Is Destiny 2: Lightfall + Annual Pass Worth It In 2023?
With the next major expansion, Lightfall, releasing on February 28, 2023, Destiny 2 players have to decide if purchasing the expansion plus the Annual Pass is worthwhile.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: For dedicated Destiny 2 players who are all in on the future content, Lightfall + Annual Pass is likely worth the $100 cost. More casual players may be better off just getting Lightfall first.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything included in Lightfall and the Annual Pass, look at Destiny 2’s past DLC model, and assess if the complete edition provides good value.
What You Get with Destiny 2: Lightfall and Annual Pass
If you’re a fan of the Destiny 2 franchise and have been eagerly awaiting the release of Lightfall, you might be wondering if purchasing the Lightfall expansion and Annual Pass is worth it in 2023. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect to get with these new additions to the game.
New Lightfall Campaign
The highlight of Destiny 2: Lightfall is undoubtedly the new campaign. Bungie, the game’s developer, has promised an epic and immersive story that will take players on a thrilling journey through new worlds and encounters.
The campaign will feature new missions, locations, and enemies, offering a fresh and exciting gameplay experience for both new and seasoned players.
Season Passes for Year 6
With the purchase of Destiny 2: Lightfall and the Annual Pass, you’ll gain access to a full year’s worth of content through Season Passes.
These Season Passes will grant you access to exclusive activities, rewards, and events throughout the year, keeping the game fresh and engaging.
Each season will bring new challenges and opportunities for players to dive into, ensuring that there’s always something to look forward to.
Two Future Expansions in 2023-24
Alongside the Lightfall expansion, the Annual Pass will also grant you access to two future expansions that are set to release in 2023-24.
While specific details about these expansions are still under wraps, Bungie has a track record of delivering high-quality content and expanding the game’s universe with each new release.
So, by purchasing the Annual Pass, you can be confident that you’ll have even more content to explore and enjoy in the coming years.
Exotic Weapons and Cosmetics
In addition to the new campaign and future expansions, Destiny 2: Lightfall and the Annual Pass will also introduce a range of exotic weapons and cosmetics.
These unique and powerful weapons will provide players with new ways to approach combat and tackle challenges.
Furthermore, the addition of new cosmetics will allow players to customize their characters and stand out from the crowd.
Overall, if you’re a dedicated Destiny 2 player and are hungry for more content and experiences in the game, investing in Destiny 2: Lightfall and the Annual Pass is a great choice.
With a new campaign, season passes, future expansions, and exciting new weapons and cosmetics, there’s no shortage of reasons to dive back into the world of Destiny 2 and continue your guardian’s journey.
Reviewing Destiny 2’s Past Expansion & Season Model
Destiny 2 has come a long way since its initial release, with numerous expansions and seasons that have added new content and kept players engaged. In this article, we will take a closer look at the past expansion and season model of Destiny 2 to help you determine if the upcoming Lightfall expansion and Annual Pass are worth it in 2023.
Smaller Seasonal Drops
One of the key features of Destiny 2’s expansion and season model is the regular release of smaller seasonal drops. These drops typically introduce new activities, weapons, armor, and storylines to the game.
While these seasonal drops may not be as substantial as major expansions, they provide a steady stream of content and keep the game feeling fresh throughout the year.
For example, seasons like Season of the Chosen and Season of the Lost have introduced new activities such as Battlegrounds and Expunge missions, as well as new gear and storylines. These smaller drops allow players to continuously engage with the game and provide new challenges to tackle.
Major Expansions Like Forsaken and Shadowkeep
Destiny 2 has also seen the release of major expansions like Forsaken and Shadowkeep, which have significantly expanded the game world and introduced new gameplay mechanics.
These expansions often bring with them new locations, raids, subclasses, and storylines that provide a substantial amount of content for players to enjoy.
For example, Forsaken introduced the Tangled Shore and Dreaming City destinations, as well as the Gambit game mode, which became a fan-favorite activity.
Shadowkeep, on the other hand, brought players back to the Moon and introduced the Armor 2.0 system, allowing for greater customization of character builds.
Is the Annual Pass Format an Improvement?
In 2019, Bungie introduced the Annual Pass format, which replaced the traditional expansion model.
The Annual Pass offered a series of smaller content drops spread out over the course of a year, providing a continuous flow of new content without the need for a major expansion every few months.
This format allowed Bungie to experiment with different types of content and deliver updates more frequently.
It also provided players with a more predictable schedule of releases and ensured that there was always something new to look forward to in the game.
While the Annual Pass format received mixed reviews initially, it ultimately proved to be a successful experiment, with seasons like Season of Opulence and Season of Arrivals receiving positive feedback from players.
The Annual Pass format allowed Bungie to deliver regular updates and improvements to the game, keeping players engaged and invested in the Destiny 2 experience.
Determining if the Combined Price is Worthwhile
When considering whether Destiny 2: Lightfall + Annual Pass is worth the price in 2023, it’s important to evaluate the content and features it offers, as well as how it compares to other similar expansions in the MMO genre.
Additionally, taking into account the potential for future content droughts can help determine the long-term value of this purchase.
Cost Breakdown for Casual vs Hardcore Players
For casual players who may not have as much time to invest in the game, the combined price of Destiny 2: Lightfall + Annual Pass may seem steep.
However, it’s important to consider the amount of content and gameplay hours that these expansions provide.
With new story missions, raids, strikes, and PvP activities, there is a wealth of content to explore and enjoy. Additionally, the Annual Pass offers regular seasonal updates, ensuring that there is always something new to experience in the game.
For hardcore players who spend a significant amount of time in Destiny 2, the value of the expansions becomes even more apparent as they will have access to a vast amount of content to keep them engaged for hours on end.
Comparing to Other MMO Expansions
When comparing Destiny 2: Lightfall + Annual Pass to other expansions in the MMO genre, it’s evident that Bungie has consistently delivered high-quality content and updates.
The Destiny franchise has a strong track record of providing engaging expansions that introduce new gameplay mechanics, storylines, and challenges.
This makes it a worthy contender among other popular MMO expansions. Furthermore, the community surrounding Destiny 2 is thriving, with a large player base and active online forums. This sense of community adds to the overall value and enjoyment of the game.
Potential for Future Content Droughts
While Destiny 2 has had its share of content droughts in the past, Bungie has shown a commitment to addressing this issue and providing regular updates and expansions. The Annual Pass, in particular, ensures a steady stream of new content throughout the year.
Bungie’s roadmap for future updates and expansions demonstrates their dedication to keeping the game fresh and exciting for players.
Additionally, the vibrant and passionate community surrounding Destiny 2 often fills any content gaps with their own events and activities, further enhancing the overall experience.
Other Factors to Consider
Friends Getting the Full Version
One important factor to consider when deciding whether Destiny 2: Lightfall + Annual Pass is worth it in 2023 is whether your friends will also be getting the full version. Playing with friends can greatly enhance your gaming experience and make it more enjoyable.
If you have a group of friends who are planning on diving into the game together, it can be a great opportunity for cooperative play and shared experiences.
However, if your friends are not interested in purchasing the game or already have other gaming commitments, it may be worth considering whether you will still enjoy the game on your own.
Playing Time Available
Another important factor to consider is the amount of playing time you have available. Destiny 2 is known for its vast and immersive world, which can require a significant time investment to fully explore and experience.
If you have limited time to dedicate to gaming, it may be worth considering whether you will be able to fully enjoy and make the most of the content offered in Destiny 2: Lightfall + Annual Pass.
On the other hand, if you have plenty of spare time and are looking for a game that can provide countless hours of entertainment, then the additional content and features offered in the expansion and annual pass may be well worth it for you.
Confidence in Bungie’s Plans
Lastly, it is important to consider your confidence in Bungie’s plans for the future of Destiny 2. Bungie has a track record of supporting their games with regular updates and expansions, but it is still worth considering whether you have faith in their ability to deliver on their promises.
Researching Bungie’s previous updates and communication with the community can help you determine whether you believe they will continue to provide meaningful content and improvements to the game.
Additionally, keeping an eye on official announcements and news from Bungie can help you stay informed about their plans for Destiny 2: Lightfall + Annual Pass in 2023 and beyond.
Conclusion
For Guardians planning to put in serious Destiny 2 hours over the next year, Lightfall plus the Annual Pass is likely a smart investment, unlocking the next era of content.
More occasional players may want to just grab Lightfall first and gauge their engagement. But committed players get quite a bit for that upfront $100 cost.
As with any season pass, you have to trust the developer will deliver enough worthwhile content. But based on past expansions, Bungie seems up to the task with Lightfall and beyond.
