The Shaping Slab is a brand-new vendor introduced in Destiny 2 as part of the latest episodic content. Situated in Eris Morn’s quarters within The Last City, this vendor is your primary hub for upgrading your Destiny 2 Video Games, earning reputation, and progressing through the seasonal narrative.
Leveling up the Shaping Slab grants access to Nether upgrade slots, exclusive loot, and more, making it essential for Guardians looking to stay ahead. Why is Shaping Slab important? And how do you upgrade it? Here are the best strategies to farm Taken Mastery XP and level up the Shaping Slab fast so you can make the most of the new content.
Why Level Up the Shaping Slab?
Each time you increase your reputation rank with the Shaping Slab, you get closer to unlocking a new Nether upgrade slot. These slots enhance your performance in the new roguelike activity, The Nether, making each run smoother and more rewarding.
Leveling up also unlocks new episodic gear, such as armor, weapons, and special seasonal bonuses. You’ll also gain access to the Tome of Want, which plays a crucial role in the episode’s loot cycle.
Want to boost your build even further? Be sure to click Z2U.COM to equip your Guardian with the latest Destiny 2 items that synergize with the Shaping Slab’s upgrades for optimal results.
Best Ways to Earn Reputation and XP
Below are the three best methods to efficiently level up the Shaping Slab and earn Taken Mastery XP.
1. Break Taken Orbs Across All Activities
One of the simplest ways to earn XP for the Shaping Slab is by breaking Taken Orbs. These orbs spawn randomly when you defeat Taken enemies in various activities like Strikes, Revenant Onslaught, and The Nether.
After defeating enemies, look for the large orbs they drop. Shoot these orbs to split them into three smaller ones. Five Taken Mastery XP are awarded by each of the lesser orbs.
While not the fastest method, it’s a great passive way to earn XP during your regular gameplay sessions. If you’re running low on time but still want some gains, this is a low-effort way to contribute to your reputation.

2. Complete Boss Encounters in The Nether
The Nether is a new roguelike-style activity introduced in the latest seasonal update. It trades health recovery for RNG-based boons and build modifiers, offering both challenges and rewards.
Completing boss encounters in The Nether grants significant XP:
- First Boss: 75 XP (solo)
- Second Boss: 75 XP (solo)
- Third Boss: 100 XP (solo)
If you complete all three bosses in a single run, that’s a total of 250 XP, making this one of the most efficient leveling methods.
For even better results, combine boss completions with Essentia farming to double up your progression per run.
3. Farm Metastasized Essentia (Best Method)
The most efficient method to gain XP is by collecting and depositing Metastasized Essentia, a special resource found in The Nether. These are large, spiky, white spheres that appear in the environment.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Equip the Essentia Rune upgrade from the Shaping Slab.
- Enter The Nether and use your Ghost’s Wombo Detector to scan for Metastasized Essentia.
- After collecting one, it will appear as “Fleeting” until you defeat a boss in that run. The Essentia changes from white to green after a boss has been defeated.
- Collect 10 Metastasized Essentia and return to Eris Morn’s residence.
- Interact with the Taken Altar only if you have exactly 10. Submitting fewer than 10 won’t grant rewards.
For every 10 Metastasized Essentia, you receive 200 Taken Mastery XP, making this method by far the best for leveling up the Shaping Slab quickly.
Don’t forget—access to The Nether and the Shaping Slab is part of the latest Destiny 2 DLCs. Make sure your content is up to date so you don’t miss out on exclusive progression and seasonal content.

Additional Tips
- Mix Methods: Combining Essentia farming with boss runs in The Nether maximizes session efficiency.
- Group Play: While solo XP is consistent, playing in fireteams can sometimes reduce enemy difficulty and speed up farming.
- Track Your Progress: The Shaping Slab shows your XP progress, so keep an eye on when you’re near a new reputation level to plan your next upgrade.
Conclusion
Mastering the Shaping Slab is essential for making real progress in this season of Destiny 2. From breaking Taken Orbs to conquering bosses in The Nether and collecting Metastasized Essentia, each activity fuels your Taken Mastery XP and pushes you closer to powerful rewards and upgrades. So grab your Ghost, stay consistent, combine your farming methods, and don’t forget to claim those upgrades at every level.