The release of Destiny 2: Shadowkeep is right around the corner, and there is a lot to look forward to in the latest expansion. There is a complete overhaul to gear, a new pricing structure, and a mindful shift when it comes to the long-term goals. Take a look below to see some of the most exciting changes coming to the game and to understand why fans and new players alike are excited to jump into the newest chapter in the sci-fi shooter.

Bungie’s First Test Following The Split From Activision

Following the release of Forsaken, Activision was surprisingly vocal about its disappointment. This was expressed by a number of high-ranking individuals at Activision, including COO Cody Johnson, who stated, “We have not yet seen the full core re-engage in Destiny, which has kind of led to the underperformance against our expectations to date.” Others stated similar thoughts with regards to the company’s third-quarter earnings, saying that the game was "not performing as well as we'd like."

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The rebuttal from Bungie was swift and showed a divide when it came to how the organizations perceived the success of the game, with Destiny 2’s game director Luke Smith announcing "We are not disappointed with Forsaken. We set out to build a game that Destiny players would love, and at Bungie, we love it too."

Earlier this year, the two parties split, and Bungie has since been hard at work. Shadowkeep will be the first real opportunity to show the world what it envisioned for its players. So, what does that mean for the game itself?

A Narrative-Driven Experience

A recent ViDoc released by Bungie perfectly encapsulated the long-term goals that the development team have for Destiny 2. Through a series of detailed explanations, game director Luke Smith explained that Shadowkeep aims to show the players “where we’re going. We’re saying, ‘Hey, we’re back, and this is the five-year vision for the game.’ A lot of what we’re doing this year is to set Destiny into a place where Destiny can begin its next major change.”

The goal is clear, and that is to create a sense of belonging in a story that will take place not only in 2019 but also over the course of the game’s life, so at least for the next five years.

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Armor 2.0 Makes Stats Relevant Again

Some players are not as interested in the narrative structures that are coming with Shadowkeep, and instead, want to know what lies ahead for their individual character progression. Thankfully, the long-awaited implementation of the armor 2.0 system is finally here.

via youtube.com

One of the biggest changes that players will see is that gear slots with have more spaces for customization, which means that stats will feel far more important now. This also means that almost all of the gear released before Shadowkeep is outdated and useless, so players can go ahead and safely dismantle anything that does not carry sentimental value to them.

Until the expansion officially launches, we cannot say exactly how PvE or PvP might change. However, it would be foolish not to expect a drastic shift in how players prioritize the modifications made to their gear.

RELATED: Bungie Announces Full 24 Hour Shut Down Ahead Of Shadowkeep

The Rune Table Continues Where The Chalice Leaves Off

The Chalice of Opulence was released only a short while ago and has been a well-received, as it has allowed players to check on their progression and customization. The Rune Table will take over as a spiritual successor in Shadowkeep, and players will be able to continue creating weapons with different types of characteristics.

via gamespot.com

New Light Is Great For Attracting New And Returning Players

Bungie has shifted how it monetizes Destiny 2, and overall, the changes look fantastic. New Light is one way that the game is changing, as it is a version of the game that is free-to-play but allows players to still team up with those who have purchased the newest expansion. The limitations on New Light players will only become apparent when they try to access the newest content and weapons. However, it still offers a massive chunk of content for free. It is an outstanding way for new players to get into the game and is also a way for returning players to check out what is new before committing to a purchase.

Shadowkeep will launch on October 1, 2019, and it looks to be a great addition to the universe of Destiny 2.

Source: PC Gamer

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