Destiny: What are Engrams and how do you get them
Weapons and armor may be located within coded Engrams. Engrams share the same rarities as other items in the game, and they appear as glowing crystals in the world.
TOC: Walkthrough | Weapons Guide | Golden Chest Locations | Dead Ghosts Locations | Spinmetal Leaves Locations | Raid Walkthrough | Raid Weapons Guide | Raid Armor Guide | Tips, Tricks & Cheats | Mars Gold Chest Locations | Moon Gold Chest Locations | Venus Gold Chest Locations | Earth Gold Chest Locations | Weapon Drop Locations | Hunter Class Loadouts | Warlock Class Loadouts | Titan Class Loadouts
Any enemy can potentially drop an Engram, though Majors and Ultras have a better chance of doing so. A coded Engram displays the basic type of item within, but to discover the exact item, you must take these coded Engrams back to the Cryptarch in the Tower. You may find an Engram for a primary, special, or heavy weapon, or for a helmet, chest armor, gauntlets, leg armor, or Class Armor. The Cryptarch can analyze and decrypt Engrams, discovering the pattern for the weapon or armor contained within.
Decrypting Engrams also has the pleasant side effect of raising your reputation with the Cryptarch. You can even buy Engrams directly from the Cryptarch. This instantly identifies the item within and grants you bonus reputation with the Cryptarch immediately. Very rare Engrams may contain additional bonus items, such as Glimmer or Ascendant Materials.E