Can You Play the Beyond Light Campaign for Free?
No, you cannot play the Beyond Light campaign for free. The Beyond Light campaign requires the purchase of the Beyond Light expansion for Destiny 2. While Destiny 2 offers a free-to-play version called New Light, which provides access to certain activities and destinations, the story campaigns from major expansions like Beyond Light are locked behind a paywall.
Understanding Destiny 2’s Free-to-Play Model
Destiny 2 employs a free-to-play (F2P) model that allows players to experience a portion of the game’s content without any initial purchase. This offering, known as New Light, includes access to several core activities like:
- Strikes (cooperative missions)
- Crucible (player-versus-player arena)
- Gambit (PvE/PvP hybrid)
- Access to certain destinations
However, to experience the full breadth of Destiny 2’s content, including engaging storylines, unique subclasses, and powerful gear, players need to purchase the game’s expansions. Each expansion introduces new campaigns, destinations, weapons, armor, and activities. Beyond Light falls squarely into this category, offering a self-contained story arc and a wealth of new content that is only accessible to those who own the expansion.
What You Do Get With Destiny 2: New Light
With New Light, players get a taste of the Destiny 2 universe. They can explore the Cosmodrome, participate in introductory missions, and level up their Guardian. This allows new players to familiarize themselves with the game’s mechanics, classes, and overall gameplay loop before committing to a purchase.
The Value of Purchasing the Beyond Light Expansion
Purchasing the Beyond Light expansion unlocks a significant amount of content, including:
- The Beyond Light Campaign: A thrilling storyline centered around Eramis, the Shipstealer, and the use of the Darkness power, Stasis.
- The Europa Destination: A new, icy moon filled with secrets, challenges, and hidden loot.
- The Stasis Subclass: A powerful new subclass for each Guardian class, allowing players to control ice and shatter their enemies.
- Exotic Weapons and Armor: Access to unique and powerful gear that can significantly enhance your Guardian’s capabilities.
- Beyond Light Strikes and Raids: New cooperative activities that offer challenging gameplay and rewarding loot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Beyond Light and Free Content
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on what you can and cannot access for free within Destiny 2, specifically regarding the Beyond Light expansion:
1. What exactly does the Beyond Light campaign entail?
The Beyond Light campaign is the main storyline introduced with the Beyond Light expansion. It focuses on the struggle against Eramis, a Fallen Kell who seeks to use the power of Darkness, specifically Stasis, to reclaim her people’s former glory. Players travel to Europa, investigate the mysteries of the Deep Stone Crypt, and learn to wield Stasis themselves.
2. Can I access Europa without buying Beyond Light?
No. The destination of Europa is exclusive to players who own the Beyond Light expansion. It’s a core location for the campaign and related activities.
3. What if I only want the Stasis subclass? Do I need Beyond Light for that?
Yes. The Stasis subclass is exclusively tied to the Beyond Light expansion. You must purchase Beyond Light to unlock and use this powerful element.
4. Are there any parts of Beyond Light’s content available in New Light?
While some activities might occasionally overlap with Beyond Light locations, the core campaign, Stasis subclass, and Beyond Light specific missions are not available in New Light.
5. Will Beyond Light ever be free to play?
While Bungie sometimes offers free weekends or limited-time access to certain content, it’s unlikely that the entire Beyond Light campaign will become permanently free to play. However, keep an eye on Destiny 2’s official announcements for any promotional offers.
6. What are some activities I can play for free in Destiny 2 right now?
In New Light, you can access strikes in various playlists, participate in Crucible matches (PvP), play Gambit, explore the Cosmodrome, and complete introductory quests. Free seasonal events also offer limited-time activities.
7. If I buy Beyond Light now, do I get all the previous expansions too?
No. Each expansion is typically purchased separately. Purchasing Beyond Light grants you access only to the content included in that specific expansion. Bundles that include multiple expansions are sometimes available.
8. How much does the Beyond Light expansion cost?
The price of the Beyond Light expansion can vary depending on the platform and retailer. Check the official Destiny 2 website or platform stores (PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam) for current pricing.
9. Where can I purchase the Beyond Light expansion?
You can purchase the Beyond Light expansion through the digital storefronts of your chosen platform:
- PlayStation Store
- Xbox Store
- Steam
10. I see other players using Stasis in free Crucible matches. How are they doing that?
These players have purchased the Beyond Light expansion, unlocking the Stasis subclass. While they might be participating in free Crucible matches, they still needed to buy the expansion to gain access to that specific ability.
11. Will completing the Beyond Light campaign give me exclusive rewards?
Yes. Completing the Beyond Light campaign unlocks several rewards, including:
- Exotic quests
- Access to endgame content
- Lore triumphs
- Materials for upgrading your Stasis subclass
12. I’m a returning player. Do I need to play the previous campaigns before Beyond Light?
While not strictly required, playing previous campaigns like Shadowkeep and Forsaken (if available) can enhance your understanding of the Destiny 2 narrative. However, Beyond Light’s story is relatively self-contained and introduces its own set of characters and conflicts.
13. What are the minimum system requirements for Beyond Light?
The system requirements for Beyond Light are generally the same as those for Destiny 2. Check the official Destiny 2 website or the platform store where you plan to purchase the game for detailed specifications regarding CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage space.
14. Is Beyond Light worth buying?
Whether Beyond Light is “worth buying” depends on your interest in Destiny 2’s narrative, gameplay, and overall experience. If you enjoy exploring new destinations, engaging in challenging PvE and PvP content, and wielding powerful new abilities like Stasis, then Beyond Light is a worthwhile addition to your Destiny 2 experience. Read reviews, watch gameplay videos, and consider your personal preferences before making a purchase.
15. How often does Destiny 2 get new expansions?
Destiny 2 typically receives a new major expansion annually, introducing new storylines, destinations, subclasses, and content updates. Bungie also releases seasonal content updates throughout the year, which offer new activities, quests, and rewards. Stay tuned to Destiny 2’s official channels for news and announcements.