Destiny 2: Forsaken - A Complete Guide And Review

Destiny 2: Forsaken marked a significant turning point for the Destiny franchise. Released as a major expansion for Destiny 2, Forsaken addressed many of the criticisms leveled at the base game and introduced a wealth of new content, mechanics, and a darker, more compelling storyline. Whether you're a returning Guardian or a newcomer to the world of Destiny, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of everything Forsaken has to offer.

What is Destiny 2: Forsaken?

Destiny 2: Forsaken is the fourth expansion for Destiny 2, and it arrived with a mission: to revitalize the game and address player feedback. It successfully delivered on that promise, ushering in a new era for Destiny 2. Forsaken introduced a gritty, revenge-driven narrative, a vast new explorable region, a brand-new weapon type, and significant changes to the game's core mechanics. This expansion demonstrated a commitment to evolving and improving the Destiny experience, making it a must-play for fans of the franchise.

Story and Setting: A Tale of Revenge

At the heart of Forsaken lies a gripping story centered on loss, betrayal, and vengeance. This narrative departure took Destiny 2 in a bolder, more mature direction, captivating players with its emotional depth and complex characters. The story begins with a prison break at the Prison of Elders, a high-security facility holding some of the galaxy's most dangerous criminals. Cayde-6, the beloved Hunter Vanguard, meets his tragic end during the chaos, setting the stage for the player's quest for revenge. This dramatic event served as a powerful catalyst, injecting new life and purpose into the Destiny 2 universe.

The Tangled Shore and the Dreaming City

Forsaken introduces two distinct and captivating new locations: the Tangled Shore and the Dreaming City. The Tangled Shore is a lawless frontier, a chaotic web of asteroids and debris populated by scavengers, outlaws, and the remnants of the Reef. Its rugged, unpredictable environment provides a stark contrast to the more structured locations of previous Destiny installments. In contrast, the Dreaming City is an enigmatic and visually stunning Awoken homeland, brimming with secrets and mysteries. Its ethereal beauty masks a potent and ancient power, making it a crucial setting for the unfolding narrative and endgame content.

The Scorn: A New Enemy Race

The Scorn are a formidable new enemy race introduced in Forsaken. These twisted, undead creatures are the product of experiments conducted by the Barons, the expansion's main antagonists. The Scorn are a relentless and brutal force, adding a fresh challenge to combat encounters. Their grotesque appearance and savage tactics make them a memorable addition to Destiny's rogues' gallery, forcing players to adapt their strategies and approaches.

Gameplay and Features: What's New in Forsaken?

Beyond its compelling story and setting, Forsaken brought about a wealth of gameplay enhancements and new features that significantly enriched the Destiny 2 experience. These changes touched upon various aspects of the game, from combat and character progression to endgame activities and loot acquisition.

New Weapon Type: The Bow

Forsaken introduced a brand-new weapon type to the Destiny arsenal: the bow. This addition fundamentally altered the way players approached combat, offering a satisfying blend of precision and power. Bows require a steady hand and careful aim, rewarding players who master their draw time and projectile trajectory. They excel at mid-range engagements, providing a tactical advantage against both PvE and PvP opponents. The bow quickly became a fan-favorite, adding a new layer of depth and versatility to the game's combat system.

Random Rolls and Weapon Perks

One of the most significant changes in Forsaken was the reintroduction of random rolls on weapons. This meant that the same weapon could drop with different perk combinations, adding a layer of excitement and replayability to the loot hunt. Players could now chase specific weapon rolls, fostering a sense of engagement and investment in the game's loot system. This change was widely praised by the community, as it brought back a beloved feature from the original Destiny and injected new life into the grind for powerful gear.

The New Subclass Paths

Each Guardian class received a new subclass path in Forsaken, offering fresh abilities and playstyles. These new subclasses significantly expanded the possibilities for character customization and build crafting. Warlocks gained the Attunement of Fission, a Void subclass focused on explosive damage and area control. Titans received the Code of the Missile, an Arc subclass that turns them into a high-speed projectile. Hunters acquired the Way of a Thousand Cuts, a Solar subclass that unleashes a flurry of deadly knives. These additions diversified the game's combat landscape and provided players with exciting new ways to express their individual playstyles.

Gambit: A Hybrid PvE and PvP Mode

Gambit, a new hybrid game mode introduced in Forsaken, seamlessly blends PvE and PvP elements into a thrilling and unique experience. Two teams of four Guardians compete to defeat waves of enemies, collect motes, and invade the opposing team's arena. Gambit requires a balanced approach, demanding both PvE prowess and PvP skill. It's a fast-paced, strategic mode that rewards teamwork and adaptability. Gambit quickly became a popular addition to Destiny 2's multiplayer offerings, providing a refreshing alternative to traditional Crucible modes.

Endgame Content: Challenges and Rewards

Forsaken raised the bar for Destiny 2's endgame content, delivering a wealth of challenging activities and rewarding experiences for seasoned Guardians. The expansion introduced a new raid, challenging quests, and a dynamic endgame destination, ensuring that players had plenty to strive for after completing the main campaign.

The Last Wish Raid

The Last Wish raid, set within the Dreaming City, is a sprawling and intricate encounter that tests the mettle of even the most experienced fireteams. It's renowned for its challenging mechanics, stunning visuals, and captivating lore. Completing the Last Wish is a significant achievement, rewarding players with powerful gear and a sense of accomplishment. This raid set a new standard for Destiny's endgame content, demonstrating the developers' commitment to creating challenging and rewarding experiences.

The Shattered Throne Dungeon

The Shattered Throne is Destiny 2's first dungeon, a challenging three-player activity that combines combat encounters with intricate puzzles and platforming sections. Set within the Dreaming City, the Shattered Throne offers a unique blend of gameplay elements, requiring players to be both skilled and resourceful. Completing the Shattered Throne is a testament to a fireteam's coordination and problem-solving abilities, rewarding them with powerful gear and a sense of pride.

Ascendant Challenges and the Dreaming City Curse

The Dreaming City is a dynamic destination that evolves over time, thanks to the presence of a curse that cycles in intensity each week. Ascendant Challenges are weekly activities that task players with navigating treacherous environments and defeating powerful enemies. These challenges offer valuable rewards and contribute to the ongoing narrative of the Dreaming City. The cyclical curse adds an element of unpredictability and replayability to the endgame, ensuring that players always have something new to discover.

Reception and Impact: A Turning Point for Destiny 2

Destiny 2: Forsaken was met with widespread critical acclaim and is widely regarded as a turning point for the franchise. Critics praised its compelling story, engaging gameplay, and significant improvements to the game's core mechanics. Players lauded the return of random rolls, the introduction of the bow, and the challenging endgame content. Forsaken breathed new life into Destiny 2, attracting both returning players and newcomers to the game. Its impact on the Destiny franchise is undeniable, setting the stage for future expansions and solidifying Destiny's position as a leading looter-shooter.

Is Forsaken Worth Playing in 2024?

Even several years after its release, Destiny 2: Forsaken remains a worthwhile experience for both newcomers and returning players. While some of its content has been vaulted (removed from the game), the core story campaign, the Tangled Shore destination, and the Last Wish raid are still accessible and offer a compelling gameplay experience. Forsaken's narrative is a standout in the Destiny universe, and its gameplay enhancements continue to resonate with players. If you're looking to delve into Destiny 2's rich lore and experience a pivotal moment in the game's history, Forsaken is an excellent place to start.

Conclusion

Destiny 2: Forsaken is more than just an expansion; it's a pivotal chapter in the Destiny saga. Its compelling story, innovative gameplay features, and challenging endgame content revitalized Destiny 2 and set the stage for the game's continued success. Whether you're a seasoned Guardian or a newcomer to the world of Destiny, Forsaken offers an unforgettable experience that's well worth exploring. From the gritty Tangled Shore to the enigmatic Dreaming City, Forsaken is a testament to the power of compelling storytelling and engaging gameplay.

For further reading on Destiny 2 and its expansions, you may find valuable insights and information on the official Destiny 2 website.