Destiny 2's Prophecy Year: Essential Guardian Guide

Get ready, Guardians! Bungie has just unveiled an exciting lineup for its sci-fi shooter, Destiny 2, under the banner of the "Year of Prophecy." This year promises four major content updates, including two new expansions and significant seasonal and core game enhancements for both paying and free players.

The "Year of Prophecy" kicks off with the free update, Rite of the Nine, which introduces a fresh take on dungeon diving. Available to all players, this update refreshes familiar dungeons such as Prophecy, Spire of the Watcher, and Ghosts of the Deep with unique twists, new encounters with Orin, and updated dungeon weapons, ensuring even seasoned players find something new to explore.

On July 15, the first paid expansion, Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate, will launch. This expansion marks the beginning of a multiyear saga revolving around the mysterious Nine, reintroducing players to these ancient beings. New characters, Lodi and Ikora, will take center stage as you explore the new destination, Kepler. Inspired by Destiny 2's dungeons, Kepler offers puzzle-solving and pathfinding challenges, new enemies, weapons, gear, and destination-specific abilities.

Alongside The Edge of Fate, major core game innovations will be introduced, including revised armor and gear systems for enhanced buildcrafting and a new activity selection screen called the Portal. Players can choose from Fireteam Ops, Pinnacle Ops, Crucible Ops, and the new Solo Ops, designed specifically for solo players seeking quick, self-contained gameplay. With 50 new modifiers and curated activity rotations, players can customize their experience and chase new rewards.

Pre-order bonuses for The Edge of Fate include an instantly unlockable Exotic Ghost and Legendary Emblem. For those looking for more, the Year of Prophecy Edition offers both The Edge of Fate and Renegades campaigns, along with additional rewards. The Ultimate Edition goes even further, providing instant unlocks like the Exotic Sniper Rifle "New Land Beyond," ornaments, catalysts, and a wealth of cosmetic items and resources.

A second major update, Ash & Iron, will launch on September 9, followed by the second expansion, Renegades, on December 2. Inspired by the Star Wars universe, Renegades promises to blend Destiny's unique storytelling and gameplay with iconic sci-fi elements. Finally, the Shadow & Order update is scheduled for March 3.

These updates come at a crucial time for Bungie, following significant layoffs in July 2024 and earlier in the year, demonstrating the company's commitment to delivering high-quality content for Destiny 2 players. Additionally, Bungie is also working on the upcoming reboot of Marathon, which has shown promising early signs in its alpha phase, set to release on PC and consoles in September.