Can You Still Play Forsaken in 2023? The Destiny 2 Vault Explained
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The short answer is no, you cannot play the original Forsaken campaign in Destiny 2 in 2023. As of February 22, 2022, the Forsaken campaign and the Tangled Shore destination were removed from the game and placed into what Bungie calls the Destiny Content Vault (DCV). While the idea of Forsaken remains a crucial part of Destiny 2’s lore and narrative, the specific missions and location are no longer accessible within the game itself.
The Destiny Content Vault: A Necessary Evil?
The Destiny Content Vault is a system Bungie introduced to manage the ever-growing size and complexity of Destiny 2. As new content is added through expansions and seasons, older content is sometimes removed to improve performance, reduce file size, and allow the developers to focus on maintaining and enhancing the remaining experiences. This decision, while controversial, was presented as a way to ensure the long-term health of the game. The Games Learning Society has explored how these kinds of decisions can impact player engagement and the overall learning curve within a game.
The removal of Forsaken wasn’t taken lightly by the Destiny 2 community. Forsaken was considered by many to be one of the best expansions in the game’s history, introducing the beloved character of Cayde-6’s death and a compelling revenge story. It also brought significant changes to the game’s structure and systems.
What Happened to Forsaken?
The Forsaken campaign and Tangled Shore were removed for several key reasons, according to Bungie:
- Technical Limitations: Maintaining and updating all of Destiny 2’s content was becoming increasingly difficult and resource-intensive.
- Focus on New Content: Vaulting older content allowed Bungie to dedicate more resources to developing and maintaining new expansions and seasons.
- File Size: Removing large portions of the game helped reduce the overall download size, making it more accessible to new players.
- Streamlining the New Player Experience: Too much free content overwhelmed newer players, according to Bungie.
Before its removal, the Forsaken campaign was made free-to-play for a limited time as a farewell gesture to players. However, this was a temporary measure, and access to the campaign was revoked when The Witch Queen expansion launched.
What Content Remains From Forsaken?
While the main campaign and Tangled Shore were vaulted, some elements of the Forsaken era remain in Destiny 2:
- The Dreaming City: This location, introduced alongside Forsaken, is still accessible. It remains a source of activities, quests, and lore.
- The Last Wish Raid: This iconic raid, set in the Dreaming City, is also still available to play.
- Exotic Weapons and Armor: Many of the exotic weapons and armor introduced in Forsaken are still obtainable through various means, such as Xur or specific quests.
So, while you cannot experience the full Forsaken storyline as it was originally presented, some remnants of its content remain.
The Future of Vaulted Content
Bungie has stated that there are no current plans to bring back the Forsaken campaign. However, they have also emphasized that they will “never say never” about unvaulting content in the future. The community has voiced its desire to see the Forsaken story reintroduced in some form, whether through a remastered version or a new reimagining.
Importantly, in 2022, Bungie announced that no expansion campaigns from Shadowkeep onward would be vaulted. This commitment means that Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, The Witch Queen, Lightfall, and future expansions will remain accessible to players. This significant shift demonstrates a change in approach towards content preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Forsaken and the Destiny Content Vault
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the status of Forsaken and the Destiny Content Vault:
1. Is the Tangled Shore still accessible in Destiny 2?
No, the Tangled Shore destination was removed from Destiny 2 on February 22, 2022, along with the Forsaken campaign.
2. Can I still get Forsaken exotic weapons and armor?
Yes, many of the exotic weapons and armor introduced in Forsaken are still obtainable through various means, such as Xur, Legend Lost Sectors, or specific quests.
3. Will Bungie ever bring back the Forsaken campaign?
Bungie has stated that there are no current plans to bring back the Forsaken campaign, but they have not ruled it out entirely.
4. Why was the Forsaken campaign removed from Destiny 2?
The Forsaken campaign was removed as part of the Destiny Content Vault to improve performance, reduce file size, and allow developers to focus on new content.
5. What is the Destiny Content Vault?
The Destiny Content Vault is a system Bungie uses to remove older content from Destiny 2 to manage the game’s size and complexity.
6. Is the Dreaming City still available in Destiny 2?
Yes, the Dreaming City, introduced alongside Forsaken, is still accessible in Destiny 2.
7. Can I still play the Last Wish raid?
Yes, the Last Wish raid, located in the Dreaming City, is still available to play.
8. Was Forsaken free before it was removed?
Yes, the Forsaken campaign was made free-to-play for a limited time leading up to its removal.
9. Is Shadowkeep going to be vaulted?
No, Bungie has confirmed that expansions from Shadowkeep onward will not be vaulted.
10. How much did Forsaken cost when it was released?
Destiny 2: Forsaken cost $39.99 on its own.
11. Are any other campaigns being removed from Destiny 2?
Seasonal content will continue to stay throughout the current expansion Year and then move to the Destiny Content Vault when a new Expansion launches, but Expansions from Shadowkeep on are going to stick around.
12. Will there be a Destiny 3?
While there’s excitement among fans for a potential Destiny 3, Bungie hasn’t confirmed any plans.
13. Is Destiny 2 ending?
No, Destiny 2 is not ending with The Final Shape. Bungie plans to continue the game with new stories and content.
14. Is all vaulted content gone forever?
Not necessarily. Bungie has the option to bring back vaulted content in the future, although there are no guarantees.
15. Where can I learn more about the Games Learning Society and the educational aspects of gaming?
You can find more information about the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, including research and resources related to learning through games.
The Legacy of Forsaken
While the Forsaken campaign may no longer be playable, its impact on Destiny 2 is undeniable. It revitalized the game with a compelling story, memorable characters, and significant gameplay improvements. Even though the physical content is gone, the legacy of Forsaken continues to shape the Destiny 2 universe. Players still remember Cayde-6, Uldren Sov, and the dark secrets of the Dreaming City. The vaulting of Forsaken serves as a reminder of the challenges of maintaining a live-service game and the constant evolution of its content.