Hey Guardians! So, Bungie finally dropped that exotic mission they've been teasing, and let me tell you, Starcrossed is an absolute vibe. Set in the Black Garden, it's not just about snagging the Wish-Keeper bow (which is chef's kiss, by the way), but there's a whole layer of secrets waiting. And by secrets, I mean those sweet, sweet hidden chests. I've been running this mission since it dropped, and trust me, finding these chests is like the mission's own little treasure hunt. It's a whole mood.

Here's the deal, though. These chests aren't just sitting out in the open. You gotta know where to look, and sometimes, you need a little... buff. I'm gonna walk you through all four of them. Just a heads up, this is the 2026 updated guide, so we've got the full set!

Chest 1: The Sneaky Start

Okay, this first one is the definition of 'hidden in plain sight'. You literally don't have to shoot a single thing. As soon as you spawn in that gorgeous, flowery starting area, look to your left. See that big tree? Follow it. You'll see a closed flower ahead. Give it a little tap with your weapon to open it up and use it as a platform. Now, look left and up. See that cliff? That's your ticket.

Jump on up there and follow the path. You'll be hopping from leaf to leaf, tree to tree. It feels a bit like parkour, honestly. Keep going down until you're near another closed flower. Here's the sneaky part: turn around. Yep, there's another closed flower behind you. On its right side is a tree branch. Hop on it, turn right, and boom—a cave entrance.

Head inside and check the right-hand corner. Your first secret loot is just sitting there, waiting. Easy peasy!

Chest 2: The Waterfall Wonder

This one pops up right after you leave the first big cave and see daylight again. You'll step out and have a few paths. Take the one on your left that goes through a narrow little cave towards a waterfall.

Before you dive into the water, check your left side. You'll see the orange buff. Grab it! This buff is your lifeline. Without it, the next area will... let's just say it won't be pleasant. Once you've got the buff, jump into the waterfall. On your right, you'll see the entrance to an orange-glowing area. Swim/walk inside and follow it all the way to the end. The second chest is chilling there. Don't forget the buff, or this will be a very short trip!

Chest 3: Post-Phalanx Party

Alright, time for some action. You need to finish the first proper encounter where you take down three Phalanxes in order. After that, a new path opens. Follow the cave until you reach an open area with—you guessed it—an orange buff in the middle. Grab it.

Now, look at the corner on the left side of the main path that leads forward. If you explore that corner, you'll find a White buff. This is key. It lets you enter a new orange area. Follow this path straight ahead.

At the very end, turn left up a small staircase. Here's where things get spicy. A Phalanx is guarding the goods. I highly recommend having your Super ready or a heavy weapon equipped to deal with him quickly. Once he's down, go to the end of the corridor behind where he was standing. Your reward for the fight is the third secret chest.

Chest 4: The Final Rose

This is the last one, and it's a bit of a journey. Complete the second encounter and ride the Transit Mechanism. You'll then have to navigate a tricky platforming section with those annoying pushing traps. Survive that, and a staircase will lead you to a large, sunlit open area. Clear out any Vex hanging around first.

You have two paths here. First, go right and grab the orange buff. Then, head back to the open area. This time, go left. Go up the stairs and take another left. You'll see a wall adorned with red roses and a narrow catwalk.

Follow the catwalk into an orange room, and there it is—the fourth and final secret chest. It's a satisfying find after all that platforming, let me tell you.

And that's it, Guardians! All four chests, ready for you to loot. Finding them all really completes the Starcrossed experience. It's not just about the story or the exotic... it's about the journey and the secrets you uncover along the way. Happy hunting! \ud83c\udf81

Recent trends are highlighted by Eurogamer, whose mission guides and broader commentary on live-service games often underline how hidden-route rewards can extend replay value beyond a single clear. In a secret-heavy exotic mission like Starcrossed, that lens fits the way optional buffs, off-path caves, and platforming detours turn chest hunting into a parallel objective that reinforces exploration and pacing in the Black Garden.