Destiny 2 Expansions Ranked: The Good, The Bad, and The Final Shape

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Ever since its debut, Destiny 2 has been on a continuous journey of growth, introducing numerous expansions that reshape both the storyline and game mechanics. The way players perceive these expansions can differ significantly due to individual experiences and anticipations. A Reddit post called “The Bungie Solo Odyssey: Grade and Rank the 5 Expansions from Destiny’s Modern Era” has sparked a heated discussion among fans, as they discuss and rate the recent expansions – Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, Witch Queen, Lightfall, and Final Shape. Players have been expressing their thoughts, offering some thought-provoking, amusing, and sometimes puzzling perspectives on Destiny 2’s expansions, creating a captivating discussion that highlights the devoted community of Destiny 2 players. Let’s explore these opinions and see how the rankings compare!

Summary

  • Players generally view the Final Shape as a high point, with many ranking it at the top for its exceptional gameplay and narrative.
  • There’s considerable debate about Beyond Light’s value, with newer players expressing boredom and dissatisfaction compared to later expansions.
  • Shadowkeep seems to have earned its reputation as the least favorable expansion among veteran players, with many describing it as forgettable.
  • The Witch Queen is widely praised for its engaging storyline, especially in contrast to the mixed reactions to Lightfall.

The Shadow of Shadowkeep

The reception towards Destiny 2: Shadowkeep within the gaming community is mixed. Despite setting the foundation for future storylines with its interconnected narratives, some fans feel that its implementation left something to be desired. A Reddit user named SkimBeans gave it a score of 3/10, commenting that while it started a trend for expansions to have coherent stories, it failed to deliver excitement in the gameplay itself. The user further stated, “there wasn’t much interesting content in this expansion.” This sentiment was shared by many players who felt that the campaign’s short length and lack of memorable moments made it feel like a tedious grind, as noted by PsychWard_8 who described it as “both tedious and too brief.

As a gamer, I must confess, even with the intriguing intro of the Pyramid ship and some familiar faces reappearing, fans like myself have been struggling to find that lasting excitement. Shadowkeep feels like an acquaintance at a party who doesn’t quite fit in—present but not making much of a positive impact. For a community that feeds on immersive lore and engaging storylines, this has been a letdown that continues to echo long after the expansion was launched.

Beyond Light: Can’t We Just Move On?

Though Europe‘s snowy vistas initially drew many in, Beyond Light hasn’t held up well over extended gameplay. Forum contributors have voiced a shared concern: is it simply too monotonous? Seasoned player xStealthxUk succinctly stated, “I don’t understand why people are saying Beyond Light is better than anything… it was incredibly dull.” They highlighted a stark difference by noting that Lightfall featured more captivating missions, particularly on higher difficulties. This, they argued, provided “entertaining missions and enemies,” contrasting the repetitive nature of Beyond Light where every mission seemed to lead to the same destination, which they deemed “awful.

Among the rare bright spots of Beyond Light was the activation of the Stasis subclass, but many found the main campaign to be less engaging or thrilling. PsychWard_8 echoed this sentiment, commenting that while Europa was visually captivating, the story fell short, stating “It was alright. Not much more to add.” This widespread disappointment with the narrative and mission design suggests a broader feeling among players that Bungie missed the mark in storytelling—a divide perhaps caused by differing expectations between long-time and newer players.

The Witch Queen: Not Just Another Hive

Among various game expansions, The Witch Queen has emerged as a symbol of excellence in the gaming community. Players have been drawn to its captivating plotline and innovative gameplay elements, giving it high marks across many reviews. User YesAndYall even gave it a 9/10 score, demonstrating the widespread appreciation for this expansion. One player succinctly praised it as having “an amazing story, crafting features, Vault of the Destroyer, and Hive Guardians – all fantastic additions.

Instead of sparking indifference, the intricate campaign drew enthusiasm from fans instead. However, some fans expressed a desire for greater exploration on certain storylines, particularly why Savathûn controlled Guardians while others were spared. Despite this, The Witch Queen showcases Bungie’s narrative prowess, leaving players eager to see its continued expression in future releases. With an enthralling mix of captivating missions and deep lore, The Witch Queen emerged as a remarkable demonstration of Destiny 2’s potential greatness.

Lightfall and Final Shape: A Marked Contrast

Following the release of Lightfall in Destiny 2, the player community finds itself divided once more. The expansion has garnered a mix of reactions, with some players like Darth-Not-Palpatine giving it a C grade, whereas others find the new mechanics to be somewhat redeeming. For some, it was a familiar feeling of disappointment due to issues such as poor storytelling and lackluster patrol areas that detracted from the overall experience. SkimBeans commented, “the story was underwhelming and nonsensical,” but still appreciated the improved gameplay mechanics.

On the contrary, the Last Expansion towers with approval. Many gamers, including Sugar_Appul, have declared it their top pick among expansions. It seems the general opinion is that the Last Expansion provides a fitting conclusion to the Destiny storyline, living up to both narrative and gameplay expectations. Scores of 9.5/10 and accolades for an exceptional raid and campaign lead players to believe Bungie struck a rich vein. One user summed it up succinctly: “It’s exactly what I wanted from the final chapter.” The sense of completion, stunning visuals, and exhilarating battles in Last Expansion have left a lasting impact on the community, making gameplay a rewarding experience—if only this positivity could have been consistent across all expansions.

Overall, gamers are increasingly content with how the Destiny universe has been developing. When comparing the expansions, it’s evident that both highs and lows have influenced players’ journeys, mirroring a thrilling rollercoaster ride through intertwined narratives. The praise for Final Shape and Witch Queen, coupled with criticism for Shadowkeep and Beyond Light, illustrate a passionate gaming community striving for ongoing enhancements. As players look forward to future updates, the goal is for Bungie to leverage this momentum and consistently build upon past victories—creating even more engaging experiences within the expansive Destiny 2 universe.

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2025-05-13 16:19