Destiny 2: To Buy or Not to Buy – A Platform Licensing Guide
Yes, unfortunately, you generally do have to buy Destiny 2 on each platform you wish to play it on. While Cross Save allows you to use your same Guardians and progress across different systems, it doesn’t magically grant you licenses for the game itself or its downloadable content (DLC) on platforms where you haven’t purchased them. Think of it like owning a book: just because you can photocopy the pages doesn’t mean you legally own the book in a new format on another device.
This might sting a little, especially if you’re looking to jump between your PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. However, understanding the licensing model and available options can help you make the most cost-effective choices. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case and explore some related frequently asked questions.
Understanding Destiny 2’s Platform Licensing
The core issue revolves around the way digital licenses are managed. When you purchase Destiny 2 or its DLC on a platform like the PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, or Steam, you’re buying the license to access that content specifically on that platform. These licenses are tied to your account on that particular ecosystem.
Cross Save is a fantastic feature that lets you unify your Destiny 2 experience, ensuring your hard-earned gear and character progression are consistent across different platforms. However, it’s important to understand that Cross Save does NOT transfer licenses. It merely synchronizes your account data.
Think of it as carrying your luggage (your character progress) between different airports (platforms). You still need a boarding pass (the game license) to board the plane (play Destiny 2) at each airport. This is industry standard and ensures that platform holders and developers are compensated for their work on each individual platform. Bungie has worked hard to ensure that players can move their characters across all platforms, but does not offer cross-buy functionality.
Destiny 2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions surrounding Destiny 2’s platform licensing and how it affects your gameplay experience.
1. Can I play Destiny 2 on PC if I bought it on Xbox?
No. Purchasing Destiny 2 on Xbox grants you a license to play it on the Xbox platform. To play on PC, you must purchase a separate copy of Destiny 2 on a platform like Steam or the Epic Games Store. Cross Play will allow you to play with your Xbox friends, but you must still own the game on PC.
2. Do I have to buy Destiny 2 DLC for every platform?
Yes. This is perhaps the most frustrating aspect for many players. DLC licenses are platform-specific. If you want to access the latest Destiny 2 expansion, such as The Final Shape, on both your PC and your PlayStation, you’ll need to purchase it on both platforms. The article explains that if you wish to access the DLC on other platforms, you will need to purchase it on that platform.
3. Do I need to buy The Final Shape on PC and console?
Yes. The Final Shape, like previous expansions, is not an “Xbox Play Anywhere” title. This means that purchasing it on one platform (e.g., Xbox) doesn’t automatically grant you access to it on another (e.g., PC). You’ll need to buy it separately on each platform where you want to play it.
4. Can you play Destiny 2 on PC if you bought it on PS4?
Again, no. Buying Destiny 2 on PS4 only gives you the license to play it on the PlayStation ecosystem. However, using Cross Save, you can play on PC using the same characters and progress you’ve earned on PS4, provided you purchase a copy of Destiny 2 on PC. This allows for players to easily move between platforms, but still requiring the base license.
5. Can you play The Final Shape on PC if you own it on Xbox?
The answer remains the same. Destiny 2 and its expansions, including The Final Shape, require separate purchases for each platform. Owning it on Xbox does not unlock it on PC.
6. Do I have to rebuy all Destiny 2 expansions?
If you want to experience all the content on multiple platforms, then unfortunately yes. While you don’t need to own all previous expansions to play the latest one, you will miss out on older content, quests, and rewards if you only purchase the newest release.
7. Do you have to rebuy Destiny 2 DLC on Epic?
Yes. DLC licenses purchased on the Epic Games Store are tied to your Epic account and are only valid for Destiny 2 on that platform. They do not transfer to other platforms like PlayStation or Xbox.
8. Do I have to rebuy Destiny 2 DLC for Xbox?
Indeed. DLC purchased through the Xbox Marketplace is specific to the Xbox platform and won’t transfer to other platforms. This policy is consistent across all platforms.
9. Do I need to buy The Final Shape twice?
If you want to play it on two platforms, the answer is yes. Consider which platform you intend to play on most often and prioritize your purchases accordingly.
10. Do I have to buy Destiny 2 DLC again for PC?
Yes. DLC licenses, such as Beyond Light or The Witch Queen, do not transfer between platform accounts with Cross Save. To play the DLC on PC, you must purchase it on a PC platform like Steam.
11. Can you transfer Destiny 2 DLC between platforms?
Unfortunately, no. As emphasized repeatedly, DLC licenses do not transfer between platforms with Cross Save. You need to purchase them individually on each platform you intend to use them on.
12. Can I play Destiny 2 on PS4 if I have it on Xbox?
Cross-progression via Cross Save allows you to use your same Guardians and progression across different platforms; however, you will need to buy the game again on the PS4.
13. Is The Final Shape free with Game Pass?
No. While Destiny 2 has occasionally been available on Xbox Game Pass, expansions like The Final Shape are typically not included at launch and require separate purchase. It’s always best to check the Game Pass library to confirm current availability.
14. Can you transfer your Destiny 2 account from PlayStation to PC?
You can’t “transfer” your account in the sense of moving your license. However, using Bungie’s Cross Save feature, you can link your PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, or Stadia accounts to your Bungie.net profile and choose which characters you want to use as your primary progression.
15. Do I have to rebuy Destiny 2 DLC on PS4?
If you have access to Destiny 2 and its DLC on another PS4 through a friend’s account or family sharing, you won’t need to rebuy them as long as you continue to access them through that account and console setup. However, if you’re using your own account on a new PS4, you’ll need to purchase the licenses again for your account to access the content.
Navigating the Multi-Platform Landscape
While the need to repurchase Destiny 2 and its DLCs across multiple platforms can be frustrating, understanding the licensing system helps you make informed decisions. Consider focusing your purchases on the platform where you play most often. If you occasionally switch platforms, focus on the core game experience and only purchase DLCs on your primary platform.
Bungie has continued to update and improve the game for existing fans of the genre and franchise. Many believe that Forsaken is one of the best Destiny 2 DLC of the ones released so far.
For those interested in the educational aspects of gaming, resources like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) offer valuable insights into how games can be used for learning and development. Games like Destiny 2 can teach valuable skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, the decision to buy Destiny 2 on multiple platforms depends on your individual needs and budget. While it’s not ideal, the licensing model is standard practice in the gaming industry. By understanding the limitations of Cross Save and planning your purchases accordingly, you can still enjoy a seamless and rewarding Destiny 2 experience across all your favorite platforms.
Hopefully this article has clarified some questions! Good luck, Guardian!