Is Witch Queen Deluxe No Longer Available? A Definitive Guide
The direct answer is yes, the original Witch Queen Deluxe Edition is generally no longer available for purchase. You will no longer find it for sale on most official storefronts like Steam, PlayStation Store, or Xbox Marketplace. This is a common practice with Destiny 2 expansions as newer content releases and older content gets vaulted or repackaged.
However, understanding what that means for existing owners, what your options are now, and how to access the content contained within is crucial. This article will delve into the specifics and answer all your burning questions.
Why Was the Witch Queen Deluxe Edition Removed?
The primary reason for the removal of the Witch Queen Deluxe Edition from storefronts is the release of newer expansions, such as Lightfall and the upcoming Final Shape. As Destiny 2 evolves, the game’s distributors simplify the purchasing options to focus on the most current content. This streamlining process often involves removing older, standalone editions and repackaging their content within broader offerings. Bungie frequently adjusts access to older content, sometimes vaulting entire destinations and campaigns to optimize the game’s size and maintain performance. While the Witch Queen campaign itself is currently still available, the specific Deluxe Edition package is not.
What Happens to Witch Queen Deluxe Owners?
If you already purchased the Witch Queen Deluxe Edition, you retain access to all the content it provided. This includes:
- The Witch Queen campaign.
- All four seasons from Year 5: Season of the Risen, Season of the Haunted, Season of Plunder, and Season of the Seraph.
- The two dungeons: The Duality Dungeon and the Spire of the Watcher Dungeon.
- The Osteo Striga Exotic SMG and its catalyst.
- Other cosmetic items and benefits that came with the edition.
You will still be able to access these items, dungeons, and seasonal activities even if you are buying the game now.
So, How Can New Players Access the Witch Queen Content?
While the original Deluxe Edition is gone, access to the Witch Queen content is still possible through other means. The most common method is purchasing the Witch Queen Pack, which includes the campaign and the raid. The two Year 5 dungeons are sold separately.
Purchasing the Dungeon Key
To access the Duality Dungeon and the Spire of the Watcher Dungeon, new players need to purchase the Dungeon Key. The Dungeon Key is available in the Eververse store for 2000 Silver. This is the only direct way to gain access to these dungeons if you did not purchase the Deluxe Edition before its removal.
Understanding the Current Destiny 2 Purchasing Landscape
Navigating the various editions, expansions, and DLC available for Destiny 2 can be confusing. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- The Final Shape: The newest expansion, containing the newest campaign, raid, and seasonal activities.
- Lightfall: The previous expansion before the Final Shape. It contains its own campaign, raid, and seasonal activities.
- The Witch Queen Pack: Contains the Witch Queen campaign and the Vow of the Disciple raid.
- Beyond Light: Contains the campaign, new subclasses, and the Deep Stone Crypt raid.
- Shadowkeep: Contains the campaign, new subclasses, and the Garden of Salvation raid.
- Legacy Collection: Contains the Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, and Witch Queen expansions (campaigns, raids, and strikes).
- Armory Collection: Contains the Forsaken Pack, the 30th Anniversary Pack, and the Shadowkeep campaign.
- Dungeon Key: Grants access to dungeons released in the past year.
- Silver: The premium in-game currency used to purchase cosmetics and access certain content.
- Seasonal Content: Accessed by owning the corresponding season pass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Witch Queen campaign going to be vaulted?
At the time of writing, the Witch Queen campaign is not scheduled to be vaulted. Bungie has not announced any plans to remove it from the game. However, this could change in the future.
2. Can I still get the Osteo Striga SMG?
Yes, you can still obtain the Osteo Striga Exotic SMG. Now, the only way to obtain it is through crafting it at The Enclave on Mars. You must first complete the Witch Queen campaign to unlock access to the crafting system.
3. What happens if I only bought the base Witch Queen expansion and not the Deluxe Edition?
If you only purchased the base Witch Queen expansion, you only have access to the Witch Queen campaign and the Vow of the Disciple raid. You won’t have access to the Year 5 seasons or dungeons unless you purchase them separately (through the Dungeon Key).
4. Will the price of the Dungeon Key ever go down?
Bungie has not indicated any plans to change the price of the Dungeon Key. It remains a fixed price of 2000 Silver in the Eververse store. Sales on Silver do occasionally occur, so keep an eye out for those if you want to save money.
5. Can I buy individual seasons from Year 5 separately now?
No, you cannot buy the seasons individually. They are only accessible through the original Deluxe Edition (if you purchased it) or through the content provided via the Dungeon Key.
6. If I already owned the Deluxe Edition, will I get anything extra if I buy another Witch Queen expansion?
No, there is no benefit to purchasing the Witch Queen expansion again if you already owned the Deluxe Edition. You already have access to all the content contained within it.
7. Where do I access the Duality and Spire of the Watcher Dungeons?
The Duality Dungeon is located in the Nessus destination map. The Spire of the Watcher Dungeon is located on the Mars destination map.
8. What are the benefits of completing the Duality and Spire of the Watcher Dungeons?
These dungeons offer unique challenges, encounters, and exclusive loot. They drop powerful gear, including weapons, armor, and cosmetic items that can significantly enhance your Guardian’s power and customization options. The rewards are dungeon-specific and cannot be obtained elsewhere.
9. How long will the Witch Queen content remain available in Destiny 2?
There is no specific timeline for how long the Witch Queen content will remain available. Bungie has a history of vaulting older content, but they haven’t announced any plans to do so with the Witch Queen campaign or associated activities in the near future.
10. What’s the best way to decide which Destiny 2 content to buy now?
Consider your play style and goals. If you are a new player, the Legacy Collection can be a good starting point. If you primarily enjoy story campaigns, purchasing the standalone expansions is a good option. If you prefer dungeon content, prioritize the Dungeon Key.
11. Can I access the Witch Queen campaign on Game Pass?
Destiny 2 is often featured on Game Pass, but the availability of specific expansions can vary. Check the Game Pass library to see if the Witch Queen expansion is currently included. If not, you will need to purchase it separately.
12. Is there a discount on purchasing the expansions in a bundle?
Yes, the Legacy Collection or similar bundles often provide a discounted rate for purchasing multiple expansions together compared to buying them individually. Keep an eye on storefront promotions for the best deals.
13. What happens if I start playing Destiny 2 now and miss out on past seasons?
Unfortunately, you cannot directly access seasonal content from previous years unless you purchased the Deluxe Editions or the specific content was integrated into the core game. However, Destiny 2 offers a constant stream of new content, so you will always have plenty to experience.
14. Are there any other ways to obtain the weapons and armor from the Year 5 seasons?
Some weapons and armor from older seasons may occasionally reappear in Xur’s inventory or through other in-game events. Keep an eye out for these opportunities if you’re looking to collect specific items from those seasons.
15. What is the best way to stay informed about future changes to Destiny 2 content availability?
The best way to stay up-to-date on Destiny 2 news and changes is to follow Bungie’s official channels. This includes their website, social media accounts, and the in-game news feed. These sources provide the most accurate and timely information about upcoming updates, content removals, and other important announcements.
By understanding these details, you can make informed decisions about how to engage with Destiny 2 and access the content that interests you most, even if the original Witch Queen Deluxe Edition is no longer available.