Can I Still Play Forsaken in 2023? A Deep Dive into Destiny 2’s Vaulted Content
The short answer, sadly, is no. As of 2023, the Forsaken campaign and the Tangled Shore destination are no longer accessible within Destiny 2. They were removed from the game in February 2022 as part of Bungie’s Destiny Content Vault (DCV) initiative. Let’s explore the reasons behind this decision and what content from Forsaken remains available.
Understanding the Destiny Content Vault
The Destiny Content Vault was introduced to address the growing size of Destiny 2 and the increasing difficulty of maintaining and updating the game with its ever-expanding content library. By removing older, less-played content, Bungie aimed to improve the game’s performance, reduce its file size, and focus their development efforts on new and engaging experiences. While controversial, this decision allowed them to streamline the game’s development and focus on future content.
Why Was Forsaken Vaulted?
Forsaken, along with other older campaigns like the Red War, Curse of Osiris, and Warmind, was deemed eligible for the DCV based on player engagement data and the technical challenges of maintaining the content. While Forsaken was a beloved expansion, its removal was intended to allow Bungie to better manage the game’s overall health and create more compelling content moving forward.
What Content Remains From Forsaken?
While the campaign and the Tangled Shore are gone, some aspects of the Forsaken expansion have survived the vaulting process. Specifically, access to certain Exotic weapons, the Shattered Throne dungeon, and the Last Wish raid are still available through the Forsaken Pack. This pack is a separate purchase and does not include the original campaign.
The Forsaken Pack: What You Get
Purchasing the Forsaken Pack grants you access to:
- Over 20 Forsaken Exotic weapons. These weapons often remain powerful and desirable in the current meta.
- The Shattered Throne dungeon. This challenging dungeon offers unique rewards and is a fan favorite.
- The Last Wish raid. Located in the Dreaming City (which remains accessible), Last Wish is a complex and rewarding raid that has retained its popularity among players.
The Future of Vaulted Content
While Bungie initially removed several expansions, they have since announced that they will no longer vault entire expansions going forward. This means that Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, The Witch Queen, and future expansions will remain playable. However, seasonal content will continue to be rotated out and placed in the DCV at the end of each expansion year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Forsaken and the Destiny Content Vault
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand the current status of Forsaken and the DCV:
1. Is the Forsaken campaign free now?
No, the Forsaken campaign is no longer available in Destiny 2, so it can’t be accessed for free or through purchase. It was temporarily free leading up to its removal, but that period has ended.
2. Can I still play the Tangled Shore in 2023?
Unfortunately, no. The Tangled Shore destination was removed along with the Forsaken campaign and is no longer accessible.
3. How do I access the Last Wish raid?
The Last Wish raid is still accessible through the Dreaming City, which remains in the game. You’ll need the Forsaken Pack to access it.
4. Is the Shattered Throne dungeon still playable?
Yes, the Shattered Throne dungeon is available if you own the Forsaken Pack.
5. What Forsaken Exotics are still available?
The Forsaken Pack grants access to over 20 Exotic weapons from the Forsaken expansion. Some notable examples include Ace of Spades, The Last Word, and Le Monarque.
6. Why was Forsaken removed from Destiny 2?
Forsaken was removed as part of the Destiny Content Vault (DCV) initiative to reduce the game’s size, improve performance, and allow Bungie to focus on new content.
7. Will Bungie ever bring back Forsaken?
While there’s no official confirmation, Bungie has stated they are not planning to bring back vaulted campaigns. However, they might revisit locations or characters in future content.
8. Can I play Destiny 2 offline?
No, Destiny 2 requires a persistent internet connection and cannot be played offline.
9. What expansions are currently available in Destiny 2?
As of 2023, the available expansions are Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, The Witch Queen, and Lightfall.
10. What happens to my Forsaken gear if I didn’t play before it was vaulted?
If you never obtained specific gear from the Forsaken campaign before it was vaulted, you can’t obtain that story specific gear now. However, Exotics from the Forsaken Pack are obtainable through various means even without having played the campaign.
11. Is Destiny 2 worth playing in 2023?
Whether Destiny 2 is worth playing in 2023 depends on your preferences. It’s a content-rich game with engaging gameplay, but it can be demanding in terms of time and investment.
12. What is getting vaulted in Lightfall?
With the release of Lightfall, the seasonal content from The Witch Queen’s year (Season of the Risen, Season of the Haunted, Season of Plunder, and Season of the Seraph) was placed in the Destiny Content Vault.
13. How does the Destiny Content Vault affect my purchases?
The DCV is a contentious issue, as it involves removing content that players may have purchased. Bungie has tried to compensate for this by offering access to other content or providing alternative rewards.
14. What is Bungie’s long-term plan for Destiny 2?
Bungie is committed to supporting Destiny 2 for the foreseeable future. They have announced plans for future expansions beyond Lightfall, including The Final Shape.
15. How can I stay updated on Destiny 2 news and updates?
The best way to stay informed is to follow Bungie’s official channels, such as their website, social media accounts, and weekly blog posts. Community sites like Reddit and various Destiny 2 news websites also offer valuable information.
The Importance of Game Preservation and Learning
The Destiny Content Vault highlights the ongoing challenges of game preservation in the live service era. As games evolve and change, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain older content. Organizations like the Games Learning Society are crucial in studying and preserving the history of games and their impact on culture and education. You can learn more about their mission and work at GamesLearningSociety.org.
While the loss of the Forsaken campaign is undoubtedly disappointing for many players, understanding the reasons behind its removal can help us appreciate the complexities of game development and the challenges of maintaining live service games. While we can’t relive Cayde-6’s epic story in its original form, we can still honor his memory by battling through the Last Wish raid and exploring the secrets of the Shattered Throne.