The Price of Expediency: How Much Does it Cost to Skip the Destiny 2: Lightfall Campaign?

The burning question on many Guardian’s minds is this: How much does it cost to skip the Lightfall campaign in Destiny 2? The answer, while not always straightforward, is roughly 2,000 Silver, which translates to approximately $20 USD. This price point unlocks the Character Boost, granting immediate access to Strand and high Power level gear for alternate characters. However, before you hastily reach for your wallet, let’s delve deeper into the ramifications of this decision and weigh the cost versus the benefits.

Understanding the Lightfall Campaign Skip

The Character Boost, introduced alongside Lightfall, is designed to alleviate the tedium of replaying the campaign on multiple characters. Many players enjoy creating and leveling different classes within Destiny 2, but repeating the same storyline repeatedly can become a significant time sink. This is where the campaign skip comes in, offering a paid shortcut.

However, it’s crucial to understand exactly what you’re getting, and not getting, for your money. The campaign skip does not equal campaign completion. Think of it as a tactical retreat from the trenches, rather than a decisive victory.

What You Do Get

• Instant Access to Strand: This is arguably the biggest draw. Unlocking Strand, the new Darkness subclass introduced in Lightfall, requires completing the campaign. The Character Boost bypasses this requirement entirely.
• High Power Level Gear: Your character will be equipped with gear appropriate for the current soft cap, putting them in a much better position to tackle endgame content.
• Avoidance of Repetitive Gameplay: Save yourself the hours it would take to replay the campaign on another character.

What You Don’t Get

• Campaign Rewards: Skipping the campaign means forfeiting any items or gear you would have normally acquired during the missions.
• Legendary Campaign Completion: The skip does not count as having completed the Legendary campaign.
• Triumphs and Lore: You will miss out on any Triumphs tied to specific campaign missions, as well as the unfolding narrative and lore revealed throughout the story.
• Post-Campaign Missions: The skip does not complete any post-campaign missions required to unlock certain aspects of the game.
• Genuine Experience: Some players enjoy the campaign for the story and challenges that it presents. The skip robs you of that experience.

Is the Campaign Skip Worth the Cost?

This ultimately depends on your individual priorities and playstyle. Consider the following:

• Time vs. Money: How much is your time worth? If you have limited time to play and are eager to jump into endgame content with multiple characters, the skip might be a worthwhile investment.
• Enjoyment of the Campaign: Did you enjoy the Lightfall campaign on your first character? If not, the skip is a logical choice for subsequent characters.
• Completionist Tendencies: Are you a completionist who strives to unlock every Triumph and collect every item? If so, the skip will leave you feeling unfulfilled.
• Financial Considerations: $20 is not an insignificant amount of money. Consider whether you could put that money to better use elsewhere, such as purchasing other DLC or cosmetics.

Related FAQs: Deeper Dive into Lightfall

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Lightfall experience, including information on how you can avoid paying extra.

1. Can I do the Lightfall campaign without Lightfall?

No. Beyond the initial introductory mission, access to the Lightfall campaign requires purchasing the Lightfall expansion. Bungie offers the first mission as a free trial to entice players to buy the full DLC.

2. Do I need Lightfall to play the campaign?

As previously mentioned, yes. The opening story is free, but progressing beyond that point necessitates owning the Lightfall expansion.

3. Do you have to complete the Lightfall campaign to get Strand?

Yes, completing the Lightfall campaign is the standard way to unlock the Strand subclass on your first character. The campaign skip is an alternative method for subsequent characters.

4. Can you complete the Lightfall campaign without DLC?

Absolutely not. Purchasing the DLC is a prerequisite for accessing the main campaign missions beyond the initial free offering. This applies to all major Destiny 2 expansions, including Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, The Witch Queen, and Lightfall.

5. Can you solo the Lightfall legendary campaign?

Yes, it is possible to solo the Lightfall Legendary campaign, but it requires skill, patience, and a well-optimized build. Survivability is key, so consider using Void Bubble or other abilities that enhance your resilience.

6. Can you still get exotics with the Lightfall campaign skip?

The campaign skip only provides the standard completion rewards. To acquire the new Exotic armor pieces introduced in Lightfall, you must either play through the Legendary campaign or farm Legend/Master Lost Sectors. The skip doesn’t directly impact your ability to acquire these, just the method of acquisition.

7. Is Beyond Light free?

At times, yes. Destiny 2 expansions occasionally become free as part of promotions like PlayStation Plus offerings. However, keep in mind that any subclasses unlocked during a free period might not transfer across different platforms via cross-save.

8. Is the Lightfall expansion worth it?

Whether Lightfall is “worth it” is subjective. Many players find it to be a fun and engaging experience with plenty of content, while others criticize its narrative and pacing. Consider reading reviews and watching gameplay videos before making a purchase.

9. Is Lightfall a bad DLC?

Lightfall has received mixed reviews. Some consider it among the weaker Destiny 2 expansions, while others appreciate its gameplay and content offerings. Its perceived value often depends on individual expectations and preferences.

10. Do I need to beat Witch Queen before Lightfall?

While not strictly required, playing through The Witch Queen campaign beforehand will provide valuable context and a deeper understanding of the ongoing narrative leading up to Lightfall.

11. How do you skip the Beyond Light campaign in Lightfall?

The Character Boost system introduced in Lightfall is how you skip previous campaigns for alternate characters, not just Lightfall. It applies to all available campaigns. As mentioned earlier, this is a paid service.

12. Do you have to complete Lightfall on all characters?

No, not if you are willing to pay for the Character Boost. Otherwise, you will have to complete it on each character to unlock Strand and campaign-specific rewards.

13. How to get Lightfall cheaper?

Several strategies can help you acquire Lightfall at a discounted price:

• Look for Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye out for sales on digital storefronts like Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Marketplace.
• Check out Third-Party Retailers: Websites like Green Man Gaming and Fanatical often offer discounts on Destiny 2 DLC.
• Buy the DLC as Part of a Bundle: Bundles that include multiple expansions or seasons can provide significant savings.
• Use Discount Codes or Coupons: Search for discount codes online before making a purchase.
• Consider Waiting for a Price Drop: Prices on older DLCs tend to decrease over time.

14. Can I refund Lightfall?

Refund policies vary depending on the platform you purchased the game on. Contact the customer support of your respective platform (e.g., Steam, PlayStation, Xbox) for information on their refund policies.

15. What is removed with Lightfall?

With each major expansion release, certain content is often “vaulted” or removed from the game to optimize performance and reduce file size. This can include Exotic cosmetic items, as well as entire locations or activities. Be sure to research what content is being removed before Lightfall’s release to avoid losing access to items you value.

Conclusion: Informed Decisions for Guardians

The decision of whether or not to skip the Lightfall campaign with the Character Boost boils down to a personal cost-benefit analysis. Weigh the monetary cost against the time saved, the rewards forfeited, and your overall enjoyment of the game. Consider supporting organizations like the Games Learning Society which advocates for informed engagement with games, see GamesLearningSociety.org. By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that enhances your Destiny 2 experience.