Destiny 2 to Shift to Two Mid-Size Expansions Per Year: What This Means for Players
Destiny 2, the beloved sci-fi multiplayer shooter developed by Bungie, is set to undergo a major change in its expansion model. Instead of the traditional one major expansion per year, Bungie will now adopt a new approach of releasing two mid-sized expansions annually. This shift is aimed at improving the overall player experience by introducing non-linear storytelling, enhanced core systems, and more dynamic gameplay options.
In this article, we’ll explore why Bungie is making this change, what players can expect from the new expansion model, and how this will impact the future of Destiny 2.
Why Bungie Is Moving to a Two Mid-Size Expansions Model
Bungie’s decision to move to a two mid-size expansions per year model stems from their desire to create a more dynamic and engaging experience for players. Traditionally, Destiny 2 has followed the model of releasing one large expansion annually, with smaller seasonal content updates spread throughout the year. However, this model has its limitations, particularly in terms of storytelling, pacing, and player engagement.
By shifting to two medium-sized DLC expansions each year, Bungie aims to provide a more consistent flow of content that will keep players engaged over a longer period of time. This will allow the developers to focus on shorter, more digestible stories that can evolve more naturally throughout the year, while also providing players with more frequent updates to the game’s core systems and mechanics.
According to Bungie, the new model will allow them to explore new formats for storytelling and gameplay, bringing more innovation to Destiny 2. The goal is to offer players more freedom in how they experience the game, rather than being locked into predetermined paths.
What to Expect from Destiny 2’s New Expansion Model
Starting in 2025, Destiny 2 players will experience two mid-sized expansions per year, referred to as the Apollo expansions. These expansions are designed to provide more flexibility and freedom, allowing players to choose where to go next rather than following a linear progression dictated by Bungie.
Each expansion will be accompanied by four major free updates, which will introduce new content, activities, and rewards. This approach ensures that players will receive new content more regularly, keeping the game fresh and exciting throughout the year.
1. Apollo Expansions
The two Apollo expansions will each bring a host of new content, including story missions, strikes, raids, and new locations to explore. Bungie has hinted that these expansions will focus on non-linear storytelling, giving players more control over how they experience the narrative. Rather than following a set path, players will be able to make choices that influence the direction of the story and how they engage with the game’s world.
2. Free Updates
In addition to the Apollo expansions, Bungie will also release four major free updates each year. These updates will introduce new activities, seasonal events, and rewards, providing players with fresh content to explore between expansions. The goal is to maintain a consistent flow of content that keeps the community engaged, without overwhelming players with too much content all at once.
Non-Linear Storytelling: A New Approach for Destiny 2
One of the most exciting aspects of Bungie’s new expansion model is the introduction of non-linear storytelling. In previous expansions, players were often required to follow a predetermined path through the narrative, with little room for deviation. This made the game’s story feel more rigid and less interactive.
With the Apollo expansions, Bungie aims to change this by giving players more freedom to explore the story in their own way. Players will be able to make choices that affect the direction of the narrative, and the game will offer multiple branching paths for players to follow. This new approach will make the story feel more dynamic and engaging, allowing players to immerse themselves in the world of Destiny 2 like never before.
Enhancing Core Systems and Mechanics
In addition to the changes in storytelling, Bungie is also focused on improving the game’s core systems and mechanics. This includes updates to the game’s combat, progression, and reward systems, as well as improvements to the types of activities available to players.
Bungie has stated that they want to create more meaningful and rewarding experiences for players, and this will involve reworking some of the game’s existing systems. For example, players can expect improvements to how loot is earned, how character progression works, and how activities like strikes, raids, and seasonal events are structured.
The new model will also introduce more innovative gameplay features, aimed at keeping Destiny 2 fresh and exciting. Bungie has promised that these changes will be designed with player feedback in mind, ensuring that the community’s voice is heard as the game evolves.
What This Means for Destiny 2’s Future
Bungie’s shift to a two mid-size expansions per year model marks a significant change in how Destiny 2 will be structured moving forward. This new approach is designed to provide a more consistent and engaging experience for players, while also giving Bungie the flexibility to introduce new ideas and innovations.
With more frequent content updates, non-linear storytelling, and improvements to the game’s core systems, Destiny 2 is set to become a more dynamic and player-driven experience. While the shift may take some time to fully implement, the future looks bright for Destiny 2 players who are eager for fresh content and new ways to engage with the game.
