Video | 6/10/2019 at 5:00 PM
Prepare to Return to the Moon in Destiny 2: Shadowkeep
Huh... turns out the Moon really IS haunted
There are a lot of big changes on the way for Destiny 2. Last week, Bungie released a new video documentary (aka, "ViDoc") that not only covered the next big expansion that's arriving this September, but also a digital storefront change, cross-save across all platforms, and a free-to-play version of the game that includes all of the content from Destiny 2's first year. Bungie is really busting out, here.
The 15-minute ViDoc can be found below, but here are the quick bullet points:
Shadowkeep - this is the big expansion that will arrive on September 17 this year. Much like "Forsaken," it will feature a new campaign, new destination (the Moon), new gear and exotics, a new raid, and a new dungeon (three-player mini-raid). There are also some changes on the way with gear progression (looks like you'll be able to choose mods for your armor), and Artifacts (last seen in Destiny 1) are making a return. The story this time revolves around Eris Morn releasing some terrible power on our closest planetary body, and she needs some assistance putting it back to sleep. If you've never played Destiny before, then you'll be able to jump in with this expansion because of...
Destiny 2: New Light - as mentioned earlier, this is the free-to-play version of Destiny 2. It includes the base game, the "Curse of Osiris" DLC, and the "Warmind" DLC. It also includes the Gambit mode (PvEvP) that was introduced with "Forsaken." If you've got a friend you've been trying to convince to play the game with you, then this is a pretty good starting point. They pay nothing and get a lot out of it. Plus, you'll be able to join them for all of the missions and quests so they're not just playing catch up by themselves. If they like it, then they can pick up "Shadowkeep" and join you in a new adventure! The free-to-play version is being released across all platforms - PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 - which is good because...
Cross-Save is Coming - we're getting closer and closer to that glorious future where people can play a game on their platform of choice and STILL be able to play with friends regardless of whatever platform they may be on. For now, Bungie is taking a small step in that direction by adding cross-save/cross-progression to the game. Basically, you'll create one primary account that will let you pick up and play your characters on any platform you want. Did your friends all head to the PC once that version got release, leaving you behind on the PS4 or Xbox One? Good news! They can come back and play with you and not lose anything!
Destiny 2 is Moving to Steam on PC, and Will be Part of Google Stadia - if you have been enjoying the title on the PC, you'll need to make a little move soon. Now that Bungie is their own publisher and broken ties with Activision, they undoubtedly needed a new home for their game. Fortunately, the PC isn't exactly hurting for digital storefronts. On September 17, the game is making a full move from Battle.net to Steam, but don't worry, everything will transfer with it. Check back on this page later this summer to see how to transfer your account. Also, the game will be available on Google's streaming platform, Stadia. You can pre-order the Founder's Edition to get all Destiny 2 content, including "Shadowkeep," along with a Stadia controller and a Chromecast Ultra.
All-in-all, a lot of good stuff on the way for Destiny 2. I'm particularly glad about the armor changes as I don't particularly enjoy having four or five different sets sitting around in my inventory to swap out based on what guns I'm using. Hopefully, Bungie will also be smart and allow us to save certain loadouts (and if not, PLEASE DO THIS BUNGIE!) No doubt there will be even more news a little later this summer as Guardian Con is just around the corner, so we'll certainly be interested in hearing what else Bungie might have in store now that they're "in charge of their own Destiny."