There's quite a lot of gear, leveling, and shopping in Destiny that can take a while to get your head around, with multiple currency and reward types resulting in a complicated system. To further the confusion, the game doesn't do a very effective job of communicating how these elements work individually or with one another.
Here Are Our Tips For Succeeding In Crucible Matches
Hopefully, we can help you to understand what you should be aiming for just before and after level 20. Below are some tips and explanations of the Crucible mode which, though tied into the larger game, has its own currency and rewards system built in. Here's what you should be striving towards as you try to acquire legendary and exotic gear and level beyond the soft cap.
Crucible Reputation
If you take Crucible bounties (which include killing a certain number of one class type or defeating opponents in specific ways) from the Tower and complete them in matches, you'll earn Crucible Reputation. Take bounties and aim specifically at completing them while you play Crucible matches to increase your reputation quickly.
General Tips For Jumping Into Destiny
Gaining more Crucible Reputation increases your Crucible Rank, which allows you to buy better items. Lord Shaxx and Arcite 99-40 are the two vendors who sell gear (armor and weapons/vehicles, respectively) based on Crucible Rank, and achieving a higher rank will let you purchase the better gear. You will, however, need Crucible Marks to afford the high-level gear you gain access to.
Crucible Marks
This is a special type of currency used at the two vendors mentioned above to purchase elite items. Once a player reaches level 18, Crucible Marks are handed out automatically for playing Crucible matches. Three are awarded for a win, while two are handed out even if you lose the match. Bungie caps you at only 100 Crucible Marks each week, however--you won't gain any more once you hit that number. This will slow progress for many who would happily grind away freely, but that's unfortunately just how it is for the time being. Additionally, certain rare materials can be turned in for Crucible Marks, so collect the various natural resources or scattered items found on missions.
