Skulls are special difficulty modifiers. They are typically applied to the Weekly Strike, Daily Heroic, Hard Mode Missions, etc.
This change how the enemies act, ammo drops and damage dealt. Pay attention especially when there are more than 2 modifiers on any given mission. The more there are, the harder it's going to be.
Nightfall:
Nightfall gets special mention. It your Fireteam is all downed, you are set immediately back to orbit. This gives your whole team one shot at the mission. If you wipe, you're back to the start of it!
Modifiers[edit]
| Skull | Effect |
| Juggler | No ammo drops for your Equipped Weapon. Ghost won't give you ammo when your supplies are depleted. |
| Anger Issues | Minions of the Darkness display heightened aggression. |
| Angry | Minions of the Darkness won't flinch, even after massive damage. |
| Arc Burn | Arc Damage from any source is greatly increased. |
| Solar Burn | Solar Damage from any source is greatly increased. |
| Void Burn | Void Damage from any source is greatly increased. |
| Lightswitch | Minions of the Darkness deal much more melee damage. |
| Heroic | Enemies appear in greater number and are more aggressive. |
| Epic | Heavily shield and highly aggressive enemies appear in great numbers. |
| Nightfall | You will face a relentless army that has never known defeat. If all players die, you will be returned to Orbit. |
House of Wolves Modifiers[edit]
| Skull | Effect |
| Trickle | Recharge of abilities is significantly reduced. |
| Small Arms | Primary weapon damage is favored |
| Airborne | Players deal more damage while airborne. |
| Brawler | Guardian Melee damage is greatly increased. |
| Grounded | Players take more damage while airborne. |
| Catapult | Grenade recharge is greatly increased. |
| Exposure | Guardian shields are increased but do not replenish. |
| Specialist | Secondary weapon damage is favored. |
