Do Destiny 2 Expansions Carry Over? A Guardian’s Guide to Content Access

The short answer is mostly, yes, but with important caveats. When it comes to Destiny 2 expansions, the general rule is that purchased expansions remain accessible to your account regardless of the platform you are playing on, provided you are playing on a platform where your Destiny 2 account is linked through cross-save. However, the specific way you access that content can change over time, especially with Destiny 2’s content vaulting system.

Let’s delve deeper into this fascinating, sometimes frustrating, and always evolving world of Destiny 2 content access. We’ll explore the nuances, address the complexities, and equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the Destiny 2 expansion landscape. Forget leaving any Guardian behind, we’ll explain all you need to know!

Understanding Destiny 2’s Content Landscape

Destiny 2 has undergone significant changes since its launch, including the introduction of content vaulting and cross-save functionality. Understanding these core mechanics is crucial for determining how your expansions will carry over.

Content Vaulting

Bungie introduced the Destiny Content Vault (DCV) to manage the game’s size and complexity. Older content, including entire expansions like Forsaken and Shadowkeep, have been removed from the game. While this content is no longer playable, Bungie has sometimes re-introduced portions of vaulted content over time. This means that while you may have purchased an expansion that is now vaulted, the entitlement (the record of your purchase) remains associated with your account. So even if the content is temporarily unavailable, you’ve still technically purchased it! However, it’s important to note that vaulted content cannot be accessed directly, even if you own the expansion.

Cross-Save Functionality

Cross-save allows you to link your Destiny 2 account across multiple platforms, such as Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Epic Games Store. This is essential for expansions to “carry over.” If you have cross-save enabled, your Guardians, progress, and crucially, your expansion entitlements, will be available on all linked platforms.

Platform-Specific Licenses

While your purchase entitles you to the content, the license to play that content is platform-specific. This means that while cross-save lets you play your characters across different platforms, you may still need to purchase the expansion again on each platform to access the expansion’s specific activities and content on that platform. For example, if you own The Witch Queen on PlayStation, you’ll need to purchase The Witch Queen again on Steam or Xbox to access the Witch Queen campaign, strikes, and other activities on those platforms.

Navigating the Expansion Landscape: Practical Examples

Let’s look at some specific examples to illustrate how expansions carry over in practice:

• Scenario 1: You own The Final Shape on PlayStation and enable cross-save to play on PC via Steam. Your characters will be accessible on Steam, but you will need to purchase The Final Shape on Steam to access the expansion’s story campaign, new strikes, and other activities on PC. You will, however, be able to use any gear, weapons, and abilities earned through The Final Shape, regardless of platform, if you’ve earned them on your PlayStation account.
• Scenario 2: You purchased Beyond Light before it was vaulted. The expansion is no longer playable, but your purchase is still recorded on your account. If Bungie were to re-introduce content from Beyond Light in the future, you would likely have access to it due to your existing entitlement.
• Scenario 3: You play on both Xbox and PlayStation but do NOT have cross-save enabled. Each platform will treat your accounts as separate, meaning your progress and entitlements do not transfer. You’ll need to purchase expansions separately for each account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Destiny 2 Expansions

Here are some common questions about Destiny 2 expansions to further clarify the process:

1. If I buy an expansion on one platform, can I play the campaign on another platform with cross-save?

No. While cross-save enables you to access your characters and progress across platforms, the license to play the campaign and associated activities is platform-specific. You need to purchase the expansion on each platform where you want to access that content.

2. What happens to my expansion if it gets vaulted?

The expansion becomes unplayable, but your purchase entitlement remains associated with your account. If content from the vaulted expansion is reintroduced, you may have access based on your purchase.

3. Can I use weapons and armor from an expansion I own on a platform where I don’t own the expansion?

Yes, if you’ve already earned that gear on a platform where you own the expansion and have cross-save enabled. However, you might not be able to access activities to acquire that gear on the platform where you don’t own the expansion.

4. Does cross-save transfer Silver or Season Passes?

Silver is tied to the platform where it was purchased, so it does not transfer with cross-save. Season Passes do transfer with cross-save, meaning you only need to purchase a Season Pass once to access its content on all linked platforms.

5. If I stop subscribing to PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass, can I still play my expansions?

You typically need an active subscription (PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass) to play online multiplayer games, including Destiny 2. Access to expansions may be affected if your subscription lapses. This depends on the platform’s specific policies.

6. What if I bought the Destiny 2: Legacy Collection?

The Legacy Collection includes older expansions. You’ll have access to the expansions included as long as they are not vaulted. You still need to consider platform-specific licenses for access on multiple platforms.

7. Are there any exceptions to the platform-specific license rule?

Bungie occasionally offers promotions or limited-time events where expansions might be temporarily free to play on certain platforms. Keep an eye on Destiny 2 news and announcements for such opportunities.

8. Will I lose access to my characters if an expansion gets vaulted?

No. Your characters and their associated progress are tied to your Bungie account, not to specific expansions. Vaulting an expansion will not delete your characters.

9. What about dungeons and raids? Do I need to re-purchase access on each platform?

Some dungeons and raids are bundled with expansions and follow the same platform-specific license rules. Others are sold separately (like the Dungeon Key). It depends on the specific content and how it’s packaged.

10. Can I pre-order an expansion on one platform and then play it on another with cross-save at launch?

No, pre-order bonuses and access are typically tied to the platform where you made the purchase. You’ll still need to purchase the expansion on each platform to access it fully.

11. If I upgrade my console (e.g., from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5), do I need to re-purchase my expansions?

In most cases, if you stay within the same console family (PlayStation or Xbox), your digital purchases should transfer to your new console. However, this is subject to the platform’s specific policies and might require ensuring your account is properly linked.

12. How can I check which expansions I own on each platform?

Log in to your Destiny 2 account on Bungie.net and check your purchase history for each platform. The platform’s store (PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam Store, Epic Games Store) will also show you which expansions you own.

13. What’s the difference between owning an expansion and having a license for it?

Owning an expansion refers to the record of your purchase being associated with your Bungie account. Having a license refers to the permission to access and play the content of that expansion on a specific platform. You can own the expansion universally, but you need a license to play it on each individual platform.

14. Does the Destiny 2 Annual Pass affect how expansions carry over?

The Annual Pass (if applicable to older expansions) grants access to seasonal content released during the year of that expansion. This follows the same platform-specific license rules as expansions. If you purchased the Annual Pass on one platform, you’ll need to purchase it again on other platforms.

15. Where can I learn more about the game design behind Destiny 2’s systems?

Exploring the design philosophies behind games like Destiny 2 can enhance your appreciation and understanding. The Games Learning Society offers resources and insights into game-based learning and design. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to discover more.

Conclusion: Mastering the Expansion Transfer Maze

Navigating the world of Destiny 2 expansions and their platform-specific licenses can feel like a complex puzzle. By understanding the core concepts of content vaulting, cross-save, and platform-specific licensing, you can make informed decisions about your purchases and ensure a seamless Destiny 2 experience across your chosen platforms. Remember to always check the official Destiny 2 website and forums for the latest information and updates regarding expansion access. Good luck, Guardian!