Currently, many players are complaining that Destiny 2 is once again pursuing a too casual-oriented approach – although Bungie actually says otherwise. A series of tweets from the well-known pro player Gladd has sparked new discussions around this topic. What do you think?
Why AGAIN too casual? Since Forsaken, Bungie has wanted to do more for the core fans, no longer focusing Destiny 2 on casuals. Because in short: this orientation was one of the biggest points of criticism since the launch of Destiny 2.
Much in the game has been too easy, too diluted, there have been hardly any special moments or long-term motivation. Many veterans and core players were upset. After all, they would keep playing Destiny 2 and keep it alive when casuals have long moved on to other games. However, the game has developed past them.
This promise to align the game more towards its most loyal fans and long-term players has been implemented by Bungie in many areas, at least since the Forsaken expansion, even calling itself an MMO. Random Rolls or the new armor system Armor 2.0 (with Shadowkeep) have been introduced to the game. Challenging tasks like the Last Wish raid, the Broken Throne, the Whisper mission or the infamous Niobe Lab Puzzle have improved the game experience.
However, many core players are now complaining that the game has noticeably become easier again, and in some places is once again too much trimmed towards casuals. And this is happening despite Bungie’s constant insistence to the contrary and their continued emphasis that they are making the game for their most loyal core fans. What’s the truth behind this?
Is Destiny 2 taking a different direction?
This is causing discussions: Fresh debates around this topic are sparked by a multi-part tweet from pro player Gladd. Most Destiny enthusiasts will be familiar with him, as he and his clan Redeem are responsible for numerous spectacular achievements and records around Destiny 2.
What does Gladd say in his tweet? Gladd essentially criticizes, like some other players, exactly this aspect – that Destiny 2 is once again oriented towards casual players. In 5 tweets, he lets his palpable frustration flow free.
In his eyes, the game content currently does not give passionate long-term players a feeling of satisfaction. He almost senses the renewed “separation” and a tendency towards a game model aimed at casuals.
According to him, the seasons feel dragged out and sluggish. Quests have become very short and easy. Top weapons have even lost their name and no longer have unique perks like before. Moreover, these weapons are now becoming easier to obtain season after season.
Also, the grind for crucible ranks is easier and faster than ever – even for casual players. Raids become extremely easy after day 1, and defeating bosses in just one phase is quickly becoming the standard strategy for many groups. Everything is easy; one is over-leveled in every activity compared to the enemies.
Gladd misses the overwhelming feeling of the time when not everything (content) had to be slowly chewed through, when one could pursue activities as they wanted. When it was still rough and challenging.
According to him, there are many players who live and love Destiny. They want challenging secrets, engaging quests, and grind. If everything feels diluted and handed out to everyone, passion diminishes. In his last sentence, he then demands: give us the magic!
What are the reactions to the tweet? Reactions are mixed. Many agree with Gladd. They also see a trend towards casuals and can absolutely understand his objections – even some casual gamers.
However, others emphasize that Gladd is indeed a pro player who earns his living from it and essentially does nothing else. But not everyone can sit and play Destiny 2 all day. The game is currently in good shape and still brings joy to players who cannot play more than 2 hours a day. It should cater to the 99% of normal players and not just to the perceived one percent of the best guardians in the world.
What is the truth of Gladd’s objections? Regardless of how one ultimately views Gladd’s objections – it cannot be denied that he is right about some things.
Even if some new elements have been added over time that clearly address core players, such as Armor 2.0, the additional armor stats, or the random rolls – Destiny 2 has indeed become noticeably easier in many places (but not everywhere) in recent months.
Difficult quests like the Whisper Sniper are currently hard to find. There are also hardly any challenging puzzles, like the Niobe Lab Puzzle. The most challenging activities at the moment seem to be the 980 Nightfall and the raids – aside from that, there is hardly anything left in terms of challenging engagement.
Whereas it used to take entire seasons to obtain some top weapons, many can now be obtained in just weeks or days. And the new ritual weapons cannot compete in terms of quality or the challenge of their quests.
In general, much is handed to players. The power level now essentially plays a secondary role. Recent examples of the trend towards simplification are the legendary sundial activity and the exotic quest (if you can even call it that) for the Devil’s Ruin pistol.
The new difficulty level of the sundial (the hardest activity of Season 9) comes in at power level 950 – 30 levels below the current cap and below the hardest Nightfall from the previous season, which can be further overleveled with the artifact. The activity does not differ much from the regular version apart from some modifiers, poses no real challenge for most guardians, and offers little incentive to play it.
Moreover, the new exotic quest is not well-received by many. Although the great dialogues and Shaxx’ singing compensate for this quest design for some guardians, many are dissatisfied with this way of introducing new exotics into the game. Because as part of the new quest, the new weapon exotic is essentially given for free once you receive the quest. One does not have to do much for it.
However, whether Destiny 2 has generally become too easy and completely targets casuals, or whether Bungie is currently serving both sides, core and casual players well – we now want to know from you. What do you think about all this?
Destiny 2 too casual again? Participate in our survey
In this context, we have prepared a survey for you and want to know how you view the development of Destiny 2. Is Destiny in a good situation that equally satisfies all sides? Did the focus shift back strongly towards casual players? Or do you feel that the game is too focused on core fans?
Keep in mind that you only have one vote. Thank you for your participation and your time.
Feel free to share your opinion on this topic with us and other readers in the comments.
