In Destiny 2’s Echoes quest step Specimen ID: NES001, the Assimilation Piston is found somewhere in the Breach Executable activity space on Nessus, not at one guaranteed coordinate. Search the nearby area as you complete objectives, find the Vex device marked with a gray star, then use Failsafe’s Planetary Piston Hammer when the prompt reads “Smash Planetoid Assimilation Piston.” Activating it reveals nearby Radiolite samples.
Where to find the Assimilation Piston
Launch Breach Executable on Nessus and check the surrounding activity area as objectives progress. Guides describe the piston’s location as variable, so do not rely on a single room or coordinate. One walkthrough notes a possible appearance after the first objective, but that is not a guaranteed spawn location.
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The piston is a Vex structure with an ornate, bronze-looking base and a glowing energy effect. Look for the gray star marker as you search. When you are close enough, confirm that the interaction prompt says “Smash Planetoid Assimilation Piston.”
How to activate it and collect Radiolite
- Start the activity: Launch Arena: Breach Executable on Nessus for the Specimen ID: NES001 objective.
- Search after objectives: Before moving on, scan the nearby activity space for the marked Vex device.
- Use the hammer: Approach the piston and interact with the Planetary Piston Hammer obtained from Failsafe. The interaction uses a hammer charge.
- Collect the samples: Activation reveals nearby Radiolite samples. Pick them up before continuing.
What to know about hammer charges
A GamesRadar+ guide reports a maximum of five Planetary Piston Hammer charges and says they recharge through Echoes activities. Treat that as historical guide information rather than a confirmed current-game limit: the available guides date from 2024, and the charge rules may have changed.
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Availability note
This walkthrough reflects 2024 guides for Destiny 2: Echoes. Whether Breach Executable and the NES001 quest step remain available in the live 2026 game, and whether access requirements have changed, is not established here. Check the current in-game quest and activity listings if you cannot launch it.
Quick Recap
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- Destiny 2
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