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Can You Still Play the Shadowkeep Campaign in Destiny 2? A Deep Dive

Yes, absolutely! You can still play the Shadowkeep campaign in Destiny 2. Despite some content vaulting in the past, Bungie made a commitment that expansions from Shadowkeep onwards would remain accessible. This means you can still delve into the mysteries of the Moon, confront your nightmares, and experience the story that first introduced many players to a deeper connection with the Darkness. The Shadowkeep campaign is fully playable, from start to finish, allowing you to experience the narrative as it was originally intended.

Embarking on Your Shadowkeep Journey

So, how exactly do you jump back into (or start for the first time) the Shadowkeep campaign? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you moon-bound:

Starting the Campaign

Head to the Moon: Once you own the Shadowkeep expansion, the Moon will be accessible as a destination on your director (the in-game map).
“A Mysterious Disturbance”: Look for the mission marker titled “A Mysterious Disturbance”. It’s typically located on the lower left side of the Moon map. This is the initial quest that kicks off the entire Shadowkeep storyline.
Follow the Questline: Complete the initial mission, and the rest of the Shadowkeep campaign will unfold as you follow the quest markers and instructions provided by Eris Morn.

Replaying the Campaign

If you’ve already completed the Shadowkeep campaign and wish to relive the experience, Bungie has made it easy to do so:

Destination Marker on the Moon: After completing the campaign, a specific destination marker appears on the Moon map. This marker allows you to replay the campaign missions.
Select the Mission: Interact with the marker to choose the specific mission you want to replay.

Why Play Shadowkeep?

Shadowkeep isn’t just a piece of Destiny 2 history; it’s a crucial chapter in the ongoing narrative. Here’s why it’s worth experiencing:

Story Significance: Shadowkeep delves deep into the themes of trauma, memory, and the Darkness. It lays essential groundwork for understanding the forces at play in the more recent expansions.
Introduction to Key Characters: You’ll interact extensively with Eris Morn, a vital character in the Destiny universe with a complex backstory.
Unlocking Content: Completing the Shadowkeep campaign unlocks access to activities like the Pit of Heresy dungeon, powerful Dreambane armor, and iconic Moon weapons.
Unique Atmosphere: The eerie, haunted atmosphere of the Moon, coupled with the psychological horror elements of the story, provides a distinct and unforgettable experience.

Destiny 2’s Content Vaulting: Past and Present

It’s essential to understand the context of Destiny 2’s content vaulting to appreciate Bungie’s commitment to keeping Shadowkeep and subsequent expansions accessible.

What Was Vaulted?

Previously, Bungie removed several older campaigns and destinations, including:

The Red War campaign
The Curse of Osiris expansion
The Warmind expansion
The Forsaken campaign

This decision was primarily driven by technical limitations, game size concerns, and the need to streamline the game for future development.

The New Approach

Recognizing the impact this had on player experience and the importance of preserving the narrative, Bungie announced that expansions from Shadowkeep onward would no longer be subject to vaulting. This means that Beyond Light, The Witch Queen, Lightfall, and future expansions will remain playable for the foreseeable future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shadowkeep

Is Shadowkeep free-to-play?

No, the Shadowkeep expansion is not free-to-play. You need to purchase the expansion to access the campaign and associated activities. However, you can often find it on sale.
Where can I purchase the Shadowkeep expansion?

You can purchase Shadowkeep on the platform’s respective store: PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, Steam (for PC), and Epic Games Store (for PC).
What if I can’t find the “A Mysterious Disturbance” mission?

Ensure you own the Shadowkeep expansion and have completed the introductory “New Light” questline if you are a new player. If you still can’t find it, check your quest archive at the Tower.
Can I replay specific missions from the Shadowkeep campaign?

Yes! Once you have completed the campaign, a destination marker appears on the Moon map that allows you to replay specific missions.
What rewards do I get for completing the Shadowkeep campaign?

Completing the campaign unlocks access to the Pit of Heresy dungeon, allows you to earn Dreambane armor and Moon weapons, unlocks the Eris Memory quest, and provides an experience boost for your Season pass and Artifact, along with any gear that dropped during the missions.
What is the recommended power level for the Shadowkeep campaign?

While power levels might be adjusted with each season, the Shadowkeep campaign is generally accessible to players of moderate power level. Make sure your power level is high enough before venturing out.
Does Shadowkeep contain a raid?

Yes, Shadowkeep introduces the Garden of Salvation raid, a challenging endgame activity set in the Black Garden.
Do I need to play the Shadowkeep campaign to understand the subsequent expansions?

While not strictly required, playing Shadowkeep provides valuable context for understanding the narrative threads that continue in Beyond Light, The Witch Queen, and Lightfall.
What is the significance of Eris Morn in the Shadowkeep storyline?

Eris Morn is a crucial guide and mentor throughout the Shadowkeep campaign. Her knowledge of the Darkness and her personal history with the Moon are essential to unraveling the mysteries that await.
Is the Shadowkeep campaign difficult?

The difficulty can vary depending on your power level and experience with Destiny 2. However, it’s generally considered manageable for solo players, with more challenging encounters designed for fireteams.
Are there any exclusive weapons or armor from the Shadowkeep campaign?

Yes, the campaign introduces unique Dreambane armor and Moon weapons, many of which can be obtained through completing campaign missions and related activities.
What is the Pit of Heresy dungeon, and how does it relate to Shadowkeep?

The Pit of Heresy dungeon is a challenging three-player activity located on the Moon. It’s unlocked after completing the Shadowkeep campaign and offers powerful rewards.
What’s the story behind the nightmares encountered in Shadowkeep?

The nightmares are manifestations of past traumas and fears, brought to life by the Pyramid ship on the Moon. They serve as both physical and psychological obstacles for the Guardians.
How does Shadowkeep connect to the overall Destiny 2 storyline?

Shadowkeep marks a significant turning point in the Destiny 2 narrative, introducing the Darkness as a tangible force and setting the stage for the events of Beyond Light, The Witch Queen, and beyond. It’s an essential chapter in the ongoing saga.
What other learning resources are available to learn about the Destiny 2 universe?

Understanding the world of video games can be fun and educational. Consider exploring learning resources such as the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for interesting insights.

In conclusion, the Shadowkeep campaign remains a vital and accessible part of Destiny 2. So, Guardian, suit up, head to the Moon, and confront your nightmares!

Can you still play Shadowkeep campaign?