Destiny 2: New Light vs. Shadowkeep – Here’s what you’re getting

Destiny 2 is heading to Steam on October 1. The momentous event will be the first time that Bungie has fully self-published a Destiny-related expansion without the help of Activision-Blizzard. The move from Battle.net to Steam will apply to all PC users, and console players will also have the means of using their main account, bringing all their items, resources, and currencies, via the cross-save function. Once the move is complete, you’ll be able to experience Destiny 2 in different ways — as New Light or as the Shadowkeep expansion.

Note: For everything there is to know about Destiny 2: Shadowkeep, you can check out our nifty guides and features hub.

Destiny 2: New Light vs. Shadowkeep

Destiny 2: New Light is, essentially, the free-to-play version of the game once it switches from Battle.net to Steam. As such, veteran players will no doubt encounter a lot of “blueberries,” “little lights,” or “shadow peeps.” Everyone who has the PC version of the game will, technically, have the New Light version if they haven’t purchased Shadowkeep just yet.

What exactly are you getting with the free-to-play version? Well, the answer would be: “a lot.”

You’ll gain access to all “Year 1” content. This means you’ve got Destiny 2‘s full vanilla campaign (The Red War), along with the missions from the Curse of Osiris and Warmind expansions. This will also include Year 1 strikes, raids, seasonal in-game events, Gambit, and more.

Some Forsaken/Year 2 content will also be included such as Black Armory‘s forges, Gambit Prime from the Season of the Drifter/Joker’s Wild, and the Menagerie from the Season of Opulence/Penumbra. As per Bungie’s tweet, the Reckoning activity, as well as exotics such as Thunderlord, Arbalest, Outbreak Perfected, and Bad Juju, will also be made available for New Light players.

All patrol destinations will be available as well — from Year 1 and Year 2 locations, and even the Moon which becomes explorable once more in Shadowkeep/Year 3. Likewise, all Crucible playlists can be accessed in the free-to-play version.

Although you’ll be able to start at the current max power level (750 PL) so you can breeze through activities, you won’t have access to Forsaken‘s subclasses (no OP Blade Barrage for you, silly Hunter). Lastly, if you already own Forsaken but not the annual pass, do check back on your account because it’s been given away for free. You’ll have access to the three mini-DLCs as well.

https://twitter.com/DestinyTheGame/status/1177323560085278723

What if you buy the expansion?

Let’s say you do want to progress further beyond what the Destiny 2 free version — New Light — provides. Well, you can take the plunge and buy Destiny 2‘s Shadowkeep expansion, but what exactly will you get?

First, it’s the full campaign where Guardians try to take back the moon with the help of Eris Morn. Players will fight the Hive nightmares unleashed on the desolate rock, all while the Vex interlopers attempt to invade. Similarly, purchasing Shadowkeep will grant you access to the subclasses introduced in Forsaken (even if you didn’t buy the previous expansion).

From leveling up, looting, and shooting your way through the expansion, you’ll then be able to tackle the new Nightmare Hunt activities as well as face off against the Vex Offensive on the moon. You and your buddies can also try your hand in the Garden of Salvation raid which comes out during the end of the week, or the upcoming dungeon which might be similar to how the Shattered Throne was presented last year.

Do take note that purchasing Shadowkeep solely will only grant you around three months worth of content. As Destiny 2 continues to evolve, you’ll need to purchase subsequent season passes (or the Year 3 annual pass) for future activities. Individual season passes can also be purchased using 1,000 silver (Destiny 2‘s premium currency bought using cash).

In any case, check out the calendar for Destiny 2: Shadowkeep‘s first quarter of content drops:

Destiny 2: New Light and Destiny 2: Shadowkeep release on October 1. You can pre-load the free-to-play version already — or buy the Shadowkeep expansion (and annual pass if you wish) — via the game’s Steam store page. Don’t forget, we also have our Destiny 2: Shadowkeep guides and features hub to help you out with other concerns.