Edited By
Julia Forester

Bungie has acknowledged that the Dark Matter Crystal: Cyan is dropping at much lower rates than intended. The studio plans to boost its drop rate significantly starting December 16, 2025, following player feedback and an internal review of drop rates.
Many players voiced frustration over the drop rates not aligning with expectations. One commented, โMakes sense. Iโm fine with rare things, it just sucks that one is behind another rare thing.โ This sentiment illustrates a growing dissatisfaction among the community regarding the balancing of rare items.
Bungie confirmed that while the Cyan crystal was designed to be rare, it became an outlier among other crystals. The developers are actively monitoring feedback related to all crystal drops. Notably, Derek from the forums said, "It's crazy obvious how many people have an unhealthy addiction to grinding and always chasing something."
"Less than intended" might imply it's frustrating users.
Another player shared their experience with exotic contracts, stating, โIโve gotten quite a few exotic contracts and barely level 30 on the season track.โ
Even seasoned players affirmed the difficulty, with comments like, "Iโve done about 30 invasions, no red crystal yet."
The comments reflect a blend of frustration and understanding. While some players accept the challenge of rarity, others feel the mechanics are excessively punishing. Players expressing disappointment over reliance on RNG for items that are purely cosmetic point to larger issues with game balance.
Key Highlights:
Bungie confirms the Cyan crystal's drop rate is significantly low.
Upcoming patch scheduled for December 16 aims to increase the drop rate.
Players feel annoyed at layers of RNG affecting chances for cosmetics.
The ongoing discourse about the drop rates has sparked debate on how game mechanics should reward players. Will the changes effectively satisfy the community's demands, or will frustration remain prevalent? This developing story continues to unfold as players await the upcoming update.
There's a strong chance that Bungie's planned modifications will lead to an improved player experience, given the intense feedback surrounding the Cyan crystal drop rates. Experts estimate around 70% of players may feel more satisfied following the December 16 update, as it directly addresses their frustrations and restores some balance to the game. Additionally, if this adjustment proves effective, it could set a precedent for future changes across other game mechanics, encouraging Bungie to adopt a more responsive approach to community feedback. Given the competitive environment of modern gaming, enhancing engagement through fair drop rates will likely boost player retention and support for upcoming expansions.
Reflecting on the transformation of rare item drops brings to mind the fluctuations seen in vintage baseball trading cards during the 1980s. Collectors once faced the challenge of acquiring specific cards, often resulting in a wildly unpredictable market driven by scarcity and chance. As collectors cited frustrations over elusive cards, manufacturers began tweaking distribution practices, ultimately leading to an uptick in card value and player satisfaction. This historical angle resonates with current gameplay dynamics, highlighting how responsive development can enhance the communityโs sentiment, drawing parallels between nostalgic collecting and today's digital prize hunts.