Returning To Destiny 2 After Shadowkeep A Comprehensive Guide
Are you thinking about returning to Destiny 2 after taking a break around the Shadowkeep expansion? A lot has changed in the world of Guardians, and this guide is here to help you get back into the swing of things. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a returning newbie, Destiny 2's ever-evolving landscape can seem daunting. Don't worry, guys! We'll break it down for you, covering everything from the current state of the game to the newest content and how to catch up. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's dive into the world of Destiny 2!
What’s Changed Since Shadowkeep?
Since the release of Shadowkeep, Destiny 2 has undergone some significant transformations. Bungie, the game's developer, has introduced several new expansions, seasons, and gameplay mechanics. These changes aim to keep the game fresh and engaging for its dedicated player base. So, what exactly has changed? Let's break it down into digestible chunks.
Expansions and Seasons
One of the most noticeable changes is the introduction of new expansions. Beyond Light, The Witch Queen, and Lightfall have each added new storylines, destinations, subclasses, and loot. Each expansion has pushed the narrative forward, introduced new threats, and expanded the lore of the Destiny universe. For example, Beyond Light took us to Europa, a frozen moon of Jupiter, where we encountered the Darkness and learned about Stasis, a new elemental power. The Witch Queen, on the other hand, pitted us against Savathûn in her Throne World, revealing deep secrets and challenging our understanding of the Light and Darkness. Lightfall brought us to Neptune and introduced Strand, another new elemental power.
In addition to expansions, Destiny 2 operates on a seasonal model. Each season typically lasts around three months and introduces new activities, quests, and rewards. These seasons are designed to keep the game feeling fresh between major expansions, offering players new challenges and goals to pursue. Seasons often tie into the overarching narrative, providing episodic content that builds towards the next big expansion. For instance, seasons have explored storylines related to the Cabal, the Fallen, and even time travel, adding layers of complexity to the Destiny universe. The seasonal model ensures that there's always something new to do, whether it's completing seasonal challenges, grinding for new gear, or participating in limited-time events.
Gameplay Mechanics
Gameplay mechanics have also evolved significantly. The introduction of Stasis in Beyond Light and Strand in Lightfall added new dimensions to combat, offering players fresh ways to engage with enemies. Stasis allows players to freeze enemies and control the battlefield, while Strand lets you grapple through the air and manipulate the environment. These new subclasses have not only changed the way we fight but also opened up new strategic possibilities in both PvE (Player vs. Environment) and PvP (Player vs. Player) activities. Build crafting has become more intricate, with a greater emphasis on armor mods, subclass fragments, and aspects. This means players have more control over their Guardian's abilities and playstyle, allowing for highly customized builds that cater to different activities and preferences. Whether you prefer melting bosses with a high-damage build or supporting your team with crowd control, the expanded build crafting system offers something for everyone.
Content Vault
Another significant change is the introduction of the Destiny Content Vault (DCV). Bungie made the difficult decision to vault certain destinations and activities to optimize the game's performance and focus on new content. This means that some older content, including locations like Mars and Titan, is no longer accessible. However, Bungie has also brought back some vaulted content, such as the Cosmodrome and the Vault of Glass raid, with updated mechanics and rewards. The DCV is a controversial topic among players, but it's a necessary measure to ensure the game remains manageable and performant. While it's sad to see some content go, the DCV allows Bungie to prioritize new and exciting experiences, ensuring that Destiny 2 continues to evolve and improve. The goal is to create a more streamlined and focused game experience, allowing the developers to invest in the future of Destiny 2.
Power Level and Gearing
The power level system has also seen some tweaks. The power level cap increases with each expansion and season, so you'll need to level up your gear to stay competitive. The soft cap, hard cap, and pinnacle cap determine the maximum power level you can achieve through different activities. Understanding these caps is crucial for efficient leveling. The soft cap is the power level you can easily reach by playing most activities. The hard cap requires more focused grinding, often involving challenging activities like Nightfalls and raids. The pinnacle cap is the highest power level achievable and typically requires completing the most difficult content in the game. Gearing up in Destiny 2 involves a mix of luck and strategy. You'll need to participate in a variety of activities, from strikes and Crucible matches to raids and dungeons, to earn powerful gear. Focusing on activities that reward powerful or pinnacle gear is the most efficient way to increase your power level. Additionally, completing seasonal challenges and vendor bounties can provide valuable gear and resources, helping you progress towards the power cap.
Catching Up The Light Level Grind
The Light Level or Power Level grind can seem like a daunting task for returning players, but don't let it scare you away! It's a core part of the Destiny 2 experience, and there are plenty of ways to catch up quickly. The Power Level determines your Guardian's overall strength and effectiveness in combat, so it's essential to keep it up to date. With each new expansion and season, the Power Level cap increases, meaning you'll need to grind for new gear to stay competitive. But fear not, fellow Guardians! We've got some tips and tricks to help you navigate the grind and get back in the fight.
Understanding the Power Level System
First things first, let's break down the Power Level system. In Destiny 2, your Power Level is determined by the average Power Level of your equipped gear, including weapons and armor. Each piece of gear has a Power Level, and the higher the level, the stronger your Guardian becomes. The Power Level cap increases with each major expansion and season, so it's a constant climb to reach the maximum level. There are several tiers of Power Level to be aware of: the soft cap, the hard cap, and the pinnacle cap. The soft cap is the level you can easily reach by playing most activities in the game. Gear drops will consistently increase your Power Level up to this point. The hard cap is a higher level that requires more focused grinding. You'll need to complete specific activities that reward powerful gear to progress beyond the soft cap. Finally, the pinnacle cap is the highest achievable Power Level in the game. Reaching the pinnacle cap typically requires completing the most challenging activities, such as raids and high-level Nightfalls. Understanding these caps is crucial for efficient leveling, as it helps you prioritize activities and maximize your gear gains.
Efficient Leveling Strategies
Now that you understand the Power Level system, let's talk about efficient leveling strategies. The most effective way to increase your Power Level is to focus on activities that reward powerful gear. These activities typically include weekly challenges, seasonal quests, and specific playlists. Completing these activities will grant you gear that is significantly higher than your current Power Level, allowing you to quickly climb towards the cap. Additionally, make sure to take advantage of vendor bounties and challenges. Many vendors in the game offer daily and weekly bounties that reward XP and gear. Completing these bounties not only helps you level up your Power Level but also provides valuable resources and reputation gains. Don't underestimate the power of seasonal activities either. Each season introduces new activities and challenges that offer powerful gear and unique rewards. Participating in these activities is a great way to stay engaged with the game and progress your Power Level.
Focusing on Powerful and Pinnacle Gear
To progress beyond the soft cap, you'll need to focus on activities that reward powerful and pinnacle gear. Powerful gear drops are marked in the game's Director with a gold star icon, making them easy to identify. These activities typically include completing weekly challenges for vendors like Zavala, Shaxx, and the Drifter, as well as participating in seasonal activities and quests. Pinnacle gear drops are even more valuable, as they are the only way to reach the pinnacle cap. These drops are typically earned by completing the most challenging activities in the game, such as raids, dungeons, and high-level Nightfalls. If you're serious about reaching the maximum Power Level, make sure to prioritize these activities. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to grinding for Power Level. Set realistic goals for yourself and try to play regularly to maximize your progress. Don't get discouraged if you hit a plateau – there are always new strategies and activities to explore. With a little patience and perseverance, you'll be back in the fight in no time!
New Subclasses and Abilities
Since Shadowkeep, Destiny 2 has introduced two new subclasses: Stasis and Strand. These subclasses offer unique abilities and playstyles, adding new dimensions to combat and build crafting. Whether you're freezing enemies with Stasis or grappling through the air with Strand, these new subclasses provide exciting ways to engage with the game. Let's take a closer look at what these subclasses offer and how they can enhance your Guardian's abilities.
Stasis
Stasis was introduced with the Beyond Light expansion and is the first Darkness-based subclass in Destiny 2. It allows players to freeze enemies, create Stasis crystals, and control the battlefield in unique ways. Each class has a different Stasis subclass with its own set of abilities and supers. For Titans, the Behemoth subclass allows them to create Stasis crystals and unleash powerful ground slams. Warlocks can become Shadebinders, wielding a Stasis staff and freezing enemies with ease. Hunters can become Revenants, using Stasis shurikens and a deadly silence and squall super. The Stasis subclass tree includes aspects and fragments, which allow players to customize their abilities and playstyle. Aspects are class-specific enhancements that modify your Stasis abilities, while fragments provide passive bonuses and can be slotted into aspects. Experimenting with different combinations of aspects and fragments is crucial for creating a Stasis build that suits your playstyle. Stasis has significantly impacted both PvE and PvP activities. In PvE, Stasis is excellent for crowd control, allowing you to freeze enemies and create opportunities for your fireteam. In PvP, Stasis can be incredibly disruptive, freezing opponents and hindering their movement. Mastering Stasis requires understanding its mechanics and how to effectively use its abilities in different situations. Whether you're freezing a group of enemies in a PvE encounter or disrupting opponents in the Crucible, Stasis offers a unique and powerful playstyle.
Strand
Strand is the newest subclass, introduced with the Lightfall expansion. It's another Darkness-based subclass that focuses on grappling, manipulating the environment, and weaving through enemies. Like Stasis, Strand offers unique abilities and playstyles for each class. Titans can become Berserkers, wielding Strand blades and unleashing powerful melee attacks. Warlocks can become Broodweavers, creating Strand Threadlings that attack enemies. Hunters can become Threadrunners, using a grappling hook to traverse the battlefield and unleash deadly attacks. Strand's grapple mechanic is one of its most defining features, allowing players to quickly move around the environment and engage enemies from different angles. The grappling hook can be used to swing across gaps, pull yourself towards enemies, or even launch yourself into the air for devastating attacks. The subclass tree for Strand includes aspects and fragments, similar to Stasis, allowing for extensive customization. Aspects enhance your Strand abilities, while fragments provide passive bonuses and can be slotted into aspects. The combinations are nearly endless, allowing you to tailor your Strand build to your specific playstyle and the activities you're participating in. Strand has quickly become a favorite among players due to its versatility and mobility. In PvE, Strand is excellent for both crowd control and single-target damage, allowing you to quickly eliminate threats and support your fireteam. In PvP, Strand's grappling hook provides unparalleled mobility, allowing you to outmaneuver opponents and control the flow of combat. Mastering Strand requires understanding its mechanics and how to effectively use its abilities in different situations. Whether you're swinging through the air, unleashing Threadlings, or slicing through enemies with Strand blades, this subclass offers a dynamic and engaging playstyle.
Raids and Dungeons
Destiny 2's raids and dungeons are some of the most challenging and rewarding activities in the game. Since Shadowkeep, several new raids and dungeons have been added, each offering unique challenges, mechanics, and loot. These activities are designed for coordinated teams of players and require communication, teamwork, and skill to complete. If you're looking for a true test of your abilities and a chance to earn some of the best gear in the game, raids and dungeons are the way to go. Let's explore some of the standout raids and dungeons that have been introduced since Shadowkeep.
Raids
Raids are the pinnacle of Destiny 2's PvE content. These six-player activities feature complex mechanics, challenging encounters, and epic boss battles. Completing a raid requires a coordinated team, a well-thought-out strategy, and excellent communication skills. Since Shadowkeep, several new raids have been added, each with its own unique theme and challenges. Deep Stone Crypt, introduced with the Beyond Light expansion, takes players to Europa to explore the origins of the Exo and confront a powerful Fallen threat. The raid features stunning visuals, intricate puzzles, and intense combat encounters. Vault of Glass, a classic raid from the original Destiny, was brought back with updated mechanics and rewards. This raid takes players to Venus to confront Atheon, a powerful Vex Mind. Vault of Glass is a nostalgic experience for veteran players and a challenging raid for newcomers. Vow of the Disciple, introduced with The Witch Queen expansion, takes players to Savathûn's Throne World to uncover the secrets of the Darkness. The raid features a dark and mysterious atmosphere, challenging encounters, and a compelling storyline. King's Fall, another classic raid from the original Destiny, was brought back with updated mechanics and rewards. This raid takes players to the Dreadnaught to confront Oryx, the Taken King. King's Fall is a challenging raid that requires precise coordination and execution. Root of Nightmares, introduced with the Lightfall expansion, takes players to a mysterious Pyramid ship to confront a new threat. The raid features unique mechanics, challenging encounters, and a cosmic atmosphere. Each raid offers a unique experience and a chance to earn exclusive loot, including weapons, armor, and cosmetics. Completing a raid is a significant achievement and a rewarding experience for any Destiny 2 player.
Dungeons
Dungeons are three-player activities that offer a similar level of challenge to raids but can be completed with a smaller team. Dungeons feature complex mechanics, challenging encounters, and unique loot. They are a great way to test your skills and earn powerful gear without the need for a full raid team. Since Shadowkeep, several new dungeons have been added, each with its own unique theme and challenges. Prophecy, a free-to-play dungeon, takes players to a mysterious realm to confront the Darkness. The dungeon features unique mechanics, challenging encounters, and a compelling storyline. Grasp of Avarice, released as part of the 30th Anniversary Pack, takes players to a Fallen treasure cave to uncover the secrets of Wilhelm-7's demise. The dungeon features unique mechanics, challenging encounters, and a pirate-themed atmosphere. Duality, released with Season of the Haunted, takes players into the mind of Emperor Calus to confront his inner demons. The dungeon features a unique mechanic that shifts players between two realms, challenging encounters, and a dark and psychological storyline. Spire of the Watcher, released with Season of the Seraph, takes players to a Seraph tower on Mars to confront a Vex threat. The dungeon features unique mechanics, challenging encounters, and a Western-themed atmosphere. Ghosts of the Deep, released with Season of the Deep, takes players to Titan's underwater arcology to confront a Hive threat. The dungeon features unique mechanics, challenging encounters, and a spooky atmosphere. Dungeons are a great way to challenge yourself, earn valuable loot, and experience some of Destiny 2's best content. Whether you're running a dungeon solo or with a team, these activities offer a rewarding and challenging experience.
Essential Gear and Weapons
Acquiring the right gear and weapons is crucial for success in Destiny 2. Since Shadowkeep, many new weapons and armor sets have been introduced, each with its own unique perks and stats. Knowing which weapons and gear to chase can significantly enhance your Guardian's effectiveness in combat. Let's take a look at some essential gear and weapons that returning players should consider.
Exotic Weapons
Exotic weapons are some of the most powerful and unique weapons in Destiny 2. They feature unique perks and abilities that can significantly impact your playstyle. Since Shadowkeep, several new exotic weapons have been introduced, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Divinity, a trace rifle, is a must-have for any raid team. Its unique perk creates a large critical hit spot on enemies, making them easier to damage. Witherhoard, a grenade launcher, is excellent for both PvE and PvP. It fires blight grenades that create pools of damage over time. The Lament, a sword, is one of the highest-damage weapons in the game. Its unique perk allows it to shred through bosses and high-health enemies. Osteo Striga, a submachine gun, is excellent for clearing adds and dealing poison damage. Its unique perk spreads poison to nearby enemies, making it highly effective in PvE. Quicksilver Storm, an auto rifle, is a versatile weapon that can switch between firing auto rifle rounds and launching grenades. Its unique perk makes it effective in a variety of situations. These are just a few of the many exotic weapons available in Destiny 2. Experimenting with different exotics is crucial for finding the ones that best suit your playstyle and the activities you're participating in.
Legendary Weapons
Legendary weapons are the backbone of any Guardian's arsenal. They offer a wide range of perks and stats, allowing you to customize your loadout to suit your playstyle. Since Shadowkeep, many new legendary weapons have been introduced, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Some standout legendary weapons include: Fatebringer (hand cannon), a classic weapon from the original Destiny, is back with updated perks and stats. It's a versatile weapon that's effective in both PvE and PvP. Izanagi's Burden (sniper rifle), a powerful sniper rifle that can deal massive single-target damage. It's a must-have for boss encounters and challenging PvE activities. Reconstruction (perk), a perk that automatically reloads a portion of the magazine over time. This perk is highly sought after on many weapons, as it allows you to maintain consistent damage output. Vorpal Weapon (perk), a perk that increases damage against bosses, vehicles, and Guardians with their super active. This perk is excellent for dealing with high-priority targets in both PvE and PvP. Auto-Loading Holster (perk), a perk that automatically reloads the weapon after a short period of being stowed. This perk is excellent for weapons that have long reload times or that you want to swap to frequently. These are just a few of the many legendary weapons available in Destiny 2. Pay attention to the perks and stats of each weapon to find the ones that best suit your playstyle and the activities you're participating in.
Armor and Mods
Armor is just as important as weapons in Destiny 2. Armor provides protection and can be customized with mods to enhance your Guardian's abilities. Since Shadowkeep, the armor system has been revamped, allowing for more customization and build crafting. Armor stats, such as resilience, recovery, and discipline, play a crucial role in your Guardian's effectiveness. High resilience provides more health, high recovery increases health regeneration, and high discipline reduces grenade cooldown. Armor mods allow you to further customize your armor and enhance your abilities. Mods can provide bonuses to weapon handling, reload speed, ability cooldowns, and more. Experimenting with different armor mods is crucial for creating a build that suits your playstyle. Some essential armor mods include: Charged with Light mods, these mods allow you to become charged with light by performing certain actions, such as picking up orbs of power. While charged with light, you can gain various bonuses, such as increased damage or faster ability cooldowns. Warmind Cell mods, these mods allow you to create Warmind Cells by defeating enemies with certain weapons. Warmind Cells can be detonated to deal massive damage to nearby enemies. Elemental Well mods, these mods allow you to create elemental wells by defeating enemies with certain elemental damage types. Elemental wells can be picked up to grant various bonuses, such as increased ability energy or damage resistance. Crafting a powerful build in Destiny 2 requires careful consideration of your armor stats, mods, and weapons. Experimenting with different combinations is crucial for finding the perfect build for your playstyle and the activities you're participating in. Don't be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you!
Tips for Returning Players
Alright guys, so you're back in the world of Destiny 2! It can be a bit overwhelming with all the changes, but don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are some essential tips to help you get back into the groove and make the most of your Destiny 2 experience. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a returning newbie, these tips will help you navigate the game's ever-evolving landscape and get back to enjoying the action.
Start with the Current Content
One of the best ways to get back into Destiny 2 is to start with the current content. This means focusing on the latest expansion and season, as these activities will offer the most relevant rewards and progression. By diving into the newest content, you'll quickly catch up on the current storyline, unlock new gear, and level up your Power Level. The current expansion and season typically feature the most rewarding activities, including new quests, strikes, and challenges. Participating in these activities will not only help you progress your character but also provide valuable resources and experience. Additionally, the latest content often introduces new gameplay mechanics and features that you'll want to familiarize yourself with. Starting with the current content will help you stay engaged with the game and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of content available.
Find a Fireteam or Clan
Destiny 2 is a social game, and playing with others can significantly enhance your experience. Finding a fireteam or joining a clan is a great way to connect with other players, tackle challenging activities, and make new friends. Playing with a coordinated team can make even the most difficult content feel manageable. Raids, dungeons, and Nightfalls are much easier and more enjoyable with a group of friends or clanmates. Additionally, playing with others can provide valuable support and guidance, especially for returning players who are still getting reacquainted with the game. There are several ways to find a fireteam or clan in Destiny 2. You can use the game's built-in fireteam finder, which allows you to search for groups based on activity type and player preferences. You can also join online communities and forums dedicated to Destiny 2, where you can connect with other players and find clans to join. Don't be afraid to reach out to other players and ask for help or advice – the Destiny 2 community is generally very welcoming and supportive.
Experiment with Builds
Build crafting has become an increasingly important aspect of Destiny 2, and experimenting with different builds can significantly enhance your Guardian's effectiveness in combat. The game offers a wide range of armor mods, subclass fragments, and aspects that allow you to customize your abilities and playstyle. By experimenting with different combinations, you can create builds that cater to specific activities and preferences. For example, you might create a build focused on maximizing damage output for boss encounters, or a build focused on crowd control for clearing adds. Start by exploring the different subclasses and abilities available to your class. Each subclass offers a unique playstyle and set of abilities, so it's essential to find the one that suits you best. Then, experiment with different armor mods and fragments to enhance your abilities and create synergies. Don't be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you. There are plenty of resources available online, such as build guides and videos, that can provide inspiration and guidance. Build crafting can seem daunting at first, but it's a rewarding process that can significantly enhance your Destiny 2 experience.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help if you're feeling lost or overwhelmed. The Destiny 2 community is generally very welcoming and supportive, and there are plenty of resources available to help you get back into the game. Whether you have questions about a specific activity, need help with a quest, or just want some general advice, don't hesitate to reach out to other players or consult online resources. The Destiny 2 community is active on various platforms, including forums, social media, and streaming services. You can find plenty of guides, videos, and discussions that can help you navigate the game's content and mechanics. Additionally, many players are willing to offer assistance and guidance to returning players. Don't be afraid to ask for help in-game, on forums, or on social media – you'll be surprised at how many people are willing to lend a hand. Returning to Destiny 2 after a break can be a bit challenging, but with the right approach and mindset, you'll be back in the fight in no time. Remember to start with the current content, find a fireteam or clan, experiment with builds, and don't be afraid to ask for help. With a little patience and perseverance, you'll be enjoying all that Destiny 2 has to offer.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, guys! Returning to Destiny 2 after Shadowkeep might seem like a huge leap, but with this guide, you're well-equipped to dive back in. The game has evolved, offering new challenges, subclasses, and stories. Embrace the grind, explore the new content, and most importantly, have fun! The Destiny universe is waiting for you, Guardian. Now get out there and make some memories!
