In the MMO shooter Destiny, a key art for the next expansion “Rise of Iron” has been circulating on the internet for a few days now. We will explore some theories that the Guardians have put forward so far.
“Rise of Iron” is expected to be the next expansion of Destiny, which is anticipated for this fall. This is indicated by a key art that was likely intended for E3 in June and has been confirmed as “real” by sources to the US site Kotaku.
This poster depicts a Titan in the center, surrounded by wolves, wielding a flaming axe (or hammer?). In the background, a shattered wall rises.
So far, there is no official information about this expansion, but Kotaku claims that there will be a new raid featuring the Fallen. The image has sparked numerous speculations over the weekend, despite or precisely because of the lack of information available. We want to introduce some theories collected by the YouTuber MoreConsole.
The Setting – Where does the “Rise of Iron” expansion take place?
We can assume that Bungie has packed this poster full of hints that point to upcoming content. The wall reminds many Guardians directly of the Cosmodrome on Earth. And clever Guardians have found a logo that reveals the specific location on this poster:
This logo is the emblem of the Russian Federal Bureau of Aeronautics, an organization that operated in the Cosmodrome during the Golden Age. The symbol on the wall is already findable in the game: right where the journey of our Guardians begins:
What role does Lord Saladin play and what is the Iron Banner?
Many Guardians are sure: The Titan in the image is Lord Saladin, whom we all know from the monthly Iron Banner event. The armor in the image matches that of Lord Saladin, and the wolves seem to leave no doubt: after all, the wolf is the ubiquitous symbol of the Iron Banner. However, it may also be an unknown Titan.
Speculations are being made here: Does the “Rise of Iron” expansion possibly tell the story of the “Iron Lords” and the “Iron Wolves”?
These are groups that defended the Last City in its early days. So far, little is known about them: both the Iron Lords and Iron Wolves are honored in the Iron Banner tournament – the names of the weapons are named in honor of the Iron Lords. The speculation strongly suggests that we will learn more about these mysterious groups and the early defense of the Last City in the fall.
So far, we have only encountered Lord Saladin in the Iron Banner through PvP. How this will change with the update remains to be seen.
But what role does Lord Saladin play in this? The edges of the wall breach in the poster show flames licking at the edges. Did Lord Saladin – if it is indeed him in the poster – break through this wall with the flaming axe himself? What could be the reason for that? And what is the meaning of the axe?
What is the significance of the flaming axe?
The community is divided on whether it is truly an axe or rather a hammer that the Titan proudly holds in his hands. However, the tendency clearly leans towards an axe. And just as the axe is ablaze, the Guardians are also fired up about this new potential melee weapon.
With the “King of the Taken” expansion, swords found their way into the game, allowing players to eliminate enemies up close. Will axes now emerge as a fresh weapon type this fall? And will there be different elemental damage types? This could mean that the Titan on the poster wields a Solar axe.
A clever Guardian may have already found this axe in Destiny: The Titan emblem “Thalor’s Golden Maul” depicts a golden axe. According to its description, this symbolizes Thalor, a victor in the Crucible. It seems Bungie has already envisioned Titans with axes in advance. An early concept art of the Titans suggests this as well:
If the axe is introduced as a new weapon type, it is still unlikely that only Titans will wield the axes. Hunters and Warlocks would probably not be pleased.
The Wolves – more than just a symbol of the Iron Banner?
The poster shows the Titan surrounded by three wolves. These are not the Fallen from the House of Wolves, but the “real” pack animals. Reading through the speculations of the Guardians, one often comes across the pious wish that these wolves should play a larger role in the game:
They should be found directly in the game: for example, as controllable units for combat. Guardians want to interact with them; they should be more than just the symbols of the Iron Banner.
Will every Guardian stride through the Destiny universe with wolves by their side in the future? This speculation seems quite unlikely. But who knows what Bungie will pull out of the hat this fall.
What do you think of these speculations? Do you have different theories on the matter?
