or Discord.
- Infinite Heavy Ammo: In the second encounter, if you successfully jump through the obstacle course, you get the "Starhorse's Favor." This gives you regenerating heavy ammo. Use it. Spam Gjallarhorn. Delete the boss. This makes runs twice as fast.
- Check the Week: The rewards and enemy types rotate. If you find a week that has easy enemies (like the Hive or Fallen), grind it hard. Avoid the Cabal weeks if you want to keep your sanity; those Thresher ships are a nightmare.
The aesthetic value: Is it worth it?
Let's be real. In a game where your character's look is half the fun, the Curio of the Nine is a top-tier cosmetic. It’s not flashy in a "neon pink" kind of way. It’s subtle. It's that eerie, ghostly glow that tells other players in the Tower that you’ve put in the time with the Starhorse.
Some people prefer the "Vex" transmat or the "Season of the Wish" effects, but the Nine aesthetic is timeless. It’s clean. It fits almost any ship, whether you’re flying a chunky Sparrow-hauler or a sleek jumpship.
What to do right now
If you have a Curio of the Nine in your inventory, don't just let it sit there. Apply it to your favorite ship. If you don't have one yet, here is your checklist:
- Check your rank with Xur: Visit the Treasure Hoard and see how far you are from Rank 16.
- Clear your Mods inventory: Make sure you actually have space to receive the item.
- Buy the 30th Anniversary Pack: If you haven't already, check if it's on sale. It usually goes for a deep discount during seasonal events.
- Farm Treasure Keys: Keep at least 10 keys on you at all times. When you hit the required rank, you'll want to buy the Curio immediately without having to go back into the activity.
Go grab those keys. The Starhorse is waiting, and that transmat effect isn't going to earn itself. Once you've applied the Curio, head to the Tower and spawn in; you'll see exactly why people spend hours grinding for such a small, strange item. It’s all about the vibe.
To move forward, focus your efforts on the Starhorse Bounties rather than just repeating the Dares activity. These bounties provide a significant boost to your reputation gains and are the fastest way to bridge the gap between your current level and the rank required for the Curio. Prioritize the gold-tier bounties for the highest efficiency, but ensure you are equipped with the specific weapon types they require before starting a run. This targeted approach will shave hours off your total playtime.