Destiny 2 builds upon its predecessor with a stronger narrative, deeper gameplay, and more rewarding exploration. From the Red Legion campaign to dynamic public events, it offers both solo and co-op players engaging content. Whether you’re chasing exotic gear, tackling strikes, or diving into PvP, Destiny 2 refines the foundation laid by Destiny 1 while adding meaningful improvements.

Story & Narrative

The Red Legion storyline is emotionally engaging, centering on the loss of our Light and the fight to reclaim it. The game provides a clearly defined villain in Ghaul, with cinematic cutscenes that explore his motivations and backstory. Compared to Destiny 1, the narrative is far more fleshed out, giving players a sense of purpose and direction throughout the campaign.

Playability

Destiny 2 balances solo and co-op play effectively. You can team up with other Guardians once you reach the Farm, the first social space. Playing as a Warlock with a partner enhanced public events and high-value target missions, while running solo as a Titan offered a more challenging but rewarding experience. New players benefit from joining veteran players or a clan to navigate the game’s mechanics and hidden areas more smoothly.

Public events offer dynamic gameplay, starting in normal mode but potentially escalating to Heroic if specific conditions are met. A word of caution: some events, like the Servitor Resupply, have hazards that can unexpectedly kill you, adding a layer of challenge.

Graphics & Atmosphere

Destiny 2 features detailed and visually striking environments, from sprawling cityscapes to alien landscapes. Armor, weapons, and enemy designs are beautiful and immersive. The variety of settings—from social hubs to enemy strongholds—keeps exploration exciting, while environmental details contribute to a rich sense of scale and world-building.

Music & Sound

The audio design enhances the game’s immersive quality. Sound effects during combat, the hum of distant machinery, and environmental cues in public events all contribute to a tense, engaging atmosphere. While cutscenes provide dramatic score moments, in-game music is often subtle, allowing players to focus on the action and strategy.

User Experience

Destiny 2 is accessible but comes with a few caveats. Engrams are easier to acquire than in Destiny 1, with exotic drops now appearing in the field. Infusion mechanics are more restrictive—requiring items to be upgraded within the same weapon type—but the system is still manageable once understood. The Crucible PvP mode feels smarter and more strategic, though newcomers may find it unbalanced and spawn camping frustrating.

Comparison to Destiny 1

Destiny 2 surpasses its predecessor in almost every aspect:

  • Storytelling: More focused narrative with a clear villain.
  • Gameplay: Expanded co-op and solo options, dynamic events, and better loot acquisition.
  • Exploration: More varied and immersive environments.
  • User Engagement: Cinematic cutscenes, frequent updates, and deeper character progression.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Much improved story with cinematic cutscenes and a compelling villain
  • Great for both solo and co-op play
  • Dynamic public events with Heroic potential
  • Frequent engram drops and easier access to exotic gear
  • Stunning armor, weapon designs, and immersive environments
  • More activities and exploration options than Destiny 1

Cons

  • Cannot team up until reaching the first social hub
  • Some events and mechanics (like teleport deaths) aren’t clearly explained
  • Infusion restrictions may confuse returning players
  • PvP can feel unbalanced or frustrating for newcomers

Exotic Armor & Weapons

Rather than detailing every piece of exotic gear, I’ve included helpful links below for each class:

If you didn’t pre-order and missed out on the Cold Heart trace rifle, you’re missing a seriously cool weapon. Just saying.

Final Thoughts

Destiny 2 is a remarkable evolution of the franchise, offering a deeper story, refined mechanics, and a rich world to explore. While it may take time to adjust to certain systems and PvP dynamics, the improvements over Destiny 1 make it a must-play for fans of the series. Future content, such as Nightfall strikes and character highlights, promises even more engaging experiences for Guardians.

by Lokhi D | 9 November 2017

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Source for exotic armor & weapons info: VG247