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Are Legendary Shards Leaving Destiny 2? A Deep Dive into the Economy Shift

Yes, absolutely. Legendary Shards are indeed leaving Destiny 2. Bungie announced that Legendary Shards will be removed from the game entirely with the launch of The Final Shape expansion. This means that after Season 23, players will need to adapt to a new in-game economy, bidding farewell to this long-standing currency. The removal has sparked discussion and questions among players, making it vital to understand the changes and how to prepare.

Understanding the Legendary Shard Sunset

The decision to sunset Legendary Shards represents a significant shift in Destiny 2’s resource management. For years, these shards have been a cornerstone of player progression, used for everything from upgrading gear to purchasing materials and focusing engrams. Bungie’s rationale behind this change likely stems from a desire to streamline the economy, reduce complexity, and potentially introduce new systems that better serve the game’s evolving design.

This transition presents both challenges and opportunities for players. Long-time Guardians who have amassed substantial stockpiles of Legendary Shards will need to find ways to spend them before they become obsolete. Meanwhile, newer players might find the simplified economy easier to navigate without needing to grind for yet another currency.

Strategies for Spending Your Shards

With the clock ticking down, prudent Guardians will want to deplete their reserves of Legendary Shards effectively. Here’s how:

Upgrade Crafted Weapons: Leveling up crafted weapons requires a significant investment of glimmer and shards. This is an excellent way to burn through those stockpiles while improving your arsenal.
Purchase Glimmer from Rahool: If you find yourself short on glimmer, Rahool in the Tower will gladly exchange your shards for glimmer. Use this to fuel your crafting and other glimmer-intensive activities.
Focus Exotic Armor: Rahool also offers the option to focus Exotic armor. While the cost is substantial, it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re seeking specific stat rolls or armor pieces.
Stock Up on Enhancement Prisms and Ascendant Shards: If you have an enormous stash of Legendary Shards, you can buy Enhancement Prisms and Ascendant Shards from Rahool. These are essential for Masterworking armor, and they are quite valuable.
Purchase Items from Xur: Xur, the weekend vendor, trades in Legendary Shards. Check his inventory each week for weapons, armor, and other goodies that you might want to acquire.
Monument to Lost Lights: While the Legendary Shard cost is removed from this vendor, you can still use other materials to purchase legacy exotics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Legendary Shards

Here are some commonly asked questions about the removal of Legendary Shards in Destiny 2.

1. When Exactly are Legendary Shards Being Removed?

Legendary Shards will be completely removed when The Final Shape expansion launches. Leading up to that, starting in Season 23, they will no longer be required for certain activities, such as purchasing items from the Monument to Lost Lights or focusing Ritual gear.

2. Where Can I Farm Legendary Shards Before They’re Gone?

While farming is less crucial now, Crucible remains a viable option. Playlists like Rumble can be efficient if you perform well. Equip a Prosperity (Crucible) Ghost Shell mod to increase shard drops from Crucible wins. Dismantling legendary gear is a reliable, consistent method to get shards also.

3. How Many Legendary Shards Do I Get From Dismantling Gear?

Dismantling Legendary gear yields 4 Legendary Shards. Dismantling Exotic gear grants 5 Legendary Shards.

4. Will Existing Gear Requiring Legendary Shards for Upgrades Become Obsolete?

Bungie has stated that the economy is being re-evaluated, and changes will be implemented to accommodate the removal of Legendary Shards. Expect adjustments to upgrade costs and material requirements for existing gear.

5. What Happens to Vendors Who Currently Accept Legendary Shards?

Vendors like Rahool and Xur, who currently accept Legendary Shards, will likely have their inventories and prices adjusted to reflect the new economy. Bungie will communicate these changes as the transition progresses.

6. Is There Any Way to Convert Legendary Shards into Other Currencies?

Currently, you can convert Legendary Shards into Glimmer, Enhancement Prisms, and Ascendant Shards through Rahool. It is advisable to use this method to transform your shards into materials that will continue to be useful in the future.

7. Will the Removal of Legendary Shards Affect the Difficulty of Acquiring New Gear?

Bungie aims to make acquiring new gear fair and balanced. The change will probably affect the acquisition pace and how you obtain certain items.

8. How Will the New Economy Affect New Players Joining Destiny 2?

The updated economy should simplify the experience for new players, who won’t need to worry about grinding for Legendary Shards. This could make the game more accessible and less overwhelming for newcomers.

9. Are There Any Hidden Uses for Legendary Shards That I Should Know About?

Beyond the standard uses, keep an eye out for special events or promotions that might offer unique opportunities to spend your shards. Bungie sometimes introduces limited-time offers through vendors.

10. What’s the Glimmer Cap in Destiny 2?

The Glimmer cap in Destiny 2 is 250,000. Be mindful of this limit when converting shards to glimmer to avoid wasting resources.

11. Will Legendary Shards be Replaced by a New Currency?

While a direct replacement hasn’t been explicitly announced, it’s likely that Bungie will adjust other existing currencies and materials to fill the void left by Legendary Shards. It’s also possible a new system will be introduced.

12. How Does This Change Affect My Ability to Acquire Exotic Items?

The overall method to acquire Exotic items shouldn’t change drastically, but the materials needed might shift. Keep an eye on vendors like Xur and the Exotic focusing options at the Tower.

13. What Should I Do if I Suddenly Run Out of Legendary Shards Before the Removal?

Focus on activities that reward Legendary gear, such as strikes, Crucible matches, and Gambit. Dismantling the acquired gear will replenish your shard supply. However, given the imminent removal, prioritize spending over hoarding.

14. How Does the Removal of Legendary Shards Align with Bungie’s Vision for Destiny 2?

This change reflects Bungie’s ongoing efforts to refine and improve the player experience in Destiny 2. By streamlining the economy and removing redundant currencies, they aim to create a more focused and engaging gameplay loop. This also potentially sets the stage for new systems that are more directly tied to player engagement.

15. Where Can I Learn More About Game Design and Economics?

If you’re interested in learning more about game design and economics, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Understanding the principles behind game mechanics can enhance your appreciation for the changes happening in Destiny 2 and other games. GamesLearningSociety.org promotes research and innovation in the field of educational gaming.

Preparing for a Shard-less Future

The removal of Legendary Shards marks a significant turning point in Destiny 2’s evolution. While change can be unsettling, adapting to the new economy and strategically managing your resources will ensure a smooth transition. By understanding the implications of this change and taking proactive steps to prepare, you can continue to thrive as a Guardian in the ever-evolving world of Destiny 2.

Are Legendary Shards leaving Destiny 2?