When you’re taking on various missions or activities inside The Final Shape, especially in the Traveler’s Pale Heart, you’ll be presented with a task instructing you to “Remove Vex Shield.” This is often presented when you’re against Vex-ridden areas or puzzles, often during invocation missions or exotic subclass quests.
The “Vex Shield” in this case is a shield or shielded device protecting Vex terminals or constructs, and brute force cannot take it down. Players have to solve a brief puzzle or destroy nodes to take down the shield.
What Is the Vex Shield?
The Vex Shield typically manifests as a red-orange glow surrounding a terminal, pedestal, or conduit. It’s impervious to usual weapon fire. You’ll know it’s up because:
- The shield will emanate a glow and deflect your fire.
- Ghost or dialogue will remark “There’s a shield in the way” or “Looks like we need to shut that down.”
These shields are part of a Vex energy network in the area, and to remove them, you’ll need to find and destroy matching Vex nodes or complete a matching environmental activity.
Removing the Vex Shield
Step 1: Find Vex Cubes (Power Nodes)
Near the item that is shielded, search the area for small, glowing cubes or Vex power nodes. They usually:
- Float along walls, ceilings, or inside machinery-like objects.
- Glow with red, orange, or white light.
- Can be killed in a few shots.
These nodes like to hide in the corners or sit above doorways and ledges, so check your vertical property carefully.
Step 2: Kill All Connected Nodes
Once you locate a node, shoot and destroy it. The shield will not drop until all of the connected nodes within a room are destroyed. You’ll typically have to find 2 to 4 cubes.
Look for visual cues like red energy wires or conduits leading from the shield toward the nodes. Some nodes are placed behind glass or across gaps, requiring precise aim.
Step 3: Shield Deactivates
Once all the associated cubes or nodes are destroyed, the shield will dissipate, and you’ll be free to:
- Interact with the object inside the previously shielded area.
- Continue through the blocked passage.
- Complete the objective (e.g., downloading information, rescuing a scientist, or entering a Vex terminal).
