Destiny 2 Faces Onboarding Crisis as New Content Fails to Address Player Frustration
Bungie’s long-running looter-shooter, Destiny 2, is at a crossroads, lauded for its gameplay innovations but increasingly criticized for its impenetrable onboarding experience for both returning and new players.
The latest expansion, The Edge of Fate, offers promising gameplay changes, but a fundamental disconnect remains between Bungie’s ambitions and the reality faced by those attempting to re-engage with – or enter – the sprawling sci-fi universe.
Last week, one longtime player described the urge to return to Destiny 2, only to find a game drastically altered from the one they left two years prior. Their legendary Warlock remained untouched, orbiting the Tower, a silent testament to a lapsed commitment. The player admitted to skipping the finale of the decade-long “Light & Dark saga” with The Final Shape, simply stating, “I just didn’t care.”
While The Edge of Fate is generating positive buzz for its inventive mechanics – including a Metroid Prime-inspired ball-rolling mode and dynamic environmental puzzles – these additions are overshadowed by a deeper issue: accessibility. The update, despite borrowing some grind-heavy elements from games like Diablo 4, represents a new beginning for Destiny 2, yet fails to adequately welcome players into this new era.
“Sure, the reality of it all plays out the same; the call to adventure on a mysterious new planet, variations of well-known enemies hunt you down, and a baffling new NPC to listen to on your intercom,” the player noted, highlighting the familiar yet frustrating cycle of the Destiny experience.
The core problem lies in the game’s inability to bridge the gap for lapsed players. Returning after an extended absence means facing a bewildering landscape of missing context, absent voice acting, and a story thrust upon the player without explanation. Crucially, a significant portion of previously owned content has been “vaulted” – effectively removed from the game – leaving players feeling lost and disenfranchised.
“What am I supposed to do? Where am I supposed to go? How do I find out exactly what I can and cannot play versus last time I checked in?” the player questioned, articulating the frustration felt by many. The once-praised user interface is now described as an “afterthought,” a stark contrast to its former glory.
This isn’t solely a problem for veterans. New players are similarly overwhelmed, facing an “assault of absolute nonsense” upon initial login. While the 2019 New Light expansion attempted to streamline the new player experience, it has become outdated and ineffective. Bungie has pledged to no longer vault paid expansions, ensuring players can access the complete story, but the sheer complexity of the narrative – now divided into pre- and post-Light & Dark saga eras – remains a significant barrier.
Bungie is aware of the issue. Game director Robbie Stevens recently stated in an interview with YouTuber MrRoflWaffles that the team aims to create a smoother experience, making it “easier to just play” and “jump into [it] very quickly.” Stevens emphasized the need for a “more curated experience” that respects the agency of veteran players while providing a more accessible entry point for newcomers.
“We need to find a way to have a more curated experience for the early parts of the game,” Stevens explained. “We want to spend a little more time getting your feet wet and giving you curated experiences that let you better understand how the systems of the game operate at the foundational level so you can grow into them.”
However, these improvements are not expected to materialize until after the release of the Renegades expansion in December 2025. This delay leaves a critical gap, as the new story unfolds while players struggle to navigate the existing complexities. Renegades, notably, is themed around the Star Wars universe, a decision that could further confuse players already grappling with the game’s intricate lore.
The player, who has amassed over 1,000 hours across both Destiny titles, expressed skepticism. “By the time the new on-boarding stuff actually materialises, it will be too late: we will be a year into a new narrative, there will be even more mechanics separating me from where I last left off.”
Despite the potential of The Edge of Fate, the player ultimately concluded that the current state of the game is untenable. “I think, until Destiny makes some meaningful changes to every aspect of its on-boarding process, I am going to keep my Warlock in his accidental, orbital deep sleep.” And, they believe, they are not alone in this sentiment.
