Destiny 2 receives the next major expansion with Beyond Light. November brings some exciting new features for the game, such as new locations and classes. Read all the information about the DLC, the release date, various editions, and next-gen.
What is Destiny 2: Beyond Light? Behind this name lies the Destiny highlight of the year. It is the third expansion for Destiny 2, which is called “Beyond Light” in German.
In November, Guardians will receive a ton of new content and numerous profound changes that will greatly alter the gameplay experience. Fortunately, you don’t need any of the previous content.
Information about the release, the transition to next-gen, and everything that space cowboys and those who want to become one might ask about the next Destiny chapter can be found here.
Release: November 10, 2020
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X / S, PC via Steam, Google Stadia
Developer and Publisher: Bungie
Destiny 2: Beyond Light Release, Platforms & Storage Space
When is the release? The expansion Beyond Light will launch on November 10.
Initially, the release date was set for September 22. Due to the COVID crisis, Bungie announced on July 16 that the Guardians would have to wait about 2 months longer before they could set foot in the snow of Europe.
The delay also led to an extension of the currently ongoing season of arrival:
The expansion will be available on the following systems: Beyond Light heralds the next Destiny chapter.
- PS4
- PS5 (available in Germany from November 19 / worldwide from November 12)
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X|S (available from November 10)
- Steam
- Google Stadia
The expansion will therefore be available on all platforms where you can currently play Destiny. Additionally, Beyond Light will be available in an upgraded form for Sony’s (PS5) and Microsoft’s (Xbox Series X / S) next-gen consoles.
Is there a pre-load for the expansion?
Yes! A precise time for the pre-load is currently not known.
Bungie has informed us that we can start downloading at least 10 hours before the release (via Bungie). We assume that after a successful download you can play Beyond Light during the reset on November 10.
This is how much storage space is required
With Beyond Light, Destiny 2 will significantly reduce your storage. The game shrinks by up to 40%.
- The actual installation size is estimated to be between 59 to 71 GB depending on the platform.
- In the current season of arrival, the game, for example, takes up 105 GB on PS4.
However, there is a catch regarding storage space: To prepare for Beyond Light, you must completely re-download and install the entire game. The pre-load is expected to mitigate this.
Destiny 2: Beyond Light on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X
What we know about Destiny 2 on Next-Gen: You can play Destiny 2 on PS5 and Xbox Series X. The game will be adapted to the much higher performance of next-gen consoles.
If you own Destiny 2 on previous-generation devices, this upgrade is free of charge.
What is coming at the launch of the new consoles:
- Immediately at the release of Xbox Series X and PS5, you will benefit from faster loading times
- You will have immediate access to cross-generation play – so anyone who could not get a new console remains connected with their friends
- This means that PS4 Guardians can play together with Guardians on PS5 and players on Microsoft’s Xbox Series X / S can team up with players on Xbox One.
This next-gen update is coming: On December 8, console players will then enjoy previously PC-exclusive features:
| Feature | PS5 | Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S |
| Resolution | 4K | 4K | 1080p (HD) |
| Frame Rate (FPS) | 60fps | 60fps | 60fps |
| Field of View Slider (FoV-Slider) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Faster Loading Times | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cross-Generation Play | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free Next-Gen Upgrade | Yes | Xbox Smart Delivery | Xbox Smart Delivery |
As the release of the two next-gen consoles approaches, Bungie wants to discuss the announced improvements in more detail.
Further technical improvements, also for the current console generation, are:
- Faster, smaller, nicer – Destiny 2 receives an engine upgrade with Beyond Light
- Destiny 2 gets dynamic weather for the first time: blizzards & ice storms in Beyond Light
- Destiny 2: Has a 6-year old engine problem – Can Beyond Light change that?
Story of Beyond Light: What it’s about in the new expansion
Currently, the Guardians are in Season 11, the Season of Arrival. Mysterious pyramid ships of Darkness are spreading across the solar system – players have been looking forward to the arrival of this enemy for 6 years.
Variks, an old acquaintance and traitor, lures you to the DLC location Europa starting November 10. But other important characters have also set off for there, some of whom have been hidden since Destiny 1:
- The grumpy Eris Morn,
- the Exo-Stranger, who probably has time this time, and
- the Drifter have gathered on Europa.
- The new main villain in the DLC is the Kell of Darkness –Eramis, a nasty Fallen, who has been bothering us from the background for years.
- The mysterious pyramids are also present on Europa.
So far, little is known about the DLC’s story. In an interview, MeinMMO has already learned about how the overarching story plans look until 2022: Destiny 2 will continue for years as an MMO.
The new location Europa: Beyond Light introduces a brand new area: Jupiter’s ice moon Europa.
We already know that we will encounter the Vex and Fallen in the ice deserts, ruins of the Golden Age, and underground laboratories. If you want to get an initial impression of the size of the new zone, you can start a virtual tour of Europa here.
Check out the German video here to see what awaits you on Europa:
What about Season 12? Along with the expansion, the next season in Destiny 2 also starts. However, Bungie has remained silent about its name, content, or timeframes.
However, we know that a season model will also be used in the future to bring content to Guardians alongside the annual expansions. In the coming weeks, we expect insights into roadmaps and a preview of the season pass.
Destiny 2: Beyond Light Pre-order
All prices and editions of Beyond Light for the various platforms as well as the bonuses can be found here.
What editions are available for Beyond Light?
Destiny 2: Shadowkeep is currently offered in three different editions with various extras – these are available digitally in your platform’s shop, in Bungie’s Store or from other retailers. Additionally, there are three collector’s editions that are only available through the Bungie Store:
- Destiny 2: Beyond Light – Standard (39.99€)
- Destiny 2: Beyond Light – Standard + Season 12 (49.99€)
- Destiny 2: Beyond Light – Deluxe Edition (69.99€)
- Destiny 2: Beyond Light – Collector’s Edition (212.99€)
- Destiny 2: Beyond Light – Collector’s Edition without game (138.99€)
- Destiny 2: Beyond Light – The Stranger Edition (129.99$) – Only available in North America for PC (Steam)
All pre-orders will receive an immediate pre-order package including the exotic Ghost shell “Reifkristall” and a legendary emblem:
What differentiates the editions?
All editions except “Collector’s Edition without game” offer full access to the Beyond Light expansion. If you want to secure physical goodies or small in-game bonuses or the season pass for the upcoming year, you have a tough choice.
Destiny 2: Beyond Light – Standard Edition + Season 12:
- provides additional access to the full seasonal content of the previously unknown Season 12
- the weapon bundle of the Stranger (Exotic pulse rifle “No Time to Explain” Exotic “No Time to Explain” Catalyst)
“Destiny 2: Beyond Light – Deluxe Edition:
- includes all previous content
- seasons 12, 13, 14, and 15
- the “Beyond Light” exotic emote
- the upgrade package of the Stranger (Exotic Sparrow “Every Other Horizon” Exotic “No Time to Explain” ornament)
Destiny 2: Beyond Light – Collector’s Editions: Again, all contents of all previous editions are included. However, there are also some tangible collectibles included:
- “Shard of Darkness” die-cast replica with lights
- the Europa Explorer bag
- the Europa Explorer canteen
- a mysterious logbook and other findings from Europa
Currently, all collector’s editions are sold out.
If you live in North America, you can still pre-order the “Destiny 2: Beyond Light – The Stranger Edition”.
- This comes with a 25 cm tall statue of the Exo-Stranger and
- a code for the deluxe edition for Steam.
New Features and Changes from Beyond Light
As befits a major expansion, Beyond Light brings numerous new content that enrich Destiny 2 and partially change it drastically. For the first time, a new element will be introduced, entire planets will disappear, and will be replaced by highlights from Destiny 1.
Week by week, Bungie presents deeper insights into the upcoming DLC – so there will regularly be updates in this article.
Stasis: New Super for All Classes and the Ice Element
What you need to know: With Beyond Light, Destiny introduces the first new element ever since the game’s inception. Joining Arc, Solar, and Void from November 10, Stasis will be added. This type of damage is bestowed upon us not by the light of the Traveler, but by the power of Darkness.
In the game, the abilities resemble the ice element. You can create ice walls, freeze enemies, and dramatically shatter them. Our enemies will also gain access to Stasis.
Check out the trailer here to see what Guardians can do with the new power:
This is what the new classes can do: Instead of expanding the existing supers or focuses with Stasis abilities, Beyond Light gives you new classes.
These are much freer in choosing their abilities and come with a new customization system:
- The Revenant Hunter becomes a Ninja with Stasis
- Shadebinder Warlocks become nasty ice mages thanks to Stasis
- The Colossus is the prototype of a Titan, but with more ice
The Destiny Content Vault swallows half the game
This is happening to old content: Destiny 2 will receive fresh content with Beyond Light, but players will also have to say goodbye to a massive amount of known content. Almost half the game will be moved into the so-called Destiny Content Vault (DCV).
Starting November 10, you will no longer be able to visit these locations:
- Mars
- Io
- Titan
- Mercury
- Leviathan
But not only the patrol areas there will disappear, all quests, PvP maps, strikes, and raids will also be unreachable to you.
This is what the solar system will look like soon:
Why is this happening? An insider has revealed why Bungie is really cutting half of Destiny 2: The game simply became too large, too unwieldy, and carries tons of dead content. The “sunsetted” content can then be quietly maintained. This is meant to make the game future-proof, as Destiny 3 is not a topic for Bungie.
We should imagine the DCV as a large resource pool of content from Destiny 1 and Destiny 2. This also means there is the possibility that soon you might experience the highlights from the first game in Destiny.
Already at the launch of Beyond Light, parts of the Cosmodrome will be available. Later on, the iconic raid “The Vault of Glass” will follow.
For more information on the topic, check out:
- Destiny 2 cuts 2 years of content from players that they paid for
- Destiny 2 will rotate content soon – Bringing back cool moments from part 1
- That’s why Destiny 2 cannot go on indefinitely – PS4 and Xbox One are to blame
New Weapons and Armor
We don’t know much about the new legendary weapons and armor coming with Beyond Light yet. We only know how the sets from Europa look. Nothing is known about new perks or properties.
Additionally, it is known that you can hunt a new “quest weapon” in Gambit, the Crucible, and Strikes: A sniper rifle serves as a replacement for the removed pinnacle weapons.
The new Exotics: We know a lot more about the 10 new Exotics from Beyond Light. Bungie has introduced these, including their unique abilities, in a trailer.
Here you can check out the 4 new weapons and 2 Exo armor pieces for Hunters, Titans, and Warlocks in the German video:
We also already know that the famous hand cannon The Last Word will be available again in Beyond Light. However, the luck mechanic is expected to be significantly adjusted.
Finally, a new raid comes in Beyond Light
The last raid for 6 players came to Destiny 2 just over a year ago – in Shadowkeep. With Beyond Light, you and your fireteam will be able to prove yourselves with tough mechanics and nasty boss enemies – and, of course, acquire exclusive loot.
We currently do not know the name of the new raid. Bungie traditionally holds back with information about weapons, armor, or secret exotic quests.
Off to the Deep Stone Crypt: But we already know when it starts and where the adventure will lead you. Deep beneath the frozen surface of Europa awaits the Deep Stone Crypt.
The “Beyond Light” raid goes live:
- On November 21, the new raid will open its gates
- At 19:00 German time, the launch will commence
In addition, some special competition conditions will be active in the first 24 hours to ensure fairness. You can find more about this and the rewards for your efforts here:
Other important changes in the autumn DLC
We provide you here with a compact overview of other changes that will come with Beyond Light:
- Changes to Ghosts: Destiny 2: Soon finally useful AND beautiful – Beyond Light improves Ghosts
- This is happening to Gambit: Destiny 2 wants to save Gambit in Beyond Light – Merging aims to solve problems
- After a year, there are changes to mods: Destiny 2 will soon bring the mod changes you always wanted
One of the most significant changes will likely be sunsetting – the “weapon and armor sunset”. With Beyond Light, all weapons and armor (except Exotics) will have a cap for infusion.
This topic is being controversially discussed – including by the MeinMMO community:
Destiny 2: New Light Details – What will be different with Free2Play
This will be cut: Many contents that Guardians could play with the free version Destiny 2: New Light will disappear into the content vault. This includes, for example, the three campaigns from Year 1.
What can I play? The following contents will be available for free starting November 10:
- Free-to-play players can tackle patrols in the listed locations (but cannot complete story missions there)
- Play Strike, Crucible, and Gambit playlists
- Complete the dungeon “Prophecy” – this is set to be active again shortly after the release of Beyond Light
- Participate in events such as the Winterfest “Dawn” or the “Crimson Days”
- Experience the new introduction in the Cosmodrome
For more detailed information, you can find here: Destiny 2 cuts many contents soon – What remains for the Free-to-Play version?
Destiny 2 will soon get a new beginning – Here’s how your journey as a Guardian starts
This new beginning is coming: To make Destiny 2 more understandable for fresh Guardians, the beginning of the adventure will be significantly expanded. You will complete several missions in the Cosmodrome that familiarize you with important mechanics and systems of the loot shooter.
Why this is also interesting for veterans: The new beginning can be experienced by all players. Even long-time Guardians from Destiny 1 will find new things in the missions – for example, a new “lost sector”.
This should evoke nostalgia while also guiding new players more strongly by the hand.
Do you have any open questions about the major expansion Beyond Light? Tell us in the comments what features and changes are most interesting or important to you.
What you can still do until the release on November 10 and why a special highlight could await us before the launch of Beyond Light, read here:
Your opinion is important to us!
Do you like the article? Then let us know!