Exploring the Icy Depths: The Planet of Destiny 2: Beyond Light
Destiny 2: Beyond Light takes Guardians on a chilling adventure to Europa, one of Jupiter’s fascinating moons. This icy frontier serves as the primary setting for the expansion, offering a stark contrast to the warm locales previously explored in the Destiny universe. Europa’s frozen landscape is not only visually stunning but also plays a critical role in the narrative, serving as the birthplace of Stasis, the first Darkness-based power available to Guardians.
Unveiling Europa: A Frozen Frontier
Europa is more than just a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the Beyond Light experience. The expansion delves into the history and mysteries of this enigmatic moon. Players confront Eramis, Kell of Darkness, who seeks to harness the power of Stasis for her own nefarious purposes.
The exploration of Europa is crucial to the campaign. Guardians must learn to navigate its treacherous terrains, endure its bitter cold, and uncover the secrets hidden beneath the ice. It’s a challenging environment, reflecting the power of the Darkness and the stakes involved in wielding it. The visual design of Europa is a standout feature, creating an atmospheric and immersive experience.
The importance of environmental storytelling in Destiny 2: Beyond Light is palpable. The locations on Europa are not simply arenas for combat. Each area tells a story of past conflict, scientific research, and the rise of a new threat. This deepens the player’s engagement and makes the world feel more alive and relevant to the unfolding narrative.
The Significance of Stasis
Europa is the origin point of Stasis, the new elemental power introduced in Beyond Light. Guardians learn to control this power by interacting with mysterious Darkness artifacts found across the moon’s frozen plains. This ability to freeze and shatter enemies fundamentally changes combat, adding a new layer of strategic depth to the gameplay. Mastering Stasis is crucial for overcoming the challenges presented by Eramis and her forces.
Furthermore, the story of Stasis ties directly into the lore of Europa. It’s revealed that the Darkness has a deep connection to this icy moon, and the knowledge players gain here is essential for understanding the greater conflict between Light and Darkness.
Frequently Asked Questions about Beyond Light and Europa
Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of Destiny 2: Beyond Light and its frozen world:
1. Where does the Beyond Light campaign begin?
The campaign starts on Europa, with Guardians responding to a distress signal from Variks the Loyal. This sets the stage for the conflict with Eramis and the exploration of Europa’s mysteries.
2. What planets were removed from Destiny 2 with Beyond Light?
To optimize the game’s size and performance, Beyond Light removed content from Io, Leviathan, Mars, Mercury, and Titan. These destinations, along with their associated activities, were placed in the Destiny Content Vault.
3. Why can’t I access Europa in Destiny 2?
If you can’t access Europa, check the Quest Archive in the Tower. Look for the Beyond Light quest in the “The Past” section. Completing the initial mission will unlock landing points on Europa.
4. How long does it take to beat Destiny 2: Beyond Light?
The main campaign of Destiny 2: Beyond Light takes approximately 6 hours to complete. However, fully completing the expansion, including all quests and activities, can take around 92 hours.
5. Is Beyond Light worth buying for Destiny 2?
Beyond Light is generally considered a worthwhile investment for Destiny 2 fans, especially those who enjoy the lore and the addition of new powers like Stasis. Many considered the experience akin to the highs of Forsaken and The Taken King.
6. Is Destiny 2: Beyond Light the full game?
No, Destiny 2: Beyond Light is a major expansion for the base game, Destiny 2. It adds new story content, locations, and gameplay mechanics.
7. Can I explore Europa without buying the Beyond Light DLC?
While you can visit Europa to an extent, you need the Beyond Light DLC to fully access the story content, the Stasis subclass, and all associated activities.
8. Why was Titan removed from Destiny 2?
Titan and other destinations were removed as part of Bungie’s effort to manage the growing size of Destiny 2. This allowed them to optimize performance and focus on developing new content.
9. Will there be a Destiny 3?
Currently, Bungie has not announced plans for Destiny 3. Their focus remains on expanding and evolving Destiny 2 with new content and expansions.
10. Will Beyond Light content be removed from Destiny 2 in the future?
Bungie has stated that the core expansions of the Light and Darkness saga, including Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, The Witch Queen, Lightfall, and The Final Shape, will not be vaulted.
11. What does Beyond Light add to Destiny 2?
Beyond Light adds a new campaign set on Europa, the Stasis subclass, new weapons and armor, and new activities such as the Deep Stone Crypt raid.
12. How long does it take to beat Destiny 2: The Witch Queen?
The main campaign of Destiny 2: The Witch Queen takes about 12 hours to complete. A 100% completionist run could take around 28 hours.
13. What makes Europa so interesting?
Europa is intriguing due to the likely presence of a subsurface ocean. While life cannot survive on the surface of Europa because of radiation, the energy created by radiation could create fuel for organisms in the ocean below.
14. Why have we not landed on Europa yet?
Landing on Europa presents significant challenges, including the intense radiation environment surrounding Jupiter and the need to penetrate the thick ice shell to reach the ocean.
15. What are the risks of sending Humans to Europa?
The risks of a human going to Europa include lethal amounts of radiation which would require the astronaut to have adequate protection.
Beyond the Game: Europa in Reality
The real-world Europa, a moon of Jupiter, has captivated scientists and space enthusiasts for decades. NASA’s planned Europa Clipper mission aims to investigate whether the moon’s subsurface ocean could harbor life. The parallels between the scientific exploration of Europa and the fictionalized version in Destiny 2: Beyond Light add an intriguing layer to the game’s narrative.
The Europa Clipper mission is scheduled to launch in October 2024 and is expected to reach Jupiter in 2030 after a 5.5 year journey. It is set to orbit Jupiter, not Europa because of radiation levels, and aims to determine the ocean’s habitability.
For those interested in the educational aspects of gaming and game-based learning, the Games Learning Society offers valuable resources and insights. Check them out at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: Europa and the Future of Destiny 2
Destiny 2: Beyond Light‘s choice of Europa as its primary location was a significant departure from previous settings. The icy moon not only provided a stunning visual backdrop but also served as a crucial element in the story and gameplay. The introduction of Stasis, the exploration of the Darkness, and the conflict with Eramis all contribute to a compelling and engaging experience. As Destiny 2 continues to evolve, the legacy of Beyond Light and its frozen frontier will undoubtedly shape the future of the game.