Destiny 2 is gaining more players, even though no major expansion has been released. What this could be due to and whether smaller changes might have larger impacts can be found here at MeinMMO.
Steam is seeing an increase in players on Destiny 2, even though the Witch Queen expansion is still months away. A long season is ahead of us, yet the sci-fi shooter is undeterred that 2021’s traditional autumn expansion is not happening. As indicated in Steam charts, more and more players are joining:
- In the last 30 days, average player numbers on Steam have grown by 48.05%.
- With an average of 84,843.8 players, Destiny 2 has reached its highest player count on Steam since November 2020.
What is driving players to Destiny 2 now? Bungie has provided comprehensive innovations in system and in-game content with the new “Season of the Lost.” This means not only were many NPCs reworked in their ranking system, but there were also changes to the transmog system and new content, such as new armor and weapons from the Iron Banner.
The biggest change that most Guardians were eagerly awaiting were the Trials changes. The hardcore PvP mode, which was plagued by many Tryhard players, is now a thing of the past. Bungie made many smaller changes for a great impact and transformed the nightmare for any PvP player into an accessible platform for fair fights.
More matches are being played in the Trials than ever before in Destiny 2
The Trials of Osiris kicked off over the weekend. The challenges came with some notable changes. This led to a real boom in players over the weekend. Never before have so many matches been played in the Trials as this weekend. This was confirmed by the stat-tracking site Trials Report with this Twitter post:
Smaller changes initiated by Bungie in Season 15 are responsible for this. These changes have a significant impact on the ongoing nature of the Trials, as can be seen in the numbers.
What has changed?
- Anti-cheat engine has been implemented
- Matchmaking has been adjusted
- Pass has been adjusted
- Loot system has been upgraded from the annoying coins to a better ranking system
- Solo Guardians and Guardian duos can now compete against teams or other solo players
All players can now sweat: In Trials, it was common to compete against other three-player teams with a team of three Guardians. There was never an average. Neither in Destiny 1 nor in Destiny 2 could solo or duo players compete against other mini-groups; it was always against full three-player teams.
Bungie has now made changes for a more accessible mode. Solo or duo players who are good at PvP can now connect to matchmaking and be matched with random players.
This creates a more accessible atmosphere, as no player is excluded by prescribed dogmas. However, there is a risk of being wiped out by a well-coordinated sweat team of three Guardians, but thanks to the new matchmaking, emphasis is placed on equal performance.
So don’t worry – you will be matched with Guardians with whom you could keep up.
It rains loot: Bungie also reworked the loot system in the Trials. By completing matches, you now earn points as in the Crucible or Vanguard. These vary based on victory or defeat. After playing matches, you rise in rank with the Saint and can thus claim appropriate Trials rewards in his reward branch.
However, you will also have the opportunity to earn Trials engrams after achieving rank levels. These can then be focused for legendary shards and Glimmer at the Saint for your desired item. Rahool the Cryptarch in the Tower would be the cheaper option, but there you can only obtain random Trials items.
Trials could now develop positively thanks to these changes. Many players can earn a flawless ticket if they have the patience to stick with it. Through changes like in the case of the Trials, Bungie fosters a positive environment where every player can have fun without being mercilessly beaten down by hardcore players.
What do you think about the fact that Destiny 2 is gaining more players due to such changes? Do you find these changes good? Let us know in the comments.
