The Endless Grind: How Long Does It Really Take to 100% Destiny 1?

So, you’ve been bitten by the nostalgic bug and want to revisit (or experience for the first time) the sprawling world of Destiny 1? Great choice! But before you dive in headfirst, let’s address the elephant in the room: how long will it actually take to achieve that coveted 100% completion?

The answer, like the loot drops in Destiny, is somewhat dependent on RNG (Random Number Generation) and your own commitment. However, a realistic estimate sits between 150 and 544 hours. Let’s break down why that range is so wide.

The 150-200 hour estimate is based on achievement tracking sites and data from players who have focused on obtaining all the in-game achievements/trophies. This timeframe assumes you’re familiar with the game mechanics, have a dedicated fireteam (group of players), and are primarily focused on the tasks required for those specific achievements.

On the other hand, the 544-hour estimate comes from a more comprehensive perspective that encompasses everything the game has to offer. This includes maxing out all character classes, collecting all exotics, completing all raids on all difficulties, mastering all subclasses, and generally experiencing every nook and cranny of the Destiny 1 universe. It’s the “completionist” route, and it’s not for the faint of heart. If you think the Games Learning Society studies dedication in gaming, this is it! Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how gaming can be a serious learning experience.

Ultimately, the time it takes to 100% Destiny 1 depends entirely on your personal goals and playstyle. Are you aiming for the platinum trophy or are you trying to become a legend?

Understanding the Completionist Path in Destiny 1

To truly understand the daunting task of 100% completion, consider the following:

• Character Classes: Destiny 1 features three distinct classes – Hunter, Titan, and Warlock – each with unique abilities and subclasses. Maxing out each class requires significant time investment.
• Subclasses: Each class has multiple subclasses (e.g., Gunslinger, Striker, Voidwalker), each needing to be leveled up and mastered individually.
• Raids: Raids like Vault of Glass, Crota’s End, King’s Fall, and Wrath of the Machine are pinnacle activities requiring coordinated teams and often multiple attempts. Completing them on both normal and hard modes is crucial for full completion.
• Exotics: Collecting every exotic weapon and armor piece is a major time sink. Many are obtained through RNG-based drops, meaning you could be grinding for weeks (or even months) for a specific item. Xûr, the weekend exotic vendor, can help, but his inventory is also randomized.
• Grimoire Score: This represents your accumulated knowledge and accomplishments within the Destiny universe. Increasing your Grimoire score involves completing various activities, defeating specific enemies, and unlocking lore cards. While not strictly required for achievements, it’s a significant part of the Destiny 1 experience.
• Faction Reputation: Leveling up each faction (e.g., Dead Orbit, Future War Cult, New Monarchy) requires completing bounties and wearing their class item while doing activities.
• Crucible: Mastering the Crucible (Destiny’s PvP mode) is important for certain achievements and for obtaining specific gear.

Factors That Influence Completion Time

Several factors can significantly impact how long it takes to 100% Destiny 1:

• Skill Level: Your skill as a player will directly affect how quickly you can complete challenging activities like raids and Nightfall strikes.
• Fireteam: Having a dedicated and skilled fireteam can drastically reduce the time required for cooperative activities.
• Time Commitment: Obviously, the more time you dedicate to the game, the faster you’ll progress.
• Luck: RNG plays a significant role in obtaining certain items.
• Knowledge: Understanding game mechanics, strategies, and efficient farming methods is crucial for maximizing your progress.

Destiny 1 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Destiny 1, covering various aspects of the game:

Q1: Is Destiny 1 still playable? Yes! While Destiny 1 no longer receives major updates, the core game and its expansions are still fully playable on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Some activities have limited access, but the majority of the content remains available.

Q2: What’s the level cap in Destiny 1? In the original Destiny 1, the level cap was 20. With the expansions, the level cap increased to 40. Light level (later renamed Power level in Destiny 2) was a separate system used to determine your strength in endgame activities.

Q3: How many expansions does Destiny 1 have? Destiny 1 has four major expansions: The Dark Below, House of Wolves, The Taken King, and Rise of Iron. Each expansion added new story content, activities, gear, and features.

Q4: Can I transfer my progress from Destiny 1 to Destiny 2? While you couldn’t transfer gear or levels directly, Destiny 2 did recognize veteran players from Destiny 1, offering them exclusive emblems and rewards as a sign of recognition.

Q5: Is it worth playing Destiny 1 in 2024? Absolutely! Destiny 1 offers a unique and engaging experience, with a compelling story, challenging activities, and a strong sense of community. Many players prefer the atmosphere and mechanics of Destiny 1 over its sequel. It’s a journey of discovery that rewards effort.

Q6: What’s the best class to play in Destiny 1? There’s no “best” class; each class has its strengths and weaknesses. Hunters are known for their agility and DPS, Titans for their survivability and crowd control, and Warlocks for their support abilities and versatile playstyles. Experiment to find the class that suits your preferences.

Q7: How do I get exotic weapons in Destiny 1? Exotic weapons can be obtained through various means, including engrams, raids, Nightfall strikes, Crucible matches, and Xûr’s inventory. Some exotics require specific quests to unlock.

Q8: What are the hardest achievements in Destiny 1? Some of the most challenging achievements include completing raids on hard mode, achieving high scores in Nightfall strikes, and obtaining specific rare items.

Q9: Is Destiny 1 free to play? No, Destiny 1 is not free to play. You need to purchase the base game and any expansions you want to play.

Q10: What’s the best way to level up quickly in Destiny 1? Focus on completing daily and weekly bounties, participating in public events, and running strikes. Use items like Telemetry boosters to increase XP gain for specific weapon types.

Q11: How do I find a fireteam for raids in Destiny 1? Use online forums, Discord servers, and the in-game Looking for Group (LFG) systems to find other players who are willing to raid.

Q12: What’s the significance of the Grimoire Score in Destiny 1? Grimoire Score reflects your knowledge and accomplishments in the Destiny universe. While it doesn’t directly affect gameplay, it’s a symbol of your dedication and experience.

Q13: What’s the story of Destiny 1 about? Destiny 1 tells the story of humanity’s struggle against the Darkness, a mysterious force that threatens to extinguish all life in the solar system. Players take on the role of Guardians, warriors empowered by the Traveler to defend Earth and its colonies.

Q14: What are the differences between Destiny 1 and Destiny 2? Destiny 2 features a more structured story, improved graphics, refined gameplay mechanics, and a more accessible experience overall. However, many players prefer the atmosphere and specific features of Destiny 1.

Q15: Is Destiny 3 coming out? Currently, there is no official announcement or confirmation of a Destiny 3 being in development. Bungie is focused on expanding and supporting Destiny 2. While rumors and speculation may circulate, it is important to rely on official sources for accurate information.

In conclusion, achieving 100% completion in Destiny 1 is a significant undertaking that requires dedication, skill, and a healthy dose of patience. While the exact time commitment varies, expect to invest hundreds of hours to experience everything the game has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned Guardian or a newcomer to the Destiny universe, the journey is well worth the effort. Good luck, Guardian!