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Can You Brave Trials Without Lightfall? Unlocking Destiny 2’s Endgame PvP

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The short answer is: no, you cannot play Trials of Osiris without owning the Lightfall expansion. As of the current season and for the foreseeable future, Lightfall is a mandatory requirement to access this high-stakes PvP mode. This has become a standard practice with Destiny 2, where the latest expansion gatekeeps access to Trials of Osiris.

This wasn’t always the case, and the reason for this gatekeeping isn’t purely arbitrary. Let’s delve into why this restriction exists, what you need to do to unlock Trials of Osiris, and answer some frequently asked questions about accessing Destiny 2’s ultimate PvP challenge.

Why is Lightfall Required for Trials of Osiris?

The decision to lock Trials of Osiris behind the latest expansion isn’t just about generating revenue. While it certainly contributes to Bungie’s income stream, it also serves a few crucial purposes within the game’s ecosystem:

Combatting Cheating: One of the most significant reasons for the expansion requirement is to deter cheaters. By requiring players to purchase the latest expansion, Bungie raises the cost of cheating. If a player is caught cheating and banned, they lose access to not only their account but also the expansion they purchased. This acts as a powerful disincentive, as cheaters would need to repeatedly buy the expansion to continue their activities.
Maintaining a Healthy Player Pool: While controversial, restricting access to Trials ensures that the player base actively participating in the mode is generally more invested in the game. This typically translates to a more competitive and engaged environment.
Content Integrity: Trials often introduces weapons, armor, and other rewards that are intertwined with the themes and content of the latest expansion. Keeping access aligned with the expansion helps maintain the overall narrative and reward structure of the game.
Economic Model: Let’s be honest. Destiny 2 is a games-as-a-service title. Locking content behind paid expansions is a significant part of their economic model. It’s how Bungie keeps funding development and updates.

What Do You Need To Unlock Trials Of Osiris in Destiny 2?

So, you’ve accepted that you need Lightfall, but what else is required to step into the arena of Trials? Here’s a breakdown:

Lightfall Ownership: As stated, this is the primary gatekeeper. No Lightfall, no Trials.
Completion of the “Trials Access” Quest: This quest, given by Saint-14 in the Tower, is designed to introduce new players to the Trials environment. It typically involves completing a series of simple tasks like defeating opponents in the Crucible, completing Crucible matches, and claiming rewards. This is a one-time quest, so you only need to complete it on one character.
Power Level Requirements: You’ll need to be at or above a certain Power level to even queue for Trials. This requirement is usually slightly above the soft cap for the current season, ensuring that players have spent some time engaging with the game’s content.
Valor Rank: You need to achieve a specific Valor rank in the Crucible playlist. Usually, it is the Legend Valor rank.
A Passage: You need to purchase a Passage from Saint-14 each week that Trials is active. Passages are cards that track your wins and losses in the Trials playlist. Different Passages offer different benefits, such as forgiving a loss or granting bonus rewards on specific win milestones.
A Fireteam (Ideally): While it’s technically possible to enter Trials solo, it’s strongly discouraged. Trials is designed as a highly competitive 3v3 mode, and you’ll be at a severe disadvantage without a coordinated fireteam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I unlock Strand without Lightfall?

No, Strand, the new subclass introduced in Lightfall, is exclusively available to players who own the expansion. You’ll need to progress through the Lightfall campaign to unlock Strand and further develop its aspects and fragments.

2. What happens if I skip the Lightfall campaign on my alts?

If you choose to skip the Lightfall campaign on your alternative characters (alts) after completing it on your main, you’ll immediately unlock Strand for those characters. You’ll also gain a significant Power level boost, allowing them to quickly catch up with your main. However, you can still replay missions if you wish.

3. Why is Trials locked behind DLC? Is it just for money?

While revenue generation is undoubtedly a factor, the primary reasons for locking Trials behind the latest DLC are to combat cheating, maintain a healthy player pool, and ensure content integrity, alongside bolstering Bungie’s economic model. It’s a multi-faceted decision.

4. What Power level do I need for Trials of Osiris?

The specific Power level requirement for Trials of Osiris varies from season to season. It’s usually slightly above the soft cap of the current season. Make sure to check the in-game requirements or community resources for the exact number.

5. Is there solo Trials of Osiris?

No, there is no official solo Trials of Osiris playlist. Trials is designed as a 3v3 competitive mode, requiring teamwork and coordination. While you can technically queue solo, you’ll almost certainly be matched against pre-made fireteams, resulting in a challenging experience.

6. Is Lightfall worth buying just for Trials?

That depends entirely on your priorities. If you’re a dedicated PvP player who enjoys high-stakes competition and exclusive rewards, then Lightfall might be worth it just for Trials. However, consider the expansion’s other content, such as the campaign, new subclasses, and endgame activities, before making a decision.

7. Can I get the Excalibur quest without Lightfall?

No, the quest for Vexcalibur requires the Lightfall expansion because the Avalon mission is gated behind Lightfall ownership.

8. Do I need other DLCs to play Lightfall?

No, you do not need to own any previous DLCs to play Lightfall. However, owning previous expansions provides access to additional content, activities, and rewards that can enhance your overall Destiny 2 experience.

9. What are Passages in Trials of Osiris?

Passages are cards purchased from Saint-14 that track your progress in Trials of Osiris. Different Passages offer different perks, such as forgiving a loss, granting bonus rewards, or providing a head start with a free win. Choose a Passage that aligns with your skill level and goals.

10. Can you still play Trials of Osiris in Destiny 1?

No, Trials of Osiris and other live events are no longer available in Destiny 1. Destiny 1 is no longer receiving updates or new content.

11. What happens if Trials of Osiris is disabled?

Trials of Osiris is occasionally disabled due to various issues, such as bugs, exploits, or server problems. When disabled, the playlist is temporarily removed from the game, and players cannot participate until Bungie resolves the issue.

12. How do I improve at Trials of Osiris?

Improving at Trials requires a combination of skill, teamwork, and strategy. Practice your gunplay, learn the maps, communicate effectively with your fireteam, and analyze your gameplay to identify areas for improvement. Watching professional players and guides can also be helpful. Remember the importance of strategy, a facet also found within many educational games, as discussed by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

13. What kind of rewards can I get from Trials of Osiris?

Trials of Osiris offers a variety of exclusive rewards, including unique weapons, armor, shaders, emblems, and more. The rewards typically rotate weekly, encouraging players to participate regularly. Earning seven wins on a Passage unlocks access to the Lighthouse, a special social space with additional rewards.

14. Are the new subclasses in Lightfall worth it?

Strand is a potent subclass, offering unique gameplay opportunities and build options. Whether it’s “worth it” is subjective. If you enjoy experimenting with new abilities and playstyles, then Strand is likely worth exploring. However, if you’re content with your current subclasses, it might not be a priority.

15. Is Lightfall a good expansion overall?

The quality of Lightfall is a matter of personal opinion. Some players praise its engaging campaign, beautiful environment, and the addition of Strand, while others criticize its narrative choices and pacing. It’s generally considered a decent expansion with its strengths and weaknesses.

In conclusion, while owning Lightfall is essential to access Trials of Osiris, it is important to also check your Power level, acquire the Trials Access quest from Saint-14, reach the Legend Valor rank, and purchase a passage. Destiny 2’s endgame PvP mode is worth the effort to experience the thrill of high-stakes competition and exclusive rewards.