What DLC Should I Start With in Destiny 2? A Guardian’s Guide
So, you’re looking to dive into the vast universe of Destiny 2, eh? Excellent choice, Guardian. But with a galaxy’s worth of content, figuring out where to start can be as daunting as facing down a Hive God. Let’s cut through the space dust and get you on the right path.
If you’re a brand-new player to Destiny 2, the best starting point is undoubtedly the most recent expansion, which as of right now is The Final Shape. This is where the game currently focuses its content drops, seasonal activities, and narrative threads. Starting here will provide you with the most relevant weapons, armor, and gameplay experiences and ensure you’re not feeling overwhelmed by dated mechanics or outdated storylines.
Why Start With the Latest Expansion?
Starting with the newest content offers several key advantages:
- Relevance: You’ll be playing alongside the majority of the active player base, participating in the newest activities, and acquiring the most powerful gear.
- Onboarding: The latest expansion is typically designed to onboard new players, providing a smoother introduction to the game’s mechanics, systems, and world.
- Narrative Context: While Destiny 2’s storyline can be convoluted, starting with the latest expansion gives you the most up-to-date narrative context, minimizing confusion and maximizing your immersion.
- Power Level Advantage: The newest expansion will bring you right up to the necessary power level to play end-game content, allowing you to engage with the most exciting and rewarding activities right away.
Should You Buy Other DLCs?
While starting with the latest expansion is the ideal entry point, the question of whether to purchase other DLCs is more nuanced. It depends on your goals, play style, and budget.
- For the Story Buff: If you’re deeply invested in the Destiny 2 lore, consider picking up The Witch Queen. It’s widely regarded as one of the best-written campaigns in the franchise, and the characters and the mysteries are superb.
- For the Stasis Power User: Beyond Light is essential if you want to unlock the Stasis subclass, offering powerful crowd control and a unique play style.
- For the Completionist: If you want to experience everything Destiny 2 has to offer, including all the raids, dungeons, exotics, and story content, then acquiring all available DLCs is the way to go. Keep an eye out for bundles that offer significant savings.
- For the Budget-Conscious Guardian: If you are on a budget, start with the The Final Shape and see if you like the game before committing to more purchases.
The Free-to-Play Experience
Destiny 2 has a substantial free-to-play component, offering access to certain activities, strikes, and patrol zones. This is a great way to dip your toes in the water and see if the game is for you before committing to a purchase. However, the free-to-play content is limited, and you’ll quickly find yourself hitting a wall if you want to progress further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need all the DLC for Destiny 2?
Not necessarily. You can absolutely enjoy Destiny 2 with just the latest expansion, but owning multiple DLCs unlocks more content, subclasses, exotics, and story missions. If you find yourself enjoying the game, the DLC will keep your fire burning.
2. Which Destiny 2 expansion should I buy if I only want one?
Hands down, the The Final Shape. It’s the current focus of the game and offers the most relevant and rewarding experiences.
3. Is Destiny 2 Forsaken free?
No, Forsaken is no longer a standalone expansion. Some of its content is now packaged in the Forsaken Pack, which grants access to the expansion’s endgame content and exotics.
4. Can I play Lightfall campaign without DLC?
You can play the very first mission of most campaigns, including Lightfall, but access to the rest of the campaign and activities is locked behind the DLC purchase.
5. Is Witch Queen worth it?
Absolutely! The Witch Queen features a fantastic story campaign with great gameplay and stunning visuals. Many consider it the best campaign Destiny has to offer.
6. What is the most popular DLC for Destiny 2?
Forsaken used to hold this title, but since its vaulting (removal from the game), the most popular DLC is The Witch Queen because of its incredible story. It’s a favorite among players.
7. Which class should I choose in Destiny 2 for a beginner?
Each class (Titan, Hunter, Warlock) has its strengths. Hunters are nimble and great for solo play, Titans are durable and excel in close combat, and Warlocks provide support and have powerful abilities. Try each class and choose the one that resonates with your style.
8. Is Destiny 2 beginner friendly?
Destiny 2 has improved its onboarding process, but it can still be overwhelming for new players. Take your time, explore the game’s systems, and don’t hesitate to seek help from the community.
9. Does Witch Queen include Beyond Light?
No, The Witch Queen and Beyond Light are separate DLCs. You need to purchase each one individually to access their respective content.
10. Is Lightfall a bad DLC?
Lightfall has been met with mixed reviews. Some players find it lacking compared to previous expansions, while others appreciate its new features and challenges. It’s subjective, but starting with The Final Shape is still the best overall approach.
11. Should I beat Witch Queen before Lightfall/The Final Shape?
It’s not strictly required, but finishing The Witch Queen will provide valuable context and a deeper understanding of the story leading up to The Final Shape.
12. What is the best order to play Destiny 2?
While some of the older campaigns have been “vaulted,” you can still experience their stories through lore videos and summaries. The current order for playable campaigns is:
- Shadowkeep
- Beyond Light
- The Witch Queen
- Lightfall
- The Final Shape
13. Is there any reason to do Witch Queen on Legendary?
Yes! Completing the Witch Queen campaign on Legendary difficulty offers a significant Power level boost and unique rewards. It’s challenging but rewarding.
14. How can I find a fireteam to play with?
Destiny 2 has built-in matchmaking for many activities, but for more challenging content, you’ll want to find a fireteam. You can use the Destiny 2 companion app, online forums, or Discord servers to connect with other players.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
Check out the Games Learning Society, an amazing resource for those interested in the intersection of games and learning. You can find them at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Final Thoughts
Choosing which Destiny 2 DLC to start with can feel like a big decision, but ultimately, the most important thing is to jump in and start playing! Begin with the latest expansion (The Final Shape), see if you enjoy the gameplay, and then consider exploring other DLCs based on your interests. Good luck, Guardian, and may your Light guide you!