What Will Be The Last Destiny 2 Expansion?
The simple, yet loaded, answer is: The Final Shape. Bungie has explicitly stated that The Final Shape will conclude the decade-long “Light and Darkness Saga.” While there’s no absolute guarantee this marks the definitive end of Destiny 2, it’s undeniably the end of the current narrative arc and overarching conflict that has defined the game since its inception. We expect that Destiny 2 will continue with new stories and possibly even a Destiny 3 in the future, but the current narrative, as we know it, will end with The Final Shape.
Understanding the End of the Saga
The Light and Darkness Saga is more than just a simple good versus evil story. It’s a complex narrative exploring existential themes, the nature of reality, and the choices that define civilizations. The Witness, the primary antagonist, represents a philosophy of forced order and control, a stark contrast to the Traveler’s championing of free will and diverse, vibrant life. The conflict between these two cosmic forces has been the backdrop for countless Guardian adventures, character arcs, and evolving relationships.
The Final Shape represents the culmination of this conflict. It’s not just about defeating a boss; it’s about understanding the Witness’s motives, confronting the darkness within ourselves, and ultimately, deciding the future of the universe. This expansion promises to deliver closure to many long-standing plot threads, character arcs, and mysteries that have captivated players for years.
What Happens After The Final Shape?
This is the million-dollar question. Bungie has been purposefully vague about the future of Destiny 2 after The Final Shape, emphasizing that it will mark the beginning of a new era. Here’s what we can reasonably expect:
- A New Story Arc: While the Light and Darkness Saga concludes, Destiny 2 will likely transition into a new, self-contained narrative arc with fresh threats, characters, and storylines. This allows Bungie to explore new themes and gameplay mechanics without being constrained by the existing lore.
- Continued Updates and Content: Destiny 2 has thrived on its seasonal model and consistent content updates. We can anticipate this model continuing, providing players with regular activities, challenges, and rewards.
- Potential for New Expansions: While not directly connected to the Light and Darkness Saga, future expansions could explore new corners of the Destiny universe, introduce new factions, or even delve into alternative timelines or realities.
- Evolving Gameplay Mechanics: Destiny 2 has consistently evolved its gameplay mechanics over the years, introducing new subclasses, weapon archetypes, and combat systems. This evolution will likely continue, ensuring the game remains fresh and engaging.
- Destiny 3? The possibility of a Destiny 3 remains open. While Bungie has not officially announced a sequel, it’s a natural progression for the franchise. A sequel could introduce significant engine upgrades, allowing for even more ambitious gameplay experiences and graphical fidelity.
The Legacy of the Light and Darkness Saga
Regardless of what the future holds, the Light and Darkness Saga will leave an indelible mark on Destiny 2. It’s a testament to Bungie’s ability to craft compelling narratives, build engaging worlds, and foster a passionate community. The characters we’ve grown to love, the battles we’ve fought, and the mysteries we’ve unraveled will continue to resonate with players for years to come. The Games Learning Society also examines how narratives like these engage and inspire players. You can learn more about game-based learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Final Shape and Beyond
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the future of Destiny 2 after The Final Shape:
1. Will my weapons and armor from previous expansions still be viable after The Final Shape?
Bungie has stated that they are committed to addressing the sunsetting controversy. While some older items may eventually fall out of meta relevance, the power creep will likely be slower and more deliberate, hopefully allowing players to use the gear they’ve earned for a longer period.
2. What will happen to existing destinations and activities after The Final Shape?
Existing destinations and activities are expected to remain accessible, though some may be updated or re-contextualized within the new narrative. Bungie has learned from past content vaulting decisions and aims to preserve the core Destiny 2 experience.
3. Will The Final Shape introduce a new subclass or element?
While not confirmed, the introduction of a new subclass or element is a distinct possibility. The Light and Darkness paradigm suggests that a third element, perhaps related to the Witness’s power, could be introduced.
4. What role will key characters like Ikora, Zavala, and the Drifter play in The Final Shape and beyond?
These characters will likely remain central figures in the Destiny universe, playing key roles in the unfolding narrative. Their relationships and personal growth will continue to be explored.
5. How will Bungie address player feedback and concerns after The Final Shape?
Bungie has consistently demonstrated a willingness to listen to player feedback and adapt their plans accordingly. They will likely continue to engage with the community through forums, social media, and developer streams.
6. Will there be a new “endgame” activity after The Final Shape?
Absolutely. Endgame activities are crucial to Destiny 2’s long-term engagement. We can expect new raids, dungeons, and challenging activities designed to test players’ skills and reward them with valuable loot.
7. Will the seasonal model continue after The Final Shape?
The seasonal model has been largely successful in keeping Destiny 2 fresh and engaging. It’s likely that Bungie will continue to utilize this model, potentially with some adjustments or refinements.
8. What kind of new enemies or factions can we expect after The Final Shape?
New enemies and factions are essential for introducing fresh challenges and expanding the Destiny universe. We can anticipate Bungie introducing new threats that explore different aspects of the cosmos.
9. Will The Final Shape resolve all outstanding mysteries in the Destiny universe?
While The Final Shape will provide closure to many storylines, some mysteries may remain open-ended, allowing for future exploration and interpretation.
10. How will Bungie balance accessibility for new players with the expectations of veteran players after The Final Shape?
Striking a balance between accessibility and challenge is crucial. Bungie will likely introduce systems that allow new players to quickly catch up while still providing meaningful challenges for veteran players.
11. Will cross-save and cross-play continue to be supported after The Final Shape?
Cross-save and cross-play have been hugely beneficial for the Destiny 2 community. It’s highly likely that Bungie will continue to support these features, allowing players to connect with friends regardless of their platform.
12. What lessons has Bungie learned from past expansions and content releases that will inform their approach to The Final Shape and beyond?
Bungie has learned valuable lessons from past successes and failures. They are likely to focus on delivering compelling narratives, rewarding gameplay loops, and a strong sense of community.
13. How will The Final Shape affect the overall lore and canon of the Destiny universe?
The Final Shape will have a significant impact on the overall lore and canon of the Destiny universe, potentially establishing new rules, defining key events, and setting the stage for future stories.
14. What are Bungie’s long-term plans for the Destiny franchise beyond The Final Shape and Destiny 2?
While Bungie has not revealed their long-term plans, it’s clear that they are committed to the Destiny franchise. They are likely exploring various possibilities, including new games, expansions, and media adaptations.
15. How can players best prepare for The Final Shape and the future of Destiny 2?
The best way to prepare is to stay engaged with the game, complete seasonal content, and explore different aspects of the Destiny universe. This will provide you with a strong foundation for understanding the lore and mechanics that will be relevant in The Final Shape and beyond. Also, considering joining communities such as the Games Learning Society that foster discussion and insights into the evolving world of gaming.
In conclusion, The Final Shape is the confirmed end to the current Destiny 2 saga. What comes next is speculation, but the possibilities are exciting and endless. Get ready, Guardians, the end is nigh… and the beginning is just beyond.