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Destiny 2

Destiny 2 Game Cover
78%Game Brain Score
Most mentioned positive aspects:story, gameplay
Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, monetization
78% User Score Based on 373,570 reviews

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Destiny 2 Game Cover

About Destiny 2

Destiny 2 is a single player and multiplayer open world role playing shooter game with fantasy, warfare and science fiction themes. It was developed by Bungie and was released on October 12, 2021. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

Destiny 2: Launch Edition includes a few preorder bonuses for the base game.

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Reviews

78%Audience ScoreBased on 373,570 reviews
story12.6k positive mentions
grinding12k negative mentions
  • The gameplay is praised for its smooth mechanics, satisfying gunplay, and engaging combat, making it one of the standout features of the game.
  • The graphics are stunning and immersive, contributing significantly to the game's appeal and atmosphere.
  • The story has evolved significantly over the years, with many players appreciating its rich lore and engaging narratives, particularly in expansions like The Witch Queen.
  • The game suffers from persistent bugs, glitches, and server issues that disrupt gameplay, leading to a frustrating experience for players.
  • The aggressive monetization model, including expensive expansions and microtransactions, has drawn significant criticism and is seen as a cash grab.
  • New players often find the onboarding process confusing and frustrating due to content vaulting and the fragmented storyline.

  • story

    46,830 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    27% positive mentions, 66% neutral mentions, 7% negative mentions

    The story of Destiny 2 has evolved significantly over the years, with many players praising its rich lore and engaging narratives, particularly in expansions like *The Witch Queen* and *The Final Shape*. However, the game's approach to content vaulting has left new players confused and frustrated, as much of the original story and key expansions have been removed, making it difficult to follow the overarching narrative. Many reviews highlight the disjointed experience for newcomers, who often find themselves lost in a fragmented storyline that requires extensive outside research to fully understand. Overall, while the gameplay remains enjoyable, the story's accessibility and coherence have suffered due to aggressive monetization and content removal practices.

    • “The story is great, adding a nice depth to what makes the game special.”
    • “The story truly is the highlight of this game.”
    • “The current story however is great, it's amazing but with the tedious power grind, bugs, and just general lack of care for the game i cannot recommend it as it is.”
    • “Not because I’m invested in the story (honestly, with all the DLCs and lore dumps, I’ve completely lost track of what’s going on) but because the gameplay still delivers where it counts: smooth, satisfying shooting and fun multiplayer modes.”
    • “The story has been wandering in circles for years, characters appear and vanish, plot threads get dropped, and entire campaigns you paid for have been deleted from the game.”
    • “The new player experience is terrible; they do a horrible job of explaining what's going on and you have to spend a lot of time outside the game trying to gather story details.”

  • gameplay

    18,974 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    47% positive mentions, 48% neutral mentions, 5% negative mentions

    The gameplay of Destiny 2 is often praised for its smooth mechanics, satisfying gunplay, and engaging combat, making it one of the standout features of the game. However, many players express frustration with the repetitive gameplay loop, grind-heavy mechanics, and aggressive monetization strategies that lock significant content behind paywalls. While the core gameplay remains enjoyable, the overall experience is marred by a convoluted new player onboarding process and a lack of meaningful updates, leading to mixed feelings about the game's long-term viability.

    • “Not because I’m invested in the story (honestly, with all the DLCs and lore dumps, I’ve completely lost track of what’s going on) but because the gameplay still delivers where it counts: smooth, satisfying shooting and fun multiplayer modes.”
    • “The gameplay is amazing, the gunplay feels great, but just because the ingredients to the recipe are high quality doesn't mean the output is going to be guaranteed a success.”
    • “The gameplay loop is fun, the classes are all unique, the guns feel heavenly, and the exotic design is pure joy, be it an armor or a gun!”
    • “The gameplay loop is stale, and with consistent power creep you are practically forced into either paying for the newest content, buying the deluxe version of the newest DLC, grinding hours of content that hasn't been refreshed in years, or just giving up.”
    • “The gameplay is repetitive, the design is sloppy and low quality, and more and more of the good cosmetics are now behind a paywall.”
    • “The gameplay loop has run dry for me, everything is being charged to be done, (if you want to stay current in a season, you need 1, the current DLC, 2, the season's pass, 3, the dungeon pass, and 4, being optional, the event pass.)”

  • grinding

    12,225 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    0% positive mentions, 2% neutral mentions, 98% negative mentions

    The grinding aspect of Destiny 2 has received mixed reviews from players, with many describing it as excessively tedious and repetitive. While some enjoy the grind for loot and character progression, others find it overwhelming and frustrating, especially with the frequent resets and power creep that render hard-earned gear obsolete. Overall, the game is characterized as a grind-heavy experience that can be rewarding for dedicated players but may deter those who prefer a more casual or varied gameplay style.

    • “But it also isn't too grindy, and you can get to max level in a week or two.”
    • “It's not that grindy, very manageable, and extremely fun.”
    • “Great community, great gameplay, fantastic weapons, loot system is not too grindy and lots of quests.”
    • “The entire Edge of Fate DLC has been boring, tedious, and very annoying.”
    • “There's nothing to actually do anymore unless you like grinding the same handful of activities in the portal on repeat.”
    • “They took grinding and turned it into chore maxing and made playing the game feel less like farming and more like a prison sentence.”

  • graphics

    9,099 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    71% positive mentions, 28% neutral mentions, 1% negative mentions

    The graphics of Destiny 2 have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and intricate design, often described as breathtaking and immersive. Players appreciate the game's ability to run smoothly on various hardware, with many noting that even older systems can handle the graphics well. However, some critiques mention that while the graphics are impressive, they may not fully compensate for gameplay issues and the game's monetization practices. Overall, the visuals are a significant highlight, contributing to the game's appeal and atmosphere.

    • “Destiny 2 is an absolute masterpiece — a perfect fusion of stunning visuals, fluid gunplay, and ever-evolving content that keeps every mission exciting.”
    • “Bungie really nailed the visuals and sound design too, every planet looks like a movie set.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, the gameplay is smooth, and the storyline is incredibly engaging.”
    • “I've tried to verify game files, uninstall/installed the game, tweaked the graphics settings and still the same crap!!!”
    • “The graphics are truly unbearable, I feel like whenever I look at this game my eyes just hurt.”
    • “The graphics look like they were drawn by a 4-year-old with the talents of Pablo Picasso in his prime.”

  • monetization

    3,766 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    6% positive mentions, 55% neutral mentions, 39% negative mentions

    The monetization model of Destiny 2 has drawn significant criticism from players, who describe it as aggressive and predatory, often likening it to a cash grab. Many reviews highlight the overwhelming presence of microtransactions, expensive expansions, and the constant push for players to spend money on content that was previously included in the game. This has led to a frustrating experience for both new and returning players, who feel pressured to invest heavily to access meaningful gameplay and content.

    • “The core gameplay is top-tier, but it's buried under aggressive monetization (expensive DLCs, seasons, microtransactions) and repetitive seasonal models.”
    • “The heavy monetization really sucks but it's an amazing game with all the content.”
    • “Bungie has leaned heavily into the cosmetics model for monetization in Destiny 2, and while this keeps the core experience accessible, it’s hard to ignore how pervasive they’ve become.”
    • “Starting the game as a new player is awful; free to play is not free to enjoy, and monetization is ruining the game.”
    • “Needing to buy the DLC, season pass, and the dungeon key and still getting drip-fed content is absurd and tiring; that has been their monetization model now for years.”
    • “The monetization has completely and utterly killed the game for me and my group.”

  • music

    2,665 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    56% positive mentions, 43% neutral mentions, 1% negative mentions

    The music in Destiny 2 is widely praised for its exceptional quality, with many players highlighting it as a standout feature of the game. Composed by notable figures like Michael Salvatori, the soundtrack enhances the immersive experience, complementing the game's stunning visuals and engaging gameplay. However, recent layoffs, including the firing of key music composers, have raised concerns about the future of the game's musical direction, leaving fans worried about potential declines in quality.

    • “The music in this game is phenomenal.”
    • “The soundtrack has to be the best part of the game, hands down.”
    • “The music, the art, the power fantasy was enough for me to ignore some of the underlying problems behind it.”
    • “They did a ton of budget cuts at one point and even fired the guy that makes the music; the music was a third of the experience!”
    • “The music made the game feel even more alive than before and enhanced the story by so much.”
    • “The music is so inoffensive it becomes wholly unmemorable.”

  • humor

    1,385 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    97% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 3% negative mentions

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with players often finding it unintentionally funny due to bugs, glitches, and the absurdity of certain gameplay mechanics. While some appreciate the witty dialogue and character interactions, particularly from beloved characters like Cayde-6, others criticize the forced humor and lack of depth in the writing. Overall, the game's comedic moments can lead to both laughter and frustration, especially when playing with friends, making it a unique experience that balances fun with occasional disappointment.

    • “The characters themselves are diverse and well-written, ranging from quirky and funny to mysterious or flirtatious, each contributing to the game’s lively and sometimes chaotic atmosphere.”
    • “From the clever quips of your ghost companion to the ridiculous dances you can bust out in the social spaces, there's a healthy dose of humor sprinkled throughout.”
    • “The game's humor and witty dialogue add a whole new level of enjoyment.”
    • “Just pure chaos, while at the same time I am just killing the same 3 types of enemies over and over again and a robot is making unfunny jokes in the background.”
    • “The cringey Marvel humor just didn't do it for me.”
    • “Final review score: 1/10 unfunny man tries to be funny with watered down memes and thinks a self-aware comment at the end will somehow be a good ending to it.”

  • stability

    1,289 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    8% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 92% negative mentions

    The stability of Destiny 2 has been heavily criticized by players, with many reporting persistent bugs, glitches, and server issues that disrupt gameplay. Despite occasional fun moments, the game is often described as a "buggy mess," with significant problems affecting both PvE and PvP experiences. Players express frustration over the lack of timely fixes for game-breaking issues, leading to a generally unstable and frustrating gaming experience.

    • “It looks great, runs great; and is absolutely immersive in ultra-wide.”
    • “Well after this many hours and about 200 hours when it was on Blizzard, I'll have to say I recommend this game due to the fact it runs great and just feels great. Probably the best feeling FPS I've played if you count how well I find it runs.”
    • “Highly optimized for PC, runs great!”
    • “In a horrible buggy state and can't suggest enough to stay far far away from this game.”
    • “There have been issues and glitches ignored for literally 5+ years.”
    • “This game has become a huge buggy mess.”

  • optimization

    1,280 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    45% positive mentions, 42% neutral mentions, 13% negative mentions

    The optimization of Destiny 2 has garnered mixed reviews from players. While many praise its overall performance and graphical fidelity, noting that it runs well even on lower-end systems, numerous complaints highlight persistent issues such as stuttering, frame drops, and server instability, particularly following updates. Players express frustration over the game's management of content and performance, with some feeling that optimization efforts have not kept pace with the game's evolving demands.

    • “Look: Bungie might not make the best design decisions when it comes to player progression, but it's hard to deny that Destiny 2 is far and away the best optimized, fastest playing, and most engaging sci-fi first-person shooter.”
    • “The game is very well optimized and runs beautifully.”
    • “The optimization for this game is so good it makes other games feel like trash, to be honest.”
    • “I understand there have been management issues, but how long can you justify the poor performance, constant bugs/issues that have gone unfixed before that excuse loses all meaning.”
    • “Game is poorly optimized and crashes often.”
    • “The game has been practically unplayable since the Beyond Light update and hasn't been getting better, only worse, performance-wise.”

  • emotional

    814 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    96% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 4% negative mentions

    The emotional aspect of Destiny 2 is a complex tapestry of highs and lows, with players expressing deep attachments to characters and narratives that have shaped their gaming experiences over the years. Many reviews highlight the heart-wrenching moments, such as character deaths and significant story arcs, which evoke strong feelings of nostalgia and loss, particularly for long-time fans. However, there is also a pervasive sense of disappointment regarding the game's current state, with frustrations about mismanagement and content removal leading to feelings of emotional exhaustion and betrayal among the community.

    • “But after what you were forced to do at the end of heresy, I felt emotionally wounded.”
    • “The story, which ties together years of lore and character development, is both epic and deeply personal, offering a satisfying conclusion to the journeys of guardians and their allies.”
    • “I cried at the final shape after a 10 year saga coming to a close, and now starting a new era with edge of fate.”
    • “D2 from launch to present (Witch Queen excepted) has been the most confusing, baffling, and boring storytelling I've ever experienced, and now everything that has and could have been built up has been basically thrown out with the dismissal of everyone from the original team.”
    • “This is an incredibly boring game with an incredibly boring storyline.”
    • “What started as a good game with a good story and interesting characters evolved over the years into a bad game with boring characters and a boring story.”

  • replayability

    687 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    39% positive mentions, 54% neutral mentions, 7% negative mentions

    The replayability of Destiny 2 is a contentious topic among players, with opinions ranging from high praise for its engaging gameplay and cooperative elements to criticism of its repetitive content and reliance on paid expansions. Many players appreciate the variety of activities, such as raids and seasonal events, which offer substantial replay value, especially when played with friends. However, concerns about content being vaulted, the grind becoming tedious, and the lack of meaningful narrative replayability have led some to feel that the game's replayability has diminished over time, particularly for solo players or those unwilling to invest in additional content.

    • “The game excels in cooperative play, especially with its challenging raids and dynamic seasonal events, offering tons of replayability.”
    • “Amazing replayability, no DLCs required to have fun!”
    • “With its diverse activities, dynamic multiplayer, and regular content updates, Destiny 2 offers extensive replayability and long-term engagement.”
    • “There's less content than ever, zero replayability, a butchered story, and really nothing worth playing/buying because there's no guarantee that you'll get to keep it.”
    • “The new DLC campaign and content is subpar at best and the endgame and replayability of activities is horrible. The game is basically an online MMO looter shooter geared towards a solo experience, and there is no reason or incentive to play older content that you paid for.”
    • “The addition of dungeons, nightfall strikes, and gambit mode adds layers of replayability, ensuring that guardians always have a new challenge to tackle.”

  • atmosphere

    497 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    58% positive mentions, 40% neutral mentions, 2% negative mentions

    The atmosphere in Destiny 2 is widely praised for its stunning visuals, immersive environments, and captivating sound design, which together create a rich and engaging experience across various planets. Players appreciate the unique atmospheres of different locations, from the vibrant streets of Neomuna to the eerie caverns of the Moon, enhancing the overall gameplay and storytelling. However, some critiques mention that recent changes and content removals have negatively impacted the game's once-thriving atmosphere, leading to a sense of loss among long-time fans.

    • “The environments are richly detailed, creating an immersive party setting complete with dynamic lighting, music, and sound effects that enhance the overall atmosphere.”
    • “Whether you're exploring the neon-soaked streets of Neomuna or the eerie caverns of the moon, the game is consistently beautiful and atmospheric.”
    • “From the majestic landscapes of Earth to the mysterious depths of the reef, every location is rendered with breathtaking detail and atmospheric depth, creating a truly immersive gaming experience that is sure to captivate players.”
    • “The new 'energy blob gameplay' in tunnels looks ridiculous and completely breaks the atmosphere of Destiny.”
    • “It's unbelievable how, within just 68 minutes, you're completely buried under cluttered menus, walls of text, and random junk—without even the slightest chance to hold onto the tiny bit of atmosphere the game desperately tries to force upon you.”
    • “However, they have completely ruined said atmosphere by removing the main story and replacing it with an improvised cut made from Destiny 1's story.”

  • character development

    152 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    43% positive mentions, 44% neutral mentions, 13% negative mentions

    Character development in Destiny 2 has received mixed reviews, with many praising the emotional depth and storytelling in recent expansions, while others criticize the inconsistency and lack of meaningful character arcs in the main game. Players appreciate the intricate character designs and lore, but some feel that significant character development moments are often relegated to lore pages rather than in-game dialogue. Overall, while the game excels in visual and artistic presentation, the depth of character development can feel lacking or uneven, particularly for new players.

    • “The storytelling is engaging, and the character development adds emotional depth to the overall experience.”
    • “The character development is exceptional, and the connection formed with your guardian and the supporting cast is palpable.”
    • “The story, which ties together years of lore and character development, is both epic and deeply personal, offering a satisfying conclusion to the journeys of guardians and their allies.”
    • “There is no real character development anymore.”
    • “Character development is almost nonexistent, and the once iconic personalities of beloved characters have been reduced to mere caricatures of their former selves.”
    • “The character development throughout the game's existence has been top tier and does a really good job getting you attached.”
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Play Times

275h Median play time
717h Average play time
12h Main story
154h Completionist
30-1000h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 1,847 analyzed playthroughs
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Game News

As Destiny 2 is laid to rest, Warframe is experiencing 'massive growth,' studio boss says

July 28 on pcgamer.com

How to get the Immortal Title in Destiny 2

July 19 on shacknews.com

Grieving Destiny 2 players on Steam boosted the game from 32nd place all the way up to 5th for US active users last month

July 17 on gamesradar.com

After Destiny 2's death, Warframe head's advice for anyone in live services is to "make a good game before they kick you out"

July 16 on gamesradar.com

Sarpedon-D PvE and PvP god rolls - Destiny 2

July 15 on shacknews.com

Destiny 2 has over 10x more players than Marathon on Steam, despite end of service

July 13 on pcgamesn.com

Warframe creative director says Destiny 2's end is tragic, because even with hard work 'the business side of this industry always gets the last remark'

July 13 on pcgamer.com

Warframe lead Rebecca Ford says Destiny 2's death is "horrible news" for everyone: "Not the first time it's happened, and it'll happen again"

July 11 on gamesradar.com
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Frequently Asked Questions

Destiny 2 is a open world role playing shooter game with fantasy, warfare and science fiction themes. Common tags for Destiny 2 include free to play, science, first-person, atmospheric, loot and others.

Destiny 2 is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and others.

The main story can be completed in around 12 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 154 hours to finish. On average players spend around 717 hours playing Destiny 2.

Destiny 2 was released on October 12, 2021.

Destiny 2 was developed by Bungie.

Destiny 2 has received mostly positive reviews from players. Most players liked Destiny 2 for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Destiny 2 is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.