Can You Play the Witch Queen Campaign Without the DLC? The Definitive Answer
No, you cannot play the Witch Queen campaign without owning the Witch Queen DLC for Destiny 2. The campaign, its missions, the Throne World destination, and associated activities are all locked behind the DLC purchase. While Destiny 2 offers a rotating selection of free-to-play content, the narrative experience of the Witch Queen and its unique gameplay elements are exclusive to those who have bought the expansion.
Understanding Destiny 2’s DLC Model
Destiny 2 operates on a seasonal and expansion-based model. New content, story arcs, and gameplay features are typically delivered through these avenues. Expansions, like The Witch Queen, are substantial content drops that introduce new storylines, destinations, enemies, and abilities. They are paid content, meaning players must purchase them to access their specific features. Seasons, on the other hand, offer smaller, time-limited content drops, some of which are accessible to all players regardless of DLC ownership.
The Witch Queen expansion is a self-contained narrative experience centered around Savathûn, the Witch Queen, and her Lucent Brood. It’s a significant part of the overall Destiny 2 narrative, but it remains an optional, paid addition to the core game. Without owning the DLC, you will not be able to access the Throne World destination, the campaign missions, new Strikes tied to the DLC, or the Glaive weapon archetype.
What You Can Do Without The Witch Queen DLC
While you can’t access the core Witch Queen experience, you can still enjoy a significant portion of Destiny 2’s free-to-play content. This includes:
- Core Activities: Access to core activities like the Crucible (PvP), Gambit (PvE/PvP hybrid), and Vanguard Strikes (PvE).
- Patrol Zones: Exploring patrol zones on destinations available in the base game and previous free content.
- Free Seasonal Content: Some seasonal activities and story missions are available for free, depending on the season.
- Eververse Store: Browsing and purchasing cosmetic items from the Eververse store.
- Some Legacy Content: Certain older activities and content from vaulted expansions may occasionally become available for free for limited periods.
However, keep in mind that your Power Level progression may be limited without the DLC. Some endgame activities and gear require the Witch Queen expansion to access and acquire.
Alternatives to Consider
If you are unsure about purchasing the Witch Queen DLC, consider the following:
- Wait for Sales: Keep an eye out for sales on digital platforms. Destiny 2 expansions often go on sale, making them more affordable.
- Game Pass: If you have Xbox Game Pass, Destiny 2 expansions are often included as part of the subscription. This can provide a cost-effective way to access the Witch Queen and other DLCs.
- Try Before You Buy: While there isn’t a traditional demo, watching gameplay videos and reading reviews can help you decide if the expansion is right for you.
- Focus on Free Content First: Spend time exploring the free-to-play content to get a feel for the game before investing in the DLC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Witch Queen and its availability:
1. Will I miss out on the current season if I don’t own The Witch Queen?
While you can participate in some free seasonal content, owning the Witch Queen usually unlocks additional seasonal quests, activities, and rewards. The full seasonal experience is typically tied to the DLC.
2. Can I play with friends who own The Witch Queen if I don’t?
You can play core activities like Crucible and Gambit with friends who own the DLC. However, you will not be able to participate in any activities that require the Witch Queen expansion, such as the campaign missions or Throne World activities.
3. Does buying The Witch Queen give me access to past DLCs?
No, buying The Witch Queen only grants access to the content within that specific expansion. You would need to purchase previous DLCs separately to access their content. Consider purchasing the Legacy Collection for older content.
4. What happens if I join a fireteam for a Witch Queen activity without owning the DLC?
You will be unable to launch the activity. The game will typically display a message indicating that you need to purchase the Witch Queen expansion to access the content.
5. Can I still reach the max Power Level without The Witch Queen?
Reaching the absolute maximum Power Level may be difficult or impossible without owning the latest expansion. The Power Level cap is often raised with each new DLC, and endgame activities that offer powerful gear require ownership of the expansion.
6. Are the Witch Queen weapons and armor available to non-DLC owners?
No. The weapons and armor introduced in The Witch Queen, including those found in the Throne World and through campaign rewards, are exclusive to DLC owners.
7. Will The Witch Queen ever become free-to-play?
While it’s possible that older expansions may become free-to-play at some point in the future, there is no guarantee. Bungie typically rotates content and offers free access to certain activities periodically, but the full Witch Queen expansion is unlikely to become permanently free soon.
8. Does the Digital Deluxe Edition of The Witch Queen include all previous DLCs?
No, the Digital Deluxe Edition of The Witch Queen typically includes the expansion itself, the current season pass, and some exclusive cosmetic items. It does not include previous DLCs.
9. Can I purchase The Witch Queen separately for each platform (PC, PS5, Xbox)?
Yes, Destiny 2 DLCs are platform-specific purchases. You will need to buy The Witch Queen separately for each platform you want to play it on. Cross-save allows you to access your characters on different platforms, but you still need to own the DLC on each platform to access its content.
10. Is there a free trial for The Witch Queen?
Bungie occasionally offers free weekends or periods where players can access limited portions of the game. However, there is no guaranteed or consistent free trial for The Witch Queen.
11. What happens to my gear if I stop owning The Witch Queen (e.g., through Game Pass expiration)?
If you lose access to The Witch Queen, you will still retain any gear you acquired while owning the DLC. However, you will not be able to equip it or access activities that require the expansion until you regain access. The gear essentially becomes unusable until you repurchase the DLC.
12. Can I still earn achievements/trophies related to the base game without owning The Witch Queen?
Yes, you can still earn achievements/trophies related to the base Destiny 2 game and any free content available. However, achievements/trophies specifically tied to The Witch Queen activities and content will be unobtainable without owning the DLC.
13. Does The Witch Queen enhance the overall Destiny 2 experience even if I don’t play the campaign?
Even if you don’t focus solely on the campaign, The Witch Queen introduces new gameplay mechanics, weapons, and build options that can enhance your overall Destiny 2 experience. The Glaive weapon type, new armor mods, and changes to the subclass system (Void 3.0) impact gameplay across various activities.
14. How do I know if a specific activity requires The Witch Queen?
The game typically displays a clear indicator, such as a DLC icon or a message stating that the expansion is required, when you attempt to launch an activity that requires The Witch Queen.
15. Where can I purchase The Witch Queen DLC?
You can purchase The Witch Queen DLC from the digital storefront for your respective platform (PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam, Epic Games Store). You can also sometimes find physical copies at retailers, which typically contain a digital code for the DLC.
In conclusion, while Destiny 2 offers a robust free-to-play experience, playing the Witch Queen campaign necessitates purchasing the Witch Queen DLC. Weigh your options, consider sales and promotions, and explore the available free content before making a decision.