A service game like Destiny 2 aims to keep its players engaged with new content. The loot shooter has experimented with different models. Tell us: How should Destiny 2 handle expansions?
When Destiny launched in Fall 2017, the excitement was initially high. Although veterans of the first game had to leave behind their entire arsenal and re-equip themselves against new threats, the story of the Cabal invasion was well-received.
A little over a month later, many Guardians were faced with the reality that the content of the so-called Vanilla version did not provide lasting motivation. How would Bungie bridge the gap until the major autumn expansions?
Traditionally, in Destiny, when the leaves fall in September, a large content package is due. Guardians can then enjoy a plethora of quests, adjustments, new gear, and cinematic campaigns. This was also true for Destiny 2:
- With Forsaken, large parts of the game were overhauled, and two new planets joined as the setting for a cool revenge story.
- Shadowkeep invited players to an old acquaintance: the Moon. The eerily beautiful atmosphere of the Earth’s satellite was one of the highlights of this expansion, alongside the new content.
But even outside of the major expansions, Guardians want to be entertained. Bungie has so far tried various models to satisfy the seemingly endless hunger of players. Before we start our survey, let’s take a look at the additional content released so far.
Here’s what the DLCs offered: The first year of Destiny 2 relied on a DLC model. It followed a similar approach to its predecessor, which also handled content updates similarly. One DLC cost around €20. Alternatively, both DLCs could be purchased in a bundle for €35.
The first was Curse of Osiris in December 2017. It featured the new planet Mercury and the randomly generated Infinite Forest. The focus of the small campaign was the Warlock Osiris. In addition to new items, players could explore new Strikes and PvP maps.
In May 2018, players answered a call to Mars with Warmind. Alongside the story, the new location engaged Guardians with a Horde mode. Again, there were new gear and fresh Strike and Crucible content. Overall, this DLC was more extensive than the first.
Both DLCs also gave hardcore players access to new sections of the Leviathan Raids. Additionally, there were some events that were available to everyone, even without owning the paid content.
What the Season Pass offered: As the next chapter in the Destiny universe was written with Forsaken, the nature of content offerings changed. Instead of relying on separate DLCs, a so-called Season Pass was intended to keep Guardians engaged.
The individual contents were no longer sold separately. For €30, players could:
- forge their own weapons in the Black Armory
- join the expansions of Gambit Mode and the Reckoning on the side of the Drifter
- experience the extensive contents of “Season of Opulence.” With the Menagerie, one of the most popular Destiny activities came to life.
Also included were two brand new raids. By now, many of the mentioned contents are completely free to play for all interested, thanks to Destiny: New Light.
What the Seasons offer: Currently, we are in the third year of Destiny 2 and in the Season of Dawn. This phase was heralded by Shadowkeep. Once again, developer Bungie is changing the model for additional content.
Destiny is now fully focusing on individual seasons. In principle, seasons have always run in the background of Destiny 2, but in a significantly “content-scarcer” manner. The new episodes can be purchased individually for around €10 and do not require an expansion or any other content.
Such a season lasts about three months and story-wise prepares players for the next chapter. Destiny is supposed to no longer be disjointed and developed separately, but to form a coherent world. Also, for the near future, Destiny intends to stick to the current system.
Each new season offers smaller content spread out over its duration. Included are, alongside larger patches and season passes, themed quests, exotics, story missions, and seasonal activities.
What does the community say about this?
Which expansion model is the best? Individual DLCs, rather strict Year Passes, or preferred seasons with distributed content? Choosing the ideal path for Destiny 2 to supply players with additional content is not easy.
For the different options, there are pros and cons. While a DLC offers a lot of content at the start, it might overwhelm some Guardians. But after a few weeks of intense gaming, the content drought follows all too quickly. Calls for new content echo to the Bungie headquarters in Seattle.
The approach of the seasons promises new incentives every week to spend time in Destiny. With the next reset, there could possibly be a new cool story mission or a creative exotic weapon. However, those who have taken several weeks off may not find enough content in Destiny 2 to keep them engaged.
Here on Mein-MMO.de, you often discuss this topic. In the comments of the articles, statements like this can be found:
What has the season brought me so far: – one of the most beautiful ornament sets as armor – the Sundial weapons are great for farming, new archetypes have been added…why not always like this!
“3” via Mein-MMO.de
Also, “Der_Frek” enjoys the current seasons and writes: “I admit I am a little curious about what is to come. […] I personally like the Season model because the content is a bit more manageable.”
However, the current path to increase fun is not universally well-received. MeinMMO reader “Ron” expresses disappointment: “For me, the season has been over since day one.”
And Der-Frek also adds to his previous statement: “Especially regarding the Crucible, the game just isn’t rewarding right now.” He speaks for many Guardians, as PvP has been struggling for a while. Can the rumor of a return of the Trials change that?
No matter how you look at it, Destiny 2 will never fully satisfy all its players 100%. And the assumption that large expansions like Forsaken and Shadowkeep could appear at shorter intervals remains a utopia.
Survey – now you are asked
What is your opinion on the topic of content supply? Tell us how Destiny 2 should satisfy the Guardians’ appetite in the future. Remember, you have only one vote. Thank you for participating and for your time.
Which answer did you choose or what ideas do you have for the future of Destiny 2? Let us know in the comments.
