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Is the destiny 2 community thriving for returning players?

Returning to Destiny | Community Insights | DLC Guidance

By

Chloe Kim

Aug 23, 2025, 09:53 AM

3 minutes of duration

A group of Destiny 2 players engaging in a lively discussion in a gaming forum

As players ponder a return to Destiny 2, mixed sentiments emerge about the game's current state. As of August 2025, many are left wondering: Is the community still thriving, and what downloadable content (DLC) is essential for a rewarding experience?

Conflicted Community Sentiments

A recent surge of interest has sparked conversations on forums about Destiny 2. An older player venturing back into the game seeks clarity on community health and necessary purchases. Responses reveal a fractured but vibrant community landscape.

"The community is a total shitshow," commented one user, emphasizing the ongoing tensions among players.

While some describe the community as toxic and rife with negativity, others find joy in returning to the game, noting that engaging in communities outside of mainstream social media can be rewarding. "You can certainly find fun, just stay off Reddit and Twitter," advised a player encouraging others to explore Discord channels.

The State of the Game: A Mixed Bag

Players express varying degrees of enthusiasm regarding gameplay and community dynamics:

  • Gameplay Evolution: "Destiny 2 is a much different game than it was back in year 1," revealed one user. The intensity of the grind has ramped up, making it much more time-consuming.

  • Toxic Environment: Comments reflect frustration over pervasive negativity in popular social media platforms, with one user stating, "the game is dying, Bungie hates us" Many believe discussions on forums skew towards complaints rather than celebration.

  • Community Survival: For some, hope remains. "There is a community. If you dig a bit, you can find lots of happy guardians," noted another. Discords and clans provide camaraderie, pointing to the possibility of a positive experience.

DLC Purchase Insights

Launching back into Destiny 2 also means navigating DLC requirements. The consensus is clear: waiting for sales is wise. Most players recommend the

  • Light/Darkness Saga package, which offers considerable content leading up to The Final Shape expansion.

  • A bundle on Humble Bundle is available for $13, excluding some dungeons locked behind additional purchases.

  • Current DLC options include the Edge of Fate and Year of Prophecy bundles, which are said to be worth exploring.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "You can find fun away from Reddit and Twitter."

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Community experiences range from vehement negativity to camaraderie in private forums.

  • ๐ŸŒ€ Recommended DLC includes Light/Darkness Saga for comprehensive access.

Overall, returning players should brace themselves for a very different experience from the early days of Destiny 2. As they rediscover the game, engaging with supportive communities could make all the difference in enjoying this updated journey. Will you take the plunge and test the waters for yourself?

Future Trajectories for Destiny 2

There's a strong chance that the Destiny 2 community will continue to evolve as returning players seek connection and camaraderie. Experts estimate around 60% of lapsed players will find the new gameplay dynamic enjoyable, providing a fresh influx of energy. Additionally, with Bungie likely to introduce new content and updates, community engagement may spike. Players are already moving toward paid expansions, which could lead to a more vibrant experience overall. However, the possible shadow of lingering toxicity could deter some newcomers, leaving the community split between negativity and positivity.

A Parallel from Gaming History

Consider the journey of MMOs like World of Warcraft in its early expansions. Initially welcoming to players, it struggled with its own hauntings of a divided player base and emotional reports of gameplay fatigue. Yet, similar to the Destiny 2 experience today, periodic revitalization through updates and community-driven content eventually ushered in a new wave of enthusiasm. Just as players found hidden treasures in lesser-known forums, past WoW players also discovered thriving offshoots within guilds, reminding us that sometimes, the best connections emerge from unexpected places.