When Does Destiny 2 Get Good?
Fans of Destiny 2 often mention to new players it can take quite a while to get into the rhythm of the gameplay loop, with repetitive grinds, complicated loot and inventory, and a story that, while good at times, can confuse a new player. That being said, for those that stick out approximately 20-30 hours of gameplay often turn into 100+ hour players. Whether or not you want to commit to that first timeframe is up to you.
What Fans Say:
Fans of Destiny 2 are drawn to its dynamic gameplay, expansive lore, and stunning visuals. Bungie’s ability to craft a living world with evolving narratives keeps players engaged over time. The game’s first-person shooting mechanics are often praised as some of the best in the industry, with weapons that feel impactful and unique. Cooperative play, especially in raids and strikes, fosters a strong sense of community among players.
Seasonal content updates and major expansions, such as Forsaken, Shadowkeep, and The Witch Queen, are highly celebrated for introducing compelling story arcs, new regions to explore, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The player-versus-player (PvP) modes, particularly Trials of Osiris, maintain a dedicated fanbase, despite occasional balance issues. Additionally, fans love customizing their Guardians with a wide array of gear, shaders, and cosmetics.
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What Haters Say:
Critics of Destiny 2 often highlight its repetitive grind, which can feel monotonous for some players. The game’s reliance on seasonal passes and microtransactions has drawn ire from parts of the community, who feel that the monetization model diminishes the overall experience. Content vaulting—where older expansions and activities are removed to make room for new updates—has also sparked controversy, as players feel they lose access to content they’ve paid for.
Other detractors point to an inconsistent PvP experience, plagued by matchmaking issues and occasional weapon imbalances. Some players find the lore overly complex and difficult to follow without delving into external resources like lore books and videos. Additionally, the steep learning curve can be intimidating for newcomers, especially with the game’s ever-expanding ecosystem of systems and mechanics.
Aggregated Critic Commentary:
Critics consistently praise Destiny 2 for its polished gameplay and ambitious storytelling. The game’s ability to weave narrative into gameplay is noted as a significant strength, particularly in expansions that focus on character-driven stories. Bungie’s expertise in crafting compelling shooting mechanics ensures that the core gameplay loop remains satisfying, even for critics who take issue with other aspects of the game.
However, some reviews echo fan frustrations about grinding and monetization. Critics also note that while expansions deliver standout content, seasonal updates can feel uneven in quality. Despite these issues, Destiny 2 is often described as a landmark title in the looter-shooter genre, thanks to its scale, polish, and ongoing community engagement.
Overview of the Game:
Destiny 2 is a sprawling online multiplayer first-person shooter developed by Bungie. As a sequel to 2014’s Destiny, the game builds on its predecessor’s foundation with an enhanced narrative, deeper RPG elements, and a vast shared-world experience. Players assume the role of Guardians, protectors of humanity who wield the Light to combat various alien threats and unravel cosmic mysteries.
The game’s story begins with the Red War, where players face off against Dominus Ghaul and his Cabal forces after they strip humanity of its Light. Over time, Destiny 2 has expanded its universe through major expansions like Forsaken (which introduced the Tangled Shore and Dreaming City), Beyond Light (which added Stasis powers and explored the icy moon of Europa), and The Witch Queen (a deep dive into the lore of Savathûn, one of the Hive’s most enigmatic villains).
Gameplay is divided into PvE and PvP activities. PvE content includes story missions, strikes, raids, and seasonal events, while PvP offers modes like Control, Rumble, and the high-stakes Trials of Osiris. Bungie regularly introduces new weapons, armor, and abilities to keep gameplay fresh, and events like Iron Banner and Festival of the Lost provide additional engagement.
Destiny 2 thrives on its cooperative multiplayer elements. Raids, in particular, are a highlight, requiring teamwork, communication, and strategy to succeed. The game’s rich lore—spanning centuries of fictional history—is unveiled through in-game dialogue, collectibles, and cutscenes, offering a treasure trove for dedicated lore enthusiasts.
As a live-service game, Destiny 2 continues to evolve, with Bungie delivering seasonal content updates and expansions that expand the universe. While its grind-heavy structure and reliance on monetization have been points of contention, the game’s high-quality gameplay and engaging universe make it a staple in the looter-shooter genre.
Season Highlights:
Base Game (The Red War): The launch of Destiny 2 introduced players to the Red War campaign, where Guardians faced the Cabal’s invasion and the loss of their Light. The story was more cohesive than its predecessor, earning praise for its cinematic presentation and memorable set-pieces. Players explored new zones like the European Dead Zone (EDZ), Io, Nessus, and Titan while collecting powerful gear to reclaim their strength.
Forsaken: This expansion marked a turning point, bringing a darker tone to the game with the death of fan-favorite character Cayde-6. Players pursued revenge across the Tangled Shore and uncovered secrets in the Dreaming City. The addition of the Gambit mode—a hybrid of PvE and PvP—was a standout feature, and the raid Last Wish became an instant classic.
Shadowkeep: Set on the moon, Shadowkeep delved into the mysteries of the Hive and the Darkness. Players encountered Nightmares of past foes, adding a psychological element to the narrative. The season also laid groundwork for the introduction of the Pyramid ships, which would become central to later expansions.
Beyond Light: This expansion introduced Stasis, the first new elemental power since the game’s launch. Set on Europa, Beyond Light explored the moral complexities of wielding Darkness-based powers. The icy landscapes and dynamic weather systems offered a fresh visual palette, while the raid Deep Stone Crypt became a fan favorite.
The Witch Queen: One of the most celebrated expansions, The Witch Queen revolved around Savathûn’s schemes and her throne world. The introduction of weapon crafting and the Glaive weapon type added depth to gameplay. Critics and fans alike praised the campaign’s storytelling, which featured twists, memorable characters, and a satisfying conclusion.
Similar Games:
- Warframe – A free-to-play looter-shooter with deep customization and fluid combat.
- Borderlands 3 – Known for its humor, colorful visuals, and endless loot.
- The Division 2 – A tactical looter-shooter with a focus on squad-based gameplay.
- Halo Infinite – Offers similar tight shooting mechanics and sci-fi storytelling.
- Anthem – Though flawed, its flight mechanics and cooperative gameplay resonate with Destiny 2 fans.
If You Like These, You’ll Like This Game:
- Mass Effect Legendary Edition – For its expansive universe and character-driven storytelling.
- No Man’s Sky – Combines exploration with cooperative multiplayer.
- Outriders – A looter-shooter with engaging combat and an intriguing narrative.
- Diablo IV – While more RPG-focused, its loot systems and cooperative play appeal to similar player bases.