In Destiny 2, the PvE experience in Gambit can vary completely from match to match – even when facing the same PvE enemies. Sometimes the mobs feel like super enemies, other times like the last weaklings. But what is the reason for this?
With the Forsaken expansion for Destiny 2, a brand new mode was introduced. This mode is called Gambit, which embodies a mix of cooperative PvE battles against AI enemies and PvP elements, where players compete against each other.
Some guardians have noticed that there might be a hidden mechanic in the background of the PvE part. What’s the matter?
Why does the Gambit experience sometimes vary so greatly? What fans think
Fans have noticed the following over time in Gambit: As numerous players report, the gameplay experience in Gambit against the AI enemies can vary greatly, even when encountering the same enemy race in the next match or a few rounds later.
There are moments when players feel like they die from just two enemy hits as soon as they peek their head out of cover – and this is across the whole map. Yet, in the subsequent match, one can comfortably stroll through entire hordes of enemies without reaching a critical state.
Conversely, it often behaves similarly. There are rounds where, for example, only a single melee hit is required for the Cabal dogs. A few rounds later, however, it may well happen that one melee attack is no longer sufficient, and a second has to be followed up – even though it is still the same Cabal dogs.
Furthermore, the enemies in Gambit often seem more aggressive and deadly than in most other PvE environments like strikes, events or patrols. Fans feel that in some matches, the enemies seem to endure more damage, shoot more accurately and quickly, or even track the guardians across the map. However, in just one round later, everything can be normal again.
What fans suspect behind the fluctuating experience: Officially, nothing is known about possible modifiers or potential buffs and debuffs for guardians or AI enemies. The only things that are known to change from round to round are the maps, the enemy races, and the human opponents.
However, due to these observations, many fans now conclude that there must be a hidden system with modifiers – similar to strikes or heroic story missions. This could modify the health, damage, and behavior of enemies.
Guardians themselves could also be affected by different buffs or debuffs in the background. This would explain why the experience sometimes changes drastically, requiring players to adapt their playstyle and arsenal accordingly.
The majority of fans have no problem with the current state of Gambit. However, some would like more transparency from Bungie so that they know what to expect and can better prepare for matches. The relevant Reddit post is currently one of the top topics in the Destiny 2 subreddit. It will be interesting to see if Bungie responds.
By the way: It would not be the first time that Bungie introduces hidden mechanics, as evidenced by the once secret ammunition or XP mechanics seen in the past.
What are your experiences in Gambit? Do you also think that the experience can vary drastically between individual matches? Or have you never noticed a significant change?
