Does Destiny 2’s 30th Anniversary Pack Include Beyond Light?
No, Destiny 2’s 30th Anniversary Pack does NOT include the Beyond Light expansion. The 30th Anniversary Pack is a standalone DLC celebrating Bungie’s history, and requires owning the Destiny 2 base game to play. Beyond Light is a separate, major expansion that introduces a new subclass, campaign, and destination.
What is the Destiny 2: 30th Anniversary Pack?
The Destiny 2: 30th Anniversary Pack is a content pack released by Bungie to celebrate their 30th anniversary as a video game developer. It offers a variety of in-game content inspired by Bungie’s history, primarily focusing on references to their previous titles, most notably the Marathon and Halo franchises. The key highlights include:
- New Dungeon: Grasp of Avarice: Located within the Cosmodrome, this dungeon offers unique challenges and rewards, including the infamous Gjallarhorn Exotic rocket launcher.
- Treasure Pack Rewards: Players receive a pack of exclusive ornaments, shaders, emotes, and other cosmetic items.
- New Armor Ornaments: Armor sets inspired by Bungie’s past games are available.
- Activities and Challenges: Participating in anniversary-themed events and completing challenges unlocks additional rewards and lore.
Understanding Destiny 2’s DLC Structure
To understand why the 30th Anniversary Pack doesn’t include Beyond Light, it’s essential to grasp the structure of Destiny 2’s DLC releases. Destiny 2 operates with a system of major expansions and smaller content packs/seasons.
- Major Expansions: These are significant releases like Beyond Light, The Witch Queen, and Lightfall. They introduce entirely new campaigns, subclasses (like Stasis in Beyond Light), destinations, strikes, raids, and massive gameplay changes. They generally require separate purchase.
- Seasons: Seasons are smaller, time-limited content drops that occur between major expansions. They typically include new activities, storylines, weapons, and armor. They are usually accessed through the Season Pass or a separate purchase.
- Content Packs: These are usually themed releases like the 30th Anniversary Pack or the Forsaken Pack, which include new activities, items, and sometimes dungeons, but no new destinations, subclasses, or campaigns. They are typically standalone purchases.
The 30th Anniversary Pack falls into the category of a “content pack,” designed to add more experiences without altering the core game’s structure to the extent of a full expansion. Think of it like adding frosting to a cake, not baking a whole new cake.
Why Beyond Light is a Separate Purchase
Beyond Light introduces significant changes and additions to the core Destiny 2 experience that justify its separate purchase status. These include:
- New Destination: Europa: A frozen moon of Jupiter, offering unique environments, secrets, and challenges.
- New Subclass: Stasis: The first new Darkness subclass, allowing players to freeze and shatter enemies.
- New Campaign: A storyline focused on the Darkness and the Exo Stranger.
- Deep Stone Crypt Raid: A challenging raid experience set on Europa.
- Gameplay Changes: Core gameplay changes that impact all aspects of Destiny 2.
Because Beyond Light fundamentally changes the core gameplay and offers a substantial amount of content, it is categorized and priced as a major expansion rather than an add-on pack.
FAQs: Destiny 2 – 30th Anniversary Pack & Beyond Light
1. What do I need to play the 30th Anniversary Pack?
You need the base Destiny 2 game. You do NOT need any other expansions like Beyond Light, The Witch Queen, or Lightfall.
2. Does buying the 30th Anniversary Pack give me access to the Gjallarhorn?
Yes! Completing the Grasp of Avarice dungeon, which is part of the 30th Anniversary Pack, is the primary way to obtain the Gjallarhorn Exotic rocket launcher and its catalyst.
3. Is the Grasp of Avarice dungeon difficult?
The Grasp of Avarice dungeon is considered moderately challenging. It requires a decent understanding of Destiny 2’s combat mechanics and puzzle-solving skills. A well-coordinated fireteam is recommended for a smooth experience.
4. Can I solo the Grasp of Avarice dungeon?
While challenging, skilled players can solo the Grasp of Avarice dungeon. However, it requires a specific build, strategy, and a lot of patience.
5. Are the 30th Anniversary Pack weapons worth getting?
Absolutely! Besides the Gjallarhorn, the Half-Truths and Other Half swords, as well as other weapons obtainable from the Grasp of Avarice dungeon, are highly sought after due to their unique perks and stats.
6. Is the 30th Anniversary Pack still worth buying in 2024?
Yes, if you enjoy Destiny 2 and want access to the Gjallarhorn and the Grasp of Avarice dungeon. The dungeon offers unique loot and a fun, challenging experience.
7. Do I need a Season Pass to access content from the 30th Anniversary Pack?
No, the 30th Anniversary Pack is a standalone purchase, and it doesn’t require a Season Pass to access its content.
8. Can I play the 30th Anniversary Pack on all platforms?
Yes, the 30th Anniversary Pack is available on all platforms where Destiny 2 is playable, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
9. Will the 30th Anniversary Pack content ever be removed from Destiny 2?
Bungie has not announced any plans to remove the 30th Anniversary Pack content. However, it’s always best to stay updated with official announcements from Bungie.
10. How does the 30th Anniversary Pack relate to the Dares of Eternity activity?
The Dares of Eternity activity is part of the 30th Anniversary Pack. It’s a six-player matchmade activity hosted by Xur in his Treasure Hoard, featuring challenges and rewards inspired by Bungie’s history.
11. Are there any pinnacle rewards available from the 30th Anniversary Pack activities?
Yes, the Grasp of Avarice dungeon offers pinnacle rewards upon completion, helping players level up their characters.
12. Does the 30th Anniversary Pack include any story content besides the dungeon?
While the 30th Anniversary Pack doesn’t have a traditional campaign, it offers lore and narrative elements tied to the Grasp of Avarice dungeon and the overall theme of celebrating Bungie’s history.
13. If I buy Beyond Light, do I get the 30th Anniversary Pack?
No. Beyond Light and the 30th Anniversary Pack are separate purchases. Buying one does not grant access to the other.
14. Is the 30th Anniversary Pack part of any Destiny 2 bundle?
The 30th Anniversary Pack has been included in certain Destiny 2 bundles over time. Check the platform stores for currently available bundles to see if it’s included.
15. Will the weapons from the 30th Anniversary Pack be sunset?
Bungie has largely moved away from weapon sunsetting. Weapons from the 30th Anniversary Pack, including the Gjallarhorn, are not currently scheduled to be sunset, meaning they can be used in all activities without penalty.