Summary
Destiny 2’s seasonal model has become increasingly stale over the last few years, but developer Bungie plans to remedy that with a new episodic format coming to the game with the launch ofThe Final Shape. So far, Bungie has revealed that each eighteen-week episode will provide “less predictable” content and giveDestiny 2players a chance to earn unique rewards. These rewards will include a new Exotic weapon and mission, new weapons and armor, new Artifact mods, and new “pass rewards.” To earn these rewards, players will complete quests and activities revolving around a brand-new story split into three six-week acts.
Aside from rewards and the cryptic offer of new quests and stories, the full extent ofDestiny 2’s episodic format is currently unknown. However, new stories could also mean new locations — or, quite possibly, old locations. Fans have requested that much of the content that was vaulted fromDestiny 2years ago be added again to improve the game’s infamous new player experience. UnlessDestiny 2’s upcoming Into the Light updatebrings back old locations and stories, the game’s new episodes can’t be ruled out as accomplishing the same thing. Barring that does happen,Destiny 2could see the return of a previously underutilized moon that was vaulted in 2020.
Io Has a Rough History in Destiny 2
Jupiter’s moon Io appeared as one ofDestiny 2’s locations when the game first launched in 2017. Originally, it was largely hated by the community due to the repetitiveness of its environment, its small size, and its lack of interesting activities. Bungie attempted to bring players back to the moon several times with different quests that tied into the overarching narrative, but they only went begrudgingly each time. On top of that, many players found the moon’s primary NPC, Asher Mir, to be both annoying and exhausting, as his arrogance and seeming disdain for humanity were difficult to deal with at times. Io did have its moments though — one of them beingthe Whisper of the Worm quest.
“Whisper of the Worm” was a secret quest that Bungie introduced with an update made toDestiny 2in July 2018. After it was discovered, it sent waves across the internet, with many fans considering it to be one of the best quests inDestinyhistory. To complete it, players first had to traverse an extensive platforming puzzle and then defeat rooms full of enemies and bosses. Upon completing the quest, they would receiveDestiny 2’s Exotic version ofthe Black Spindle sniper rifle fromDestiny, the Whisper of the Worm. Unfortunately, once the initial excitement about the quest died down, there remained not much of a reason to return to Io. Now, Bungie has a chance to bring players back to Io with renewed interest inDestiny 2’s episodes.
Destiny 2’s Episodes Could Bring Back Io
It’s currently impossible to know whetherDestiny 2will revive old locations in its new episodes. However, a clue revealed in the official roadmap forthe first episodes ofDestiny 2may point to Io being restored. The roadmap image for the first ofDestiny 2’s new episodes, titled “Echoes,” shows a Vex in the background. Io had three primary enemies on its surface: Cabal, Taken, and Vex. As such, it’s possible this particular episode could take players back to Io, even if only temporarily. Although Vex can be found on other planets inDestiny 2, there may never be a better time to bring players back to the old moon than during the game’s episodes.
Destiny 2’s episodeshave a chance to change the game forever, and Bungie likely knows this. The question is whether the developer chooses to take the plunge and take advantage of this new format to its fullest extent. Time will tell, but players would likely leap at the chance to revisit some of the game’s old locations.
Destiny 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Dive into the world of Destiny 2 to explore the mysteries of the solar system and experience responsive first-person shooter combat. Unlock powerful elemental abilities and collect unique gear to customize your Guardian’s look and playstyle. Enjoy Destiny 2’s cinematic story, challenging co-op missions, and a variety of PvP modes alone or with friends. Download for free today and write your legend in the stars.An Immersive StoryYou are a Guardian, defender of the Last City of humanity in a solar system under siege by infamous villains. Look to the stars and stand against the darkness. Your legend begins now.Guardian ClassesChoose from the armored Titan, mystic Warlock, or swift Hunter.
