Destiny 2: Lightfall – What’s Leaving the Game?
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Lightfall, the penultimate chapter in Destiny 2’s Light and Darkness Saga, brought with it a tidal wave of new content. However, as is customary with each major expansion, it also ushered out older content to make way for the new. Specifically, Lightfall removed the seasonal content from the Witch Queen year, meaning the activities, quests, and associated rewards from Season of the Risen, Season of the Haunted, Season of Plunder, and Season of the Seraph are no longer accessible. Additionally, Deepsight Resonance and Resonant Elements were removed as a weapon crafting mechanic. This shift impacts how players acquired and crafted weapons, streamlining the system but also retiring some methods of gear acquisition. The Vox Obscura mission and the associated Nightmare Containment and Sever missions were also vaulted, removing a significant portion of Calus’s narrative arc leading up to Lightfall.
The Content Vault: A Necessary Evil?
The concept of the content vault is often met with mixed reactions within the Destiny 2 community. On one hand, it allows Bungie to maintain a manageable file size for the game, optimize performance, and focus development resources on new and existing content. On the other hand, it means players lose access to activities they may have enjoyed or invested time in, creating a sense of loss and potentially disrupting established routines and strategies within the game. This is why Bungie has stated they will not be vaulting any expansions going forward.
Lightfall’s Impact on Existing Systems
Beyond the outright removal of content, Lightfall significantly altered several gameplay systems. While Deepsight Resonance and Resonant Elements are gone, the core weapon crafting system remains. It’s simply been modified. The removal of these elements was intended to streamline the crafting process. Lightfall aimed for a cleaner, more straightforward system to get the weapons that you want.
A New Beginning?
Whether Lightfall’s changes were ultimately positive or negative is a matter of ongoing debate within the Destiny 2 community. Regardless, the expansion served as a major turning point, setting the stage for The Final Shape, the concluding chapter of the Light and Darkness Saga. The content vault continues to shape the ever-evolving landscape of Destiny 2, forcing players to adapt and embrace the new experiences that Bungie delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lightfall’s Removals
1. Is Dares of Eternity going away?
No, Dares of Eternity, introduced with the 30th Anniversary DLC, remains a free-to-play activity and is not being removed.
2. Can I still play the Witch Queen campaign after Lightfall?
Yes, the Witch Queen campaign (both normal and legendary) is still available after Lightfall. Bungie has committed to not removing major expansions going forward.
3. What happens to the weapons and armor from vaulted seasonal content?
Weapons and armor obtained from the vaulted seasonal content are still usable if you possess them. However, you can no longer acquire these items through the original seasonal activities or engrams. Some weapons might be re-introduced through other means.
4. What happened to the Deepsight system for weapon crafting?
The Deepsight Resonance system and its associated Resonant Elements were removed. The weapon crafting process was streamlined, focusing on obtaining weapon patterns through different means.
5. Is the Leviathan raid still available?
No, the Leviathan raid from the original Destiny 2 game, along with its associated activities, has been vaulted. This includes the content related to Calus’s initial story arc.
6. How does the vaulting of seasonal content impact the story?
The vaulting of seasonal content can leave gaps in the narrative, especially for new players. While the core story of each expansion remains intact, the seasonal narratives, which often provide crucial context and character development, are no longer accessible through gameplay.
7. Will vaulted content ever return?
Bungie has occasionally brought back vaulted content in modified forms. While there’s no guarantee that specific activities or quests will return, it’s possible that elements of the vaulted content could be reintroduced in future updates or expansions.
8. Did Cayde-6 come back with Lightfall?
No, Cayde-6 did not come back with Lightfall. His story remains concluded as of the Forsaken expansion. The referenced information about Nathan Fillion returning relates to future content beyond Lightfall.
9. What is the DLC after Lightfall?
The DLC after Lightfall is called The Final Shape, which is intended to conclude the Light and Darkness Saga.
10. What’s the overall sentiment regarding Lightfall within the Destiny 2 community?
The reception to Lightfall was mixed. While the expansion introduced new elements like the Strand subclass and Neptune as a new destination, it also received criticism for its campaign narrative, pacing, and overall execution. Many players felt that it did not live up to the standards set by The Witch Queen.
11. Does Lightfall introduce any changes to player movement or physics?
Yes, Bungie announced physics changes with Lightfall to reduce the instances of instant deaths due to minor environmental hazards. This was a welcome change, especially given the high-speed movement during the Root of Nightmares raid.
12. Will we fight the Witness in Lightfall?
While the conflict with the Witness is a major theme in Lightfall, the expansion primarily focuses on the struggle against Calus and the Shadow Legion on Neptune. The direct confrontation with the Witness is ultimately reserved for The Final Shape.
13. Who are the Cloudstriders in Lightfall?
The Cloudstriders are new allies introduced in Lightfall. They are the protectors of Neomuna, a hidden human city on Neptune, and help the Guardians fight against Calus and the Witness’s forces.
14. How does Lightfall affect the availability of older expansions?
Lightfall does not directly remove previous major expansions like Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, or The Witch Queen (as stated previously, Bungie has committed to not removing major expansions). These expansions remain available for purchase and play, providing access to their respective campaigns, activities, and rewards.
15. Where can I learn more about the impact of games on society and learning?
For more information on how games can affect society and learning, check out the website of the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org explores the intersection of games, learning, and culture.