How to Play Destiny 2 Campaign for Free: A Comprehensive Guide
The allure of Destiny 2’s sprawling universe and epic storyline is undeniable. However, the price tag attached to its expansions can be a barrier for many players. The good news is, you can experience parts of the Destiny 2 campaign for free! While the full, immersive experience requires purchasing expansions, there are ways to dip your toes in and get a feel for the story without spending a dime.
The most straightforward way to play Destiny 2 campaign for free is by accessing the first one or two missions of each expansion. Bungie provides these introductory missions as a teaser, allowing players to experience the setting, characters, and gameplay mechanics before committing to a purchase. Currently, this applies to the campaigns of Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, and Lightfall. Furthermore, and this is a major boon, The Witch Queen campaign is currently free to all players. That’s right, you can dive into one of Destiny 2’s best expansions without paying a single glimmer! This gives you a significant chunk of story content to enjoy. Remember, this availability can change, so check current promotions regularly.
Free Content Deep Dive: What to Expect
Beyond the initial missions, Destiny 2’s free-to-play model also offers a range of other activities. While not directly part of the main campaign, these activities enrich your understanding of the game world and its lore.
Core Playlists: Your Gateway to Free Gameplay
The core playlists – Strikes, Gambit, and Crucible – are all available for free. Strikes offer cooperative PvE experiences, while Gambit combines PvE and PvP elements, and Crucible is Destiny 2’s dedicated PvP arena. These activities provide ample opportunities to level up, earn loot, and improve your skills, all of which can enhance your experience when you eventually decide to tackle the paid campaigns.
Seasonal Events: A Taste of Destiny’s Evolving World
Seasonal events like the Festival of the Lost (Halloween), Dawning (Winter), and others are regularly introduced, often offering limited-time quests and rewards. These events sometimes tie into the overarching narrative, providing glimpses into the current state of the Destiny universe.
Dares of Eternity and Prophecy Dungeon: Challenging Free Content
Dares of Eternity is a free, chaotic, and highly replayable activity hosted by Xûr, offering unique challenges and rewards. The Prophecy dungeon is another free piece of content that provides a challenging PvE experience and the opportunity to earn powerful gear.
Raids: Occasionally Free
Keep an eye out for promotions! Bungie sometimes makes certain raids available for free for a limited time. Raids are Destiny 2’s most challenging and rewarding activities, requiring coordination and teamwork. Experiencing a raid for free is a fantastic way to understand the depth and complexity of Destiny 2’s endgame content.
Important Considerations
While the free-to-play experience offers a good taste of Destiny 2, it’s essential to understand its limitations. You won’t be able to progress through the main storylines without purchasing the expansions. Additionally, some of the most powerful weapons, armor, and subclasses are locked behind paid content.
However, by strategically utilizing the available free content, you can gain a solid foundation in Destiny 2, making the eventual purchase of expansions a more informed and rewarding decision. Playing the free missions and activities allows you to determine if Destiny 2’s gameplay loop and story resonate with you before investing further.
Navigating Destiny 2’s Content Vault
It’s also worth noting the Destiny Content Vault (DCV). Bungie occasionally removes older content from the game to optimize performance and introduce new experiences. This means that some older campaigns and activities are no longer accessible, even if you purchased them previously. While this can be frustrating, the DCV allows Bungie to maintain a healthy and evolving game environment.
Understanding what’s currently available and what’s been vaulted is crucial when planning your Destiny 2 experience. Always check the official Destiny 2 website or community forums for the latest information on content availability.
Connecting with the Community
Destiny 2 has a thriving community, full of passionate players willing to help new Guardians navigate the game. Joining a clan, participating in online forums, and watching gameplay videos are excellent ways to learn more about Destiny 2 and find teammates for cooperative activities. The Games Learning Society also offers opportunities to connect with gamers interested in the educational and social aspects of gaming. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
H3 1. Can I play the entire Destiny 2 campaign for free?
No, the full Destiny 2 campaigns are not free. However, the first one or two missions of each expansion, as well as the entire Witch Queen campaign currently, are free to play. This lets you sample the story and gameplay before purchasing.
H3 2. What exactly is included in the free version of Destiny 2?
The free version includes access to the core playlists (Strikes, Gambit, and Crucible), some seasonal events, Dares of Eternity, the Prophecy dungeon, and introductory missions to several campaigns. Occasionally, certain raids are also offered for free.
H3 3. Do I need to buy Lightfall to play its campaign?
While the opening mission of Lightfall is free for everyone, you need to purchase the Lightfall expansion to progress beyond the first mission and experience the full storyline.
H3 4. Is the original Destiny 2 campaign (The Red War) still available?
No, the original Destiny 2 campaign, along with the Curse of Osiris and Warmind expansions, has been removed from the game and placed in the Destiny Content Vault.
H3 5. Can I play Destiny 2 offline?
No, Destiny 2 is an online-only game and requires a constant internet connection to play, including any campaign missions.
H3 6. Do I need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold to play the free content?
Yes, you typically need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold to access the online multiplayer components of Destiny 2, including the free core playlists.
H3 7. What happens if I play the free missions of an expansion and then buy the full version?
Your progress from the free missions will carry over, and you can seamlessly continue the campaign where you left off after purchasing the expansion.
H3 8. Is it possible to skip the Lightfall campaign if I create a new character?
You can skip the Lightfall campaign on alternate characters, but you will likely need to purchase a character boost.
H3 9. Do I need to play the Witch Queen campaign before Lightfall?
While not strictly required, playing the Witch Queen campaign will provide valuable context and a better understanding of the events leading up to Lightfall.
H3 10. How often does Bungie offer free access to content?
Bungie regularly offers free access to content through seasonal events, limited-time promotions, and the core free-to-play experience. It’s best to follow Destiny 2’s official channels for announcements.
H3 11. Can I solo the Destiny 2 campaign?
Yes, Destiny 2 campaigns are designed to be soloable, although some missions may be more challenging on your own. You can also team up with other players if you prefer a cooperative experience.
H3 12. What are “core playlists” in Destiny 2?
Core playlists refer to the main repeatable activities in Destiny 2: Strikes (cooperative PvE), Gambit (PvE/PvP hybrid), and Crucible (PvP). These are all available in the free-to-play version.
H3 13. What is the Destiny Content Vault (DCV)?
The Destiny Content Vault is a system where Bungie occasionally removes older content from the game to improve performance and focus on new experiences.
H3 14. Will there be a Destiny 3?
Currently, Bungie is not actively developing Destiny 3. They are focused on expanding and evolving Destiny 2.
H3 15. Is the Lightfall campaign difficult?
The Lightfall campaign, particularly on Legendary difficulty, is considered challenging. It’s recommended to have some experience with Destiny 2’s gameplay mechanics and equipment before attempting it.
By understanding the nuances of Destiny 2’s free-to-play model and taking advantage of the available content, you can embark on an exciting journey through its universe without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the world of Destiny, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.