Fans of Crucible and other PvP modes forDestiny 2have had reason to feel somewhat neglected since the release of Lightfall, but all of that will change with the introduction of Season of the Deep. From what information has been shown off in the new season ofDestiny 2, it appears that Bungie has shifted its priorities and will be making overhauls to its PvP systems.
With Lightfall’s release,Destiny 2is currently in a resurgence, breaking its all-time player count on Steam as it sets the stage for the conclusion of Bungie’s 10-year plan, which will culminate inThe Final Shape expansion, due out sometime in 2024. While the most recent expansion forDestiny 2has been far from perfect, its additions have been mostly well-received, and its two biggest draws, the new Strand subclass and the Neomuna Patrol Zone, have brought long-time players back into the game’s ecosystem. Bungie has also been consistent in its pace of delivering changes to balances and bug-fixing patches, boding well for player retention as it plans to roll out Season of the Deep in late May.
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The Future of PvP in Destiny 2
A recentleak by a prominentDestiny 2community memberis the source for much of what is known about the Season of the Deep. There are some massive shifts coming to the game, not least of which include a redesign to the way Power Levels work and Exotic Engram focusing. To PvP fans, what stuck out the most among these leaks is the multitude of balance changes, and additional content to the game’s more competitive modes, Gambit notwithstanding.
Perhaps the most celebrated additions are not really additions at all, but weapons that will be un-sunset withDestiny 2’s Season of the Deep. Scout rifle fans are rejoicing in the return of fan-favorite Randy’s Throwing Knife, along with the popular hand cannon, Spare Rations, and the Outlast pulse rifle. The hardcore PvP mode Trials of Osiris is getting a new Pinnacle reward in the form of a glaive, as well as re-releasing The Messenger pulse rifle, and a redesign to its matchmaking algorithm. Iron Banner is getting some attention as well, with an incredibly enticing new Strand fusion rifle which should provide plenty of incentive for players to hop back on the PvP grind.
Crucible in Destiny 2 is Getting the Attention it Deserves
Announced in February by Bungie was that the Crucible map Meltdown would be reintroduced to the game in a revised version. This was welcome news to fans who purchased Lightfall only to discover that it contained no new maps for any PvP modes. A new Vex Network-inspired map is also in the works, with plans to launch in the season after Season of the Deep. While pessimism remains amongranked PvP players inDestiny 2, all signs point to their feedback being addressed. Fears that the PvP half of the game had permanently fallen by the wayside are being quelled for now, which is a good sign.
A job listing hinted at a new competitive multiplayer title from Bungie was in the works, and some had speculated its focus might take away from theCrucible and other PvP modes inDestiny 2. With the recent leaks for the Season of the Deep, it appears those worries were unfounded. There are still plenty of unknowns surrounding Season of the Deep, as well as future seasons, asDestiny 2kicks off its third act. The next year, all the way up to the release of The Final Shape, should be chock-full of fan service and other highly-requested features forDestiny 2.
Destiny 2is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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