Finding the Signal Spike cavern entrance is one of those tasks in Destiny 2 that sounds way easier than it actually is when you're staring at a waypoint that seems to be pointing into a solid rock wall. Honestly, Bungie loves doing this to us. You're zooming around Nessus, trying to wrap up a quest or a seasonal objective, and suddenly you're doing circles in the dirt because the map's verticality is, frankly, a mess. If you've spent more than five minutes jumping against a cliffside wondering if you've lost your mind, don't worry. You haven't. The entrance is just tucked away in a spot that ignores your basic intuition of where a "door" should be.
Nessus is a chaotic mess of Vex architecture and overgrown flora. It’s pretty, sure, but it’s a nightmare for navigation. The Signal Spike location specifically ties into the Echoes content and the broader Failsafe-driven narrative arcs that have seen us returning to the centaur more often than most of us probably intended back in 2017.
Locating the Signal Spike Cavern Entrance Without Losing Your Mind
Most players start their search in the Well of Echoes or around the Glade of Echoes. That's the logical play. But the game doesn't always play by those rules. To get to the Signal Spike cavern entrance, you basically need to ignore the big flashy landmarks and look for the subtle Vex geometry that looks slightly "off" compared to the rest of the terrain.
Start by spawning into the Artifact's Edge. It’s the highest point, and frankly, the only way to get a decent bird's eye view of where you need to go. From there, you're heading toward the direction of the Hallows, but you aren't going into the Hallows—not yet. The entrance is a hole. A literal hole in the ground that looks like a drainage pipe for Vex milk. If you’re following the quest marker for the "Signal Spike" mission, it often won't update the floor level until you're practically on top of it. This is a classic "Bungie-ism" where the 2D map fails to represent 3D space. Look for a small opening near the base of the white Vex structures. It’s often guarded by a handful of Goblins who are basically just there to tell you "Hey, you're getting warmer."
Once you find the hole, drop down. You’ll know you’re in the right place because the lighting shifts from that bright, washed-out Nessus sunlight to a moody, blue-and-orange Vex interior. If you find yourself in a room full of data lattices and no way forward, you've gone into a standard Lost Sector by mistake. Back out. The real path involves a bit of a squeeze through some jagged rocks that don't look like they should be a doorway.
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Why Is Everyone Stuck Here?
Navigational friction. That's the term developers use, but for us, it's just annoying. The Signal Spike cavern entrance is tricky because it’s part of a quest line that triggers specific world-state changes. Sometimes the entrance is literally blocked by a barrier if you haven't progressed the "A Rising Chorus" questline far enough. If you’re standing at the spot where every YouTube guide says the door should be and it’s just a flat wall, go check your quest log. You might need to talk to Failsafe at the HELM again. Seriously.
I’ve seen dozens of players in local chat asking where the entrance went. Most of the time, they’re just on the wrong "level" of the map. Nessus is built like a lasagna. There are layers. If the waypoint says 50 meters, but you see nothing, it’s 50 meters under you. Look for the white light emanating from the floor cracks. That’s your golden ticket.
The cavern itself is a series of tight corridors that eventually open up into a larger combat arena. It’s not a huge dungeon, but it’s claustrophobic enough to make the Sparrow ride in feel like a bad idea. Don't try to ride your Sparrow all the way in. You'll get wedged in a corner, blow up, and have to start the run back from the transmat zone. Just walk. It’s safer.
Tips for Surviving the Cavern Once You’re Inside
Once you actually pass the Signal Spike cavern entrance, the difficulty spikes—pun intended. You aren't just looking for a chest; you're usually there to align signals or take down a specific Vex target.
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- Bring Void Damage: The Minotaurs in here have shields that are surprisingly beefy if you’re under-leveled or just running a haphazard build.
- Watch the Floor: Vex milk (the white radiolarian fluid) is everywhere. It’s not just decorative; it’ll eat your health bar faster than a Wyvern’s dive bomb.
- Check the Ceilings: Harpies love to hide in the rafters of these caverns. If you’re taking damage and don't see an enemy, look up.
- Platforming Matters: There’s a section right after the entrance where you have to jump across disappearing platforms. If you have low mobility, put on some St0mp-EEZ or Lion Rampants. It’ll save you a lot of frustration.
The "Signal Spike" isn't just a name; it refers to the literal mechanic you'll be interacting with. You'll see these glowing pillars of light. You have to stand in them to "capture" the signal, which usually spawns waves of Fanatics. If you're a Hunter, Tether is your best friend here. Warlocks should probably stick to Well of Radiance or a high-upkeep Devour build. Titans? Just punch things, but maybe use a Bubble if things get too spicy near the end.
Common Misconceptions About the Location
A lot of people think the Signal Spike cavern entrance is inside the Inverted Spire strike area. It’s close, but no. If you’re loading into the Strike to find the cavern, you’re in the wrong activity. This is a patrol-space transition. It’s a physical location on the Nessus map that exists regardless of whether you’re on the specific quest, though the interactable objects won’t appear unless the quest is active.
Another weird thing? The entrance sometimes "glitches" if multiple people are trying to enter at once in different instances. If the cave looks empty or the assets aren't loading, try fast-traveling back to the landing zone and driving back. It forces the game to reload the zone and usually fixes the "missing" entrance.
Navigating the Vex Network Layers
Destiny 2 has always struggled with clear maps. The Nessus map in particular is a relic from a time when the game didn't have as much vertical depth as it does now. When you're looking for the Signal Spike cavern entrance, you have to think like a Vex. They don't build "buildings." They terraform reality. The entrance is an integration point.
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If you're looking at the map and your arrow is directly on top of the icon, but you're standing in a field of red grass, look for the nearest cliff edge. Usually, there's a small ledge about halfway down the cliff that leads into the cavern. It’s tucked behind some hanging vines. Honestly, it’s almost like they don't want us to find it. But that's the charm of Nessus, right? It’s a world that feels alien and indifferent to your presence.
Actionable Next Steps for Finding the Entrance
- Check your quest step: Ensure "A Rising Chorus" (or the relevant seasonal quest) is updated to the point where it tells you to "Locate the Signal."
- Land at Artifact's Edge: Don't go to the Watcher's Grave. It’s too far and the terrain is more confusing from that angle.
- Follow the lower perimeter: Stay off the high Vex "highways" and stick to the ground level near the canyons.
- Look for the blue glow: Vex technology has a very specific teal/blue light. At night (in-game), this light reflects off the cave walls, making the entrance much easier to spot.
- Listen for the hum: The closer you get to the cavern, the louder the ambient Vex "hum" becomes. If you have 3D audio or headphones, use them. It’s a directional cue that’s more reliable than the HUD.
- Equip a Scout Rifle or Sniper: Use the scope to scan the distance. Sometimes the entrance is obscured by enemies that only render when you look through a lens.
Once you’re through the Signal Spike cavern entrance, keep your back to the wall. The Vex in this specific area are programmed to flank you from the shadows. It’s a tight squeeze, but once you clear the first room, the rest of the path is fairly linear. You'll reach the signal terminal, do your thing, and get out. Just remember where you came in, because the exit is the same way, and the map won't help you get back out either. Good luck, Guardian. You’re going to need it for the boss at the end.
To ensure you don't get turned around again, mark the location on your physical memory once you find it. The geometry of the entrance is unique—look for the triangular rock formation leaning against the square Vex pillar. This specific visual landmark is the most reliable way to find the Signal Spike cavern entrance without having to rely on the finicky in-game waypoint system ever again.