Destiny developer Bungie says it has addressed an issue where players have had their usernames changed by its "name moderation tool".

After "actively investigating" the issue for 24 hours, Bungie advised that while it had "identified the issue that was forcing a high number of Bungie name changes", it was "continuing to investigate" what happened and how "to address player accounts that were impacted".

Although Bungie acknowledged that a "high number of account names have been changed", the studio stopped short of confirming exactly how many players were affected.

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Hello reader who is also a reader, and welcome back to Booked For The Week - our regular Sunday chat with a selection of cool industry folks about books! This week, I’ve been half reading in the garden and half staring in awe at my Kindle’s paperwhite doohickey and it’s ability to stay readable in searing sunbeams. I’m tempted to look up how it works but I don’t want to find out it’s made from the luminous, genetically-engineered husks of the workers that drop dead from dehydration at the fulfilment centers or something. To help distract me with yet more books, it’s Dishonored: Death Of The Outsider writer and Destiny 2 senior narrative designer, Dr. Hazel Monforton! Cheers Hazel! Mind if we have a nose at your bookshelf?

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Hello reader who is also a reader, and welcome back to Booked For The Week - our regular Sunday chat with a selection of cool industry folks about books! This week, I’ve been half reading in the garden and half staring in awe at my Kindle’s paperwhite doohickey and it’s ability to stay readable in searing sunbeams. I’m tempted to look up how it works but I don’t want to find out it’s made from the luminous, genetically-engineered husks of the workers that drop dead from dehydration at the fulfilment centers or something. To help distract me with yet more books, it’s Dishonored: Death Of The Outsider writer and Destiny 2 senior narrative designer, Dr. Hazel Monforton! Cheers Hazel! Mind if we have a nose at your bookshelf?

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“You were always my favourite. Never forget that…”

After nearly a decade in the making, the final chapter of the Light and Darkness saga is finally here, bringing with it the closing chapter of one of gaming’s most divisive franchises: Destiny. After arguably what was one of the worst years for Destiny 2 following the subpar Lightfall expansion, the decision to delay TFS until mid-2024 was ultimately a smart one, allowing Bungie the time to cook the expansion to perfection, following the excellent Into the Light update that bridged the gap following the news of the delay. Despite following the longest season on record and having a bit of a rough start over the first couple of days, The Final Shape has launched to near enough universal acclaim from the player base, leaving many reeling for more following the conclusion of the campaign and our final stand against the Witness, leaving many wondering what comes next for the franchise. After releasing on the 4^th June 2024 for all major platforms, I’m going to be covering the time I’ve spent with the PS5 version of the game; detailing the good and deconstructing the bad, whilst ultimately giving you my impressions as to whether the game is worth your time and money at the £41.99 asking price (UK PSN Store).

WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS HEAVY SPOILERS FOR THE FINAL SHAPE, CARRY ON AT YOUR OWN PERIL.

When the Destiny Beta dropped on PlayStation 4 in July 2014, I was instantly drawn into the world and its atmosphere from minute zero. There was nothing quite like the experience I had with the beta at the time, the game’s environment design and world building struck a chord like nothing before; here was our universe, albeit filled with mystery and secrets that were just begging to be uncovered. Whilst the narrative in the final game was somewhat sub-par, it was Bungie’s environmental storytelling of a much bigger narrative (as well as the controversial Grimoire cards) that solidified my interest in the franchise as a whole; mysteries and stories that would be uncovered over the course of Bungie’s ’10-year plan’ for the franchise. In addition to the narrative, the multiplayer aspect was a standout feature for the game as well; even though online multiplayer was well established by this point (all beef was settled in the map Rust on Modern Warfare 2 back a day) Destiny just hit different, feeling more MMO-like in scale, whilst retaining its looter-shooter identity at its core. My fondest memory of OG Destiny was the first time I ever completed the Vault of Glass raid, meeting people from around the world (LFG was a lot friendlier in those times) and working together through communication and challenges was an exhilarating experience, that solidified my already strong fondness for the franchise as whole, to the point that I’m still here nearly a decade later (through most of the franchises warts and moles to boot).

Destiny 2 was more of a mixed bag upon release, with many holding the state of D1 at it’s end in high regard and dismissing the core changes made to Destiny 2 at launch, leading Bungie down a path of reverting a number of changes (the removal of random rolls was just silly) that would not bring the game back into a favourable state until the release of Forsaken (Destiny 2’s equivalent of The Taken King). The expansions that followed (Shadowkeep and Beyond Light) were both fairly well received, with The Witch Queen being a particular high note for many players, and last year’s expansion: Lightfall falling short somewhat (you can check out my full review here) leading to one of the worst years for Destiny 2 player retention (although the Into The Light update was excellent). With tensions at an all time high between Bungie and the player base, there was a lot riding on The Final Shape to deliver a powerful ending to the saga that delivers on multiple fronts, tying off long-standing lore and story strands that have been brewing since those initial moments in OG Destiny, whilst also holding down content that will keep the player base engaged beyond the narrative conclusion. I’m happy to report that the extra time that Bungie spent cooking paid off, delivering an expansion that is arguably up there with the best of the franchise.

Don’t break my heart, my achy, pale heart:  The Final Shape takes our Guardian inside the heart of the Traveller to face down the Witness, after arguably one long year of staring at the prismatic triangle.

Straight out of the gate The Final Shape throws down its hands right into mixing up the nostalgia, giving those who haven’t played the game in a while (or those simply wanting a refresher) a recap of the major story beats that have taken place over the last 10 years, as well as the story’s culmination point; the being known as the Witness, who seeks to create the final shape of the universe, calcified into eternity in the name of so called “Salvation”.  Following Crow at the end of Season on the Wish, the campaign finds us diving head first into the opening created by the spirit of Riven, right into the pale heart of the traveller, to be greeted by a long-lost ally in the form of Cayde-6 (voiced one again by the excellent Nathan Fillion). The reunion between our Guardian and Cayde-6 is easily one of my favourite moments of the franchise; the fact that he’s also playing the theme to Forsaken (the expansion where Uldren Sov killed him) on a harmonica makes the scene all the more poignant. The narrative this time around is far more linear in scope, with the Pale Heart destination acting as a side-to-side destination that you fight your way across over the course of the campaign, learning more about the traveller, the Darkness as well as the Witness, ultimately discovering the means of defeating the entity, once and for all. The mission structure is more personal also, focusing on rebuilding the vanguard in the pale heart rendition of the old tower from D1, helping them through their own doubts and struggles as a result. One key moment that finally showcased Big Blue’s tragic backstory to a significant degree was the mission Exegesis, voiced now by Keith David following the passing of Lance Riddick in 2023. The loss of his wife Safia and son Hakim are the driving force behind Zavala as a character, which are even more poignant in The Final Shape, showcasing his ambivalence of being a Lightbearer, and his admission that they should look to the darkness for answers in response to The Witness’ salvation.

Following in the Witch Queen and Lightfall’s footsteps, The Final Shape once again offers both a legendary campaign that increases the difficulty for a greater challenge, and when considering the weight of the battles ahead, it feels only fitting to play the campaign the way it was meant to be played, rewarding you with a complete set of gear right in the middle of the power grind at 1960. The narrative is comprised of around 7 main missions (8 if you include the new Strike) and works at setting up the different areas of the Pale Heart for the guardian to later explore (the patrol zone is completely solo this time around). Upon reaching the campaigns final moments, it becomes clear that the narrative isn’t quite yet over, and whilst the means of destroying have been discovered (those creepy blanket statues discovered during Shadowkeep now show their true purpose) it will take a world’ s first completion of the new raid ‘Salvation’s Edge’ during the 48h contest mode where a fireteam can finally undo the Witness’ chokehold on the traveller for good, leaving them vulnerable to the finishing blow. With only one clear within the first 24 hours, Salvation’s Edge is being dubbed as the hardest raid that Bungie has ever released, to the point where me and my own clan are still yet to get a completion down; mechanically, this is Destiny raiding at it’s best. Following the completion of the world’s first, a new 12-man activity (recalling the Garden of Salvation raid glitch was brilliant here) was unlocked called Excision, and I have to say that this activity (complete with its cutscenes) was one of the best experiences I’ve had in gaming, period. Excision acts as Destiny’s equivalent to the Battle of Helm’s Deep; nearly every character we’ve had dealings with over the last 10 years makes an appearance for the final battle (from the Drifter to Savathûn) all lending aid in the form of various buffs over the course of the 40 minute long battle against the Witness’ forces (including the new enemy type called the Dread) ultimately leading to the 12 guardians channelling the light (think the Care Bear Stare) and ultimately destroying the Witness for good, but not without our Ghost taking a battering as a result. Ghost shows signs of wear and tear over the course of the campaign, but what transpires at the end of Excision is enough to bring the toughest SOB on the planet to tears, acting as a perfect conclusion to such a momentous battle.

Guardian Excision-hands: The final activity of the campaign: Excision, is the Destiny 2 equivalent of the Battle for Helm’s Deep, acting as the perfect conclusion to the Light and Darkness Saga.

So, we’ve established that the narrative for TFS is excellent, but what about the gameplay? Large and part Destiny 2 plays how it always has, its looter/shooter core has remained largely the same, with additions being made on top for more emergent gameplay. The biggest addition is the inclusion of the prismatic subclass, which takes the best fragments, aspects and supers from all of the 3.0 loadouts from recent years and combines them into a singular subclass, allowing you to synergise your favourite builds into one. As a Hunter main, the combination of Winter’s Shroud, Combination Blow, Stylish Executioner and the exotic Liar’s Handshake is downright one of the most broken, fun builds I’ve ever used, acting as a perfect synergy between top-tier arc and void subclasses. The primary new mechanic is the new transcendence skill which situates itself beneath the super meter; as you deal damage with light and dark abilities/weapons, this meter builds which is then activated with a press of L3 and R3, increasing damage resistance, weapon damage, as well as your grenade and melee abilities recharge much faster, but the cream of the crop is the new prismatic grenades that each class has access to during this state.

Other gameplay additions worth mentioning are the new UI which sees the buffs and debuffs remain on the left-hand side of the screen, weapon perks are now above the super bar, and mission critical information (like DPS windows for raids) are now at the top of the screen in a larger font. Small changes like this make the game that much more fluid and easier to track, showcasing Destiny 2’s stellar combat better than ever before. In addition is the new pathfinder system, which replaces weekly vendor bounties in the form of branching challenges that connect to one another, allowing you to choose a path to your powerful/pinnacle rewards through challenges based around the Pale Heart destination and playlist activities. All in all, it’s hard to fault anything that Bungie has managed to achieve with The Final Shape, the extra time in the oven has proved beyond a measure of a doubt that Bungie wanted to close off their flagship franchises’ main story arc with a bang. Whilst this isn’t the end of Destiny 2 with episodic content following for the year (the Dreadnought is returning, wooo) those that do decide to call it quits here cannot say that it didn’t have a superb ending, that made all of the years of weathering through the game’s high and lows worth every second.

A PlayStation 5 review code was provided by Premier Comms.

The post Review – Destiny 2: The Final Shape (PlayStation 5) appeared first on GameHype.

Destiny 2’s first season of The Final Shape, titled Episode: Echoes, is in full swing now with its second Act being added to the game just recently. As is par for the course, Episode: Echoes has brought with it numerous weapons, both new and old, and these weapons all have God Rolls. Some weapons are great, others are not so great *cough* Faith-Keeper *cough*, but here are the God Rolls for each weapon that is a part of Episode: Echoes (including three guns that aren’t available just yet but are in the Destiny API). A few of these weapons have multiple choices for each column which will be listed, you can choose which of these combinations best suits your needs/playstyle in both PVE and PVP (where applicable).

Veiled Threat – Stasis Auto Rifle (Craftable)

This 720rpm Rapid Fire Frame Auto Rifle is the first weapon that this episode has to offer. While its perks aren’t the strongest, those who need a decent Stasis Auto Rifle can aim for one of these bad boys. For PVP I recommend using Arrowhead Break to bring in the weapon’s recoil pattern a little, but you can opt to use something like Hammer-Forged if you prefer the bump in range.

PVE God Roll

PVP God Roll

Corrasion – Arc Pulse Rifle (Craftable)

Joining the new Heavy Burst Pulse Rifle family alongside the likes of Aisha’s Care from Trials of the Osiris and Nullify from Salvation’s Edge, Corrasion looks to prove that this type of auto rifle is king in PVE right now. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend a Heavy Burst Pulse Rifle in PVP, but there are still options here should you choose to go down that route.

PVE God Roll

PVP God Roll

Sightline Survey – Arc Hand Cannon (Craftable)

Precision Frame Hand Cannons aren’t exactly the strongest weapons in Destiny 2. They see little to no use in PVE, with a case being made for them in PVP with the Sightline Survey. Either way, PVE and PVP players alike should find various options here. For PVE, I would recommend Enlightened Action more than Triple Tap as it has more direct synergy with Voltshot, but either perk is good.

PVE God Roll

PVP God Roll

Timeworn Wayfarer – Solar Scout Rifle (Craftable)

Joining the stylish but, for now, underpowered Tex Mechanica style Scout Rifle family is the Timeworn Wayfarer. While initially panned for being a member of the weakest family in one of the most consistently underwhelming primary weapon types in Destiny 2, this gun is surprisingly versatile and might see more use in PVE with the incoming buff to its damage. This weapon is incredibly potent in PVP when paired with High Ground and a Radiant buff, allowing the possibility of defeating opposing Guardians in two headshots. You can choose between Smallbore or Hammer-Forged Rifling for a PVP roll, as the latter has 7 less stability but will grant you an extra metre of range.

PVE God Roll

PVP God Roll

Aberrant Action – Solar Sidearm (Craftable)

The hottest weapon in the game right now, Aberrant Action is the third member of the relatively new family of Rocket-Assisted Frame Sidearms. This is THE weapon everyone wants as the archetype is incredibly strong right now. I do NOT recommend using this in PVP, so I will only be providing a PVE god roll for this weapon. There are a number of choices but there are a few quirks to be noted with this weapon. For starters, despite being a special weapon, perks like Strategist, Pugilist, and Demolitionist provide the benefit of a primary weapon, so rather than the 20% ability energy generation, it is 10%. Either way, there is one very clear winner here: Incandescent.

PVE God Roll

Chronophage – Void Trace Rifle (Craftable)

One of the few weapons that are currently not available at the time of writing, but are viewable in the Destiny API, this Void Trace Rifle looks to replace Hollow Denial which has been dominating its Void Trace Rifle field since Season of the Haunted back in 2022. Like Aberrant Action, I am not providing a PVP roll for this weapon as I don’t recommend bringing this thing into the Crucible.

PVE God Roll

Faith-Keeper – Void Rocket Launcher (Craftable)

Look, not all weapons in each episode can be a banger, and Faith-Keeper immediately loses to stiff competition like the Apex Predator by proxy of its terrible archetype; Precision Frame Rocket Launcher. I honestly would not recommend bringing this into either PVP or PVE content, but if you did want to use this admittedly cool-looking rocket launcher, there is one roll that should have you covered (for PVE, not PVP).

PVE God Roll

Ill Omen – Stasis Sword (Craftable)

Swords are quite strong right now. They have proven to be useful in Salvation’s Edge, Crota’s End, and even Root of Nightmares if you are crazy enough. Unfortunately for Ill Omen, Caster Frame swords just are not very good. There is one niche for it, however, and that is as an Overload and Unstoppable Champion stun machine. I wouldn't recommend it over something like the Aurvandil FR6 which can have Reconstruction and Chill Clip, but if you are so inclined to muck around with this sword, there is something for you here. I don’t recommend this at all for PVP so I will only provide a PVE God Roll.

PVE God Roll

Speleologist – Solar Machine Gun (Craftable)

One of the other few weapons that are currently not available, but are viewable in the Destiny API, the Speleoligist has some interesting perks and can potentially fit right in as your heavy add clear machine. I can’t recommend this for PVP as I currently have no idea how it handles, but I can’t imagine it would stack up compared to its competition in the same slot.

PVE God Roll

Patron of Lost Causes – Kinetic Scout Rifle

The first of the reprised weapons from Shadowkeep’s Season of Dawn which are not craftable, this Kinetic Lightweight Frame Scout Rifle sees its perk pool revamped to include some more modern perks.

PVE God Roll

PVP God Roll

Breachlight – Strand Sidearm

A fan favourite amongst the community, this reprised Season of Dawn Sidearm shows off its shiny new elemental typing, Strand. While regular Sidearms aren’t the strongest in PVE, there are some options here for you to have some fun. I do not recommend this weapon for PVP, as its perks do not seem to favour the Crucible sandbox, currently.

PVE God Roll

Perfect Paradox – Kinetic Shotgun

This slick shotgun sees a return but can only be looked at as an option for melee-oriented PVE builds, as Rapid Fire Frame Shotguns are not very good in the Crucible. There is still a roll here for those that don’t have a crafted Wastelander MK5 from Dares of Eternity. I would only pair Pugilist with Trench Barrel if you wish to use the former over something like Threat Detector/Remover which should be paired with One-Two Punch.

PVE God Roll

Martyr's Retribution – Solar Special Grenade Launcher

The first Solar Wave Frame that players will be able to obtain since Season of the Risen’s Explosive Personality, it seems that PVE players will finally have a PVE-oriented Solar Wave Frame Grenade Launcher. I do not recommend you use this in PVP as it will perform terribly in the current sandbox. This is the last of the few Episode: Echoes weapons that are currently not available.

PVE God Roll

Line in the Sand – Arc Linear Fusion Rifle

Linear Fusion Rifles aren’t in the greatest place right now, and even if they were there would be a lot of very stiff competition for Line in the Sand. Regardless, there is hope for this Linear Fusion Rifle, with one perk in particular ensuring that it isn’t wholly left behind.

PVE God Roll

With that, we have all the weapons that should be a part of Episode: Echoes. Be sure to get those red borders for the Vex-themed weapons so you can enhance their perks!

Following the news of significant layoffs at Bungie earlier this week, there’s been a lot of further reporting on what this means for the company’s future and how they’ve ended up in this place. Senior staff have left, a new Destiny game has reportedly been cancelled, and many have called for CEO Pete Parsons to quit for mismanaging the company over the last few years.

The layoffs were announced on Wednesday by Bungie CEO Pete Parsons, with 220 of the company’s 1300 headcount losing their jobs, while a further 155 would be able to move across to the wider PlayStation business, and around 40 to form a new studio and take on an incubation project. That’s roughly a third of the company’s workforce, and follows on from 100 employees losing their jobs last October, leaving the new headcount at around 850 employees.

As part of this, it’s reported that key Bungie figures from Destiny 2’s early revival have departed the company. Luke Smith and Mark Noseworthy have apparently left (per Jeff Grubb’s Game Mess Decides podcast) following the cancellation of their Destiny spin-off game, codenamed Payback. This had been reported as being Destiny 3, but as is often the case, further details are leaked once people are no longer employed, and Jason Schreier’s sources state it was not a direct sequel, and actually cancelled some time ago.

The layoffs have been met with a lot of shock from outside viewers, given the very positive reception of Destiny 2: The Final Shape. Bungie had delayed the expansion’s release in an effort to come back from failing to meet financial expectations with the previous year’s Lightfall, and by all accounts, The Final Shape was the narrative finale that Destiny needed and deserved.

However, Stephen Totilo reports that the deep job cuts were planned to happen regardless of the reception or success of The Final Shape. The need for job cuts was only made worse by The Final Shape having “sold less than Lightfall”, despite its positive reception. As Parsons stated in the job cuts announcement, “We were overly ambitious, our financial safety margins were subsequently exceeded, and we began running in the red.”

Since that announcement, a lot of anger has been directed at Parsons personally for his decision making, leadership and level of accountability. Parsons claimed that the leadership team “did everything we could to avoid today’s outcome,” but there have been various former employees calling for Parsons to quit, especially with anecdotes about him inviting them to view his personal car collection – a collection that has been found on car bidding site Bring A Trailer, and which shows a total value of $2.4 million, over $450,000 of which came since October 2023, the time of the first wave of layoffs.

Anyone else remember the time that Nintendo’s President took a 50% pay cut?

There’s also analysis of how this ties back into Sony’s 2022 acquisition of Bungie for $3.6 billion. Speaking to Totilo, an anonymous former Bungie insider said, “I think Sony overpaid for Bungie. I think Bungie sold things they were just not able to deliver.” The company had seemingly overstated their earning potential, while courting Sony as a buyer.

And Parsons is again going to be in the spotlight for that, as part of the 2022 acquisition was that Bungie would remain autonomous. That autonomy reportedly came into threat last year as Bungie started to miss financial targets, which was seemingly a driving factor behind layoffs late last year, so the company leadership could try to retain control.

Bungie is remaining committed to supporting Destiny 2 going forward and the development of extraction shooter Marathon, but the company’s future still feels uncertain. Jeff Grubb is claiming that, in time, Sony will take over control of Bungie’s management, similar to all other developers owned by Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Bungie has announced it is laying off 220 staff, approximately 17% of its workforce, across all levels of the company including leadership roles. Pete Parsons, CEO of Bungie, has released a long statement for the reasons why 220 will be losing their jobs at the development studio. This includes the economic downturn of recent years, and costs relating to Destiny 2 and Marathon exceeding the financial limits of the company.

Pete Parsons has also confirmed that Bungie will become more integrated into Sony Interactive Entertainment, with 12% of roles being moved over to Sony. In addition, Bungie is spinning off a yet unnamed project into PlayStation Studios with the establishment of a new studio to continue work on the project. The full statement can be read below.

This morning, I’m sharing with all of you some of the most difficult changes we’ve ever had to make as a studio. Due to rising costs of development and industry shifts as well as enduring economic conditions, it has become clear that we need to make substantial changes to our cost structure and focus development efforts entirely on Destiny and Marathon.  

That means beginning today, 220 of our roles will be eliminated, representing roughly 17% of our studio’s workforce.   

These actions will affect every level of the company, including most of our executive and senior leader roles.     

Today is a difficult and painful day, especially for our departing colleagues, all of which have made important and valuable contributions to Bungie. Our goal is to support them with the utmost care and respect. For everyone affected by this job reduction, we will be offering a generous exit package, including severance, bonus and health coverage.  

I realize all of this is hard news, especially following the success we have seen with The Final Shape. But as we’ve navigated the broader economic realities over the last year, and after exhausting all other mitigation options, this has become a necessary decision to refocus our studio and our business with more realistic goals and viable financials. 

We are committing to two other major changes today that we believe will support our focus, leverage Sony’s strengths, and create new opportunities for Bungie talent.   

First, we are deepening our integration with Sony Interactive Entertainment, working to integrate 155 of our roles, roughly 12%, into SIE over the next few quarters. SIE has worked tirelessly with us to identify roles for as many of our people as possible, enabling us together to save a great deal of talent that would otherwise have been affected by the reduction in force.     

Second, we are working with PlayStation Studios leadership to spin out one of our incubation projects – an action game set in a brand-new science-fantasy universe – to form a new studio within PlayStation Studios to continue its promising development.   

This will be a time of tremendous change for our studio.  

Let’s unpack how we ended up in this position; it’s important to understand how we got here. 

For over five years, it has been our goal to ship games in three enduring, global franchises. To realize that ambition, we set up several incubation projects, each seeded with senior development leaders from our existing teams. We eventually realized that this model stretched our talent too thin, too quickly.  It also forced our studio support structures to scale to a larger level than we could realistically support, given our two primary products in development – Destiny and Marathon.  

Additionally, in 2023, our rapid expansion ran headlong into a broad economic slowdown, a sharp downturn in the games industry, our quality miss with Destiny 2: Lightfall, and the need to give both The Final Shape and Marathon the time needed to ensure both projects deliver at the quality our players expect and deserve. We were overly ambitious, our financial safety margins were subsequently exceeded, and we began running in the red. 

After this new trajectory became clear, we knew we had to change our course and speed, and we did everything we could to avoid today’s outcome. Even with exhaustive efforts undertaken across our leadership and product teams to resolve our financial challenges, these steps were simply not enough.   

As a result, today we must say goodbye to incredible talent, colleagues, and friends. 

This will be a challenging time at Bungie, and we’ll need to help our team navigate these changes in the weeks and months ahead. This will be a hard week, and we know that our team will need time to process, to ask questions, and to absorb this news. Today, and over the next several weeks, we will host team meetings and town halls, team breakout sessions, and private, individual sessions to ensure we are keeping our communication open and transparent.  

Bungie will continue to make great games. We still have over 850 team members building Destiny and Marathon, and we will continue to build amazing experiences that exceed our players’ expectations.    

There will be a time to talk about our goals and projects, but today is not that day. Today, our focus is on supporting our people.  

-pete 

Source: Bungie

Bungie is no longer working on Payback, a new project set in the Destiny universe once overseen by franchise bosses Luke Smith and Mark Noseworthy.

That's according to reporting by Gamespot's Tamoor Hussain, Giant Bomb's Jeff Grubb and Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, who all state that Smith and Noseworthy are also now no longer at Bungie.

Details of Payback leaked online back in April, when it was described as "Destiny 3". There were questions at the time over whether the project was still in development. Now, Schreier has confirmed that Payback was more of a spin-off, and was cancelled "a while ago".

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Following yesterday's mass layoffs at Destiny 2 developer Bungie - in which 220 employees lost their jobs - a new report has claimed the cuts were a result of Bungie leadership 'overstating the studio's financial prospects' to Sony, which acquired the developer in 2022.

That's according to sources interviewed by journalist Stephen Totilo, who, writing in his GameFile newsletter, reports yesterday's job cuts were necessary to stem Bungie's continued financial losses. The studio is said to have repeatedly missed financial targets promised to Sony, and has reportedly lost money since the release of Destiny 2 expansion Lightfall in 2023.

Totilo claims yesterday's layoffs - the second round of job cuts in less than a year - had long been planned, and "couldn't be avoided" even if this year's Destiny 2 expansion, The Final Shape, had "blockbuster performance". Bungie management reportedly concluded last year - amid poor sales and a dwindling Destiny 2 player base - it would need to "make deep cuts to show Sony's executives that it was taking its finances seriously", with the studio's autonomy - and management jobs - seemingly on the line if it failed to meet its targets.

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Following news of yesterday's layoffs at Bungie, CEO Pete Parsons has faced criticised from staff for spending millions on classic cars since the studio was purchased by Sony in 2022 and bragging about his lavish collection, as the company headed towards this week's latest brutal round of job losses.

Employees - some of whom are now unemployed - have shared links to an array of classic cars purchased via the Bring a Trailer website, with Parsons profile public and listing a vast number of auction wins. The earliest was in September 2022 costing $34,000; the most recent was 1st June this year costing $91,500, just a month before these latest layoffs. "How exciting!" wrote Parsons in a comment. "I have wanted a c1 since I was a little kid. My second hot wheel ever (in gold). Going to its forever home."

Parsons spent $79,000 on a vehicle in October 2023 just ahead of the previous layoffs, followed by three more purchases over the remainder of the year - including a Porsche costing over $200k. In total, Parsons appears to have spent $2,414,550 on vehicles.

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Current and former employees of Destiny 2 developer Bungie have responded to the news of devastating layoffs at the studio - which has seen 220 employees lose their jobs - aiming harsh criticism at the handling of the cuts amid calls for Bungie CEO Pete Parsons to resign.

Parsons announced the studio would be laying off approximately 17 percent of its workforce earlier today, blaming "rising costs of development and industry shifts as well as enduring economic conditions." The news marks the second round of job cuts at the studio in less than a year, with approximately 100 employees having been laid off last October.

Following this latest round of job cuts, former and current Bungie employees took to social media to lambast the decision. Destiny 2's global community lead Dylan Gafner (AKA dmg04) called the move "inexcusable" in a post on X. "Industry leading talent being lost, yet again," he wrote. "Accountability falling upon the workers who have pushed the needle to deliver for our community time and time again."

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Destiny developer Bungie has laid off another 220 staff, representing roughly 17 percent of the studio's workforce.

In October last year, the studio laid off 100 staff from its then 1200-strong workforce. That means Bungie has laid off around a quarter of its workforce in the past nine months.

The news was shared today in a blog post from Bungie CEO Pete Parsons, describing the decision as "some of the most difficult changes we've ever had to make as a studio".

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We've known for some time now that things are going to meaningfully change for Destiny 2 in Year 11, with the start of what is currently known as Frontiers. A recent leak, however, alleges some hugely unpopular changes for Destiny 2's content model, and players are already skeptical of it.

These leaks about Destiny 2 came about very recently, alleging that Bungie is moving the game away from the current model (one yearly DLC with 3-4 seasons/episodes) to something lighter and easier to maintain. It would purportedly consist of two smaller DLCs and two seasons per year, with a lessened focus on narrative progression in lieu of activities, loot, and pure gameplay. This is too little information to go on - even if it is true - but the players are already a fair bit worried about what it might mean about Destiny's future.

If the leaked plans for Destiny 2 are true, players won't be happy about it

The biggest source of concern for the community is the leaker's claim that there will be no more "week-to-week story beats or story released all at once." Instead, we'd be getting only "one intro mission explaining the 'why' of the Season. That's it," they claim. "Only thing other than that is traditional character banter throughout the [seasonal] activity." A non-insignificant number of players are extremely unhappy about this potentially being true.

Some players, specifically, believe that Bungie is attempting to turn Destiny 2 into a "lobby simulator" such as Fortnite and/or Apex Legends. This, presumably, refers to the fact that these games don't put any meaningful emphasis on their lore and story development, opting instead to go all-in on gameplay. It's not a decision without practical merit, to be sure, as keeping the Destiny story going is no mean feat. Yet, the story was a crucial reason as to why some players kept coming back to the game in the first place. I, myself, find the leaks worrying, if they're true.

It is, perhaps, surprising just how many Destiny 2 players have chimed in on this thread saying that they're still playing the game almost exclusively due to the story. Then again, Bungie's had a serious knack for out-there narrative developments for decades now, from Pathways Into Darkness onwards, and there's potential here for the studio to alienate its oldest fans if Destiny 2 does end up turning into a "lobby simulator" in the end.

Now, to be perfectly fair, it wouldn't be the first time that we've seen a wildly popular Destiny 2 leak end up being a total wash in the end. Moreover, even if these leaks are all true, Bungie could end up injecting enough Grimoire-style content every season that the narrative ends up trucking along at a reasonable pace.

Personally, I feel the bigger problem is that Bungie has lost a full third of its staff very recently, including some key veteran staff such as Luke Smith and Mark Noseworthy. The studio claims that this won't affect Destiny 2 in the slightest, but I find that very hard to believe. The fact of the matter is that Bungie hasn't told us virtually anything about Frontiers yet, and so it's not hard to see why the community might be worried about it, given what's been happening as of late. It's an uncertain time to be a Destiny fan, that's for sure.

The post The Destiny 2 community is worried over leaked plans for its future appeared first on Destructoid.

Destiny 2's Echoes episode is packed with new weapons, and a ton of them are worth the work to obtain them. The Aberrant Action, for example, has quickly become my favorite sidearm thanks to its Rocket Frame and great perk selection.

Alongside all the new weapons being added, some weapons have been reprised and are obtainable after a lengthy slumber. Here's how to get the Perfect Paradox shotgun in Destiny 2.

Where to get the Perfect Paradox in Destiny 2

The Perfect Paradox is available among the loot drops from Episode: Echoes activities. Upon completing things like Battlegrounds (which are also going to be the most consistent), you'll receive an array of rewards including a weapon or two from the new Episode. As of the end of Act 2, the Perfect Paradox is among these possible drops.

Alongside random drops, completing the available research quests along with the story of the current acts will unlock Engram Focusing. Among the available weapons is the Perfect Paradox, which becomes focusable upon completing all Act 2 story content. This will set you back four Echo Engrams, but with enough playtime, you should have more than enough to spare.

Perfect Paradox god roll

Since you'll be farming for the Perfect Paradox anyway, you may be wondering what the best rolls are for the weapon. The following perks should do you nicely:

• Barrel: Smallbore
• Magazine: Appended Mag
• Perk 1: Pugilist
• Perk 2: One-Two Punch

Smallbore provides the Perfect Paradox with some better range and stability, not that range is a colossal help for a shotgun. Appended Mag is merely nice for that extra bullet, especially since other mags tend not to give the same benefits. Finally, we have Pugilist and One-Two Punch, which is a god-tier combo for melee builds. The improvements toward melee energy regen and handling are too hard to pass up, only heightened with increased melee damage when hitting an enemy with the full blast. As you may have guessed already, this is a shotgun designed for Titan players and their melee-focused builds.

The post How to get the Perfect Paradox shotgun in Destiny 2 appeared first on Destructoid.

Farming some of the newest weapons in Destiny 2 tends to be the main focus for most players. For those who haven't been around for ages though, getting older weapons can be nice as a way to play catch up. This is especially true for exotics earned from activities like dungeons and raids since many are among the best.

One such weapon is obtained from a specific raid that becomes easier to farm occasionally. Here's how to get the Eyes of Tomorrow rocket launcher in Destiny 2.

Where to get the Eyes of Tomorrow in Destiny 2

The Eyes of Tomorrow is a potential reward from the final encounter of the Deep Stone Crypt raid, acquired upon defeating Taniks, the Abomination. Each raid completion has a 5% chance to gift the Eyes of Tomorrow along with whatever reward you would have earned otherwise, and you earn a reward from a raid encounter completion once per character per week. In essence, you have three shots at a 5% drop per week.

However, there are ways to increase your odds substantially. During select weeks, the Deep Stone Crypt will become the rotated raid of the week, offering a Pinnacle Reward upon completing it. This makes the rewards from all encounters farmable, meaning you can spam the Deep Stone Crypt final checkpoint as many times as you want for chances at the Eyes of Tomorrow. You could do 100 clears of it if you really wanted to. On top of this, certain triumphs related to the raid will grant an increased drop chance for the Eyes of Tomorrow. You can find these under the Journey tab of your inventory.

Otherwise, it's simply a matter of continuing to complete the raid. Each completion where you don't get the Eyes of Tomorrow will increase your chances slightly, so you just need to keep at it.

Is the Eyes of Tomorrow worth using?

The Eyes of Tomorrow comes with the exotic perk Eyes on All, which causes it to fire at multiple targets at once while tracking them. Alongside this, the trait Adaptive Ordnance grants you rocket ammo back and increases the damage of the next rocket volley when killing four enemies in a single volley. While this all sounds great, heavy weapons in the current meta are meant for dealing with larger, healthier enemies like bosses. Having it focus on dealing with smaller enemies would severely hurt your DPS, but may still have its uses in certain scenarios.

The post How to get the Eyes of Tomorrow rocket launcher in Destiny 2 appeared first on Destructoid.

Bungie is going through a rough patch as of late (again), and it's important to remember just how good Destiny 2: The Final Shape was. The introduction of Luzaku, the friendly Lucent Hive, stands out in particular, and the person responsible was caught by the latest round of layoffs.

Featured as part of the excellent Destined Heroes questline in The Final Shape, Luzaku was a Lucent Hive wizard who the Guardian comes across while exploring the Blooming Deep lost sector of the Pale Heart. Whereas Lucent Hive are usually extremely hostile towards Guardians and other aligned forces, Luzaku goes in the opposite direction, and we can thank Bungie's former narrative designer Robert Brookes for this experience. Brookes joined forces with The Final Shape's activity designer Sang Kim to come up with something wholly original for a particular lost sector.

As per Brookes' recent thread on Twitter - which was graciously posted in full on Reddit by Ryan_WXH - he "immediately realized [Luzaku] could be a Mithrax moment" for the DLC. Mithrax, too, first made an appearance in the original Red War campaign of Destiny 2 as a tenuous potential ally on Titan.

A former Destiny 2 narrative designer explains how Luzaku came to be

"First problem was Luzaku was an acolyte and not a wizard, but a wizard is what worked for the gameplay space. So being a good partner to design I found a way to make Sang's idea work by revisiting the idea of hive morphs," Brooks explains. "Having Luzaku be changed from an acolyte to a wizard after the ship she was infiltrating passed through the threshold into the Pale Heart felt like a further exploration of the concepts of identity and transformation we explore with the Traveler."

In other words, Brookes quickly connected the dots between what was necessary for The Final Shape gameplay and lore-wise, and what was present in Destiny 2's prior, established canon. Extrapolating Luzaku's presence from that point onwards was just a matter of scope, and Brooks almost had to stop at having a "Lucent Hive wizard with a nameplate" in the campaign.

Thankfully, Brooks saw an opportunity to incorporate some extra voice-work into the DLC almost by accident, and the only thing he had to figure out was who could voice Luzaku in the first place.

"So in came Kirstin Potter (Mara Sov) who we've never had play another character. She was THRILLED to take on a new role, especially a weird role! I created an identity for Luzaku, a unique manner of speech to differentiate her from other Hive and the rest is history," explains Brookes.

Brooks also gave shout-outs to the original creator of Luzaku (via the Lucent Tales lore book from Witch Queen), Crystal Frasier, as well as audio designer Matt Vankleeck. The latter, as Brookes explains, was laid off alongside him during Bungie's recent firing spree.

If you're even remotely interested in learning more about Luzaku and, indeed, Lucent Hive and Destiny lore in general, it may be good to hit up Robert Brookes on Twitter, as he's very personable and interested in engaging with the fans of the game. He's been discussing the Season of the Seraph as well, and his responses are just an absolute treasure-trove for a fan of Destiny at large.

The post Former Destiny 2 narrative designer explains how the friendly Hive wizard, Luzaku, came to life appeared first on Destructoid.

Bungie is no longer working on Payback, a new project set in the Destiny universe once overseen by franchise bosses Luke Smith and Mark Noseworthy.

That's according to reporting by Gamespot's Tamoor Hussain, Giant Bomb's Jeff Grubb and Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, who all state that Smith and Noseworthy are also now no longer at Bungie.

Details of Payback leaked online back in April, when it was described as "Destiny 3". There were questions at the time over whether the project was still in development. Now, Schreier has confirmed that Payback was more of a spin-off, and was cancelled "a while ago".

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Following yesterday's mass layoffs at Destiny 2 developer Bungie - in which 220 employees lost their jobs - a new report has claimed the cuts were a result of Bungie leadership 'overstating the studio's financial prospects' to Sony, which acquired the developer in 2022.

That's according to sources interviewed by journalist Stephen Totilo, who, writing in his GameFile newsletter, reports yesterday's job cuts were necessary to stem Bungie's continued financial losses. The studio is said to have repeatedly missed financial targets promised to Sony, and has reportedly lost money since the release of Destiny 2 expansion Lightfall in 2023.

Totilo claims yesterday's layoffs - the second round of job cuts in less than a year - had long been planned, and "couldn't be avoided" even if this year's Destiny 2 expansion, The Final Shape, had "blockbuster performance". Bungie management reportedly concluded last year - amid poor sales and a dwindling Destiny 2 player base - it would need to "make deep cuts to show Sony's executives that it was taking its finances seriously", with the studio's autonomy - and management jobs - seemingly on the line if it failed to meet its targets.

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Following news of yesterday's layoffs at Bungie, CEO Pete Parsons has faced criticised from staff for spending millions on classic cars since the studio was purchased by Sony in 2022 and bragging about his lavish collection, as the company headed towards this week's latest brutal round of job losses.

Employees - some of whom are now unemployed - have shared links to an array of classic cars purchased via the Bring a Trailer website, with Parsons profile public and listing a vast number of auction wins. The earliest was in September 2022 costing $34,000; the most recent was 1st June this year costing $91,500, just a month before these latest layoffs. "How exciting!" wrote Parsons in a comment. "I have wanted a c1 since I was a little kid. My second hot wheel ever (in gold). Going to its forever home."

Parsons spent $79,000 on a vehicle in October 2023 just ahead of the previous layoffs, followed by three more purchases over the remainder of the year - including a Porsche costing over $200k. In total, Parsons appears to have spent $2,414,550 on vehicles.

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Current and former employees of Destiny 2 developer Bungie have responded to the news of devastating layoffs at the studio - which has seen 220 employees lose their jobs - aiming harsh criticism at the handling of the cuts amid calls for Bungie CEO Pete Parsons to resign.

Parsons announced the studio would be laying off approximately 17 percent of its workforce earlier today, blaming "rising costs of development and industry shifts as well as enduring economic conditions." The news marks the second round of job cuts at the studio in less than a year, with approximately 100 employees having been laid off last October.

Following this latest round of job cuts, former and current Bungie employees took to social media to lambast the decision. Destiny 2's global community lead Dylan Gafner (AKA dmg04) called the move "inexcusable" in a post on X. "Industry leading talent being lost, yet again," he wrote. "Accountability falling upon the workers who have pushed the needle to deliver for our community time and time again."

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Destiny developer Bungie has laid off another 220 staff, representing roughly 17 percent of the studio's workforce.

In October last year, the studio laid off 100 staff from its then 1200-strong workforce. That means Bungie has laid off around a quarter of its workforce in the past nine months.

The news was shared today in a blog post from Bungie CEO Pete Parsons, describing the decision as "some of the most difficult changes we've ever had to make as a studio".

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Další akt první epizody Destiny 2, Echoes, vychází dnes, 16. července. Společnost Bungie vydala nový trailer, který propaguje další sadu příběhových aktivit. Vedle dalších potyček proti Vexům teasuje setkání s tajemným Dirigentem.

Druhý akt představuje tři nová bojiště na Nessu, od povrchu až po hlubiny s radiolarijskými vodopády. Hráči si mohou odemknout dvě nové zbraně – Aberrant Action, solární raketovou boční zbraň, která by měla představovat slušnou alternativu k The Call, a Corrasion, obloukovou pulzní pušku. Přibudou také nové artefaktové perky, které způsobí, že přesné zásahy solárními sniperkami spálí cíle a zážehy způsobí větší poškození v širším okruhu.

Při vydání druhého aktu dojde také k novým úpravám vyvážení a opravám chyb, takže zůstaňte naladěni na úplné poznámky k patchi.

Destiny 2 je k dispozici pro konzole Xbox One, Xbox řady X/S, PS4, PS5 a PC.

Článek Destiny 2 Episode 1: Echoes – Act 2 Trailer představuje nové zbraně, bojiště a další novinky se nejdříve objevil na GAME PRESS.

Bungie have reportedly cancelled Payback, an unannounced project in the Destiny universe from former Destiny 2 game director Luke Smith and project lead Mark Noseworthy. Both Noseworthy and Smith appear to have lost their jobs in the course of Bungie's brutal cost-cutting this week, but Payback's cancellation pre-dates the layoffs. Envisaged as a Destiny spin-off, rather than Destiny 3, it was apparently dropped "a while ago".

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This week's mass layoffs at Destiny studio Bungie were planned out months ago, former employees have told journalist Stephen Totilo at Game File (paywalled). According to Totilo, Bungie leadership "overstated their studio’s financial prospects to Sony" after the latter bought Bungie in 2022 for $3.6 billion. The latest cuts were necessary to prevent continued losses, says the report, after Bungie missed Sony’s targets following the release of last year’s Lightfall.

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Destiny and Marathon developers Bungie are laying off 220 people - around 17% of their total workforce - as studio heads try to offset a financial crisis brought on by "overly ambitious" expansion, individual project "misfires", and a wider economic downturn in 2023. Bungie are also transferring a further 155 roles to parent company Sony Interactive Entertainment, and are spinning out an untitled incubation project - an "action game set in a brand-new science-fantasy universe" - to form a new PlayStation studio.

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Bungie have reportedly cancelled Payback, an unannounced project in the Destiny universe from former Destiny 2 game director Luke Smith and project lead Mark Noseworthy. Both Noseworthy and Smith appear to have lost their jobs in the course of Bungie's brutal cost-cutting this week, but Payback's cancellation pre-dates the layoffs. Envisaged as a Destiny spin-off, rather than Destiny 3, it was apparently dropped "a while ago".

Read more

This week's mass layoffs at Destiny studio Bungie were planned out months ago, former employees have told journalist Stephen Totilo at Game File (paywalled). According to Totilo, Bungie leadership "overstated their studio’s financial prospects to Sony" after the latter bought Bungie in 2022 for $3.6 billion. The latest cuts were necessary to prevent continued losses, says the report, after Bungie missed Sony’s targets following the release of last year’s Lightfall.

Read more

Destiny and Marathon developers Bungie are laying off 220 people - around 17% of their total workforce - as studio heads try to offset a financial crisis brought on by "overly ambitious" expansion, individual project "misfires", and a wider economic downturn in 2023. Bungie are also transferring a further 155 roles to parent company Sony Interactive Entertainment, and are spinning out an untitled incubation project - an "action game set in a brand-new science-fantasy universe" - to form a new PlayStation studio.

Read more

Following the news that Bungie laid off 220 people, details have reportedly been revealed about the company's future, including that it isn't currently working on Destiny 3, that it will shift its focus from larger expansions to smaller updates for Destiny 2 that may be free, and that a …

Bungie misrepresented its finances and had significantly overextended itself when Sony acquired the studio for $3.6 billion in 2022, former workers claimed in a new Game File report published in the wake of Wednesday's layoffs.

It was apparently bad enough that at least one source described as a …

Destiny 2 supers are one of the best parts of the game. We all love that particular power-fantasy sense that comes from blasting foes apart, but which super is the best? Today, we’re ranking every current super in Destiny 2.

Every Destiny 2 Super Ranked by Class

When it comes down to it, you will want to know which super is best for your particular class or even subclass. These rankings will take into account both PvE and PvP, as well as how effective a super is at crowd control.

Destiny 2's Exotic weapons often have very specific ways to get them. While many can be obtained from the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower, numerous weapons require completing specific activities or a lengthy Exotic quest. One such weapon, the Buried Bloodline, is exclusive to those who pay up and then grind for it.

If you've picked up the Lightfall Dungeon Key, then here's what you need to know to get the Buried Bloodline sidearm in Destiny 2.

Where to find the Buried Bloodline sidearm in Destiny 2

Buried Bloodline is a weapon exclusive to the Warlord's Ruin dungeon, which is unlocked upon purchasing the Lightfall Dungeon Key. This costs $20 worth of Silver and includes access to both this dungeon and the Ghosts of the Deep dungeon. Once you have that, you want to speak to Ikora and begin the In the Shadow of the Mountain quest, which itself starts with completing the Warlord's Ruin dungeon.

Once in the dungeon itself, you want to proceed as normal and defeat the final boss, Hefnd's Vengeance. Similar to raids, defeating the dungeon's final boss has a small chance to drop the Buried Bloodline weapon. This means you could get it on your fourth run, or you could get it on your 24th. This leaves you at the mercy of RNG. It doesn't help that this can only be done once per week per character, giving you only three opportunities a week. Either way, keeping at it should net the Buried Bloodline at some point.

Is the Buried Bloodline worth using?

The Buried Bloodline is a sidearm that comes with the Exotic perk Hungering Quarrel. This perk turns your shots into dual-tracking bolts. Hitting a target with both bolts leeches health, helping your survivability. Additionally, multiple final blows with the weapon grant Devour. The weapon is considered alright for PvP content, but great in PvE due to its high damage and sustain capabilities. If you manage to complete the puzzles within the Warlord's Ruin dungeon and get its catalyst, having Devour will weaken any targets you come across. If you want some utility out of your Exotic, you'd be hard-pressed to find a good alternative.

The post How to get the Buried Bloodline weapon in Destiny 2 appeared first on Destructoid.

Excision is the first 12-player activity in Destiny 2 history, tasking players with taking down the biggest villain in the franchise, The Witness. All those extra players don't make the activity easier, though. It's packed with interesting mechanics you've got to learn if you want to win this fight.

You won't be able to play Excision until you've completed every other campaign mission in The Final Shape. This includes the Wild Card Exotic Quest, which is what I discovered was holding me back until I completed it. Once you've done this, you can find the mission on the top right-hand corner of The Pale Heart's map. For your first playthrough, you'll need to run it in narrative mode. But trust me, the cutscene you get afterward is well worth having to return to play it again on Grandmaster later for your Ergo Sum Catalyst.

How to complete Excision in Destiny 2: The Final Shape

Below, I've outlined how you complete Excision in Destiny 2: The Final Shape in easy-to-follow steps. This battle has several stages, many of which are challenging. Take your time and work with your fellow players, and you should get through it without too many deaths.

Step 1: Claim the territories

The very first goal you must complete in Excision in Destiny 2: The Final Shape is claiming the territories around the opening area. Kill every enemy you can see and make your way towards the glowing orange circles. You and your fellow Guardians must stand on these until they're cleared to claim them.

After you've cleared the first two, you'll need to kill two incredibly powerful yellow health bar enemies to get the other two to spawn so you can claim them. After you've done that, it's time to head through the previously blocked pathway and take on The Witness.

Step 2: Kill The Witness's Cornerstones

Now you're in The Witness's arena, you've got to deal damage to it. This is a pretty long process, but you'll get through it quickly if you know what you're doing. First, you must kill two Cornerstones of The Witness. These powerful Taken enemies will spawn on either side of the arena.

The toughest part about this step is reaching the Cornerstones. They're heavily guarded by more Taken than you can shake a stick at. I ended up using my Super and The Call a lot in this step just to clear smaller enemies. With everyone focused on the same targets, you'll eventually get to deal damage to them.

Step 3: Gather and deposit Light

With the Cornerstones dead, Light will begin to pour into the arena through cracks in the ground. These are where you need to gather Light from before returning to the Darkness well at the back of the arena to deposit it. Your Guardian will automatically dunk the Light into the well, so don't worry about a button prompt.

Once you've all deposited enough Light, you'll be transported to a familiar location. You should know what to do next.

Step 4: Destroy the statues

As you should remember from the Iconoclasm mission, the next task Excision throws at you is to pick up a sword and destroy the statues. You can't destroy all of them, so just destroy as many as you can. After you've taken out enough of them, you'll be transported back to the arena.

Step 5: Destroy the Glyphs and strike against The Witness

After being transported back to the arena, a platform in front of The Witness will rise. You need to jump onto that platform to gain the Traveler's Aid buff. This is the buff required to shoot the six Glyphs on The Witness and then fire at its heart to deal damage to it.

My team and I managed to deal with about half of The Witness's health during the first phase of damage. You won't kill it outright, but if you manage to deal with this much damage, then you're on a good run.

Step 6: Repeat the process to damage The Witness

The process of damaging The Witness is the same from Steps 3 to 6, so repeat the process until you hit the point on its health bar where there's a line. You can't deal damage past this point, and the boss will become furious when you reach it. This is when it decides it's had enough and wants to destroy you once and for all.

Step 7: Unmake The Witness

The Witness will be angry and protected, but your Ghost is now too powerful, charged by The Traveler. Call your Ghost to create a wave of Light that will unmake the enemy and split them into pieces that are going to be scattered across the system. This is what sparks the first Episode for Destiny 2.

Once the mission is over, you'll be treated to a slew of cutscenes. Each one is well worth watching, so don't skip them. This section of the game has massive implications for the story moving forward, and part of them is heartbreaking for long-time Destiny fans.

When you finally decide to head back into the game proper, you'll be able to access Excision Grandmaster and a few other things that will help you push through the evolving story that Destiny 2 has to offer after this final campaign is done.

The post How to complete Excision in Destiny 2: The Final Shape appeared first on Destructoid.

With Destiny 2's The Final Shape expansion now here, officially bringing the ten-year Light and Darkness saga to a close, developer Bungie has turned its attention to the future, sharing more on what's next for its live-service shooter - including a tease of the mysterious Codename: Frontiers, whatever it may be, coming next year.

When Bungie revealed The Final Shape last August, it announced 2024 would bring a significant shake-up to the way Destiny 2 content is delivered. Instead of four yearly Seasons, it said it would release three "larger, content-packed" Episodes, each featuring standalone stories split into three six-week-long Acts.

The first of these, Echoes, launches tomorrow, 11th June, picking up immediately after the events of The Final Shape. It all unfolds on Nessus, where there are ancient secrets to unearth and a mysterious new enemy to encounter. Echoes will then be followed by Revenant later this year (Bungie's previous roadmap said between July and October), and comes with a vampire-hunting theme as players, in the role of a Slayer Baron, take on the Fallen. There's also a new potion crafting system - featuring combat and loot potions - alongside the new story elements, quests, and rewards set to feature in all three Episodes.

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Destiny 2: The Final Shape is full of lengthy quests outside of the campaign. Despite the amount of time and effort required to complete them, the rewards can be pretty great. Such is the case with the Destined Heroes mission and its reward, the Ergo Sum Exotic sword. Here's how to get the quest and complete each step.

Every quest in Destined Heroes - Destiny 2: The Final Shape

Check the Radio

After completing the campaign, you'll find yourself back in the Lost City. Interact with the radio next to Ghost to begin the Destined Heroes mission.

Queens, Part I

After listening to the radio, a new banner appears in the Lost City. Use it to start Queens, Part I. The Lucent Hive is on the move and it appears Savathun is taking advantage of our distraction with the Witness.

This mission's mechanic is to defeat the Hive Knight and take their sword, using it to reflect attacks at the various runes scattered about. Each rune will be colored with the element that destroys it, e.g., orange for Solar, purple for Void, and blue for Arc.

It can be a hectic mission as you'll be contending with numerous enemies and trying to line up shots while being unable to fight back. Targeting is done entirely with the reticle, so you only need to worry about your angles in terms of blocking and reflecting.

You'll eventually reach a point in the mission where the Hive Runes are protected. This took me an embarrassing amount of time to figure out, but the sword can also shoot projectiles. Use this attack to destroy the green orbs above each rune, thus exposing it.

The final section of the mission pits you against Savathun herself. Despite Immaru being on lockdown in the Tower, Savathun is more than willing to trade blows. She'll be immune to damage at the beginning of the fight. Collect the elemental orbs from the Hive statues and throw them at the corresponding runes to make her vulnerable.

Meet Micah-10

After dealing with Savathun, you'll be back in the Lost City where it's time to meet a new quest-giver, Micah-10. I love Micah-10, but her series of quests are rough due to them being largely the same. However, that's a problem for another day.

Speak with Cayde-6

Head back to Cayde-6, hiding behind the containers like the cool kid in an 80s high school drama, and obtain the Wild Card mission. Unlike Micah-10's missions, Wild Card is essential to the story and getting the Still Hunt Exotic sniper rifle.

Speak with Ghost

Stroll over to Ghost to obtain the Lost in the Light and Found in the Dark missions. These story missions cover the personal journeys of House Light's Kell, Mithrax, and Commander Zavala. Both are required to progress Destined Heroes and also award six fragments of the Prismatic subclass.

Complete 'Lost in the Light' and 'Found in the Dark'

• Lost in the Light guide
• Found in the Dark guide

Queens, Part II

Queens, Part II continues the spat between Mara Sov and Savathun. Savathun's "lesson" is becoming more apparent. By eliminating Taken, you can acquire their energy and sit on the edge of the Ascendant Plane. Once there, you'll need to collect Light from the three fonts spread around the room.

Eventually, Luzaku, the latest badass lady in a long line of badass Destiny 2 ladies, will show up to help you fight off two Tormentors. These Dread are tough enough on their own, but two in a small room like this is rough. I highly recommend running Strand for this fight as Tormentors can be suspended, essentially shutting them down.

Speak with Ghost

Back in the Lost City, speak with Ghost to obtain the Dyadic Prism. This item will open up the next, and final, quest in this chain.

Claim your reward, the Ergo Sum Exotic sword

Open your map and travel to the Sacrarium. In the room of Ghosts will be the sword to start the quest. You'll be teleported to the room where you first faced off against the Witness. Ghosts now orbit this room filled with light. Speak with the Dissident in the center to receive the Exotic sword, Ergo Sum.

The post How to complete Destined Heroes in Destiny 2: The Final Shape appeared first on Destructoid.

Destiny 2 has finally wrapped up its 10-year saga of the Light and Dark. The Witness is dead, children of various species play with War Beast pups in the streets of the Last City, and Bungie is unshackled from a larger narrative. Today, the developer celebrated the occasion with a teaser of what's to come.

The Witness may be dead, but Destiny 2 lives on

Episode I: Echoes is the first stop in a post-Witness Destiny 2. Episodes are designed to be self-contained storylines and are told in three parts. Echoes deals with these new paracausal combinations of Light and Dark that have spread across the Sol system, specifically the one that's landed on Nessus.

The Nessus Echo has embedded itself deep within the planet and is drastically changing both the land and its inhabitants. For an early preview, players can head to Nessus now to experience the earthquakes. Otherwise, once the Episode starts on June 11, players will be able to work with Failsafe and fight back the Vex in the new Breach Executable activity. This three-person activity is an "arena-offensive" where Guardians must cap off radiolaria geysers while the Vex advance.

As players progress further into the core of Nessus, they'll encounter a new enemy who is pulling the strings. Beyond this tease and what can be gleaned from items in the game, not much is known. Being a Vex-centric Episode, I'd expect plenty of input from Osiris and Saint-XIV.

Episode II: Revenant focuses on the Eliksni and Fallen. It's promised to have more dark fantasy themes and if the in-development footage is to be believed, the design team has killed it. Guardians will become "Slayer Barons," an elite rank of monster hunters in Eliksni culture. The footage shows Eliksni fighting Hive Worms, so perhaps we'll see another fight in the vein of Xol, Will of the Thousands.

In the interview snippets, the term "vampire hunter" is thrown around several times with concept art for weapons and armor sets channeling that energy. Before you get too lost in fashion-crafting, Eido is donning a new hat as Potions Master. Players will be able to craft potions that boost the Seasonal Artifact directly or help target loot for farming.

We might finally see a conclusion to the story of the Scorn as Fikrul is back and has obtained an Echo. The Scorn leader has set up shop in an Awoken keep called Fikrul's Vampire Keep. It might be worth dusting off your Dungeons & Dragons armor for the Destiny 2 version of Ravenloft.

Episode III: Heresy brings our focus back to the Hive, specifically its pantheon of Savathun, Xivu Arath, and Oryx. New Eldritch forces are at play, which ultimately pulls us back to the Dreadnaught from The Taken King. In case you're not as excited as I am, read that last sentence again.

The word "Eldritch" immediately conjures images of cosmic horror, and the Dreadnaught's return is the perfect setting. The ship and weapons are literally being peeled away to reveal skeletal forms underneath. To mirror this concept of two appearances, Bungie will be rolling out two armor sets: Eris Morn's contingent and the Hive Ship navigator. Both sets look absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to live out my Hive fantasy with them.

Year 11, Codename: Frontiers is what comes after the Episodes in 2025. Aside from the name, nothing was given. I'm hoping we get something along the lines of retaking Torobatl or finally finding out who or what the Nine are. Hell, I'd even take an Oregon Trail story where we help our allied forces branch out, now that the threat of the Darkness is gone.

Destiny has been a roller coaster of a ride, but The Final Shape gave me the closure I needed. Now I'm ready to move on and discover new stories that aren't tied to the fate of the universe, especially if they're the right amounts of spooky.

The post Bungie teases the future of Destiny 2: Episodes, destinations, and Year 11 appeared first on Destructoid.

Destiny 2's all-new The Final Shape DLC is, in many ways, a showcase of everything this franchise could be at its absolute best. Some of its new systems, however, are still rather untested, with players being unsure what to make of them. Take the new Pathfinder system, for example.

After you've taken down the big bad of the DLC (for the first time) and begun engaging with The Final Shape's post-campaign progression systems, you will inevitably come across one of the several new Pathfinder interfaces strewn across the Director UI. Pathfinder is a one-size-fits-all Bounty replacement, providing a clear and pointed look at certain loot and currency items to prioritize. As shown in the screenshot below, it's a neat and traditionally beautiful interface that sadly still needs work to truly come into its own. Here's a brief rundown on why, and more of an in-depth look at how The Final Shape's Pathfinder loot system works.

The Finale Shape's Pathfinder loot system explained

Destiny 2's new Pathfinder feature gives you a wide overview of how to progress through your active Season Pass, earn a fair chunk of snazzy loot, and a non-insignificant amount of currency. You do so by completing your randomized array of objectives from left to right, and depending on which Pathfinder you open up, you'll either be looking at location-specific objectives (i.e. Pale Heart missions) or activity-based ones, instead.

The good news is that Pathfinder saddles you with an impressively large number of different objectives. the Pale Heart Pathfinder specifically, for example, will send you off to take down world bosses, complete Lost Sectors, take down enemies in a particular way, help Ghosts in their plight, and a whole roster of other missions. It's all good fun, especially when you can just complete one objective after the other without leaving the location at all.

The bad news, however, is that the activity Pathfinder handles this insistence on variety in a different way, and you'll often need to jump from one playlist to the other to clear your tasks. In effect, this means you'll often have to play PvP and/or Gambit PvPvE matches to actually unlock your Pathfinder Engrams.

Another slight downside to the Pathfinder loot system is that it's not immediately obvious where to find it. Each interface is located in a different spot on the UI, so the Pale Heart's Pathfinder is found in the upper left corner of the Pale Heart's Director map, while the activity Pathfinder is in the Vanguard Director UI.

At the time of writing, only the Pale Heart and the core playlist activities have their own respective Pathfinders, but the system seems too comprehensive not to be applied to most major content releases moving forward. I recommend getting used to it, with that in mind. As outlined in the featured Reddit post, many players are still unsure how to feel about Pathfinder as a whole, but Bungie is bound to tune it up as time goes on, so improvements should be coming down the line.

The post Destiny 2’s Pathfinder loot system explained appeared first on Destructoid.

Destiny 2 The Final Shape Review for PC

Destiny 2 The Final Shape is, in a word, triumphant. For many, time and change mean the Bungie that built its name two decades ago has passed on from its legendary golden years. But it’s special moments like this that remind us – even in the face of such change – there is always new potential. With the conclusion to the Light and Darkness saga, Bungie has raised the bar, showing that its capacity to realize video gaming as an art form is far from lost. Without a doubt, I would call The Final Shape one of the studio’s greatest accomplishments this decade, and, unbelievably, a sign that Destiny 2’s future might be far brighter than we’d anticipated.

There’s nowhere else I could think to begin but with the narrative. For ten years, Bungie has slowly built up the universe of Destiny, the story of our Guardians, and humanity’s fight against the odds. It’s paid off here. From side characters like Caitl and Mithraxx, we gain purposeful insight into their convictions, their fears, and their hopes. From new characters like Luzaku, we gain new questions and possibilities. And from the main cast, we gain nothing short of a spectacle. Zavala has been on something of a character arc since the Witch Queen as his faith in The Traveler falters; it comes to a head here. Crow has been unsure of himself since the moment he was first risen, and he finds a new purpose here. Ikora at least gets some meaningful dialogue – something that’s been a rarity since the Curse of Osiris days. And of course, Cayde-6, voiced by the wonderful Nathan Fillion, steals the show, both as renewed comedic relief and the focus of some of the story’s most sincere, emotional moments.

Anyone who attempted Destiny 2’s raid, Salvation’s Edge, assumed it would be days until someone claimed the win but, surprisingly, this was not the case! A record-breaking team has claimed victory after 19 relentless hours, just 11 minutes longer than the previous longest time recorded. So, who won the world’s first race for Destiny 2 Salvation’s Edge raid?

Salvation’s Edge Winners Confirmed by Bungie

Salvation’s Edge went live on Friday 7 June, 2024 at 1 pm ET. Players quickly launched into the race to see if they would be the first to the finish. Unfortunately for many teams, it became undeniable this was no simple battle and the foes were of a superior power level! When 12 hours had passed and no winner was declared, project leader Catarina Macedo announced: “The Witness is the biggest threat the universe has ever seen. We warned you.”

Destiny 2’s Exotic armor system offers game-changing abilities for every Guardian class, especially Warlocks. These rare pieces are more than just gear; they’re pivotal for gameplay strategy and progression. If you’re a Warlock looking to up your game, understanding the best Exotics for Warlock Destiny 2 is crucial.

Key Takeaways

• Exotic armor pieces in Destiny 2 come with unique perks and stats.
• They are crucial for enhancing a Warlock’s abilities and gameplay.
• Equipping the best exotics for warlock destiny 2 can significantly influence your strategy and performance in the game.

Overview of Destiny 2’s Exotic Armor System

In Destiny 2, Exotic armor represents the pinnacle of gear a Guardian can equip. Each piece not only enhances your stats but also comes with unique perks that can dramatically change how you play the game. For Warlocks, the best exotics for Warlock Destiny 2 can augment your space-magic wielding abilities, making you a formidable ally or an opponent to be reckoned with.

Exotics are limited for a reason; you can only equip one at a time. This limitation forces players to choose wisely based on their playstyle or the demands of a particular mission or raid.

Why Warlocks Need Exotic Gear

For Warlocks, Exotic gear is the equivalent of a wizard’s best spellbook. It enhances your character’s abilities, such as improving the effectiveness of your Rifts or empowering your Nova Bomb. Whether you’re diving into PvP or tackling the latest raid, that one Exotic piece can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

Crafting your loadout with the best exotics for Warlock Destiny 2 is akin to preparing for an epic battle—with the right tools, you’ll have the upper hand.

Sunbracers: Solar Grenade Specialists

Warlocks are adept in the Solar arts, behold the power of Sunbracers, the Exotic armor piece that turns you into a grenade-launching powerhouse. With a design that’s both elegant and fierce, Sunbracers are not just for show—they are the Warlock’s key to an unending barrage of Solar fury. Let’s ignite the sky with these Exotic gauntlets!

Unveiling the Power of Sunbracers Exotic Gauntlets

Sunbracers look deceptively delicate, but their potential is explosive. They are specifically tailored for Warlocks, enhancing your Solar abilities beyond the norm. These gauntlets are steeped in mystery and history, a truly Exotic piece worthy of any Warlock’s arsenal.

If Sunbracers had a motto, it would be ‘Let there be light—then throw it at everything.’

Benefits and Perks

The main allure of Sunbracers lies in their unique perk, ‘Helium Spirals.’ This ability extends the duration of your Solar Grenades, and following a melee kill, grants you an unlimited supply for a brief period. Couple this with the fact that Solar Grenade kills grant grenade energy, and you have a loop of Solar destruction at your fingertips.

It’s like having an infinite ammo cheat code for fiery mayhem.

Unleashing the Solar Grenade Torrent

When equipped, Sunbracers turn your Warlock into a Solar Grenade vending machine. The increased duration and instant replenishment mean you can litter the battlefield with these sustained spheres of Solar energy, controlling areas and burning through enemies. With precise throws and tactical placements, you become the lord of literal firefights.

It’s raining fire, hallelujah!

Stay strapped with Sunbracers, and you’ll dominate the field with Solar proficiency. Engulf enemies in flames, dictate the flow of combat and bask in the glory of the Sun. Warlocks, it’s time to set the world alight!

The battlefield? More like a barbecue pit, thanks to your Sunbracers.

Contraverse Hold: A Voidwalker’s Shield

Dive into the void without fear with the Contraverse Hold, Exotic gauntlets crafted for the fearless Voidwalkers. These mysterious, rune-inscribed gloves are not just protective gear; they’re a portal to increased power and resilience.

Become a master of the dark with Contraverse Hold’s unparalleled abilities.

Brief Explanation of Contraverse Hold Exotic Gauntlets

The Contraverse Hold is more than just a pair of gloves; they’re a Warlock’s best friend in the heat of battle. These Exotic gauntlets merge style with utility, creating a perfect blend for Voidwalkers who thrive in the midst of chaos. Embrace the void with open arms, or rather, hands.

It’s like having a force field on your forearms.

Unique Perks Provided by Contraverse Hold

The main attraction of these gauntlets is the ‘Chaotic Exchanger‘ perk, which gifts you with damage resistance while charging your Void grenade. And there’s more—charged Void grenades return a random amount of grenade energy on a hit. It’s a never-ending cycle of void energy that keeps your enemies guessing.

Call it the gift that keeps on giving…destruction.

Boosting Voidwalker Survivability and Damage Output

Contraverse Hold is essential for Voidwalkers who prioritize both offense and defense. Feel invincible as you charge into the fray, knowing your gauntlets make you tougher to kill. And with the returning energy from your grenades, you’re always ready to unleash another round of void-fueled barrage.

Think of it as an investment in endless explosions—it pays off!

Put on the Contraverse Hold and become the impenetrable Void champion your fireteam deserves. With these Exotic gauntlets, your power is limitless, and your potential is as vast as the dark, starry void itself.

Step into the shadows and emerge victorious with Contraverse Hold.

Ophidian Aspect: The Quick-Draw Artist

Meet the Ophidian Aspect, Exotic gloves that morph any Warlock into a quick-draw artist. These sleek, serpent-themed gauntlets are the talk of the Tower for good reason. They don’t just look good—they make you a deadly combatant in any engagement.

Feel the unparalleled agility at your fingertips with these unique Exotic gloves.

Introduction to Ophidian Aspect Exotic Gloves

Ophidian Aspect gloves are the ultimate accessory for Warlocks who demand the best from their weaponry. Marked with arcane symbols, these gloves are a work of art in both form and function. Equip them, and you’ll wonder how you ever went into battle without them.

Imagine having the Midas touch, but for guns. That’s Ophidian Aspect for you.

Enhancements to Weapon Handling and Reload Speed

With the ‘Cobra Totemic’ perk, these gloves amp up your weapon handling and reload speed to elite levels. Your weapons become extensions of yourself, reloading with slick precision and responding to your commands with unprecedented speed. Every second counts in battle, and Ophidian Aspect ensures not a moment is wasted.

It’s like your guns are eager to please, just because you’re wearing these gloves.

Why Ophidian Aspect is Favored for Agile Gameplay

Agility is king in any firefight, and Ophidian Aspect is its crown. These gloves allow you to adapt rapidly to any combat situation, with weapons that feel light as feathers and just as swift. For the Warlock who flits like a shadow and strikes like lightning, there is no better choice.

Because when your guns move like quicksilver, victory is just a trigger pull away.

Harness the power of Ophidian Aspect and elevate your gameplay. Enter the fray as a force to be reckoned with—where your reactions are fast, your weapons faster, and your opponents are simply trying to keep up.

With Ophidian Aspect, you’re not just playing the game. You’re changing the rules.

Nezarec’s Sin: Embrace the Void

When you don the Nezarec’s Sin Exotic helm, you’re not just wearing a helmet; you’re embodying a piece of the Void itself. This helm is shrouded in mystery as much as it is in shadow, offering powers that tap into the very essence of the Voidwalker’s craft.

Become one with the darkness and let your abilities tear through the cosmos.

Overview of Nezarec’s Sin Exotic Helm

This helm, veiled in eldritch carvings, is designed for the Warlock who revels in the Void. Its singular purpose: to amplify your command over the Void, granting you powers that even the mightiest foes fear. Adorning this helm is more than a statement—it’s a pact with the abyss.

Wear Nezarec’s Sin and let the universe know you control the Void, not the other way around.

Empowering Void Abilities for Quicker Recharge Rates

Harnessing the helm’s ‘Abyssal Extractors’ perk, any Void-damage kill quickens the recharge of your abilities. The energy of fallen enemies fuels your next attack, creating a cycle of endless night. With every kill, your potential grows, and the Void obeys.

The dark whispers of Nezarec’s Sin promise power; the wise Warlock listens and conquers.

Strategies for Maximizing Nezarec’s Sin Benefits in Combat

To truly harness the potential of Nezarec’s Sin, bathe the battlefield in Void energy. Use weapons that deal Void damage to exploit the helm’s recharge properties. Every victorious encounter is a stepping stone to your next devastating move, as the helm feeds off your foes’ defeats.

In combat, Nezarec’s Sin doesn’t just protect your head—it devastates your enemies’ resolve.

Embrace Nezarec’s Sin and become the Void incarnate. Your enemies will learn to fear the dark as you wield it like a weapon—unseen, unstoppable, undeniable.

With Nezarec’s Sin, the shadows are not just your ally—they are your dominion.

Phoenix Protocol: Invoking the Phoenix

Phoenix Protocol, an Exotic chest armor, wraps Warlocks in the resilience and rebirth of the mythical phoenix. This armor is not only visually striking but imbued with powers that any battlefield tactician would covet.

Arise from the ashes of conflict with renewed vigor, thanks to the Phoenix Protocol.

Description of Phoenix Protocol Exotic Chest Armor

Adorned with fiery detailing that conjures images of a rising phoenix, this chest armor symbolizes the unyielding spirit of Warlocks. The elegant design houses an even more remarkable secret—a means to channel the energy of the Well of Radiance into sustained combat potency.

Become the undying flame upon which the tides of battle turn.

Super Energy Replenishment Mechanics with Phoenix Protocol

Phoenix Protocol’s unique perk, ‘Battle-Hearth,’ is a game-changer. When you secure kills and assists while within your Well of Radiance, you’re rewarded with Super energy. This effectively avenues a potentially unending stream of power, allowing Warlocks to call upon their Well with astonishing frequency.

Each fallen adversary reinforces your resolve and recharges your might.

How Phoenix Protocol Supports Prolonged Engagements in PvE

In the throes of PvE battles, Phoenix Protocol is an ally like no other. It supports lengthy confrontations by sustaining Ability Energy, ensuring that your Well of Radiance is a beacon of hope repeatedly throughout the skirmish. With the proper strategy, this Exotic armor can be the cornerstone of a Warlock’s durability and offensive capability in extended engagements.

With Phoenix Protocol, your light will not flicker out; instead, it burns brighter with every foe vanquished.

Embrace the essence of continuance and resurgence. With Phoenix Protocol, you’re not just enduring the onslaught; you’re thriving in it, perpetuating a cycle of rebirth that spells doom for any who dare stand against you.

The Phoenix Protocol is not just armor; it’s a manifesto of immortality.

Tactical Gear for Strategic Minds

In Destiny 2, the best exotics for Warlock Destiny 2 can elevate your Guardian’s abilities and tailor your character to fit your combat style seamlessly. Selecting the ideal Exotic is a tactical decision, a blend of art and precision that hinges upon understanding the unique abilities of your subclass and how you wield them in battle.

Recognizing the symbiosis between armor and playstyle is the mark of a true strategist.

Discussion on Selecting Exotic Armor Based on Subclass and Playstyle

An astute Guardian knows that Exotic armor should complement their subclass, enhancing its strengths or shoring up its weaknesses. For instance, a Sunbreaker Titan might favor the Hallowfire Heart for its Solar ability recharge rate, while a Nightstalker Hunter could lean into the Graviton Forfeit’s invisibility extension.

Choosing your Exotic armor isn’t about what looks the best—it’s about what makes you the deadliest.

Importance of Adapting Exotic Choices for Specific Activities (PvP vs. PvE)

The right Exotic can turn the tide in both PvP and PvE, but the demands of each are often worlds apart. In the Crucible, quick reflexes and immediate benefits reign supreme, leading many to prefer the instant health bump of the Wormhusk Crown. Meanwhile, in PvE, sustained or situational benefits, like the add-clearing prowess of the Phoenix Protocol, may prove more advantageous.

Adapt your armor to your arena. What saves you in the depths of a Raid may hinder you in the throes of battle against other Guardians.

Your Guardian’s Exotic armor is more than just a formidable asset; it’s a reflection of your strategic prowess. Choose wisely, adapt swiftly, and forge your legend on the battlefield with a calculated and thoughtful approach to your Exotic gear.

Your armor doesn’t make you invincible, but the right piece at the right time can make you unstoppable.

PvP vs. PvE: Suit Up Appropriately

In Destiny 2, Guardians face a myriad of challenge types, and while your weapons are important, the right Exotic armor is crucial. Your selection can either set you up for glorified triumphs or lead to an untimely demise, especially when considering the stark differences between PvP and PvE encounters.

Distinction Between Exotic Armor Choices for PvP and PvE Encounters

The crucible of PvP demands agility and instant response, favoring Exotics like the Transversive Steps. These boots enhance speed and automatically reload your weapons, making you a swift agent of chaos that is always ready for action. On the other side, PvE scenarios often require sustained ability use and support roles, lending themselves to Exotics like Lunafaction Boots, which empower your entire squad with rapid fire and reload within your rifts.

Recommendations for PvP-focused Exotics like Transversive Steps

In the heat of PvP combat, Exotics like Transversive Steps are perfect for the Guardian on the move. Their ability to reload your firearms as you sprint makes them invaluable in the relentless dance of the Crucible.

Efficiency is the name of the game, and these boots ensure you’re as lethal on the move as you are in the trenches.

Suggestions for PvE-oriented Exotics such as Lunafaction Boots

PvE challenges often see Guardians plunging into the unknown for extended periods, requiring fortitude and strategic prowess. Lunafaction Boots are exemplary for these long-haul missions, turning your defensive Rifts into zones of empowerment. These boots ensure that no magazine is empty for long, and no enemy stands a chance against the barrages of your fireteam.

For the marathon of PvE, strategize with Exotics that bolster your collective strength for the long run.

When you suit up for battle in Destiny 2, know that what you wear is as vital as what you wield. The right armor turns a Guardian into a legend, be it in the bullet-ridden arenas of the Crucible or the shadow-drenched depths of alien strongholds.

Choose your armor with a tactical mind and watch as the enemies of the Light fall before you.

Your armor in Destiny 2 is the difference between victory and defeat. Whether you’re fighting for glory in the Crucible or pushing back the darkness in the far reaches of space, the best exotics for warlock destiny 2 armor magnifies your strengths and protects your weaknesses. Remember, Guardians, the armor you choose to don becomes part of your legend, so choose wisely and fight bravely.

The universe is vast, and the battles never cease, but with the right gear, the Light will always find a way. Arm yourself for the journey ahead, and may your enemies falter at the sight of your resolve.

Forge your path, Guardian, and let your armor tell the story of triumphs to come.

I've set aside some time this evening for Destiny 2's latest expansion The Final Shape, which launched last night. My pal Liam suggested we play this evening because Bungie's servers would inevitably go up in flames the moment it launched. And what do you know? The right decision was made. Are we smug about it? Yes. Anyway, the good news is that Bungie have put out a few of those fires, though there are still a few bugs to fix.

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Bungie has teased Destiny 2 Codename Frontiers, coming at some point in 2025 during what will be the series’ 11th year.

Teased at the end of a new video detailing what to expect from The Final Shape expansion’s upcoming three episodes was a solitary image, below. It reveals Codename Frontiers, which …