Why is Forsaken Not Free? A Deep Dive into Destiny 2’s Content Vault
The simple answer is: Forsaken is no longer free because its campaign and the Tangled Shore destination were removed from Destiny 2 in February 2022 as part of Bungie’s Destiny Content Vault (DCV) initiative. While the campaign was briefly made free-to-play in the months leading up to its removal, that promotion ended when The Witch Queen expansion launched. Now, components of Forsaken, like the Last Wish raid, the Shattered Throne dungeon, and access to Forsaken Exotics, are bundled into the Forsaken Pack, which is a paid DLC.
The Destiny Content Vault: Understanding the Why
Managing Game Size and Technical Debt
The primary reason Bungie implemented the DCV was to manage the growing size and complexity of Destiny 2. Over years of expansions and seasonal content, the game had become incredibly large, impacting download sizes, patching, and overall game performance. The DCV allowed Bungie to retire older, less-played content to streamline the game and focus on newer experiences. Think of it like decluttering a house: sometimes, you have to get rid of things you don’t use anymore to make room for the new.
Shifting Focus and Resource Allocation
Maintaining older content requires significant resources. Bug fixes, updates, and ensuring compatibility with new game features all take time and effort. By vaulting content, Bungie could reallocate those resources to developing new content and improving the core gameplay experience. This decision, while unpopular with some, allowed them to prioritize the future of Destiny 2.
Narrative Cohesion
Bungie also cited narrative reasons for vaulting certain content. Removing locations and storylines that no longer fit within the current overarching narrative of Destiny 2 helped to maintain a more cohesive and focused story experience for players. While this rationale is debated, Bungie felt it was necessary to streamline the game’s narrative.
The Forsaken Pack: What You Get Now
Although the Forsaken campaign and the Tangled Shore destination are no longer accessible, the Forsaken Pack offers access to several valuable pieces of content:
- Last Wish Raid: This iconic raid takes place in the Dreaming City and offers challenging encounters and unique rewards, including powerful weapons and armor.
- Shattered Throne Dungeon: A difficult but rewarding dungeon that provides a unique story experience and the opportunity to earn powerful gear.
- Forsaken Exotics: The pack unlocks the ability to earn over 20 Exotic weapons, including fan favorites like Ace of Spades, The Last Word, and Le Monarque. These Exotics can significantly enhance your character’s power and build diversity.
It’s crucial to understand that the Forsaken Pack does not include the original campaign or access to the Tangled Shore. It is primarily focused on providing access to endgame content and powerful Exotic weapons from the Forsaken era.
The Economics of Vaulting: A Business Perspective
While the stated reasons for the DCV are technical and narrative, there’s also a business component to consider. By removing older content and repackaging elements into paid DLC, Bungie could create a new revenue stream. This is particularly true with the Forsaken Pack, which offers access to highly desirable Exotic weapons that can significantly impact gameplay. By selling the Exotics and endgame content in a pack, they can continue to profit from parts of old expansions that would otherwise be completely unused by the player.
This business decision is not uncommon in the gaming industry. Companies often retire older content to focus on newer, more profitable products. While it may be disappointing for players who enjoyed the Forsaken campaign, it’s a common practice aimed at ensuring the long-term financial viability of the game. Understanding the economics of game development is crucial for anyone studying the industry, and resources like those available from the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) can provide valuable insights.
The Player Perspective: Disappointment and Opportunity
The decision to vault Forsaken was met with mixed reactions from the Destiny 2 community. Some players were disappointed to lose access to the campaign and the Tangled Shore, particularly those who enjoyed the story and the unique atmosphere of the location.
However, others saw the DCV as an opportunity for Bungie to improve the game’s overall quality and focus on new content. The removal of older content allowed Bungie to streamline the game and create a more cohesive experience for new and returning players. Also, having the Forsaken Exotics available made some players happy as they knew they could still get their hands on the weapons they coveted the most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Forsaken
1. Can I still play the Forsaken campaign in 2024?
No, the Forsaken campaign and the Tangled Shore destination were removed from Destiny 2 as part of the Destiny Content Vault in February 2022. They are no longer accessible within the game.
2. What is included in the Forsaken Pack?
The Forsaken Pack includes access to the Last Wish raid, the Shattered Throne dungeon, and over 20 Forsaken Exotic weapons. It does not include the Forsaken campaign or access to the Tangled Shore.
3. Why did Bungie remove Forsaken from Destiny 2?
Bungie removed Forsaken to manage the game’s size, reduce technical debt, and reallocate resources to developing new content. They also cited narrative reasons for vaulting content that no longer fit within the game’s overarching storyline.
4. Will Forsaken ever return to Destiny 2?
Bungie has not announced any plans to bring back Forsaken or other vaulted content. While it’s possible that some elements of Forsaken could be reintroduced in the future, there are no guarantees.
5. Is the Forsaken Pack worth buying?
Whether the Forsaken Pack is worth buying depends on your individual preferences and playstyle. If you enjoy endgame content like raids and dungeons and are interested in acquiring powerful Exotic weapons, the pack can be a worthwhile investment. However, if you are primarily interested in story content, you may find the pack less appealing.
6. How do I access the Last Wish raid?
To access the Last Wish raid, you must purchase the Forsaken Pack. Once you have the pack, you can launch the raid from the Dreaming City destination.
7. How do I access the Shattered Throne dungeon?
Similarly, access to the Shattered Throne dungeon requires the Forsaken Pack. The dungeon can be launched from the Dreaming City.
8. How can I acquire Forsaken Exotic weapons?
The Forsaken Pack unlocks the ability to acquire Forsaken Exotic weapons. These weapons can be obtained through various sources, including Exotic Engrams, quests, and specific activities.
9. What other content has been removed from Destiny 2?
In addition to Forsaken, Bungie has removed the original Destiny 2 campaign (The Red War), the Curse of Osiris and Warmind expansions, and several seasonal activities.
10. Will Bungie continue to vault content in the future?
Bungie has stated that they are not vaulting any more full expansions going forward. However, seasonal content will continue to be vaulted at the end of each expansion year.
11. What happens to content when it is vaulted?
When content is vaulted, it is removed from the game and is no longer accessible to players. Bungie may reuse assets from vaulted content in future updates or expansions.
12. How does the Destiny Content Vault affect new players?
The Destiny Content Vault aims to streamline the new player experience by focusing on the most relevant and engaging content. However, it also means that new players may miss out on older storylines and locations.
13. Is there any way to experience the Forsaken story now?
Unfortunately, there is no way to experience the Forsaken campaign in-game. However, you can find summaries and lore videos online that provide an overview of the story.
14. What is Bungie’s reasoning for not making Forsaken free permanently?
Bungie’s decision to not make Forsaken permanently free is likely due to financial considerations. By repackaging elements of Forsaken into a paid DLC, they can generate revenue and support the continued development of Destiny 2.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and the business of gaming?
Organizations such as Games Learning Society offer valuable resources and insights into game design, development, and the business of gaming. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
The Future of Destiny 2
While the removal of Forsaken was a controversial decision, it reflects the evolving nature of Destiny 2 and Bungie’s commitment to the game’s long-term health. By managing game size, reallocating resources, and streamlining the narrative, Bungie hopes to create a more engaging and sustainable experience for players in the years to come. Whether you agree with the DCV or not, it’s clear that Bungie is constantly adapting and evolving Destiny 2 to meet the challenges of the ever-changing gaming landscape.