What Does a Character Boost Do in Destiny 2?
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A Destiny 2 Character Boost is a service that instantly elevates a selected character to a point where they are ready to engage with endgame activities. It primarily functions by providing a full set of gear that meets the current soft cap for Power Level, significantly accelerating progression. This means that instead of spending hours grinding through early-game content, players can immediately jump into the more challenging and rewarding parts of Destiny 2. Beyond just gear, a character boost typically includes additional benefits, which we’ll explore further, making it a tempting option for both new and veteran players looking to optimize their time. Crucially, a Character Boost does not skip a Destiny 2 campaign unless otherwise specified in the boost’s description. For example, the Lightfall Character Boost auto-completes the campaign but this is not a standard feature of a character boost in Destiny 2.
Understanding the Core Mechanics of a Character Boost
The most immediate impact of a Character Boost is the Power Level increase. Starting at a base level when a new season or expansion launches, Guardians must grind through activities to raise their Power Level, which is crucial for tackling difficult content. A Character Boost circumvents this process.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Gear at the Soft Cap: A full set of armor and weapons will be placed directly into your character’s inventory, immediately bringing their Power Level up to the current soft cap. This bypasses the early-game grind, allowing you to engage with higher-level activities right away.
- Subclass Unlocks: Typically, a character boost provides access to the newest subclass introduced in the game, such as the Strand subclass that came with Lightfall. This lets you experiment with new gameplay styles without needing to invest time in lengthy unlocks.
- Campaign Auto-Completion (Specific Boosts): It is important to note that the Lightfall character boost includes the auto-completion of the campaign. This is not a standard feature of a Destiny 2 Character Boost, and it is critical to understand what a character boost you are purchasing includes. If a campaign completion is not specifically mentioned, it will not be included.
- No skipping of Campaign Story: A character boost will not typically skip the campaign story. If the player wishes to experience the story, they will need to play through the campaign.
Why Consider a Character Boost?
- Time Savings: The most compelling reason is the sheer time saved. Instead of hours grinding for gear and experience, players can start with a combat-ready character.
- Alternate Character Ready: For players with multiple characters, a boost makes it faster to get alt characters ready to play end-game activities, allowing the player to engage with the game in different ways without excessive grinding.
- Access to Endgame: The boost allows players to dive directly into endgame content such as raids, dungeons, and high-level Nightfalls, without the initial gear grind.
Important Considerations Before Boosting
While the benefits are clear, it’s important to be aware of a few things before opting for a Character Boost:
- Cost: Boosts typically cost real money, so consider your budget and whether you find the in-game progression to be worth your time.
- Story Experience: With most character boosts, you will need to play the campaign yourself to experience the story.
- Exotic Unlocks: Boosts will not typically provide exotics earned during the campaign. If you want the exotic reward from the legendary version of a campaign, for example, you will still need to play the legendary campaign.
- Gear Limitations: Though you reach the soft cap, you will need to work through activities and challenges to get to the higher power level caps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Destiny 2 Character Boosts
Does a Character Boost skip the Destiny 2 campaign?
Generally, no. A standard Character Boost primarily focuses on equipping your character with gear and providing subclass access. The Lightfall Character Boost is an exception that included campaign auto-completion but this is not a standard feature of a character boost in Destiny 2. You will usually need to play the campaign to experience the story.
What is the soft cap in Destiny 2?
The soft cap is the Power Level up to which you can easily increase your Power by simply playing the game and acquiring new gear. For Destiny 2: Lightfall, the soft cap was set at 1750. This cap can change with each new season or expansion.
What is the max power you can have in Destiny 2?
The Powerful cap for Destiny 2: Lightfall is 1800, and the Pinnacle cap is 1810. To progress past the soft cap (1750), you’ll need to get gear from activities that grant powerful and pinnacle rewards. The only way to increase your power level above 1810 is by leveling up your seasonal artifact by earning XP.
Can I still get exotics in the Lightfall campaign if I use the boost?
Yes, but with caveats. You will not get the exotic reward from completing the legendary campaign version if you auto-complete the campaign using a specific character boost. However, other exotic armor pieces for your class drop from completing Legend or Master Lost Sectors solo.
Can you solo the Lightfall legendary campaign?
Yes, the Lightfall legendary campaign is soloable for skilled players. Strategies like using Void Bubble for survivability on Titan are recommended.
What does a character boost unlock subclasses in Destiny 2?
A character boost typically unlocks the newest subclass available. For example, the Lightfall Character Boost grants the Strand subclass. This means you can use that subclass without having to progress through any associated unlocking questlines.
How do I make my Destiny 2 character stronger after the boost?
After reaching the soft cap with the boost, you will need to participate in activities that reward Powerful or Pinnacle gear to raise your Power Level further. Grinding these activities will get your power level to 1810. Leveling up your Seasonal Artifact will then increase your power level beyond 1810.
What are the Lightfall level caps?
The soft level cap for Lightfall was 1750. The powerful level cap was 1800, and the pinnacle level cap was 1810.
Is Destiny 2 boosting bannable?
Yes. Paying someone to recover your account for boosting purposes is bannable. Boosting recoveries done for free can also result in bans or restrictions. It is advisable to not give account access to a third party.
Is the Lightfall skip worth it?
The Lightfall skip, specifically when bundled with the Lightfall Character Boost, provides gear at the soft cap, the Strand subclass, and auto-completes the campaign but you will not get the reward from completing the legendary version of the campaign. If you want the triumphs, gear, and other completion rewards, you still need to play the campaign. A standard character boost will not skip a campaign.
What is the fastest way to reach soft cap in Destiny 2?
Playing the Legendary campaign will reward you with fixed gear at 20 Power above the soft cap upon completion (1770). This is the fastest way to progress past the soft cap, but you will need to be skilled to complete the legendary version of the campaign.
What is the strongest subclass in Destiny 2?
Currently, Dawnblade (Solar 3.0) is considered one of the strongest subclasses for support, providing buffs and health regeneration. Additionally, the Sunbreaker Titan is very strong for solo content due to the survivability it offers.
What is the rarest exotic in Destiny 2?
The current rarest weapon in Destiny 2 is Whistler’s Whim, a Trials bow added in Season of Plunder.
Which Lightfall Exotic is best?
Some of the top Lightfall exotics include Winterbite, Conditional Finality, and Vexcalibur. The best will depend on your specific play style and subclass.
Which Hunter Lightfall exotic is best?
Star-Eater Scales is a top contender for Hunters, significantly boosting the damage of Supers when used after picking up orbs of power.
Final Thoughts
Character Boosts can be a valuable tool for both new and veteran players of Destiny 2. They offer a substantial time-saving opportunity, allowing immediate access to endgame content. However, they do come at a cost, and it’s important to consider the benefits against your budget and desires in the game. Understanding the specific features of each Character Boost is also crucial, as their inclusions vary and may not skip a campaign. Whether you’re looking to get a new character ready for action, or just want to dive straight into the most challenging content, a Character Boost can be a worthwhile consideration.