A new planet, a new species and new powers are just some of the things Destiny 2 players can expect when the next expansion, Lightfall, launches on 28th February 2023.

Billed as the beginning of the end, Lightfall takes players to Neptune and the secret neon capital city of Neomuna. This city was previously hidden from view and hosts a version of humanity that has inhabited the planet since the Collapse.

Unlike previous destinations, Neomuna is designed to look like a city that hosted a thriving civilisation until Calus and the Guardians arrive. We don’t expect to see crowds of people in the streets, but the aesthetic presented here is very different from what we’ve seen in Destiny to date.

Following an invasion by Emperor Calus who is now a Disciple of the Witness, Guardians are tasked with fending off the forces of Darkness. On Neomuna, players will encounter Cloud Striders, the protectors of the city who will teach Guardians a new power in Strand.

Like Stasis, Strand is a Darkness power that gives Guardians the power to manipulate the very fabric of reality. This new power unlocks a grappling hook which looks exciting and potentially game breaking for older Destiny content.

The expansion will see the return of the Legendary campaign, include a new Raid and introduce two Dungeons throughout the course of the year.

From a narrative perspective, Lightfall looks fantastic but the real star of the show was all the systems Bungie announced it would launch alongside the expansion.

LFG, Loadouts and less fiddling

Destiny is a popular game with five million new players picking up the game since last year. With all these players, the time has come for Bungie to make navigating Destiny’s systems and finding players to party up easier.

Let’s start with Guardian Ranks which will be added in Lightfall. This 11 level progression path will push players to complete certain core activities within Destiny. The idea is that this path will show new players what to do when they log into the game. For veteran players, this progression path will be an opportunity to showcase achievements and accomplishments beyond Titles. It will also give players who enjoy guiding others through the various aspects of the game a chance to showcase this.

Alongside this is a Commendation system. This feedback system will appear at the end of activities and players will be able to rate others based on a their experience with them. From the livestream we saw four categories players can be rated on:

• Ally;
• Fun;
• Mastery;
• Leadership.

Each of these will feed into an overall score others will seemingly be able to view at a glance.

Bungie has also announced that a looking for group (LFG) system will be coming to Destiny in 2023. While this functionality is available on Bungie’s website and various third-party websites and Discord channels, having this in-game will be fantastic for solo players.

We hope that these systems help to make Destiny a more social game as, despite pushing players to group up, it’s an aspect that has been sorely lacking from the game.

Next up, loadouts. Yes, true blue loadouts that you can switch between on the fly.

Destiny’s armour and build crafting system is incredibly deep but it requires a lot of fiddling. Between activities players may need to switch out Anti-Champion mods used in PvE content for reloading mods in PvP content. Right now the system is very complicated and thankfully that’s changing.

When Lightfall launches a Build Management option will be added to the user interface. This one screen will allow players to switch out mods for all armour. This build including weapons and armour can then be saved switched to between activities.

Lightfall Editions

For this expansion Bungie only has three purchase options Standard, Standard plus the Annual Pass and Collectors Edition.

The Lightfall Standard Edition includes:

• Lightfall Campaign and Legendary Mode;
• Strand Power;
• Neptune Destination;
• New Raid;
• New Exotic Gear;
• Access to Season 20;
• Exotic Ghost (Instant Unlock);
• Legendary Emblem (Instant Unlock).

The Standard Edition plus Annual Pass includes all of the above plus:

• Access to Seasons 20, 21, 22, and 23;
• Quicksilver Storm Exotic Auto Rifle, Catalyst, and Ornament;
• Light Fall Exotic Sparrow;
• Lightfall Dungeon Key;
• Rahool’s Secret Stash (Gifted once per season and includes 2x Ascendant Alloys, 3x Ascendant Shards, 1x Exotic Cipher, 5x Upgrade Modules, 1x Cosmetic Item).

The Collectors Edition includes the Standard Edition plus Annual Pass as well as:

• Destiny 2: Lightfall Digital Soundtrack;
• 8” Pouka Replica Figure with LED Lights and Stand;
• Vanguard Lore Books;
• Letter from Zavala;
• Mini-Lithograph;
• Vinyl Sticker;
• Exclusive Collector’s Edition Emblem;
• 10 percent-off Bungie Store discount code which can be used on a future purchase during Season of Plunder. Exclusions Apply.

Pre-orders are now live for PlayStation, Xbox, Steam and the Epic Games Store.