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Destiny 2: Lightfall – A Farewell to Arms (and Mods): What’s Leaving and What’s Coming

Guardians, the landscape of Destiny 2 has undergone a seismic shift with the arrival of Lightfall. While the neon-drenched streets of Neomuna beckon and the power of Strand calls, it’s crucial to understand what’s been left behind, specifically concerning combat mods. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a fundamental rework of how we build and optimize our characters.

The Purge: What Mods Are Actually Leaving?

The headline here is the effective sunsetting of the Elemental Well and Charged with Light mod systems. These established pillars of buildcrafting are gone, replaced by the new Armor Charge system. This means the mods themselves, the specific Elemental Well and Charged with Light mods, are being removed or converted. You won’t find them in your inventory anymore, and they certainly won’t function.

Here’s a more granular breakdown:

All Elemental Well Mods: Every single Elemental Well mod, across all three armor slots (Helmet, Arms, Legs), is no longer usable. This includes classics like Elemental Ordnance, Well of Life, Reaping Wellmaker, etc. The entire mechanic of creating and utilizing Elemental Wells is now defunct.
All Charged with Light Mods: Similarly, every Charged with Light mod, encompassing mods like High-Energy Fire, Protective Light, Stacks on Stacks, Supercharged, and countless others, is no longer active or accessible. The Charged with Light mechanic, relying on collecting orbs and consuming stacks, is replaced with Armor Charge.
Warmind Cell Mods: While technically already relegated to a shadow existence, Warmind Cell mods are functionally irrelevant. However, it’s important to reiterate they are obsolete.
Combat Style Armor Sockets: The specific armor slots designed for Combat Style mods (i.e., those formerly hosting Elemental Well and Charged with Light mods) are gone. Armor now uses a unified socket system.

The Dawn of Armor Charge: A New Paradigm

The Armor Charge system is the direct replacement for Elemental Wells and Charged with Light. It’s a unified mechanic where you accumulate charges by performing certain actions (often tied to your subclass or weapons) and then consume those charges to trigger beneficial effects through new, universal mods.

Essentially, Bungie consolidated the diverse benefits of the old systems into a single, more streamlined framework. Armor Charge mods are now universally compatible, regardless of your armor energy type.

Understanding the Implications

This mod overhaul has a significant impact on Destiny 2 gameplay:

Build Reconstruction: Every single build you previously relied upon that used Elemental Wells or Charged with Light needs to be rebuilt from the ground up. There’s no direct 1:1 replacement; the Armor Charge system demands a different approach.
No More Ada-1 Mod Hunting: As a Quality of Life improvement, mods are no longer purchased from Ada-1. Players will not have to check in daily for the rotating mod selection.
Increased Accessibility: The goal is to make buildcrafting more accessible to a wider audience. The unified Armor Charge system is designed to be more intuitive than juggling separate Elemental Well and Charged with Light mechanics.

Lightfall FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Mods and More

To further clarify the changes brought about by Lightfall, here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs):

1. Are all old mods useless now?

Yes, all Elemental Well and Charged with Light mods are functionally useless. They are either removed from the game or rendered inactive. Your old builds will not work.

2. What happens to the energy types on my armor?

Mod energy types are being removed. Armor now only has an overall energy capacity, with mods fitting into this capacity regardless of their element.

3. How does the Armor Charge system work?

You generate Armor Charge by completing actions dictated by certain mods or subclass fragments. You then use Armor Charge through other mods to gain various buffs and effects. The number of charges you can hold depends on specific mods.

4. Where do I get the new Armor Charge mods?

Armor Charge mods are unlocked through various avenues, including the Season Pass, vendor rank rewards, and potentially through quests.

5. Should I delete my old armor with Charged with Light mods?

It’s generally recommended to remove the mods and keep the armor if you like its stats. The armor itself is still usable; it’s just the mods that are being replaced.

6. Is Dares of Eternity going away in Lightfall?

No, Dares of Eternity, introduced with the 30th Anniversary DLC, remains a free-to-play activity and is not being removed.

7. Is Gambit leaving Destiny 2?

While there are no plans to remove Gambit, its future is uncertain. Bungie has indicated reduced support for the playlist.

8. What is the new power level cap in Lightfall?

The new power level caps are: Soft Cap: 1750, Powerful Cap: 1800, and Pinnacle Cap: 1810.

9. Will Destiny 2 be unvaulting old content?

In August 2022, Bungie announced that Destiny 2 expansions would no longer be vaulted.

10. What is “The Final Shape” and when will it release?

“The Final Shape” is the next major expansion after Lightfall, slated for release in early 2024. It will conclude the current Light and Darkness saga.

11. Is Lightfall a good DLC?

Critical reception to Lightfall has been mixed. Some players criticize the campaign and story, while others appreciate the new Strand subclass and gameplay changes.

12. Can I skip the Lightfall campaign on my other characters?

Yes, after completing the Lightfall campaign on one character, you can pay a fee to skip it on your other characters.

13. Where do I begin the Lightfall campaign?

The Lightfall campaign begins with the mission available in the Neomuna destination, accessible from the Destinations tab.

14. Was the Lightfall DLC rushed?

Some players and critics feel that Lightfall was rushed, citing issues with the story and content.

15. Are Warmind Cells completely useless?

Yes, Warmind Cells are effectively useless, and the mods associated with them offer no benefits in Lightfall.

Adapting to the Change: Tips for the New Meta

The transition to the Armor Charge system requires a fresh perspective. Here are some tips to help you navigate the new meta:

Experimentation is Key: Don’t be afraid to try different mod combinations and subclass configurations to find what works best for your playstyle.
Focus on Synergy: Pay attention to how your mods interact with your subclass fragments and aspects. Synergy is crucial for maximizing your effectiveness.
Don’t Neglect Stats: Stats remain important. Prioritize stats that complement your build and enhance your chosen playstyle.
Embrace Strand: Strand is a powerful new subclass that offers unique build possibilities. Explore its potential to create potent combinations.
Stay Informed: The meta is constantly evolving. Keep up-to-date with the latest strategies and builds by following content creators and engaging with the Destiny 2 community.

The Future of Destiny 2

Lightfall represents a significant shift in Destiny 2’s design philosophy. By streamlining the mod system and introducing new gameplay mechanics, Bungie aims to create a more accessible and engaging experience for players of all skill levels. While the departure of Elemental Wells and Charged with Light may sting for some veterans, the Armor Charge system offers a new opportunity to explore the depths of buildcrafting and create even more powerful and personalized Guardians. As we continue to explore Neomuna and unravel the mysteries of the Veil, the new mod system will play a crucial role in shaping our journey.
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What mods are leaving in Lightfall?