What is Sunset Armor in Destiny 2? A Comprehensive Guide
Sunset armor in Destiny 2 refers to armor pieces that have reached their maximum Power Level, preventing them from being infused further to match the current season’s power cap. This mechanic, introduced with the Beyond Light expansion, effectively rendered older armor irrelevant for high-level, end-game content. While sunset armor still exists, its functionality and value have shifted dramatically since its introduction. In essence, sunset armor is any armor piece from previous seasons and expansions that can no longer keep pace with the current Power Level requirements.
Why Was Armor Sunsetting Introduced?
Armor sunsetting was introduced as part of a wider system aimed at addressing power creep and the overwhelming amount of loot accumulating in player inventories. The goal was to encourage players to explore new armor options and experiment with builds, rather than relying solely on a small set of powerful, older pieces. However, the reception from the community was largely negative due to the forced obsolescence of hard-earned, beloved armor.
The Impact of Sunsetting on Armor
The primary impact of sunset armor is its inability to participate in end-game activities like Grandmaster Nightfalls, Raids, and Trials of Osiris, where Power Level is crucial. While you can still use sunset armor in casual activities and patrol zones, its functionality is severely limited for any content where a higher Power Level is required.
The Fate of Sunset Armor
Once armor is sunset, it cannot be upgraded to the current season’s Power Level cap. This makes it unsuitable for challenging encounters and renders the stat rolls and perks on the armor irrelevant in these contexts.
Transmog: A Silver Lining
Fortunately, Bungie introduced Transmog, allowing players to convert their sunset armor into ornaments. This feature permits players to retain the visual appearance of their favorite, sunset armor pieces while using other, more potent pieces. This way, players can still express themselves with old aesthetics without sacrificing functionality.
The End of Sunsetting (For Now)
After significant community backlash, Bungie has largely abandoned sunsetting, meaning that newly introduced armor will not be subject to this system. This change allows players to feel more confident in the value of their earned gear, knowing it won’t become obsolete after a short period of time. However, existing sunset armor remains unable to be upgraded, it’s important to understand the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sunset Armor in Destiny 2
1. What specifically is the Power Level Cap of sunset armor?
Sunset armor has a maximum Power Level that is tied to the season or expansion when it was introduced. This cap will be lower than the current season’s cap, effectively preventing it from being used in end-game activities. For example, armor from Shadowkeep and earlier is typically capped at Power Level 1060.
2. Can I re-acquire sunset armor pieces?
Yes, some sunset armor has been reissued in later seasons and expansions with a fresh power cap. However, the original sunset versions remain with their original limitations and cannot be upgraded.
3. Is there any reason to keep sunset armor?
While sunset armor is functionally obsolete for high-level activities, you may want to keep it for Transmog purposes to preserve its visual appearance. You might also keep a few sentimental pieces for lower-stakes activities.
4. How does Transmog work with sunset armor?
Transmog allows you to turn any piece of armor you’ve acquired into a universal ornament, overriding the appearance of your currently equipped armor. This way, you can use any sunset armor’s visual style without being penalized by a low power level.
5. Is all old armor sunset?
Not necessarily. The sunsetting system mostly affected armor released before or up to the Beyond Light expansion. Armor released in subsequent expansions and seasons is generally not affected by sunsetting.
6. Will sunset armor ever be re-enabled for high-level content?
It’s highly unlikely that Bungie will re-enable sunset armor, as the decision to end the sunsetting system was about not making new gear obsolete rather than re-enabling old gear. Their focus is on keeping new content relevant.
7. Can I infuse sunset armor with higher Power Level armor?
No, sunset armor cannot be infused with higher power armor. The infusion option is locked or displays a message indicating the piece has reached its maximum power level.
8. Do armor stats like Resilience or Mobility remain useful on sunset armor?
Yes, the stats on your sunset armor do remain relevant but their impact will be limited. However, the armor’s lack of viable power level means you likely won’t use them in end-game activities.
9. How do I identify if my armor is sunset?
You can identify sunset armor by its maximum achievable power level. If the maximum level is lower than the current seasonal cap, it is a sunset piece. Also, the expansion logo on the armor piece can help indicate its age.
10. What does ‘decommissioning’ of a game item mean?
While sunsetting is about making items less relevant, decommissioning means the removal of the item or content altogether. Bungie has not decommissioned sunset armor but has rendered it largely ineffective for high level content.
11. Can I use sunset armor in regular Crucible?
Yes, you can use sunset armor in standard Crucible matches, as these matches are not governed by the same Power Level rules as some other end-game activities. However, be mindful that in some PvP modes like Iron Banner, power levels are enabled.
12. What is the difference between sunsetting and end of life?
Sunsetting, as it relates to Destiny 2, is primarily a mechanic to phase out older gear to encourage players to seek out new options. It doesn’t necessarily remove them, but greatly reduces their usefulness in certain areas of the game. An end-of-life designation, on the other hand, usually refers to content being removed from the game entirely.
13. What should new Destiny 2 players do about sunset armor?
New players don’t need to worry too much about sunset armor. Focus on acquiring gear from the current season and expansions. Transmog is available to all players, allowing them to customize their appearance.
14. Why are people upset about weapon sunsetting if armor sunsetting is still in the game?
While armor sunsetting caused frustration, weapon sunsetting was even more controversial. The idea of losing a powerful or favourite weapon due to an arbitrary expiration date caused a considerable community backlash and resulted in Bungie moving away from this system. This was a separate mechanic that affected both armor and weapons, but the response of the playerbase caused Bungie to reconsider its approaches to both.
15. Is there any way to upgrade sunset armor to get it back to the current maximum power level?
No, there is currently no method in Destiny 2 to restore sunset armor to the current power level cap. Bungie has made it clear they will not be reactivating sunset gear. If a specific piece of armor is reissued, then a player would have to earn it again to use it with the higher cap.