How does the big fall expansion “Forsaken” perform shortly after its launch in Destiny 2? Our author Sven shares his first impression after 6 hours.
On September 4, the Forsaken expansion for Destiny 2 launched. Both Bungie and many fans have high hopes for the fall add-on. After all, Forsaken is supposed to be the breakthrough for the critically acclaimed Destiny 2.
Because Destiny 2 is at a crossroads. For many fans, Forsaken represents the last chance they are giving the game. So much is at stake for Bungie and Destiny – possibly everything.
Our author Sven shares his first impressions of the new expansion.
Note: This is not a final review or test of the Forsaken add-on, but rather the personal first impression of our author.
Destiny 2: Forsaken – Started with skepticism and pleasantly surprised
As a huge Destiny fan, I started with many hopes and expectations but primarily with a large dose of skepticism into the new Forsaken expansion. The first impression really surprised me – positively.
Different game than just two weeks ago: Even with the Update 2.0.0, the preload for Forsaken, players could try out first features of the Forsaken add-on like the new weapon slot system or the sandbox changes.
Since September 4, the Forsaken package is now complete, and I have to say: Destiny 2 feels completely different to me since the launch than just two weeks ago.
Not just because a lot is new, but because the game does many things differently than just a few weeks ago – in my eyes, better.
What I’ve seen so far convinces me: With the launch of the expansion, I tried to gain as wide an impression of Forsaken as possible, and I played both the story and tried out numerous other activities and aspects of the game alongside.
What I have seen and experienced so far is undoubtedly convincing and makes me somewhat more optimistic that Forsaken could indeed become what many fans and players of Destiny 2 expected at launch.
Forsaken brings more depth
With Forsaken, Destiny 2 has noticeably more depth and much more to offer than it did not so long ago. I am currently playing intensively with one character and I have the feeling every day that I am merely scratching the surface of something very big – a feeling that I have never experienced in Destiny 2 before.
Also plenty to do outside the story: My goal is currently not to rush to a high level to be best prepared for the start of the raid – that too is a novelty for me in Destiny 2.
Because even aside from the story and the leveling process, I find so many exciting things around me that engage me that the ultimate pursuit of the highest possible power level and the raid takes a back seat for me initially.
New features enrich the game: I am looking forward to every legendary weapon or armor drop thanks to the return of Random Rolls. Every item is thoroughly inspected again. The old anticipation and excitement for good loot is definitely back for me – just like in the days of Destiny 1. Just because of this, many activities have become more exciting and attractive again.
Atmospheric locations: Furthermore, I have spent a lot of time reading the lore, which can now be found everywhere in the game world. The new area “Wirrbucht” has quickly become an explorer’s and collector’s paradise for me.
All the more I am now looking forward to the Dreaming City. Because there, a plethora of puzzles, secrets, loot, and lore is said to await me.
My first visit to the stages leading to the Sanctuary of the Awoken makes me eager for more. Also, some triumphs have already captivated me and give me even more to do alongside the usual activities.
The best Destiny story so far
Although the story is still not from an Oscar-winning drama, it is far better and more exciting than it has been in the Destiny series so far. Particularly, the hunt for the eight Barons and Uldren was a lot of fun for me and played out more enjoyably and varied than I expected.
Gambit is fun but worrisome
The new PvEvP mode Gambit has also captured my interest. While I was somewhat skeptical during the demo, the mode is a lot of fun in its full scope with the corresponding rewards.
The mode offers enormous tactical possibilities, especially in teams, and in my opinion, has tremendous addictive and fun potential. However, I do not perceive Gambit as the revolution per se in the shooter genre, as Bungie once touted it.
My concern: One problem I see with Gambit is the fact that established teams could eventually push out randomly assembled groups over time. When you currently go into battle against strong teams as a random player, you notice it faster and more intensely than in competitive PvP. As a solo player relying on random matchmaking, you quickly hit your limits there.
Because the Gambit mode offers numerous tactical nuances and possibilities, which coordinated squads can benefit from enormously and can thus completely destroy randomly assembled teams. Bungie would need to improve in my opinion – for example, in the form of a separate playlist for solo players.
The PvP has pulled me back
This is how I find the PvP: The PvP is fun again. With the random rolls and mods, numerous weapons can now be customized for specific play styles, which immensely contributes to my enjoyment of the game.
Also, I find the sandbox changes and the current time to kill overall successful and reasonable. The new weapon system completes my personal PvP experience. In short: Despite the currently broken matchmaking, I have never had as much fun in PvP as I do now.
Forsaken: Good start with a bitter aftertaste
The thorn sits deep: But as much as my first impression gives me hope, the disappointment over the first year of Destiny 2, the numerous unsuccessful rescue attempts, and the many broken promises runs deep.
Bungie has also promised a lot for Forsaken. And according to my first impression, the new expansion is delivering on almost every critical front.
Forsaken must now convince in the long run – that is what matters: Bungie is definitely on the right track with Forsaken. But whether the expansion can really save Destiny 2 – it’s still too early for such an assessment.
In the short term, the game has already convinced me after just a few hours. With Forsaken, Destiny 2 is already a very different experience for me. But whether this experience can also captivate in the long run – in my opinion, that will be the pivotal question.
Factors like endgame, long-term motivation, raid, content supply – all this will crystallize in the coming weeks and months. If Forsaken can also convince in these critical areas for many fans, then maybe we will finally get the game we have been longing for for a long time.
Is it worth buying Forsaken?
Many fans and potential interested parties are currently increasingly asking whether it is worth buying the Forsaken expansion. At the moment, I would give the following answer: It depends on what you hope for and expect from the game.
For short-term fun: I would already say yes to those who enjoy the gameplay and game mechanics of Destiny 2 and who want to invest a decent double-digit number of hours into a game and have short-term fun – especially if you are new to it.
For the long term: I would advise anyone who wants to play Destiny 2 regularly for a long time or even make it a hobby to wait the next 3-4 weeks. Then you should be able to adequately assess the other factors that will be crucial for the game in the long run.
