Is Tangled Shore Still in Destiny 2? The Fate of a Beloved Destination

No, the Tangled Shore is no longer available in Destiny 2. It was vaulted on February 22, 2022, with the launch of the The Witch Queen expansion. This means the destination, all associated activities, and the Forsaken campaign are currently inaccessible to players. The removal was part of Bungie’s Destiny Content Vault (DCV) initiative, a controversial but necessary measure taken to manage the game’s growing size and complexity.

The Destiny Content Vault: A Necessary Evil?

Bungie’s decision to implement the DCV hasn’t been without its critics. The primary reason behind it is to reduce the overall size of the game, allowing developers to more easily implement new content and updates without creating significant technical issues. Destiny 2 had grown to a point where introducing new content was becoming increasingly difficult. The DCV is intended to keep the game’s file size manageable, streamline development, and ensure the longevity of the Destiny experience, although it comes at the cost of removing some content from player access. As Destiny evolves, this allows the developers to adapt to the shifting needs of the game.

However, this strategy has had a number of consequences. The removal of the Tangled Shore and other vaulted content has left some players feeling like they’ve lost content they paid for. It’s a delicate balance between maintaining a healthy game and disappointing a dedicated player base. This is also a good example of how games are changing and can be used in the learning sciences. To understand more about this phenomenon check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

The Story Behind the Vaulting

The Tangled Shore was a lawless, asteroid-strewn wasteland in the Reef, a region brimming with outlaws, Fallen scavengers, and the infamous Scorn. It served as the primary location for the Forsaken expansion, where players hunted down the Barons who murdered Cayde-6. Beyond its engaging story and unique aesthetic, the Tangled Shore housed various activities, including:

• Lost Sectors: Short, repeatable dungeons with challenging encounters and rewarding loot.
• Public Events: Large-scale cooperative events that encouraged player interaction.
• Baron Hunts: Missions focused on tracking down and eliminating the Barons from the Forsaken campaign.
• The Hollowed Lair Strike: A challenging Strike where Guardians confronted the Fanatic.
• Patrols: Simple missions that allowed players to explore the world and earn rewards.

All of these features vanished with the launch of The Witch Queen, leaving a noticeable void in the Destiny 2 universe.

The Lore Perspective: What Happened After?

From a narrative standpoint, after driving out Fikrul, the Fanatic, and with Mara Sov’s return, the Awoken seem to have reclaimed the region. We also have the curious tale of The Spider asking the Drifter to smuggle him out of the Reef, leaving his fate uncertain. While the Tangled Shore destination itself is gone, the events that transpired there continue to influence Destiny 2’s ongoing narrative.

The removal of the Tangled Shore is not necessarily a permanent situation. Bungie has stated that vaulted content can potentially return in the future, revamped or reworked to fit the current state of the game. However, there’s no guarantee the Tangled Shore will ever resurface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why was the Tangled Shore removed from Destiny 2?

The Tangled Shore was removed as part of the Destiny Content Vault to reduce the game’s size and complexity, making it easier for Bungie to develop and implement new content.

2. When was the Tangled Shore vaulted?

The Tangled Shore was vaulted on February 22, 2022, with the release of the The Witch Queen expansion.

3. Can I still play the Forsaken campaign?

No, the original Forsaken campaign was also vaulted along with the Tangled Shore. A simplified version of the campaign, the Forsaken Pack, was available for a time, which granted access to the Last Wish raid, the Shattered Throne dungeon, and several Exotic weapons. However, that has since been removed as well.

4. Will the Tangled Shore ever return to Destiny 2?

Bungie has stated that vaulted content may return in the future, but there are no guarantees. Currently, there are no confirmed plans to bring the Tangled Shore back.

5. What happened to the Spider after the Tangled Shore was vaulted?

The Spider’s current whereabouts are somewhat mysterious. The lore suggests he asked the Drifter to smuggle him out of the Reef, but his fate remains uncertain. He could reappear in a future storyline.

6. What other content was removed from Destiny 2 as part of the Destiny Content Vault?

Aside from the Forsaken campaign and the Tangled Shore, the DCV has also claimed the Red War campaign, Curse of Osiris, Warmind, and portions of the Year Two Annual Pass content. Seasonal content from Year 5 was also removed at the launch of Lightfall.

7. Are any activities associated with the Tangled Shore still available in Destiny 2?

No, all activities directly tied to the Tangled Shore, including Lost Sectors, Public Events, Baron Hunts, and Strikes, were removed when the destination was vaulted.

8. How does the Destiny Content Vault affect players who paid for the vaulted content?

This is a controversial aspect of the DCV. Players who purchased the Forsaken expansion no longer have access to the Tangled Shore or the campaign. Bungie has attempted to address this by providing access to certain Forsaken-era content, like Exotic weapons, through other means.

9. Is Destiny 2 going to end anytime soon?

No, Destiny 2 is not ending. Bungie has confirmed that they will continue the story even after the conclusion of the Light and Darkness saga with The Final Shape expansion.

10. Will Cayde-6 return to Destiny 2?

Yes, Cayde-6 is set to return in The Final Shape expansion, much to the excitement of long-time fans.

11. What is the purpose of removing content instead of just adding more?

Removing content helps Bungie manage the game’s file size, improve performance, and streamline development. It allows them to focus on creating new, high-quality experiences without being constrained by the limitations of an ever-growing game.

12. What happens to the story elements that took place on the Tangled Shore?

While the destination itself is gone, the events that occurred on the Tangled Shore, such as the hunt for the Barons and the conflict with the Scorn, are still part of Destiny 2’s lore and can be referenced in future storylines.

13. Can I still get any of the weapons or armor that were originally exclusive to the Tangled Shore?

Some weapons that were originally tied to the Forsaken expansion and the Tangled Shore are now available through other sources, such as the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower. Others may appear in future content or events.

14. What is being removed from Destiny 2 with the launch of future expansions?

Typically, seasonal activities and content from the previous year are vaulted when a new expansion launches. This includes seasonal quests, activities, and associated rewards.

15. Are there any fan theories about the Tangled Shore’s return?

Yes, there are many fan theories speculating about the potential return of the Tangled Shore. Some believe it could be reintroduced as a new location with a different purpose, while others hope for a remastered version of the original destination. However, these are just theories, and there’s no official confirmation from Bungie.