The Destiny 2 Content Vault: Which Expansions Have Been Vaulted?
So, you’re a Guardian venturing into the ever-evolving world of Destiny 2, and you’ve heard whispers of content disappearing into the dreaded Destiny Content Vault (DCV). Don’t worry, fellow Lightbearer, I’m here to illuminate the shrouded corners of this topic. Let’s dive right in and clarify which expansions have been consigned to the Vault:
As of now, the following Destiny 2 expansions have been vaulted and are no longer accessible:
- The Red War (Original Campaign): This includes the base game’s campaign, marking the beginning of your Guardian’s journey.
- Curse of Osiris: The first major DLC, focusing on the legendary Warlock Osiris and the Infinite Forest.
- Warmind: The second major DLC, set on Mars and centered around the Warmind Rasputin and the Hive god Xol.
- Forsaken Campaign & Tangled Shore: While the Forsaken expansion itself isn’t entirely gone, its original campaign and the Tangled Shore destination were removed. A portion of the Dreaming City from Forsaken remains.
Understanding the DCV is crucial for both new and returning players, so let’s explore the reasons behind its existence and answer some of your burning questions.
Understanding the Destiny Content Vault (DCV)
The DCV isn’t just about arbitrarily removing content; it’s a strategic decision by Bungie to manage the ever-growing size of Destiny 2. The game reached a point where adding new content became increasingly difficult due to technical constraints and the sheer volume of data. By vaulting older, less-played content, Bungie could streamline development, reduce the game’s file size, and improve overall performance.
The decision to vault content wasn’t taken lightly, and Bungie has since adjusted its approach. They’ve committed to not vaulting any further full expansions from Shadowkeep onward. This means that Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, The Witch Queen, Lightfall, and The Final Shape are all here to stay. While seasonal content still cycles out, the core expansions are now permanent fixtures of the Destiny 2 experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Destiny 2’s Vaulted Content
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of the Destiny Content Vault and its implications:
FAQ 1: Why did Bungie remove content from Destiny 2?
Bungie removed content to address the game’s growing file size and technical limitations. Vaulting older content allowed them to optimize performance, streamline development, and introduce new features without being bogged down by legacy systems. Think of it as spring cleaning for a massive, evolving game.
FAQ 2: When did the Curse of Osiris get vaulted?
Curse of Osiris and its accompanying content, including the campaign, strikes, and Raid Lair, entered the Destiny Content Vault on November 10, 2020.
FAQ 3: Is the Red War campaign still playable?
Unfortunately, no. The original Red War campaign, which served as the base game’s story, was removed and replaced with a new introductory quest line. You can’t experience the Red War campaign in its original form anymore.
FAQ 4: Is Destiny 2: Forsaken completely gone?
Not entirely. While the Forsaken campaign and the Tangled Shore destination were removed, a portion of the Dreaming City remains accessible. You can still experience some elements of Forsaken’s endgame content.
FAQ 5: Will Shadowkeep ever be removed from Destiny 2?
Thankfully, no. Bungie has stated that expansions from Shadowkeep onward will not be vaulted. Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, The Witch Queen, Lightfall, and The Final Shape are safe and sound.
FAQ 6: Is Destiny 2 worth playing without the vaulted content?
Absolutely! While it’s a shame that some content is no longer available, Destiny 2 still offers a vast and engaging experience. The newer expansions provide plenty of content, and Bungie continues to add new activities, events, and storylines to keep the game fresh.
FAQ 7: Does vaulting content affect my power level or progress?
No, vaulting content doesn’t directly affect your power level or progress. However, it does mean that you won’t be able to access certain activities or gear that were associated with the vaulted expansions. The current power caps and progression systems are tied to the available content.
FAQ 8: What happens to the items I obtained from vaulted content?
Generally, you can still use any gear you obtained from vaulted content, as long as the items haven’t been sunset. However, you might not be able to acquire new instances of those items or complete quests that require you to visit vaulted locations.
FAQ 9: Will the vaulted content ever return to Destiny 2?
While anything is possible, Bungie hasn’t indicated any plans to reintroduce the vaulted content in its original form. They may draw inspiration from it for future content, but a direct return seems unlikely.
FAQ 10: Is Destiny 2 a free-to-play game?
Destiny 2 has a free-to-play component called “New Light,” which provides access to a selection of activities and content. However, to experience the full game, including the campaigns and endgame activities, you’ll need to purchase the latest expansions.
FAQ 11: What’s the best way to stay up-to-date with Destiny 2 news?
The best way to stay informed is to follow Bungie’s official channels, including their website, social media accounts, and weekly “This Week at Bungie” (TWAB) blog posts. These sources provide updates on upcoming content, changes to the game, and community events.
FAQ 12: How many items can I store in the Destiny 2 vault?
Players may place up to 600 individual or bundled items within the Vault, which may be sorted by newest, rarity, or quantity.
FAQ 13: Does Destiny 2 support cross-platform play?
Yes, Destiny 2 supports cross-platform play, also known as cross-save. This allows you to play with friends on different platforms and access your characters and progress on any platform.
FAQ 14: Will Destiny 2 ever end?
No, Destiny 2 is not ending with The Final Shape. This DLC will simply put an end to the “first saga” of the Destiny universe. The game itself will continue as it explores new stories surrounding the other factions and therefore a new evil to fight against.
FAQ 15: Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
Explore the fascinating world of game-based learning and its impact on education and skill development at the Games Learning Society. You can find more information and resources on their website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Final Thoughts
The Destiny Content Vault is a complex topic with valid reasons behind it. While it’s disappointing to lose access to content, it’s also important to recognize that it allows Bungie to continue evolving Destiny 2 and delivering new and exciting experiences. By understanding the DCV and staying informed about the game’s updates, you can navigate the ever-changing landscape of Destiny 2 and continue your journey as a Guardian.