In Destiny 2, the gear from the Trials of the Nine was discovered in the launch trailer for Shadowkeep. Guardians hoped for a return of the Trials, but were quickly disappointed.
What happened? Yesterday, on September 24th, Bungie presented the launch trailer for Shadowkeep – the upcoming autumn expansion for Destiny 2. Not only are a few action-packed scenes shown, but the key innovations of “Fortress of Shadows” are also introduced.
Starting around minute 1:12, the trailer discusses Armor 2.0. This is the revised armor system that gives you more freedom and – according to the trailer – thousands of build possibilities. In the background, a few pieces of armor from the Warlock were shown, like this one:
This is the Trials gear from the Warlock!
What kind of gear is this: Resourceful Guardians have taken a closer look at this Warlock armor, which was only visible for a short time, and discovered: This is the Trials gear that Warlocks could earn in Year 1 of Destiny 2.
Here you see concept art of the Warlock Trials armor for comparison:
The armor from the launch trailer undoubtedly shows some features of the Trials armor, such as the pattern on the chest or the pointed spikes on the gauntlets. Shortly after the trailer’s release, many Guardians on Reddit agreed: Without a doubt, this is the Trials gear!
These speculations arose: Only armor pieces that can drop in Shadowkeep can have Armor 2.0 . Since “Armor 2.0” was highlighted when this armor was shown, hopes were raised that
- either the Trials will return soon
- or one can obtain the Trials gear through other means
On YouTube and Reddit, the topic was picked up and speculations were fueled. Bungie is likely teasing something – perhaps a completely new activity through which players can obtain the gear.
Armor was shown by mistake
This is what Bungie says about it: As the topic has become quite significant in recent hours, community manager Cozmo spoke up on Reddit.
He writes that he has checked this. It seems that the armor was shown by mistake in the trailer. And he confirms: The “Trials of the Nine” armor sets cannot be earned during the Season of the Undying. This is Season 8, which will be ushered in with Shadowkeep.
In other words, there is merely an error in the trailer.
On Reddit, users are quite upset about this mistake. They are disappointed and frustrated. The “F-word” is mentioned multiple times. Additionally, some are questioning how such an error could even happen. After all, someone had to make the conscious decision to include this armor in the trailer, knowing that players cannot obtain it, one Guardian laments.
Another Guardian replies to Cozmo’s response: “My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined”.
What happened to the Trials?
This is what happened to the Trials: When Destiny 2 launched in September 2017, the game quickly faced criticism. Many problems and annoyances, especially in PvP including the Trials, marred the player experience.
The Trials were merely another part of the homogenized experience known as the Crucible. This PvP mode offered no variety, just a few new weapons and armor pieces. By early 2018, the Trials had painfully faded away, with players leaving the mode in droves.
Bungie pulled the plug and put the Trials on ice. They have remained there to this day. The PvP mode, which had engaged the best PvP players in Destiny 1 for years, was taken offline in Destiny 2 for a fundamental overhaul. When it will return along with the Trials gear is still up in the air.
Now we know: Definitely not during Season 8.
