Our author Sven was able to take an exclusive look at Destiny 2 Shadowkeep before the release and already play some content himself – including the new Moon location. And he really liked it. Since then, the wait for the upcoming autumn expansion has been sheer torment.
Warning, potential spoilers ahead! Read at your own risk!
This is how I was able to play Shadowkeep early: I was one of the few lucky ones who were recently invited by Bungie to a preview event in Seattle. This allowed me to try out selected content of the new Shadowkeep expansion directly in the game studio before the launch.
What could I test? First of all, I went into the first story mission of Shadowkeep. This takes place on the Moon and introduces the Guardians to the story surrounding the new expansion. After that, the Moon location itself was unlocked, and I was able to freely explore it for a while in patrol mode.
Note that I am not allowed to talk about everything I experienced, saw, and heard in this context. Bungie wants you to discover certain aspects of the expansion on your own. Other content was on the program, but I will only discuss that in later articles.
Why I can hardly wait for the Shadowkeep expansion after my first Moon trip in Destiny 2
One thing in advance: The Moon was already one of my absolute favorite locations in Destiny 1, and even after the relatively short first impression of Shadowkeep, I can say with considerable certainty: This will likely remain the case in Destiny 2.
However, not because I am biased or looking at the whole thing through rose-tinted nostalgia glasses, but because Bungie has succeeded in something great with this location that could excite both veterans and newcomers alike.
Exciting campaign start: Here I can only speak for the first mission, but the way the story unfolds there definitely makes you crave more. Whether that will remain the case, however, remains to be seen.
And here’s what it’s about: The Guardians registered a seismic disturbance on the Moon, which leads to increased activities of the Hive. They are now pouring out of the fortress in masses, apparently encouraged by these disturbances. I am supposed to get to the bottom of it.
Side by side with other Guardians, I fight my way to the gates of the Scarlet Fortress, the existence of which, by the way, the Vanguard was apparently already aware of for some time – but not its purpose. On my way, I learn that probably Eris Morn is responsible for this disturbance and instigated it. Now I must look not only for the Hive, but also keep an eye out for the old acquaintance.
After I cleared up at some key points, I finally entered the fortress’s interior, where after a creepy encounter, I ultimately discovered the cause of the increased Hive activity – a highlight for lore lovers and for anyone who generally followed the great story surrounding Destiny (And no, I don’t mean reuniting with Eris). Stay tuned!
Since then, I have been burning to finally find out how the Shadowkeep campaign continues – something that hasn’t been the case at least in my experience with every storyline of Destiny.
Nostalgia pure: Those who already know the Moon from Destiny 1 will feel right at home on the Moon in Destiny 2. The beta of the first part took place here, and the Space Magic, this special something, has not been so present for me anywhere else in the Destiny universe since then. This feeling not only remains with Shadowkeep, but in my opinion, it has even been enhanced.
Iconic places like the Hellmouth or the Firing Line are still there, but shine in a new light. The first mission starts, by the way, on parts of a popular multiplayer map (First Light) from the first series installment. You immediately recognize everything but also notice that the visuals have been refined and the familiar areas have been beautified. This does the location a world of good and complements it appropriately and meaningfully, without taking away its originally dark, terrifying character.
Also enough new for veterans: Those who, as veterans, might now fear they might know almost everything about the Moon because they played Destiny 1 can rest assured – this is not the case. Even for seasoned Guardians who have fought the Hive on the Moon, there is plenty of new things to see and discover.
By this, I don’t even mean new activities like the Nightmare Hunts or features like the Rune Table, where there is fresh loot to grab, but the location itself. There are numerous new areas, including the fortress, to explore. The new Moon has quite a bit more to offer than can be seen at first glance; much remained undiscovered during my visit.
By the way, it can be worth taking a detour into already familiar areas. Because where it didn’t go further before, new paths or branches now lead you to previously unknown locations, which are waiting to be discovered by you.
In short: If you were intrigued by the Moon and Oryx’s Dreadnaught in Destiny 1, it’s very likely that you will feel the same about the new Moon in Destiny 2. The Earth’s satellite also offers enough new content so that you don’t just feel like you’re back in Destiny 1.
Great location for everyone who is entering the Moon for the first time: Those who missed Destiny 1 and started their Guardian career only with the second part can also look forward to this. Because with the new Moon, they can soon experience an important part of the Destiny universe up close – in my opinion, they are being served one of the best if not the best locations of Destiny 2 so far.
The areas on the Moon that I have seen so far are very atmospheric and varied. What may appear bright or even inviting on the surface can already seem dark and very threatening further inside or around the corner.
Because much of the Moon is hidden beneath its surface. No other location from Destiny 2 manages to evoke such an immersive feeling of a real threat to humanity as the new Moon can.
Those who (like me) could hardly relate to the “Lord of the Rings” fantasy aesthetics of Forsaken or generally prefer a darker setting around the Hive will definitely find satisfaction here.
Personal conclusion: I must honestly admit: I almost curse that I was already able to see the new Moon. Because after what I have experienced there so far, it is clear to me: I want to go back – and the sooner the better. I definitely want to see more of the Moon. I want to try all the new things that are waiting for me there and uncover all the secrets hidden in the Hive tunnels and structures. The wait is now truly a torment for me.
On the other hand, I can now sleep soundly. Because even though I initially went into the event with a healthy portion of skepticism, I am now quite sure: a great (and for many a new) location awaits me, which will give me at least many more hours of fun in the Destiny universe. What also makes me hopeful: Much, if not most of the Moon, such as the new dungeon, I haven’t even seen during the time allotted to me.
All the more I look forward to diving into the new expansion on October 1st and returning to the Moon.
You can also get your first impressions of the Moon in the following two videos from Nexxoss Gaming: He was also at the event in Seattle and was able to capture many new impressions of the story mission and the Moon.
In this video, you will see excerpts from the first Shadowkeep mission:
Here you can get a better idea of the Moon:
Are you looking forward to the return or your first trip to the Moon? Can you relate to this setting or have you already had enough of it with Destiny 1? Let us know in the comments.
