Did They Remove Leviathan from Destiny 2? A Deep Dive into the Vault and Beyond

Yes, the Leviathan has been removed from Destiny 2, but it’s a bit more complicated than a simple “yes” or “no.” The original Leviathan Raid, along with its associated spaces and activities, was initially vaulted with the release of the Beyond Light expansion on November 10, 2020. However, it briefly returned as the Derelict Leviathan during Season of the Haunted in 2022, only to be removed again at the end of that season. This cycle of removal and brief reintroduction is a key aspect of Destiny 2’s evolving content landscape.

The Leviathan’s Rise and Fall: A Content Vaulting Story

The Leviathan was introduced as the first raid in Destiny 2, a lavish, opulent ship belonging to the exiled Cabal Emperor Calus. It quickly became a fan favorite, offering challenging encounters, unique loot, and a compelling narrative surrounding Calus’s machinations. However, as Destiny 2 grew, Bungie faced the challenge of managing the game’s size and complexity. This led to the decision to introduce the Destiny Content Vault (DCV).

The DCV was designed to address several issues. First, it reduced the overall size of the game, making it easier to download and update. Second, it allowed Bungie to focus development resources on new content, rather than maintaining older, less-played activities. Third, it provided a way to rotate content in and out of the game, keeping things fresh and preventing the game world from becoming overly cluttered.

The initial vaulting included not only the Leviathan Raid but also the Red War campaign, and the Curse of Osiris and Warmind expansions. This was a controversial decision, as it meant that players lost access to content they had paid for. However, Bungie argued that it was necessary to ensure the long-term health of the game.

The Derelict Leviathan: A Haunting Return

In Season of the Haunted, the Leviathan made a surprising return, albeit in a drastically altered form. Now known as the Derelict Leviathan, it was infested with egregore and nightmares, serving as a haunting reminder of Calus’s influence and the Darkness’s growing power. This iteration of the Leviathan provided new missions, activities, and a compelling storyline, allowing players to revisit familiar locations with a terrifying new twist.

The return of the Leviathan was generally well-received. It offered a unique blend of nostalgia and novelty, allowing players to experience familiar spaces in a new and unsettling way. The seasonal storyline was praised for its strong narrative and its exploration of characters’ inner demons. However, this return was always intended to be temporary.

Why Was the Leviathan Removed Again?

The Derelict Leviathan, like all seasonal content, was ultimately removed at the end of Season of the Haunted. This is part of Bungie’s current content model, where seasonal activities and storylines are available for the duration of the year in which they are released, then vaulted when the next expansion launches.

This system is designed to keep the game fresh and prevent it from becoming overwhelmed with content. While some players may be disappointed to see content removed, it allows Bungie to focus on creating new and engaging experiences. It also helps to maintain a manageable game size and allows them to tell cohesive stories within a defined timeframe. Bungie has confirmed that Destiny 2 expansions will no longer be vaulted; however, seasonal content will rotate each year.

The Legacy of the Leviathan

Despite its removal, the Leviathan remains a significant part of Destiny 2’s history. It was a groundbreaking raid that set a new standard for challenge and spectacle. Its unique aesthetic and compelling narrative left a lasting impression on players. And although the physical location is gone from the game, its influence can still be felt in subsequent storylines and activities.

The Leviathan and the Destiny Content Vault spark discussions within the gaming community about content ownership, preservation, and the evolving nature of live-service games. The choices Bungie makes in this space have a significant impact on the player experience and the long-term health of the game. Games are complex systems, and their impact on learners, is studied by experts at the Games Learning Society, helping researchers and practitioners understand the intersection of games and education. You can find out more on GamesLearningSociety.org.

Ultimately, the story of the Leviathan in Destiny 2 is a testament to the dynamic and ever-changing nature of live-service games. Content comes and goes, but the memories and experiences it creates endure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Leviathan and its removal from Destiny 2:

1. What exactly was the Leviathan in Destiny 2?

   The Leviathan was a massive, opulent ship belonging to Emperor Calus of the Cabal. It served as the setting for the first raid in Destiny 2, offering challenging encounters and unique rewards.

2. When was the Leviathan originally removed from Destiny 2?

   The original Leviathan Raid was removed on November 10, 2020, with the launch of the Beyond Light expansion.

3. What is the Destiny Content Vault (DCV)?

   The DCV is a system introduced by Bungie to manage the size and complexity of Destiny 2. It allows them to rotate content in and out of the game, focusing development resources and keeping the game fresh.

4. Why was the DCV implemented?

   The DCV was implemented to reduce the game’s file size, streamline development efforts, and provide a way to rotate content.

5. Did the Leviathan ever return after being vaulted the first time?

   Yes, the Leviathan returned in Season of the Haunted as the Derelict Leviathan.

6. What was the Derelict Leviathan?

   The Derelict Leviathan was a version of the ship infested with egregore and nightmares, offering new missions and activities.

7. When was the Derelict Leviathan removed from Destiny 2?

   The Derelict Leviathan was removed at the end of Season of the Haunted.

8. Why was the Derelict Leviathan removed?

   The Derelict Leviathan was removed as part of Bungie’s seasonal content model, where seasonal activities are available for a limited time.

9. Will the Leviathan ever return to Destiny 2 again?

   It is always possible, but there are no current plans announced to bring the Leviathan back. Bungie may revisit it in the future, but for now, it remains in the vault.

10. What rewards were associated with the Leviathan Raid?

    The Leviathan Raid offered unique weapons, armor, and cosmetic items, many of which had a distinctive Cabal aesthetic.

11. Was it possible to solo any parts of the Leviathan Raid?

    No, the mechanics of the Leviathan Raid require multiple players to complete.

12. How did the Leviathan’s removal affect the Destiny 2 community?

    The removal of the Leviathan was met with mixed reactions. Some players were disappointed to lose access to the content, while others understood the need for the DCV.

13. What other content has been removed from Destiny 2?

    Other content removed includes the Red War campaign, the Curse of Osiris and Warmind expansions, and various seasonal activities.

14. Does Bungie plan to vault any more expansions in the future?

    Bungie has announced that Destiny 2 expansions will no longer be vaulted. Seasonal content will stay throughout the current expansion Year and then move to the Destiny Content Vault when a new Expansion launches.

15. Where can I learn more about the impact of games on education?

    You can learn more about the intersection of games and education at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.