Ikora Rey might seem like the typical Destiny 2 NPC. She simply sells emblems and other items, right? However, this Warlock Vanguard serves as one of the most prominent Guardians — not just in the Tower, but on Earth at large. Players new to D2 or even pros from Destiny would know that this Bungie character has more to offer than just her wares.
But what exactly makes Ikora Rey more special compared to other NPCs? Interestingly enough, players may find Ikora instrumental to their efforts to save Earth, especially if they're a Warlock themselves.
10 Her Unknown Primary Subclass
Since Destiny 2 NPCs are also Guardians, it's exciting to see them in action, using the same skills players do in combat. In turn, it's no question that fans also pondered on Ikora's primary Subclass in the game. Interestingly, the game implies that Ikora, like the players, can change Subclasses at will.
For instance, the teaser trailer for Destiny 2 had Ikora showcase abilities associated with that of a Stormcaller. However, the gameplay reveal also had Ikora show Voidwalker abilities. This is similar to the situation of Cayde-6 and Zavala, who seem to tap into other Subclass abilities aside from their implied default DPS Bladedancer and tanking Striker roles.
9 She Was The First To Get 25-Match Winning Streak
Prior to her membership in the Vanguard, Ikora held the Crucible close to her heart. She doesn't hesitate to shut down anyone who tried to insult the Crucible. In fact, she's an extremely decorated fighter, earning essential battlefield knowledge in solo missions or the Crucible battlegrounds. Such is her skill that Ikora became the Guardian to first hold a 25-match winning streak.
After she gained this reputation, Ikora apparently tried to "outrun" it by leaving Earth and exploring the inner Solar System. Interestingly, Ikora's travels also formed a new perspective towards her studies.
8 She's Never Without New Ideas
Colleagues at the Warlock academia — and eventually the Vanguard — know Ikora for her iconoclastic character. Outspoken by nature, Ikora favored a more straightforward education, abstaining from the Tower's traditional approach. Her impatience with tradition initially sparked ire from her peers.
However, her travels in the Solar System gave her newfound perspective towards Light. In turn, her Warlock contemporaries respected Ikora for her ideas. She became the apprentice of Osiris, the first Warlock Vanguard. In her time as the Vanguard, Ikora's proactive and straightforward approach helped Earth's defenses innumerable times.
7 Excelled In The Academia
In addition to her ruthlessness in the battlefield, Ikora had an impeccable career in the academia. Her 12-volume work in "On Circles" implied that Ikora laid the foundations of a new look into Warlock studies. Additionally, Ikora shared through "On Circles" that a Warlock's Rift interprets planetary energies as a destructive force.
According to Commander Zavala, "On Circles" explores new Warlock combat methods. Additionally, Lord Shaxx said it "challenges" the world's current believe in ontology and metaphysics. Meanwhile, Asher Mir notes that Ikora presents interesting points despite its leaning towards the mystical.
6 Her Penchant For Shotguns
Fans of Ikora would easily notice her penchant for Shotguns — they're perfect for quick, straightforward, and powerful statements. Ikora has had Invective as her go-to weapon since her Crucible days. Unfortunately, she lost Invective during her solo crusade against the Red Legion in Io, when she lost her Light.
Upon her return to Earth, Ikora is seen sporting a Deadpan Delivery. This Shotgun boasts an Aggressive Frame, giving it high damage for equally-high recoil. However, it does possess a Pulse Monitor which improves weapon handling and auto-reloads its magazine when its wielder is critically wounded. It's perfect for Ikora's go-getter attitude.
5 She Dabbled In Thanatonautics
Resurrection is a notable trait of Guardians; Ghosts manage to revive them as soon as they die in combat. However, some Guardians — particularly Warlocks — believed in insights from the "in between," where death could possibly give visions to people before their resurrection. These Warlocks, called Thanatonauts, freely die to explore this theory.
According to lore, Thanatonauts first appeared after the Crucible's creation. Successful Thanatonauts included Osiris and Pujari. Ikora tried to explore it as well, much to Ophiucus's discomfort. Unfortunately, Ikora never revealed if she gained any insights via Thanatonautics.
4 Always The Middle Ground
Ikora's straightforward yet unorthodox approach to everything made her a middle ground in almost everything around her. Being Osiris's star student and a promising Warlock, Ikora both understood her master's obsession with the Vex and the exasperation of the Vanguard towards his neglect of his duties.
Lately, Ikora also served as the middle ground amongst the other Vanguard members. Contrary to the rigid Titan Vanguard Zavala and the carefree Hunter Vanguard Cayde-6, Ikora offered a balance of wisdom and logic in her decisions. She's open to the most absurd of suggestions, while offering her own unique brand of sarcasm and wit.
3 The Best Of Osiris' Students
It's known that Ikora was a disciple of Osiris, the former Warlock Vanguard. However, Ikora seemed to hold the title of Osiris' greatest student. B oth of them share a penchant for exploring the unexplored — but whereas Ikora focused on a renewed look into Warlock studies, Osiris focused too much on the Vex.
When Osiris' obsession with the Vex strained their relationship, Ikora was implied to have kept respect for her master. Additionally, Ikora at times tried to defend Osiris and his studies when questioned by the Vanguard, especially when it seemed Osiris was neglecting his duties. Given Ikora's skill and renown, the Consensus often assigned Warlock Vanguard duties to Ikora in secret until Osiris' exile, which then meant Ikora's ascension into full Vanguard status.
2 She Created Her Own Spy Network
One of Ikora's primary duties as a Vanguard is to gather intelligence about potential threats to the Last City. To do this, Ikora created the Hidden in secret. This network of deep-infiltration Guardians was trained to spy on the Darkness and other potential threats.
It's not known whether the the Hidden is an open secret, or if the Vanguard has no knowledge of it. Regardless, their efficiency has transformed them into the unofficial spy network of the Vanguard. As per lore, Mara Sov of the Reef and the Cult of Osiris are the only factions actively aware of the Hidden's existence.
1 Once Had A Strained Relationship With Her Ghost
When Guardians awaken, receive a Ghost, beings assigned by the Traveler to guide them in their mission to protect Earth. Ophiuchus, Ikora's Ghost, once explained to a fellow Ghost that he believes Ghosts are created with strengths to match their Guardian's weaknesses. He speculates he's perhaps made as a calming influence to Ikora's rather impulsive nature.
However, this doesn't mean all Ghosts have great relationships with their Guardians. In fact, Ikora's reckless pursuit of her studies strained her relationship with Ophiuchus. It came to a point that Ophiuchus stopped talking to her, simply following and observing her. This lasted for 61 years until Ikora and Osiris reunited, and the two managed to fix their relationship.