Bungie's highly anticipated shooter Destiny 2 is finally here, and we'll have lots of coverage in the days and weeks ahead. For now, we're collecting all the big details to know about, including our review in progress, recent news stories, and other key particulars. You can keep checking back with this story as we learn more about the shooter.
Editor Kallie Plagge spent 20 hours playing Destiny 2 and came away feeling generally impressed and eager to keep playing. She is starting again now that the game is in a live environment and will document her progress in a Destiny 2 review diary (now updated for day three) over the next few days as she plays more. You can look for Kallie's full review in the days ahead.
Destiny 2 Review
"I haven't finished the main story yet, but so far it's a clear improvement over Destiny's much-maligned storytelling," Kallie said. "Like the beta, Destiny 2 begins with an attack on The Tower by a Cabal faction called the Red Legion. But rather than being thrust into situations with little to no context, as was so often the case in Destiny, each mission of the Red War arc has objectives that make sense within both the mission itself and the grand scheme. Locating a missing Cayde-6, for example, is important to the fight against the Red Legion, since he's a powerful Hunter. But fighting waves of Vex to get to him also makes sense, as he's trapped in a Vex teleporter, and that small bit of context makes that moment feel distinct from others where you're killing the same enemies."
For Destiny veterans, a lot has changed in Destiny 2, while the game will also see many newcomers to the series. Whichever boat you fall in, we'll have plenty of guides to help you succeed in the days and weeks ahead.
Unlike the first Destiny, Destiny 2 is available only for new-generation consoles, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It's also coming to PC, but not until October 24. Returning players will get rewards and a nice little memorial.
Destiny is available in Standard, Digital Deluxe, and a Game + Expansion Pass Bundle. The Digital Deluxe edition comes with a Legendary emote and the Cabal Empire-themed emblem. It also includes the Expansion Pass, which comes with two expansions to be released later. The Game + Expansion Pass Bundle is pretty self-explanatory.
Here are the prices:
Standard -- $60/£55/$100 AU
Game + Expansion Pass Bundle --$90/£80/$140 AU
Digital Deluxe -- $100/£90/$150 AU
People who pre-ordered Destiny 2 will receive the Coldheart Exotic rifle, the Kill-Tracker Ghost, and the Salute emote.
According to Destiny 2's store pages, the game weighs in at 30.9 GB on PS4 and 34.98 GB on Xbox One. The PC version's file size may end up being larger, but we don't know yet.
What Is And Isn't Available In Destiny 2 Now?
While Destiny 2's first Raid, Trials, Guided Games, and in-game Clan features are not available, you can play the full campaign and the Crucible multiplayer mode. Additionally, Destiny 2's first Nightfall Strike is available now.
The raid kicks off at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 6 PM BST on September 13 (3 AM AET on September 14 in Australia). Trials will become available at the same time on September 15 (16 in Australia). The in-game Clan features will go live in the next several days, Bungie said, but for now you can access Clan-management systems through Bungie's website.
If you're willing to take a break from leveling up, the Farm social space holds an intriguing secret that you might have overlooked. [More details and mild spoilers here]
How To Kill Those Annoying Phalanx Enemies
In the original Destiny, defeating Phalanxes usually involved either chucking a grenade behind them, or shooting the tiny bit of arm visible sticking outside their shields. In Destiny 2, they've been granted a brand new weak spot, smack in the middle of those shields. Ping that glowing spot with a few shots and the shields retract, stunning the jerks in the process. [Lots more details here]
Known Issues, Technical Problems, And Server Queues
Destiny 2's release is poised to be massive, likely straining the game's servers. To allow for a better experience, Bungie is using a system MMO players are familiar with: server queues. Bungie has warned that players may not be able to immediately access the game. In order to "regulate player population to provide stable conditions for Destiny gameplay," server queues can pop up in Destiny 2 just as they could in the previous game. In other words, you may have to wait in line before you can play. Additionally, there are a number of issues to be aware of.
One of the shortcomings of Destiny 1 was that content was not released fast enough to meet players' expectations. For the sequel, Bungie is working with outside studios like High Moon and Vicarious Visions to create and release content faster. We know there are two paid expansions coming, and recently, a leak suggested the first expansion is called The Curse of Osiris and will be out in December. It'll supposedly add a patrol zone on Mercury, a social space, and a storyline centered around Osiris.
Keep checking back with GameSpot in the days and weeks ahead for lots more on Destiny 2.
Like in the original game, Exotics are the most desirable items for you to obtain in Destiny 2. While you're sure to get your hands on some through loot drops from enemies or chests, there are also those that you can obtain through a specific process.
There will likely be more uncovered in the days and weeks ahead, but to help kickstart your Exotic collection, we've rounded up the ways in which you can get your hands on several right now. You're guaranteed to get one piece of armor fairly early on by completing story missions, but these guides should give you some targets to aim for (or an idea of what's required if you want something specific). One word of caution: You may want to wait before completing quests that reward you with an Exotic, as your Power level will determine how strong it is. By waiting, you'll ensure you get a higher-level weapon without needing to infuse it.
We'll continue to update this guide with more walkthroughs in the days ahead. For more, check out our roundup of Destiny 2 guides, tips, and tricks.
Coldheart (Exotic Trace Rifle)
Coldheart is very straightforward to obtain: if you pre-ordered the game, you'll get it--eventually. As with the bonuses for purchasing Destiny 2's Deluxe edition, you first need to complete the campaign. Once you've done so, you can simply head to the Gunsmith (located at the Farm) to acquire it.
Sturm (Exotic Hand Cannon)
Once again, completing the campaign is a prerequisite for getting your hands on Sturm. With that out of the way, head to Nessus and start the mission O Captain (at Exodus Black, near Failsafe). Make your way through it and you'll receive the sidearm Drang, and then receive a request to talk to Rahool. You'll have to bring him a number of Engrams--five Legendaries and one Exotic--and kill 10 Fallen on Nessus using Drang. Rahool will then send you to Tyra Karn at the Farm, who will send you to Nessus to kill 10 Fallen without reloading (though it seems you can kill a few, reload, and then kill a few more to make progress). After that, you'll have to 10 powerful Fallen on Nessus using Drang. Head back to Tyra and she'll send you to the Exodus Crash Strike on Nessus where you have to kill the Servitor named Kendriks-7. Go back to Tyra, and Sturm is yours.
MIDA Multi-Tool (Scout Rifle)
Again, you'll need to complete the campaign to qualify for this. Work your way through the various missions available in the European Dead Zone, culminating in the mission titled Enhance, which will net you the MIDA Mini-Tool. (Take note that this step involving Enhance is currently bugged--make sure you have more than one Energy Weapon slot available when completing the quest.) With that in hand, head to Banshee-44 at the Farm to receive a new mission: using a scout rifle, land 50 precisions shots and then get 25 multi-kills without reloading. Go back to Banshee-44 for the next quest, which tasks you with dismantling five Rare (or better) scout rifles. Returning to Banshee-44 will give you another quest, this time to rack up 50 kills while in mid-air with the MIDA Mini-Tool. With that complete, see Banshee-44 for your new MIDA Multi-Tool.
One of Destiny 2's many additions to existing systems is the concept of Heroic Public Events. These are harder versions of the standard Public Events you run into throughout the world and, as such, provide an opportunity to earn better loot. Unlocking them, however, is not quite as simple as pressing a button to jack up the difficulty.
The process for activating a Heroic Public Event varies from one to the next. There is a specific set of steps you (or the other players around) have to follow; these need to be repeated within the time limit each time you want to attempt a Heroic. The video above provides a step-by-step breakdown of what you need to do for each Public Event, which should make it easy to identify exactly where to go and what to do. You'll also find the instructions for each Heroic below--be mindful to do everything before the event's time limit expires. For more, check out our roundup of all of our Destiny 2 guides, tips, and news.
Injection Rig Heroic Public Event
Start out by killing a Psion, and then shoot a vent at the top of the rig. Although you'll be taking damage, be sure to destroy it. Kill the next Psion and destroy another vent located in the middle of the rig. Kill a third Psion and then destroy the vent that becomes exposed at the bottom of the rig. You may need to run around the middle in order to see which part of it has opened up to take damage. This process will cause a boss, Infiltrator Valus, to spawn, whom you'll need to defeat.
Destroy The Arsenal Walker Heroic Public Event
The goal here is to obtain the three Scorch Cannons surrounding the area, each of which is encased in a dome. As usual when dealing with a walker, attack one of its legs until it collapses. This will cause it to drop three Arc Charges, which you'll then need to carry to one of the domes containing a Scorch Cannon. The dome will have a place to deposit the Arc Charge, and you'll need to bring a total of two to each dome to get your hands on the weapon. Eventually, a second walker will be deployed, and you'll have to defeat both of them to finish.
Glimmer Extraction Heroic Public Event
At each of the sites throughout the event, there is a device that is extracting Glimmer. Destroy each of these before eliminating all of the nearby enemies. Then, at the final site, you'll have to guard a pile of Glimmer while standing in a designated area to complete a transmat process. Stay in the area as much as possible, as the transmat has to finish before time runs out.
Cabal Excavation Heroic Public Event
Stand near the drill to make progress, and eventually a Cabal Thresher ship will fly in nearby. Do everything you can to quickly destroy it, as it only sticks around for a limited time. If you manage to do so, a Centurion boss will spawn who needs to be defeated to complete the Heroic.
Witches' Ritual Heroic Public Event
Start out by killing a pair of Wizards while standing on the designated circles on the ground. At this point, you'll need to stand on one of the circles and destroy two shards--one is above and to the left of the big portal that enemies are coming through, and the other is above and to the right. This will cause a Hive Knight boss to spawn in; defeat him, and you're all done.
Ether Resupply Heroic Public Event
Before taking out the giant Servitor, quickly kill all of the smaller ones around the area. Once they've been dealt with, the main enemy becomes more challenging. Defeat it and you're done.
Taken Blight Heroic Public Event
The initial goal here is to destroy the giant Blight ball, which is immune to regular damage. In order to hurt it, you'll need to obtain the Blight Receding buff by going into the nearby Blight-infested area. Step back outside with the buff and deal as much damage as you can to the big Blight ball. Once you've destroyed it, the Blightmaker boss spawns in, and you'll have to defeat it to complete the Heroic.
Spire Integration Heroic Public Event
In addition to protecting the main conduit, players have to go around and stand on nearby pads. There are three in total that need to be captured, and once that's done, a Hydra will spawn in that needs to be defeated.
Destiny 2 has officially launched, and soon it will be available worldwide. Full reviews won't arrive just yet, but reviews-in-progress from a pre-release event have been online for a few days, with more impressions from the live version also becoming available.
The much-anticipated sequel doesn't radically shake up the Destiny formula, instead opting primarily to refine and improve the core of the first game. You can see our breakdown of Destiny 2's five biggest changes for a basic idea of what to expect.
Below, you'll find a collection of various critics' impressions of the game so far. In GameSpot's Destiny 2 review in progress, Kallie Plagge calls the story a "clear improvement over Destiny's much-maligned storytelling," adding that "Destiny 2 builds on the original in smart ways that make me excited to keep playing." We've also more recently published a Destiny 2 review diary (now updated for day two) that offers more of Kallie's thoughts now that the game is live.
Release: September 6 (PS4/Xbox One), October 24 (PC)
Price: US $60 / £50 / AU $100
GameSpot
"Of course, all of this still feels like Destiny. The new social space, the Farm, is functionally the same as the Tower in the original. Finding loot and switching out your old gear still takes up a significant portion of your time. Enemies have been tweaked, but they're not wildly different, either. That's not necessarily bad, but it also makes me wonder if I'll see Destiny 2 as a sequel, rather than a half-step forward, the longer I play and the more I grind and repeat." -- Kallie Plagge [Full review in progress]
"Though I've only replayed things I've already done, I'm still excited about Destiny 2. I can't wait to find my next exotic weapon, but I'm also looking forward to completing more Adventure missions and learning more about the world. My next step is to finish the story, reach level 20, and run some Strikes, so check back soon for more impressions." -- Kallie Plagge [Destiny 2 review diary]
US Gamer
"Destiny 2 doesn't necessarily feel like full sequel to Destiny, but it doesn't need to. So far, what's here is fun and engaging. As I polish off the Story Campaign, partake in the current elder game, and await the unlocking of the Raid next week, I'm having fun. I don't know if it stands up to the best MMOs yet, but I'm liking what I'm seeing so far." -- Mike Williams [Full review impressions]
Polygon
"At the very least, what I've played of Destiny 2 is an incredibly promising start. In plain English, it feels like Destiny without all the bulls***. It seems like the sequel Bungie needed to make--not a fundamentally different experience, but improved enough over its predecessor to reel veterans back in and attract people who skipped the original Destiny. Now we have to see how it holds up." -- Samit Sarkar [Full review in progress]
IGN
"So far, while I'm in the endgame grind I'm still having a good time, and I'm excited to hop back in and get my first max-level character. But as I mentioned, there's not a lot of clear direction from Destiny 2 after completing the campaign, and as much as I've loved the story I'm left feeling like I've seen it all, and I'd really like to see more. The upcoming Raid and Trials multiplayer mode do promise more narrative threads for me to pull at and I can't wait to dive in to see if they satisfy my content hunger pangs. Still, I'm thrilled to see Bungie deliver on its story promises and give a more balanced PVP experience. " -- Destin Legarie [Updated review in progress]
Rolling Stone
"However, what's remarkable about the structure of Destiny 2--aside from it having a real central plot--is that it achieves what the first Destiny tried but ultimately failed to do: it gives the player freedom. Yes, there's some linearity to the Red War missions and the order in which the destinations are introduced--but you can spend the bulk of your time wherever you're most comfortable, where you find combat encounters most fulfilling, or where the rewards on offer are most appealing to you." -- Alex Kane [Full impressions]
Ars Technica
"I am not at an ideal state to issue anything resembling a verdict. But I at least feel safe declaring this: I entered the event perturbed that I would play so much Destiny 2 and not get to transfer that progress to the final, retail version. Now, I am anxious to dive back in and try again. I want to flex the muscles of an entirely different class. I want to devote far more attention to so much in-mission dialogue and exposition. Above all else, I want to group up with some friends and see how the 'always a battle around every corner' sensation feels when I have some persistent fireteam members at my side." -- Sam Machkovech [Full pre-review]
DualShockers
"So far, Destiny 2 has improved upon the original Destiny in every way. There's a Pierce Brosnan-impersonating sniper who serves as your faction representative for the European Dead Zone. There's new enemy types, including staff-wielding Fallen Wretches and caped-flaming-crossbow-wielding Hive Knights. There are cutscenes where The Speaker, who never really had much to say, is actually a savage and disses Ghaul in rap-battle proportions during cutscenes. When I sat down to play this game I had one mission for Bungie: prove to me that Destiny 2 isn't just another expansion. Thankfully, it turns out that Destiny 2 has listened to the fans and has taken a look in the mirror: the product is one that I--so far--thoroughly enjoy." -- Noah Buttner [Full review impressions]
One of the many ways in which Destiny 2 makes small but welcome changes to the original game concerns subclass upgrades. No longer do you obtain new abilities and skills simply by grinding away; something called Upgrade Points are now used to pick out precisely the things you want to unlock. But just because you have options for things to spend your Upgrade Points on doesn't necessarily mean you should do so right away.
Upgrade Points are earned in a variety of ways, including completing Adventures, but the easiest way is by leveling up. Each level you earn rewards you with one Upgrade Point, but that point can be spent on any subclass--not just the one you're currently using.
Once you hit the level cap, those Upgrade Points won't be quite as easy to secure, and thus, unlocking everything in a given subclass eventually becomes a more time-consuming process. As a result, you should consider planning ahead and being frugal with your Upgrade Points.
If you know you're excited to play a subclass that you won't unlock until later, you would be well served to save some of those early Upgrade Points until you can dump it into your subclass of choice.
Destiny 2 is out now, and among the elements that you can play beyond campaign and the Crucible is the first of the game's weekly Nightfall Strikes. A Nightfall Strike is a special version of the activity, with special modifiers to crank up the challenge.
A post on Bungie's website confirms many of the details about this first Nightfall Strike, including the name, "The Arms Dealer." Your task is to "shut down the operations of an ironmonger providing weapons to the Red Legion."
Unfortunately, the modifiers are being kept under wraps. So you'll have to discover those for yourself when you play the game. We do know the challenges, however, and these include the following:
Speed Of Dark: Complete the Nightfall with at least 5 minutes remaining.
Unbroken: Complete the Nightfall with fewer than 3 deaths.
Trash The Thresher: Shoot down a Thresher while fighting Bracus Zahn.
Nightfall Strikes, along with their modifiers, rotate weekly, so you'll have many more chances in the future to try your hand at them. Given that the modifiers change, it is recommended that players select a loadout with the modifiers in mind, but you can do whatever you want.
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