Is Duality Dungeon Free-to-Play in Destiny 2? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is no, the Duality Dungeon is not free-to-play in Destiny 2. Access to this challenging and rewarding dungeon requires either the Witch Queen Season Pass or the Dungeon Key, which must be purchased separately. This article delves into the details of accessing the Duality Dungeon, its requirements, and answers common questions players may have.
Accessing the Duality Dungeon
The Duality Dungeon is a significant piece of content within Destiny 2, offering unique challenges, engaging mechanics, and coveted rewards. However, it is not included in the free-to-play version of the game. To venture into the Duality Dungeon, you need to meet one of the following criteria:
- Own the Witch Queen Season Pass: If you purchased the Season of the Haunted pass (which is no longer available for purchase), you will have had automatic access to the Duality Dungeon once the season went live.
- Purchase the Dungeon Key: If you did not own the season pass, you will need to purchase the Witch Queen Dungeon Key from the Eververse store using Silver, Destiny 2’s premium currency. This is a separate purchase from the expansion or season passes.
Importantly, the Dungeon Key is not shareable between accounts. Each player must own either the relevant season pass when it was available or have purchased the key individually to access the dungeon. This policy ensures that every player who wants to enjoy the content contributes to its development and maintenance.
The Duality Dungeon Quest: A Single Thread
Once you have met the access requirements, the Duality Dungeon does not automatically become available on the map. You need to start the associated quest called “A Single Thread”. You can pick this quest up from Hawthorne near the Bazaar on the Tower. Once you have the quest, you are free to venture into the Duality Dungeon.
Power Level Requirements
The Duality Dungeon has specific power level recommendations:
- Normal Difficulty: Players should be at or above Power Level 1550.
- Master Difficulty: Players should be at or above Power Level 1590.
- The Master difficulty also introduces Match Game, Barrier Champions, and Unstoppable Champions, adding an extra layer of challenge.
Why is Duality not Free-to-Play?
The decision to gate some content behind a paywall is standard practice for Bungie as they strive to maintain the development and ongoing support for Destiny 2. Dungeons like Duality are complex, offering unique encounters and rewards, and require significant resources to create and maintain. By requiring a separate purchase, Bungie ensures they can continue investing in high-quality content.
The Dungeon Key offers access not only to Duality but also the Spire of the Watcher dungeon, making it a more worthwhile investment for players seeking a variety of challenging activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 commonly asked questions about the Duality Dungeon and its availability, to further help clarify the specifics around this content:
Is the Witch Queen expansion required to play the Duality Dungeon?
No, owning the Witch Queen expansion itself is not required to play the Duality Dungeon. Access is granted via the Season Pass it released in, or by purchasing the Witch Queen Dungeon Key.
Can I game share the Dungeon Key with my friends?
No, Dungeon Keys cannot be shared. Each player must purchase their own key to access specific dungeons, including Duality.
How much does the Dungeon Key cost?
The Dungeon Key is priced at approximately $20 USD, although the exact price can vary slightly depending on your region and platform. It must be purchased with Silver from the Eververse store in Destiny 2.
What if I own the Witch Queen DLC, do I get the dungeon for free?
No, owning the Witch Queen DLC alone does not grant free access to the Duality Dungeon. It was not part of the expansion itself. You would still require the Season Pass it was released in (now unavailable) or the Dungeon Key.
Is there an easy mode for the Duality Dungeon?
There are only two difficulty settings for the Duality Dungeon: Normal and Master. There is no “easy mode.” Normal will require players to hit Power Level 1550, with the Master requirement at 1590.
Can I complete the Duality Dungeon solo?
Yes, it is possible to complete the Duality Dungeon solo, but it is extremely challenging. Dungeons are designed for teams, and attempting them solo requires a high level of skill, strategy, and character build optimization.
What rewards can I get from the Duality Dungeon?
The Duality Dungeon offers unique armor sets, weapons, and cosmetics. The loot available changes from week to week, giving players reason to revisit.
How difficult is the Duality Dungeon compared to other dungeons?
The Duality Dungeon is considered one of the most difficult dungeons to solo in Destiny 2. Even with a full fireteam, it offers a significant challenge.
Which is the easiest dungeon for beginners in Destiny 2?
The Shattered Throne dungeon is generally considered the easiest and most beginner-friendly dungeon in Destiny 2. Its mechanics are simpler, and the environment is less challenging.
Is the Prophecy Dungeon free-to-play?
Yes, the Prophecy Dungeon is free-to-play and does not require any additional purchases. It is a good starting point for players new to Destiny 2 dungeons.
How can I improve my skills for harder dungeons like Duality?
Start with easier content like the free Prophecy Dungeon or Shattered Throne, focus on improving your builds, and practice good positioning and teamwork.
How do I know if I meet the power level requirements for the Duality Dungeon?
Your current power level will be displayed on your character screen. Make sure you meet or exceed the 1550 requirement for Normal or the 1590 requirement for Master.
What are Champions and Match Game modifiers in the Master Difficulty?
Champions are powerful enemies with special abilities that require specific strategies and weapon types. Match Game makes shields more resistant unless the correct damage type is used.
Is Destiny 2 worth playing in 2023 as a new player?
While Destiny 2 has some onboarding issues, the game still offers tons of content. You can try core playlists, the Prophecy Dungeon and a free mission from each expansion. If you enjoy that content, then it may be worth investing in paid content.
Do you need the base Destiny 2 game to access any of the paid content?
Yes, you need the base Destiny 2 game to access any paid content like the Duality dungeon, expansions, or other dungeons. The base game is free-to-play, making it easy to start, but paid content requires purchasing.
Final Thoughts
The Duality Dungeon is a high-quality, challenging, and rewarding experience within Destiny 2, but it is not free-to-play. Access requires either ownership of the Witch Queen Season Pass when it was available or the purchase of the Dungeon Key from the Eververse store. This separate purchase ensures the continued development and maintenance of Destiny 2’s unique content offerings. By understanding these requirements, you can make an informed decision about whether to dive into the challenging world of the Duality Dungeon.