Unraveling the Threads: The Definitive Destiny 2 Campaign Order
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’re ready to dive into the sprawling universe of Destiny 2? Fantastic! But the age-old question remains: what’s the best order to experience the story campaigns? The answer, like much in Destiny, is a bit nuanced. While some older campaigns have been vaulted, meaning they’re no longer accessible within the game, understanding the chronological narrative order is still crucial for appreciating the lore and character development. Here’s the recommended order for experiencing the core narrative, focusing on what’s currently playable and what’s important to know:
-
The Red War (Recap/YouTube): Though no longer playable, this campaign is the foundation. It introduces the Guardians, the Traveler, and the initial threat of the Red Legion led by Dominus Ghaul. Watching a recap is essential.
-
Curse of Osiris (Recap/YouTube): This campaign delves into the Vex and the story of Osiris, a legendary Warlock. Again, a recap is your best bet.
-
Warmind (Recap/YouTube): Focused on Rasputin, the Warmind AI, and the threat of the Xol, a Hive Worm God, a recap of Warmind is recommended to understand certain lore elements.
-
Forsaken: This expansion marks a turning point in the Destiny 2 narrative. It’s a revenge story centered around the death of Cayde-6, a beloved Hunter Vanguard, at the hands of Uldren Sov. While a recap of Destiny 1 is useful for Uldren’s background, Forsaken itself is essential to experience.
-
Shadowkeep: Return to the Moon to confront nightmares from the past and uncover the mysteries surrounding the Pyramids and the Darkness. This expansion sets the stage for the subsequent saga.
-
Beyond Light: Journey to Europa and wield the power of Stasis, the first Darkness subclass. This expansion focuses on Eramis, the Shipstealer, and explores the true nature of the Darkness.
-
The Witch Queen: Confront Savathûn, the Witch Queen, in her Throne World. This campaign is a masterclass in storytelling, revealing Savathûn’s complex motivations and the secrets of the Light.
-
Lightfall: Travel to Neptune and clash with Calus, now the Disciple of the Witness, in the neon-drenched city of Neomuna. This expansion introduces Strand, a new Darkness subclass, and pushes the narrative closer to its ultimate conclusion.
This order provides the best context for the ongoing narrative, character arcs, and the overarching conflict between the Light and the Darkness. While the older campaigns aren’t playable, understanding their stories through recaps enhances the overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I’m completely new to Destiny 2? Where should I actually start playing?
If you’re brand new, starting with The Witch Queen campaign is highly recommended. It’s narratively engaging, offers a good introduction to the game’s mechanics, and isn’t overly reliant on prior knowledge. After Witch Queen, move on to Lightfall. Consider watching recaps of the older (vaulted) content and Forsaken, Shadowkeep and Beyond Light before diving in for the first time.
Do I have to play the campaigns in order?
No, you don’t have to. Destiny 2 allows you to jump into any available campaign. However, playing them in the order listed above will provide the best narrative coherence and understanding of the game’s lore.
Why are some of the campaigns missing?
Bungie has “vaulted” certain content, including the Red War, Curse of Osiris, and Warmind campaigns, to reduce the game’s overall file size and improve performance. These campaigns are no longer playable.
Where can I find recaps of the vaulted campaigns?
YouTube is your best friend! Numerous content creators offer excellent recaps of the Red War, Curse of Osiris, and Warmind campaigns. Look for videos that provide comprehensive story summaries and character introductions.
Is it worth playing the Forsaken campaign in 2024?
Absolutely! Forsaken is considered by many to be one of the best Destiny 2 expansions. It features a compelling story, memorable characters, and a significant impact on the overall narrative. It’s a must-play for any serious Destiny 2 player.
What’s the difference between an expansion and a season?
Expansions are large-scale content releases that typically include new campaigns, subclasses, activities, and gear. Seasons are smaller, time-limited content updates that introduce new storylines, activities, and rewards that last for approximately three months.
Do I need to buy all the expansions to enjoy Destiny 2?
No, you don’t need to buy all the expansions. However, each expansion offers unique content and contributes to the overall narrative. Purchasing expansions will significantly enhance your Destiny 2 experience.
Is Lightfall a good starting point for new players?
While Lightfall is the most recent expansion, it’s arguably not the best starting point. Its narrative assumes some prior knowledge of the Destiny universe, and its Legendary campaign can be quite challenging for new players. Starting with The Witch Queen is generally recommended.
What’s the Legendary campaign mode?
The Legendary campaign mode is a more difficult version of the campaign that offers better rewards, including higher-level gear and upgrade materials. It’s designed for experienced players who want a challenge.
How important is it to understand the lore of Destiny 1 before playing Destiny 2?
While understanding the lore of Destiny 1 can enhance your enjoyment of Destiny 2, it’s not essential. The campaigns and recaps will provide enough context to follow the story. If you’re curious, watching a Destiny 1 story recap on YouTube can be helpful.
What is the ‘Light and Darkness Saga’?
The ‘Light and Darkness Saga’ is the overarching narrative arc of Destiny, focusing on the conflict between the Traveler (representing the Light) and the Witness (representing the Darkness). Lightfall is the penultimate chapter in this saga, with The Final Shape expansion set to conclude the story.
What are the best resources for learning more about Destiny 2 lore?
- Ishtar Collective: A comprehensive online database of Destiny lore.
- Destiny Lore Subreddit: A community dedicated to discussing and analyzing Destiny lore.
- Myelin Games (YouTube): A popular content creator known for his in-depth lore videos.
What is the role of the Games Learning Society in gaming?
The Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, explores how games can be powerful tools for learning and education. While not directly related to Destiny 2’s narrative, understanding game design principles and how stories are told in games can enhance your appreciation for Destiny 2’s rich world-building and narrative.
Will there be a Destiny 3?
As of now, Bungie hasn’t announced any plans for Destiny 3. They are currently focused on expanding and evolving Destiny 2, with plans for new expansions and content updates for the foreseeable future.
What should I do after completing all the campaigns?
Once you’ve completed the campaigns, there’s still plenty to do in Destiny 2! You can participate in endgame activities like Raids and Dungeons, grind for powerful weapons and armor, explore the game’s various destinations, and engage with the seasonal content. The Destiny 2 universe is constantly evolving, so there’s always something new to discover.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the complex and engaging world of Destiny 2 and experience its story in the most rewarding way possible. Good luck, Guardian!