Should You Pre-Order Destiny 2: The Final Shape? A Guardian’s Guide

The question of whether or not to pre-order Destiny 2: The Final Shape is a complex one, steeped in both potential rewards and inherent risks. The short answer? It depends entirely on your individual circumstances and tolerance for risk. If you are a hardcore Destiny 2 player deeply invested in the narrative, anxious to avoid spoilers, and drawn to the exclusive pre-order bonuses, then pre-ordering makes sense. However, if you are more casual, hesitant about committing funds before release, or have been burned by past DLC launches, waiting for reviews and initial player feedback is the wiser course. Ultimately, pre-ordering is a gamble on Bungie delivering on its promises.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Before diving into the specifics, let’s consider the general landscape of pre-ordering games. The primary advantage is often guaranteed access and potential bonus items. The disadvantage lies in committing your money to a product that might not meet expectations or launch smoothly. In the case of Destiny 2, Bungie has a track record, both good and bad, that should heavily influence your decision.

Advantages of Pre-Ordering The Final Shape

• Avoiding Spoilers: Perhaps the biggest motivator for many long-time players. The Light and Darkness saga has been years in the making. Witnessing its conclusion firsthand, without external influence, is a compelling reason to pre-order.
• Exclusive Content: Pre-ordering often unlocks exclusive items. The referenced article specifically mentions an Exotic weapon, Tessellation, with unique abilities. Access to instant items via the Special Deliveries Kiosk in the Tower or Shaw Han in the Cosmodrome, for those who pre-order the Annual Pass by a certain date, can also add immediate value.
• Episode Access: The article states that pre-ordering the standard edition grants access to the first episode, while the Annual Pass covers all three. If you plan on experiencing the post-Final Shape content regardless, securing access early through pre-order might be beneficial, especially if standalone pricing remains unclear.
• Guaranteed Access: While Destiny 2 isn’t known for running out of digital copies, pre-ordering ensures you can jump into the game the moment it launches, avoiding potential download queues or server congestion.

Disadvantages of Pre-Ordering The Final Shape

• Risk of Disappointment: This is the most significant factor. What if the narrative falls flat? What if the new subclasses are unbalanced? What if the raid is plagued with bugs? These are all valid concerns. Player impressions and professional reviews are invaluable tools for making an informed decision.
• Unforeseen Bugs and Issues: Destiny 2 launches are notorious for initial technical problems, ranging from server instability to game-breaking bugs. Waiting a week or two after launch allows Bungie time to address these issues, providing a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
• Financial Commitment: Pre-ordering requires immediate payment. If your financial situation is uncertain, waiting allows you to assess your budget closer to the release date.
• Lack of Complete Information: As the article highlights, details on standalone episode pricing are scarce. Pre-ordering without all the facts is a gamble.

Analyzing the Pre-Order Bonuses

The value of the pre-order bonuses is subjective. The Tessellation Exotic could be incredibly powerful and meta-defining, or it could be a niche weapon that quickly falls out of favor. Similarly, the instant access items might provide a temporary boost but become irrelevant as you progress through the game. Carefully consider whether these bonuses genuinely appeal to you, or if they’re simply marketing incentives.

The Importance of Community Feedback

Before making your final decision, actively seek out information from the Destiny 2 community. Watch gameplay footage, read player forums, and pay attention to content creators. This will give you a sense of the community’s overall sentiment towards The Final Shape and help you gauge whether the game aligns with your expectations.

FAQs: Pre-Ordering The Final Shape

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the pre-order process and potential considerations:

1. What exactly do I get for pre-ordering The Final Shape?

You will receive bonuses like the Tessellation Exotic weapon with unique abilities and instant access items via the Special Deliveries Kiosk. The exact contents may vary depending on which version (standard or Annual Pass) you pre-order and when you pre-order by.

2. Will pre-ordering guarantee me access to the Raid on day one?

Pre-ordering does not guarantee a spot on a raid team. You will still need to meet the Power Level requirements, find a suitable team, and be prepared for a challenging experience.

3. What happens if I pre-order and then don’t like the game?

Digital pre-orders often have refund policies, but these vary by platform (PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, etc.). Check the refund policy of your chosen platform before pre-ordering.

4. Is the Annual Pass worth it for The Final Shape?

If you plan on playing all the episodes released after The Final Shape, then the Annual Pass offers the best value. If you only plan to play one or two episodes, it might be more cost-effective to purchase them individually (if that option becomes available).

5. Can I upgrade from the standard edition to the Annual Pass later?

Yes, you can usually upgrade to the Annual Pass later, but doing so may not be as cost-effective as pre-ordering the Annual Pass upfront.

6. Are there different editions of The Final Shape with different pre-order bonuses?

Yes, different editions (standard, Annual Pass, Collector’s Edition, etc.) often come with varying pre-order bonuses. Check the details of each edition carefully before making your decision.

7. Will the Tessellation Exotic weapon be available to everyone eventually?

While unconfirmed, it is likely that the Tessellation Exotic will eventually become available to all players, though it may require completing specific in-game challenges or quests. Pre-ordering simply grants early access.

8. What are the “instant access items” that I get for pre-ordering?

These items typically include cosmetic items like emblems, shaders, and possibly a Sparrow or Ghost shell. They offer a small cosmetic customization boost but do not impact gameplay significantly.

9. How long will pre-ordering be available?

Pre-ordering will likely be available until the launch of The Final Shape. However, some pre-order bonuses, like the instant access items, may only be available if you pre-order before a specific date.

10. What platforms will The Final Shape be available on?

The Final Shape will be available on all platforms that currently support Destiny 2, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

11. Is this really the end of the Light and Darkness saga?

Yes, Bungie has stated that The Final Shape is the conclusion of the Light and Darkness saga, which has been the overarching narrative of Destiny since the original game’s release. However, Destiny 2 will continue to receive content updates and expansions beyond The Final Shape.

12. How much will The Final Shape cost?

The cost of The Final Shape will vary depending on the edition you choose and your platform. Check the digital storefronts (PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam, etc.) for the most accurate pricing.

13. Will there be any new subclasses in The Final Shape?

While not explicitly stated in the provided text, new subclasses are often introduced with major Destiny 2 expansions. Check official Bungie announcements for confirmation.

14. Is Destiny 2 still worth playing in 2024?

Whether Destiny 2 is “worth playing” is a subjective question. If you enjoy the gameplay loop, the social aspects, and the ongoing narrative, then Destiny 2 remains a compelling experience.

15. Where can I learn more about the future of Destiny 2 after The Final Shape?

Stay tuned to official Bungie announcements, the Destiny 2 community forums, and content creators for information on the future of Destiny 2. The GamesLearningSociety.org website also explores many themes related to gaming.

The Verdict: A Calculated Risk

Pre-ordering Destiny 2: The Final Shape is a calculated risk. If you’re a dedicated player who values experiencing the story without spoilers and enjoys the pre-order bonuses, then go for it. However, if you’re hesitant or have concerns about the game’s quality or technical stability, waiting for reviews and player feedback is the safer option. Ultimately, the decision is yours, Guardian. Choose wisely!