If you choose to head into the Central Academy in Destiny 2, you’ll run into a locked door puzzle that requires interacting with the environment, not just blasting your way through enemies. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to unlock the door, find the hidden tunnel, and defeat the boss standing in your way.
The Best Way to Finish the Aionian Laboratory Mission in Destiny 2
Choosing the Central Academy Route
After completing the first mission, the second quest step gives you a choice between two routes. For this objective, you’ll want to choose Central Academy, which leads directly to the Aionian Laboratory.
You’ll gain access to the Central Academy terminal once the prior objectives are completed. If it’s still locked for you, clear out the nearby enemies and finish the quest phase tied to it. After that, use the Academy Terminal to progress into the zone.
Objective: “Find a Way to Break the Lock”
Inside the Academy, after speaking to a nearby NPC, you’ll reach a locked door. The objective marker tells you to break the lock, but it’s not immediately clear how.
Solution – Destroy the Yellow Capsules
You’ll need to destroy three yellow capsules in the area to unlock the door. These capsules act as locking mechanisms.
- Capsule #1: Located near the locked door.
- Capsules #2 and #3: Positioned across the room, usually on elevated platforms or attached to walls.
Use any weapon to shoot and destroy them. Once all three are down, the door will unlock, allowing you to proceed.
A Legendary enemy might spawn in this section. It’s optional to defeat, but it can reward you with upgrade materials.
Defeat the Boss and Finish the Step
Later on, you’ll enter a room where a boss enemy awaits. Defeat the boss and clear out any additional enemies. Once the area is secure, a few characters will appear for brief interactions.
Final Tips
- Bring a mid-range weapon for easily shooting the capsules.
- Watch out for hidden enemies that can interrupt while solving puzzles.
- The environment gives visual hints. Look for glowing panels, colored capsules, or blinking lights.
- If you’re running Prismatic, keep an eye out for mechanics that synergize with subclass interactions.
Destiny 2’s The Final Shape doesn’t just push the story forward—it layers in thoughtful environmental puzzles that test your ability to observe, adapt, and solve problems under pressure. Getting into the Aionian Laboratory is one of the first moments that encourages exploration and quick thinking, setting the tone for the challenges ahead. Mastering mechanics like capsule destruction and terminal activation now will help you later on, especially in more intense scenarios like strikes, exotic quests, or raids. So stay sharp, Guardian. The scientists are counting on you, and the Witness won’t wait. Check out my guide on how to finish the Invitation Mission with ease!
