In Destiny 2, it will be easier for solo players to find groups for raids or nightfall strikes. A new type of matchmaking is coming: Guided Games.
In Destiny 1, there is no matchmaking for high-level content such as raids or nightfall strikes. Anyone who wants to master these activities must find a fireteam on their own. Either you have enough friends online, or you scour social networks for potential teammates.
However, many players avoid such LFG sites – the atmosphere is described as too toxic, and it is too cumbersome to find five pleasant players. As a result, many Guardians have never completed a raid in Destiny 1. According to Bungie, only 50% of the player base has even attempted the endgame content.
In Destiny 2, it is supposed to become easier for solo players to find a fireteam for such activities. Everyone should have the chance to play all activities in Destiny 2. The solution is called: Guided Games.
What are Guided Games in Destiny 2?
According to project lead Mark Noseworthy, every player can decide for themselves whether they want to play Destiny 2 solo or in a clan. Solo, Destiny 2 is already great, but the best moments are had in a group when facing challenges together.
With Guided Games, “matchmaking” and “community building” for endgame activities such as raids, trials, and nightfall strikes are connected. This makes it possible for one or two players to find a group that still needs one or two players for their activity. Together, they can then have a good time, according to Bungie.
Guided Games bring clans and solo players together. The process of finding a clan works similarly to a dating app, Noseworthy says:
The seeker, the solo player, receives some clan suggestions. They see the banner and motto of the clan and get a first impression of whether the members of the clan might fit them. If the clan is not to their liking, they can simply swipe on to the next clan, just like on Tinder. If they see, for example, “Oh, these guys speak my language, great!”, they can choose that clan.
In a “normal” matchmaking, on the other hand, players get randomly matched with others. With Guided Games, you have a choice and thereby avoid – at least that’s the idea – toxicity.
Through Guided Games, there are no commitments. You can play the raid together and then go your separate ways. However, Bungie hopes that solo players will find new friends and possibly join the clan. The sense of community is highly valued in Destiny 2.
Clans in Destiny 2
Clans have already been present in Destiny 1. On Bungie.net, you can join a clan; in-game, it will then be displayed as a “nameplate” and as a second friends list. With Destiny 2, clans are supposed to be a feature that is actually integrated into the game:
- Clans in Destiny 2 are groups that you can join to play the game together
- When searching for a clan, you not only see its name but also its motto and banner. This gives you a first impression of what kind of people are in this clan.
- Clans have a progress system and rewards
- They can serve as helpers for Guided Games
Guided Games – Matchmaking the Bungie Way
A matchmaking feature for all endgame content has long been requested by parts of the community. However, Bungie argued that the philosophy behind the toughest challenges in Destiny is that players communicate with their voices and teamwork is paramount. Public matchmaking would contradict this idea.
Guided Games are now supposed to enable solo players not just to play the activities, but to experience them in the best possible way. Regular matchmaking would be the simplest solution, but Guided Games would align more with Bungie’s vision. They want to deliver what the community desires. But sometimes, this comes in a slightly different form, according to Executive Producer David Allen.
In short: Guided Games are matchmaking the Bungie way.
All the known new features of Destiny 2 can be found here.
