Is Destiny 2: Beyond Light Vaulted? Understanding Content Vaulting in Destiny 2
Yes, Destiny 2: Beyond Light has been vaulted. This means that a significant portion of the content introduced with the Beyond Light expansion, including the campaign, destinations, and activities, is no longer accessible to players in Destiny 2.
The Destiny Content Vault (DCV): What It Is and Why It Exists
The Destiny Content Vault (DCV) is a system implemented by Bungie to manage the ever-growing size and complexity of Destiny 2. As the game expanded with new expansions and seasons, the file size became increasingly large, and technical issues arose from maintaining older content. The DCV addresses these problems by temporarily removing older, less-played content from the game. Bungie has stated that content could potentially return from the DCV in the future, but there’s no guarantee.
Reasons for Content Vaulting
Several factors contribute to Bungie’s decision to vault content:
- File Size Management: Removing older content significantly reduces the overall file size of Destiny 2, making it easier for players to download and install the game, particularly on consoles with limited storage space.
- Technical Maintenance: Maintaining older content requires ongoing resources, including bug fixes, performance optimizations, and compatibility updates. By vaulting less-played content, Bungie can focus its resources on supporting current and future expansions.
- Narrative Focus: Vaulting content allows Bungie to streamline the Destiny 2 narrative, focusing on a more cohesive and engaging storyline. This prevents new players from being overwhelmed by a vast amount of irrelevant or outdated content.
- Technical Debt: Over time, older systems and code can become difficult to work with, hindering the development of new features and improvements. Vaulting allows Bungie to modernize the game’s engine and architecture.
What Content from Beyond Light Was Vaulted?
The vaulting of Beyond Light content included the following:
- The Europa Destination: This icy moon, the primary setting for the Beyond Light campaign, is no longer accessible. Players can’t explore Europa, complete patrols, or participate in public events there.
- The Beyond Light Campaign: The main storyline of Beyond Light, which involved confronting Eramis, the Kell of Darkness, and learning to wield Stasis, is no longer playable.
- Strikes: Specific Strikes introduced with Beyond Light, such as The Glassway and The Disgraced, were placed in the DCV.
- The Deep Stone Crypt Raid (Initially): While not initially vaulted, the Deep Stone Crypt raid was temporarily removed as part of a larger content vaulting update but has since returned to the game and is accessible.
- Seasonal Content: The seasonal content that ran alongside Beyond Light, including activities and storylines from Seasons of the Hunt, Chosen, Splicer, and Lost, were also vaulted.
Impact on Players and Newcomers
The vaulting of Beyond Light content has several implications for players:
- Inability to Play the Campaign: New players cannot experience the Beyond Light storyline and learn about the origins of Stasis within the game.
- Loss of Access to Europa Activities: Players can no longer participate in activities on Europa, including patrols, public events, and Lost Sectors.
- Limited Availability of Stasis Aspects and Fragments: While Stasis remains a playable subclass, obtaining certain Aspects and Fragments, previously tied to Beyond Light activities and quests, may have been altered or made more difficult to acquire.
- Disruption of the Narrative Flow: New players might find gaps in the overarching Destiny 2 narrative due to the absence of Beyond Light content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What year did Beyond Light get vaulted?
The primary vaulting of Beyond Light’s destination (Europa) and campaign occurred with the release of The Final Shape expansion in June 2024.
2. Can I still use Stasis if Beyond Light is vaulted?
Yes, you can still use the Stasis subclass. However, obtaining certain Aspects and Fragments might require different methods than originally intended due to the removal of Beyond Light activities.
3. Is the Deep Stone Crypt raid still vaulted?
No. While it was temporarily removed, the Deep Stone Crypt raid has returned to the game as part of the “Legacy Raids” playlist. You can access and complete it to earn rewards.
4. What happens to my Beyond Light weapons and armor?
You retain all Beyond Light weapons and armor that you acquired. Vaulting only affects the activities and destinations where you originally obtained them.
5. Will Beyond Light ever return to Destiny 2?
There is no guarantee that Beyond Light will ever return. Bungie has stated that vaulted content could potentially return in the future, but they haven’t made any promises.
6. Is there a way to play the Beyond Light campaign?
No, the Beyond Light campaign is no longer accessible within Destiny 2. You can’t play it unless Bungie decides to bring it back from the DCV.
7. What content is currently available in Destiny 2?
Current content includes the latest expansion, The Final Shape, as well as expansions like Lightfall, The Witch Queen, and several playlists such as Vanguard Operations, Crucible, Gambit, and activities such as raids and dungeons.
8. How does the Destiny Content Vault affect new players?
New players miss out on experiencing the vaulted storylines and destinations, which can create gaps in their understanding of the Destiny 2 universe. Bungie has introduced some introductory missions to help new players get acclimated to the game, but these don’t replace the full expansion experiences.
9. What are the benefits of the Destiny Content Vault?
The benefits include reduced file size, improved performance, streamlined narrative, and the ability for Bungie to focus resources on current and future content.
10. How do I get Stasis Aspects and Fragments now that Beyond Light is vaulted?
The acquisition methods for Stasis Aspects and Fragments have been adjusted. Visit Ikora Rey in the Tower to begin a questline to unlock Stasis. Certain fragments are purchasable from her once you’ve unlocked the ability.
11. What happens to the triumphs and seals associated with Beyond Light?
Triumphs and seals related specifically to vaulted content from Beyond Light are likely no longer obtainable.
12. Does vaulting content mean I wasted money on Beyond Light?
While you can no longer access the vaulted content directly, the weapons, armor, and the Stasis subclass that you unlocked through Beyond Light are still usable. The value you received during the time you had access to the vaulted content remains.
13. What happens to the Europa destination-specific materials?
Destination-specific materials unique to Europa are no longer obtainable, as the destination is no longer accessible.
14. How can I stay up-to-date on what content is being vaulted?
Bungie typically announces content vaulting plans well in advance through their official website, blog posts, and social media channels. Regularly check these sources for updates.
15. What can I do if I want to experience the Beyond Light story?
You can watch gameplay videos or read summaries of the Beyond Light campaign online to experience the story. While not the same as playing it yourself, it can provide you with the narrative context.