Do You Need Witch Queen Deluxe for Dungeons in Destiny 2?
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The simple answer is no, you do not strictly need the Witch Queen Deluxe Edition to access all dungeons in Destiny 2. However, the nuances surrounding dungeon access in Destiny 2 can be confusing. While the Witch Queen campaign itself grants access to the standard Witch Queen content, accessing specific dungeons depends on how they were released and the purchase you made. Read on to understand the specifics.
Dungeon Access Explained: More Than Just Witch Queen Deluxe
While the Witch Queen Deluxe Edition was a popular choice, primarily because of the Season Passes it contained and its promise of future dungeon access, the way dungeons are now handled has evolved. Let’s break it down:
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Witch Queen Deluxe Edition: This edition initially granted access to the dungeons released in Season 16 (Season of the Risen) and Season 19 (Season of the Seraph). However, accessing those dungeons now isn’t directly tied to having this specific edition.
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Dungeon Keys: Bungie introduced the concept of Dungeon Keys to access specific dungeons released outside of standard expansion content. This means that instead of buying an entire Deluxe Edition, you can purchase the Dungeon Key individually, giving you access to specific dungeons you want to play.
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Lightfall and Beyond: With the release of Lightfall, the structure changed. Lightfall also came with a Deluxe Edition that included access to Lightfall’s seasons and dungeons for that specific year. The Final Shape has a similar structure.
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Individual Dungeon Purchases: Dungeons can also be purchased individually through the in-game Eververse store using Silver, Destiny 2’s premium currency.
Understanding Current Dungeon Access
Currently, dungeon access depends on which dungeon you want to play:
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The Witch Queen Dungeons (Duality & Spire of the Watcher): These dungeons are no longer directly tied to owning the Witch Queen Deluxe Edition. Access is granted through the Dungeon Key. Buying the Dungeon Key unlocks both Duality and Spire of the Watcher. If you originally bought Witch Queen Deluxe, you already have access to these.
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Lightfall Dungeon (Ghosts of the Deep): This dungeon, released during the Lightfall year, is accessible through purchasing the Lightfall Dungeon Key.
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The Final Shape Dungeons: Future dungeons released alongside The Final Shape will likely follow a similar model, either available through a Deluxe Edition (containing the season passes) or a separate Dungeon Key purchase.
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Legacy Dungeons (Grasp of Avarice, Shattered Throne, Pit of Heresy, Prophecy): Access to these dungeons varies. Grasp of Avarice is part of the 30th Anniversary Pack. The others are part of their original expansions and are free to play.
Why This Matters
Understanding this distinction is crucial for making informed purchase decisions. If you’re only interested in playing a few specific dungeons, purchasing the relevant Dungeon Key is a far more cost-effective solution than purchasing a Deluxe Edition that might contain content you don’t need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Destiny 2 Dungeons
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Destiny 2 dungeons to further clarify access, content, and requirements:
1. What is a Destiny 2 Dungeon?
A Destiny 2 dungeon is a challenging, three-player activity designed to test players’ skills, coordination, and build crafting abilities. They often feature intricate puzzles, challenging combat encounters, and unique loot, including weapons, armor, and cosmetics.
2. How many players can participate in a Dungeon?
Dungeons are designed for three-player fireteams, although they can be completed solo, albeit with significant difficulty.
3. Can I solo a Dungeon?
Yes, most dungeons can be soloed, but it requires a high level of skill, optimal builds, and significant preparation. It’s considered a prestigious accomplishment within the Destiny 2 community.
4. What kind of loot can I get from Dungeons?
Dungeons offer unique and powerful loot, including:
- Weapons: Often featuring unique perks or archetypes.
- Armor: Complete armor sets with specific aesthetic themes.
- Cosmetics: Shaders, emblems, and sometimes even unique vehicles or sparrows.
- Masterwork Materials: Enhancement Prisms and Ascendant Shards used for upgrading gear.
5. Do Dungeons have Power Level requirements?
Yes, dungeons have recommended Power Levels, and being significantly below the recommended level will make the encounters extremely difficult, if not impossible.
6. Can I farm Dungeons for loot?
Each dungeon has its own rules about farming. Typically, the weekly pinnacle reward is only available once per character per week. However, many dungeons allow for unlimited farming of non-pinnacle loot drops, making them a great source of materials and specific weapon rolls.
7. What is a Dungeon Key?
A Dungeon Key is a specific item that grants access to dungeons released outside of standard expansion content. It typically unlocks access to two dungeons released within a given year of Destiny 2.
8. Where can I purchase a Dungeon Key?
Dungeon Keys can be purchased from the Eververse store in Destiny 2 using Silver, Destiny 2’s premium currency.
9. If I already own the Witch Queen Deluxe Edition, do I need to buy the Dungeon Key?
No. If you purchased the Witch Queen Deluxe Edition when it was available, you already have access to the Duality and Spire of the Watcher dungeons. You do not need to purchase the Dungeon Key separately for these dungeons.
10. What’s the difference between a Dungeon and a Raid?
While both are challenging endgame activities, dungeons are typically shorter, designed for smaller fireteams (3 players vs. 6 players for Raids), and less mechanically complex than Raids. Raids generally offer more powerful rewards and feature more intricate encounter mechanics.
11. Can I use the Destiny 2 Fireteam Finder to find a Dungeon group?
Yes! Destiny 2 Fireteam Finder (the in-game LFG system) is perfect for finding a group to run Dungeons. It is a great way to find other players who are interested in running the dungeon and learn the mechanics of each encounter.
12. Are Dungeons part of the Seasonal Story?
Sometimes, dungeons are tied to the seasonal narrative, offering additional context and lore related to the ongoing story arc. However, this is not always the case.
13. Are there Triumphs associated with Dungeons?
Yes, each dungeon has its own set of Triumphs, which are in-game achievements that reward players for completing specific challenges within the dungeon, such as completing it solo, completing it flawlessly (without dying), or completing specific encounters with certain restrictions.
14. What happens if I don’t own the Dungeon Key or the relevant expansion?
If you don’t own the Dungeon Key or the relevant expansion, you will not be able to access the dungeon. You will be blocked from entering the activity.
15. Will Dungeon Keys ever expire?
No, Dungeon Keys do not expire. Once you purchase a Dungeon Key, you will have permanent access to the dungeons it unlocks, as long as Destiny 2 remains online.
Making the Right Choice for Dungeon Access
Ultimately, deciding whether or not you need the Witch Queen Deluxe Edition (or any other Deluxe Edition) for dungeons depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re a completionist who wants to experience all aspects of Destiny 2, including seasonal content, the Deluxe Edition might be a worthwhile investment. However, if you’re only interested in playing specific dungeons, purchasing the relevant Dungeon Keys offers a more economical and targeted approach. Consider which dungeons you want to play and choose the option that best suits your playstyle and budget. By understanding the various methods of dungeon access in Destiny 2, you can make informed decisions and maximize your enjoyment of this challenging and rewarding content.