Ah, the eternal chase for Data Pads in Destiny 2! As a Guardian who's practically married to their Sparrow, I can't help but snicker at how these unassuming little gadgets have become the ultimate XP goldmines. Seriously, who needs a social life when you can spend hours combing through The Edge of Fate update for those sweet Challenger XP boosts? It's 2025, and Bungie still knows how to hook us with collectibles that feel like digital crack—easy to find with a guide, but oh-so-addictive. Personally, I remember stumbling upon my first Data Pad; it was like finding a dollar in an old pair of jeans—utterly thrilling! But let's be real, why do we even bother? Probably because maxing out that Artifact feels like winning the lottery without buying a ticket. 😂

The Solo Ops Shenanigans

For those lone wolves out there, Solo Ops offers just one Data Pad, tucked away in The Conflux activity. Talk about a quick win! As a player who often goes solo to avoid Fireteam drama (you know, the kind where someone blasts music mid-raid), I found this pad laughably simple. It's hidden near a crumbling pillar in the central chamber—just look for the faint blue glow. Navigating there felt like a walk in the park, but hey, free XP is free XP! Doesn't it make you wonder why Bungie didn't add more here? Probably to save our sanity.

Fireteam Ops Frenzy

Now, this is where the party starts! Fireteam Ops dishes out a whopping 8 Data Pads across four different activities, each rewarding Challenger XP++. As a Fireteam regular, I've had my share of chaotic hunts—like that time my team spent 10 minutes arguing over who saw the pad first. Good times! To keep things organized, here's a handy table of locations for all eight pads:

Activity Type	Number of Data Pads	Location Hint	Personal Experience
Op Alpha	2	Behind a supply crate near spawn	Felt like a treasure hunt—easy to miss if you're rushing!
Op Beta	2	Under a broken bridge in the mid-zone	Spotted it while dodging enemy fire—pure adrenaline.
Op Gamma	2	On a rooftop overlooking the battlefield	Took a scenic detour; totally worth the view! 🌄
Op Delta	2	Inside a hidden alcove in the final arena	Almost skipped it, but that XP++ saved my season.

Why go through all this trouble? Because grinding for Seasonal Rewards shouldn't feel like a chore—it should be a blast! And let's be honest, who doesn't love showing off to their Fireteam?

Onslaught Madness

Next up, the Onslaught modes in Midtown and Widow's Court. No need to endure all 30 waves—just hit waves 5 and 10 for each map. As someone who's died more times in Onslaught than I'd care to admit, this felt like a merciful shortcut. Bungie really gets us! Here's a quick list of where to snag all four pads:

• Midtown Wave 5: Behind a dumpster in the alley—watch for snipers!

• Midtown Wave 10: Atop a billboard; jump carefully or face a hilarious fall. 🤕

• Widow's Court Wave 5: Near the central fountain—easy pickings if you're quick.

• Widow's Court Wave 10: Inside a ruined building; bring a flashlight for the spooky vibes.

Personally, I loved the chaos of hunting these mid-battle; it's like playing hide-and-seek with a side of alien mayhem. But why stop at wave 10? Maybe Bungie will add wave 20 surprises in the future!

Pinnacle Ops: Exotic Mission Thrills

The grand finale is the Exotic Mission, Starcrossed, in the Pinnacle Ops section. With two Data Pads to recover, it's a perfect capstone to this 15-pad saga. Navigating Starcrossed felt epic—like starring in my own sci-fi movie. The first pad is in a dark corridor early on; I almost missed it while admiring the stellar visuals. The second? Perched on a ledge during the final showdown. As a lore nerd, I adored the tabs attached; they added depth to the story without feeling forced. But is two pads enough? Probably—it keeps the mission from becoming a slog.

Wrapping this up, collecting all 15 Data Pads isn't just about XP; it's a journey of laughs, frustrations, and sweet rewards. Looking ahead to 2026, I dream of Bungie introducing interactive Data Pads that unlock mini-games or voice lines from our Ghosts—wouldn't that be a game-changer? After all, in a universe filled with darkness, a little light-hearted fun never hurts. So, Guardians, ready to hunt?