Destiny 2 fashion aficionados, you have something to get pumped about before The Final Shape. That's because, arguably, the best weapon shader is returning to the game via the upcoming Riven's Wishes content. I'm talking about Twilight Keepsake, the matte black one. So, while you may have all the Starcats and every Wish-Keeper Catalyst, there's still something to look forward to during the next expansion's lengthy delay. It's especially true for anyone who missed out on Twilight Keepsake the first and only other time it was available in-game.

Twilight Keepsake is a shader that can only be applied to crafted weapons. Further, it is only usable after reforging or initially crafting a weapon of choice with a Lost Memento. The Lost Memento and, by proxy, Twilight Keepsake shader originally made their debut during 2023's Festival of the Lost, attainable only by participating in the festivities. The thing is, something else happened right around Halloween in 2023: the layoffs at Bungie. While nothing prevented players from playing Destiny 2, the recycled activities and disheartening news didn't exactly draw crowds.

Thankfully, Twilight Keepsake will transcend the link to that terrible event and become widely available to players starting January 30. Alongside that Tuesday reset, Riven's Wishes will arrive in-game. Riven's Wishes are weekly quests that players can nab from Mara Sov, paying out some solid rewards. According to Bungie, one of these weekly objectives might ask you to delve into Legendary Lost Sectors or complete Dungeon runs. That said, it seems like they will be focused and set in the Dreaming City. The best part is that players get to choose their rewards.

So what can you get for undertaking one of Riven's Wishes? Well, of course, Lost Mementos are on the table, or else, you know, I wouldn't be writing this article. Other than that, there are plenty of goodies up for grabs. There's the option for a red-bordered Raid weapon from Last Wish, a piece of Exotic armor from Lightfall, and even the other super-rare weapon shader from 2023: Rime Keepsake via Dawning Mementos. Oh, there's also the option for Ascendant Shards, Ascendant Alloys, and Exotic Ciphers, but I couldn't imagine wasting one of Riven's Wishes on those.

All in all, Bungie says that players will get six weeks of Riven's Wishes. However, it does note that they'll be available to complete "up through The Final Shape's release." So, there's no rush to finish the Wishes as soon as they're available. Players have time to tackle them before the next expansion releases in June. As for me, I'll be using all six of my Wishes on those sweet sweet Lost Mementos.

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I was shuttling up to my Voidship, planning to check out a prison planet uprising, when the sun exploded. The unexpected arrival of Xenos ships and the quick deployment of their star-shattering weapon left my crew in complete disarray. As I met with a round table of companions and ship staff, I was presented with choices.

With the collapsing force of the star and the growing instability brought on by the Warp, evacuations were ill-advised. Still, I could try to save the nearby planet's population, but allies noted that the Warp had likely corrupted them. Alternatively, a member of the Adeptus Mechanicus asked if I'd consider diverting resources to save a piece of sacred machinery. Others at the meeting demanded we high-tail it out of the system as fast as possible.

I made what I thought was the best decision at the time, opting to save as many people as possible. But soon after arriving in a new system, commanders among my crew alerted me that evidence of the Warp's stain was present within my ship. Amazed by what had transpired over the last ten minutes, I realized I had only just exited the tutorial-like starting area of Warhammer 40000: Rogue Trader.

Where Warhammer 40K games typically falter

There are certainly examples of great Warhammer 40K games, like Dawn of War 2 or Space Marine. But I contend that even these top-shelf offerings stumble when trying to present the universe as a whole. I've talked about this before. It was the crux of my argument that Destiny 2 is a better Warhammer 40K game than most legitimately licensed options. In almost every Warhammer 40K game I've played, you're either an eye in the sky commanding vast forces or a specific individual within some lore niche. 

Both avenues present their inherent problems. Strategy games lose ambiance and personality among endless menus and a POV quite literally removed from the eye level we humans identify with. The other category, usually action titles, is often too engrossed with a singular conflict. For example, in Space Hulk: Deathwing, you're exclusively Space Marines fighting through space hulks. In Darktide, you're exclusively a band of miscreants fighting through a hive city. Even in Space Marine, you're exclusively one faction of Space Marines doing the same thing over and over again. 

Warhammer 40K games, as a whole, lack the breakaway world-building and character development that really sells a setting. For the most part, a lot of the games in the franchise can feel a little one-note. However, thankfully, that's not the case with Rogue Trader.

Capturing the heart and soul

Whatever other Warhammer 40K games lack in world-building, Rogue Trader makes up for it in spades. From the soundtrack to the dialogue to the little things like background NPC chatter and optional environment interactions, Rogue Trader steeps you in the Warhammer 40K universe. While this would almost certainly be impenetrable for those unfamiliar with the IP, Owlcat Games implemented a handy encyclopedia. It even highlights Warhammer 40K-specific words and phrases as they come up.

It's not just about the fully explorable, living and breathing Warhammer 40K universe to explore; it's how players can interact with it. Every area of the game I've explored is teeming with non-essential characters to speak with and scenery to examine. Sometimes, this leads to side quests or activities, like pretending to be the inheritor of a feared space pirate's will. Other times, it just adds some flavor and context. While it's not on the same level as an RPG like Bauldur's Gate 3, it's a commendable effort and a first for Warhammer 40K games.

Choices, choices

Underscoring the whole experience is the fact that Rogue Trader celebrates player choice. I consider this very important, as not everyone wants to engage with the Warhammer 40K universe the same way. I can't even count the number of friends I've tried to get into the franchise. Most were turned off by lore overload or because they couldn't find characters or factions they aligned with. Both are non-issues in Rogue Trader, as players mostly control their own story.

There are several ways to roll through the game by the grace of the God Emperor, as most fans would anticipate for the Imperium-aligned Rogue Traders. There's also plenty of opportunity to go against the grain, be that through indifference or heretical design. Perhaps what's most appreciated is that every once in a while, Rogue Trader lets players react as an average person would to its bizarre, bleak universe.

Player agency doesn't end there. It's built into almost every part of Rogue Trader. Of course, there are still a few situations that have to happen a certain way to move the narrative forward. But by and large, it's possible to overcome story obstacles in whichever way players want. Tired of "good" crewmates talking your ear off every time you do something they don't like? Replace them with like-minded individuals. It's easy enough to play through the game how players want, surrounded by the party they want.

Customization worthy of a Rogue Trader

What would a Warhammer 40K game be without its armory? This is another area where Rogue Trader doesn't disappoint. Many notable heavy-hitters are available, including chainswords, bolters, laser weapons, plasma weapons, and power weapons. And that's just scratching the surface. The sheer amount of options is both impressive and exactly what I'd hope to find in a Warhammer 40K title. It's a sci-fi universe totally consumed by weaponry and war; I expect some variety with how I can kill.

Much of the same praise goes to the wearable gear. There are armor options from across the whole franchise and plenty of digital rings and other Warhammer 40K accessories. Then there's the Voidship. Friends, I kid you not; I squealed with glee when I discovered it could also be customized. I haven't made it far enough to really engage with the system beyond a single space battle, but the prospect has me excited.

Capping things off, Owlcat has a deep and highly customizable progression system in place. Characters adopt Archetypes as they level up, and these offer a wide assortment of abilities, passive bonuses, and gear proficiencies. Even if two characters end up with the same Archetype, there's enough skill variety to create several functionally different characters. Once a character reaches a certain level, they can take another, more specialized, Archetype to add further options.

I haven't quite been able to pull myself away from Rogue Trader since I started. Between the compelling narrative, player agency, and precisely crafted atmosphere, it's on track to become my favorite Warhammer 40K game. If another certain Dungeons & Dragons threequel didn't come out in 2023, it might have even been my favorite RPG of the year. That said, I've only just scratched the 20-hour mark, and I've got an inherited space dynasty to return to.

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For some Destiny 2 players, the holidays may have just arrived early. From now until December 20, most of Destiny 2 is free to claim through the Epic Games Store,

The acquisition won't cost a dime, and the content will remain in your library. That said, the Epic Games Store will become the default Destiny 2 destination for those who take up this offer. This is the first of several giveaways from Epic, with 17 reportedly set to arrive over the coming days.

Players have been asking for a more accessible entry point in Destiny 2 for years. While the base game is free to play, Destiny's expansions haven't seen much, if any, price drop since release. Sentiment recently came to a head following a round of layoffs at Bungie and the confirmation of the next expansion's delay. 

Just after these events, Bungie debuted Season 23 and a new microtransaction alongside it. Dubbed a "Starter Pack," the contents included a few Exotic weapons and materials that could all be earned free in-game. From there, conversations reemerged around how expensive it was to start Destiny 2. Some even called on Bungie to make older expansions cheaper.

It is unclear whether this Epic Games Store freebie has Bungie's hand behind it. It is, however, a fantastic opportunity for any players looking to get into Destiny 2. And it might even be tempting enough to convince a few free-to-play console or Steam players to convert to Epic's launcher.

What Destiny 2 expansions is Epic Games Store giving away?

The Epic Games Store is offering the Destiny 2: Legacy Collection for free until December 20. This pack includes all of the currently released expansions in the game except for the newest, Lightfall. That includes Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, and The Witch Queen. It's important to note that this bundle does not include the Destiny 2 base game, but that is also free.

Between the three expansions, players get a good chunk of content. This includes three Campaigns, three Raids, two Dungeons, four Strikes, and several activities across three new destinations. Of those three Campaigns, The Witch Queen is by far the best, but the others still offer some highs. And, of course, each expansion has its Exotic loot to chase. Some of the best weapons come from these expansions, like The Lament, Witherhoard, and Leviathan's Breath.

What isn't included in the Destiny 2: Legacy Collection

Though the name Legacy Collection might imply content from Destiny 2's beginning, this isn't the case. Famously, Bungie vaulted most of the early years of Destiny 2. Nearly everything except some gear from vanilla to Forsaken has been sliced out, including Campaigns and quests. Forsaken itself was split, with the Dreaming City locale and the Last Wish Raid now sold as a Forsaken Pack. Bungie tossed everything else into the vault alongside the Red War Campaign.

So, aside from the Forsaken Pack, the Destiny 2: Legacy Collection includes most of the "legacy" content still available in-game. Two things it does not include, however, are Dungeon Keys or the 30th Anniversary Pack. Starting with The Witch Queen, Bungie began splitting the Dungeons from the included expansion content. Instead, accompanying Dungeon Keys were sold separately or included as part of bundles for the annual pass. 

Legacy Collection players can do the Dungeons for Shadowkeep and Beyond Light, but The Witch Queen Dungeons will remain sealed without the add-on. The same fate is in store for those hoping to get Gjallarhorn or play some of the fun Dares of Eternity activity. Both were introduced as part of the Bungie 30th Anniversary Pack and are similarly sold separately.

How does switching to Epic Games Store work?

Knowing that there's a bevy of free Destiny 2 content waiting to be claimed, some players might wonder if it's worth switching from another platform. The short answer is that, as long as players don't mind using the Epic Games launcher, it's worth it. That said, players should keep a few things in mind to ensure the experience is smooth.

First off, interested gamers should know how Destiny 2 handles cross-platform play. It's easy to link accounts on multiple platforms, and Destiny 2 supports seamless cross-play. Players can access their characters with all their equipment anywhere Destiny 2 can be played. But DLC purchases don't transfer.

If players have already purchased Lightfall, the 30th Anniversary Pack, or the Forsaken Pack, hopping over to Epic Games means rebuying these items. The Legacy Collection might still end up being the better deal for some players. The included expansions still typically sell for their full $30 value.

Whether Epic Games Store is trying to nab a few regular users or this is Bungie's olive branch, this bundle should hopefully turn a few interested players into true Guardians. It's something the community and Bungie desperately need: some new regulars to help kickstart the population before The Final Shape.

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Readers may know me as one of Destructoid's local Destiny heads, but right now, we need to talk about the Video Game Awards (VGA). Namely, how Cyberpunk 2077 stole a 2023 award from another game and studio.

On December 7, the VGA named Cyberpunk 2077 the winner of the ceremony's Best Ongoing Game award. This was in spite of the fact that Cyberpunk went up against actual live service titles like Apex Legends, Fortnite, Genshin Impact, and Final Fantasy XIV. 

As some may remember, Cyberpunk 2077 is not an "ongoing game." It's a single-player game and one that was released with disastrous initial results. The launch was so awash with issues that Sony would even quickly remove it from the PSN digital storefront. CD Projekt RED would go on to spend the better part of three years fixing the game.

As of 2023, the team has produced praise-worthy results with Cyberpunk 2077's 2.0 update. But the VGA's nomination logic seems flawed. So, the single-player Cyberpunk 2077 is an "ongoing game" because it was released so broken it needed years of work to function as intended? I'm not buying it.

How is the VGA defining an "ongoing game?"

Cyberpunk's win doesn't make sense when considering the spirit of the award category. The award should have gone to a live-service title that defines itself as an "ongoing game" by nature rather than circumstance. If Cyberpunk 2077 can be considered in the running for the best ongoing game, what criteria is the VGA using? 

If Cyberpunk can be in the running, what about other games with updates still flowing? Warhammer 40K: Darktide, No Man's Sky, and Call of Duty: Warzone have all received game-changing updates after release. None of those games even received nominations. Hell, even a pick as out there as Team Fortress 2 still has more merit as an actual "ongoing game" than Cyberpunk 2077. So how could the obvious top-running candidates with nominations against Cyberpunk 2077 lose?

Don't get me wrong, what CD Projekt RED did was impressive. Many studios would rather take the L than spend additional years that could have been applied to another project fixing mistakes. I am in no way suggesting CD Projekt RED made the wrong decision there. The team's dedication to its product speaks for itself. However, I am saying that the VGA's evaluation of Cyberpunk 2077 as an "ongoing game" is wrong.

Another title missed out

With Cyberpunk winning this award, another deserving game missed out. The contenders for Best Ongoing Game, by nature, are unlikely to be nominated for many other categories. Sure, they may appear in less extravagant categories like Best Mobile Game or Best ESports Game. But the titles that end up in Best Ongoing Game are by nature rarely going to win the "big" awards like Game Of The Year. A game can't be Game Of The Year and Best Ongoing Game the year it's released; it's just not possible.

So, Cyberpunk 2077's nomination pushed another deserving title out of the running. And its win only served to swivel the spotlight away from the other contenders excelling in the field. Let's hope there's better consideration across nomination categories next year. Less Gollum gets a well-received update and snags Best Ongoing Game in 2024.

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Destiny 2's Season 23 started strong, featuring the new Warlord's Ruin Dungeon and activities like The Coil. But beneath the surface, it's possible Bungie and Destiny have received a blow that's impossible to recover from.

A new report from IGN's Rebekah Valentine alleges that the situation only worsens for the remaining employees at Bungie. Morale and company culture seem like they're taking a backseat, in order to avoid something as drastic as a complete Sony takeover.

Following Bungie's layoffs at the end of October, reports surfaced that the studio was drastically missing revenue targets. A Bloomberg report claimed the company would delay Destiny 2's The Final Shape expansion in addition to the upcoming new title Marathon.

Bungie would confirm these delays shortly before Destiny 2 introduced the Season of the Wish. Now, IGN reports that employee morale is at an all-time low and that there's a chance Sony could put a firmer hand on Bungie's affairs.

IGN reports that since Bungie became a Sony subsidiary, it has operated with a split board of directors. While Bungie management makes up half of the board, there's an indication that things can change. IGN's sources allege leadership has stated that Sony can eliminate the existing board and seize control if Bungie underperforms. And with that knowledge in mind, this financial fear likely led to Bungie's layoffs.

In addition to trimming staff, IGN reports that Bungie has implemented other strategies to save money. Hiring, holiday bonuses, competitive industry compensation adjustments, and donation matching reportedly all took a hit, just to name a few. Obviously, this has done little to improve the morale of the remaining employees after the layoffs. Many tell IGN they are understandably bitter after seeing their friends and coworkers coldly let go, and this just compounds frustrations.

While Bungie hopes to rebound from its financial losses, employees' enthusiasm has essentially disappeared. IGN's sources note that the in-studio atmosphere has been "soul-crushing." A lot is riding on The Final Shape, and the team knows it, as one source tells IGN that they know the expansion needs to do well, or else they feel they're "definitely looking at more layoffs."

Another fear rising among studio staff is Bungie's increasing reliance on outsourcing. IGN's sources allege an uptick in conversations about outsourcing since just around the time of the layoffs. Though it's standard enough throughout the game industry, Bungie has employed a sizable internal team for years. Now, employees have to worry about whether their job security is a worthwhile investment for Bungie. "Folks still there are very much feeling' us vs them' between leadership and workers," an IGN source noted. "That trust has been eroded."

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Bungie is almost ready to bring Lightfall's long-awaited Fireteam Finder feature to Destiny 2. But players can get in on the action a little early, as stress tests have begun rolling out starting today.

Players logging into Season 23 on November 30 were in for a treat. An in-game message informed Guardians they could participate in the day's Fireteam Finder stress test, as Bungie previously noted in a November 22 Dev Insights post.

Today is the only day confirmed for stress testing, but it's the first chance players have to try Fireteam Finder out. Players can jump into Fireteam Finder's first stress test between 9 AM and 5 PM PST (12 PM to 8 PM EST) on November 30.

The experience is limited to Raid content, and, per the in-game notice, Bungie already anticipates the test could lead to some hiccups with game performance. That said, the pop-up also provided a method for players to report any issues they came across.

Will there be another stress test?

Right now, the only announced stress test is happening on November 30. That said, Bungie has already gone on to outline the path ahead. Following today's stress test, a Beta period will begin in December.

Bungie hasn't specified exact dates in December just yet, but that news will likely come after this first test concludes. Bungie did note in the Fireteam Finder Dev Insights post that the Beta's start would depend on how the stress test goes. 

Following the new year, Bungie estimates that Fireteam Finder will be ready for a full release in late January. This is, of course, if everything goes according to plan. And Bungie has promised to keep players updated on any timeline changes, should they develop.

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Destiny 2's Season 23 is live, inviting players to investigate Ahamkaras and the lost 15th Wish. While the season revolves around events from the Forsaken expansion's Last Wish Raid, Destiny isn't the only popular franchise with a famous Last Wish, as Destiny meets The Witcher series.

In Season 23, Destiny 2 hosts a crossover between it and The Witcher, adding several themed cosmetics to the game. Early on, eagle-eyed players can even spot a steamy homage to the famed monster hunter. And, oddly enough, it's in the possession of Mara Sov.

Upon beginning Season 23, you'll tackle an opening quest introducing the featured mechanics and activities. By the end, Mara asks Guardians to meet her in a small chamber below the H.E.L.M's Wing of the Wish. There, The Witcher fans might notice a certain wooden bathtub lovingly adorned with lit candles. The water-filled tub even has two familiar swords leaning against it, one with fiery engraved runes and another with a School of the Wolf pommel. Geralt's wolf head medallion rests hanging around the two weapons.

What does the bathtub have to do with The Witcher?

Those who have played The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt know the title practically opens with Geralt having a bath. He relaxes in a wooden tub, just about identical to the one found in the H.E.L.M. His surroundings are also dotted with lit candles in The Witcher 3 — another detail Bungie nailed. Geralt's weapons have their own Destiny twist applied, with Solar energy emanating from the runes on one sword and an Arc-charged pommel on the other.

Did Mara Sov take Yennefer's place?

While it's easy to write off the bathtub as a cheeky Easter egg, there might be more that's being implied. When the original bath scene plays out in The Witcher 3, Geralt enjoys his scrub in Yennefer's similarly bare presence. The sorceress of Vengerberg sits on a cushioned chair to the left of Geralt's tub by a desk. Interestingly, a cushioned stool and a full mirror vanity sit to the left of the tub in the H.E.L.M.

It would be one thing to sneak the bathtub in somewhere, but the whole bath scene has been nearly rebuilt. Further, Geralt's existence is all but confirmed by the presence of his gear. And the monster hunter would never part ways with his trade tools. Unless, of course, he wants to engage in some romantic adventures.

Though Geralt is selflessly committed to his love, it's not entirely out of character for the Butcher of Blaviken to pursue other women. After all, there was that whole ordeal with amnesia and Triss Merigold. Either way, it seems unlikely that Guardians will ever know precisely what happened between Mara Sov and Geralt of Rivia.

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Bungie has officially announced an unexpected collaboration for both Destiny players and The Witcher fans. CD PROJEKT RED will partner up with Bungie to debut Witcher-inspired content in Destiny 2. The crossover is set to launch alongside Destiny 2's Season of the Wish on November 28.

This isn't the first time Destiny has seen a crossover with another franchise, but it's certainly among the more high-profile, right along with the previous Sony crossover. That collaboration introduced armor sets inspired by God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Ghost of Tsushima. The next set of Guardian cosmetics adds more armor to your closet, along with a finisher, Ghost shell, ship, Sparrow, and emote.

Guardians meet The Witcher

The crossover is inspired by the famed monster slayer Geralt of Rivia. As far as Guardian cosmetics go, the collaboration between Bungie and CD PROJEKT RED looks to have produced some genuinely unique pieces embracing the source material. The result is something that steeps Bungie's fantasy-inspired sci-fi aesthetic even further into fantasy elements. Accouterments of The Witcher are visible, with rustic leather belts and woven hoods accenting the three Guardian Class appearances.

Each class sports a distinct look, with Titans outfitted in something reminiscent of heavy armor Geralt could wear in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings — gratuitous amounts of chainmail and all. Hunters look like they might have Redanian colors, with a matching red set of pants, cloak, and hood. Over most of the Hunter's armor, it's accented with studded leather. Then there's the Warlocks, battle mages decked out in sporadic metal bits, leather, and cloth robes. All Classes have two swords sheathed on their backs.

Toss a coin for The Witcher

Beyond Witcher-themed armor, there's an additional few in-game items, including a Ghost shell, ship, and Sparrow. While the Sparrow and ship remain elusive, the promotional art offers a glimpse at the Ghost. It's hard to say with certainty, but it could be a twist on Geralt's iconic wolf medallion. Additionally, players can express themselves with a unique emote and finisher, adding another touch of The Witcher's flair to Destiny.

If you're wondering how much it'll cost you, Bungie has yet to reveal specific pricing for its upcoming cosmetics, but it wouldn't be surprising if the cost aligns with the last big crossover. Back in the day, Bungie's various PlayStation cosmetics ran players $20 per Class armor set. The community didn't love the price, but the cosmetics appeared popular nonetheless. Given that the premium Eververse releases always see some adoption, the previous price points are likely here to stay.

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Destiny 2 is currently in a rough spot. Player morale is at an all-time low, tanking after a round of Bungie layoffs and news of a reported delay for the upcoming The Final Shape expansion. And while Bungie is using the delay to double down on ensuring the new expansion is a smash hit, serious concerns about Destiny's longevity are cropping up. Even if The Final Shape proves to be everything Bungie promises, inescapable factors persist against the game.

But the situation didn't get like this overnight. Bungie's decisions reportedly came after noting the title's yearly revenue would fall 45% below expectations. That sharp decline is symptomatic of issues that have been building for years. And with player sentiment where it is, alongside a projected content drought and a perceived "endpoint" at The Final Shape, it's hard to see a bright future ahead for Destiny 2.

Bungie doesn't have a good reputation with players

Players' animosity toward Bungie is nothing new. And fairly, any studio taking on a game with the scope of Destiny should expect a degree of backlash at some point. But Bungie has become infamous for some of the decisions it has made over the span of the Destiny franchise. Though the studio often tries to make amends with the community, it tends to be too little too late.

Of course, one of the most prominent stains on Bungie's reputation came when Destiny 2 saw most of its early content vaulted. Bungie explained that it was a necessary evil in order to keep adding to the game and later promised the practice would end. However, the act angered veteran players and made it impossible for new players to experience the story-centric game fully.

Frustrations had continued, whether because of half-baked seasonal content or ever-increasing monetization. Still, it came to a head in 2023 as game outages and error codes frequently left players unable to log in. In some cases, routine weekly resets would turn into several hours of downtime. This came after community posts highlighted previous back-end work on game stability.

Most recently, Bungie promised that studio jobs would remain unaffected by Sony's acquisition of the company in 2022. As the community saw first-hand, this was not the case. Just a day before Halloween in 2023, Bungie laid off 8% of its staff, or around 100 employees, without notice. This, naturally, led to fans vocally criticizing Bungie on social media.

Engagement was already sinking

If Bungie's layoffs and delays are indeed due to revenue loss, the likely culprit is engagement. Many factors can affect whether players are actively romping around (and spending money) in Destiny 2. Sometimes, these circumstances can even be out of Bungie's control -- like the outstanding selection of games released throughout 2023.

Outside of the year being packed with bangers, it's easy to recognize Lightfall as a major miss for Bungie. Coming off of the stellar The Witch Queen expansion, Lightfall had high expectations. While it would initially sell well and provide Destiny 2 with its highest headcount, Lightfall wouldn't land. Bungie later admitted that Lightfall's delivery was off, but the damage was already done. New players, lured by Lightfall's hype and burned by the fumbled story, would be hard-pressed to put further faith in the game.

With most of Lightfall's growth squandered, Bungie would have to hope that Seasons 21, 22, and 23 proved alluring enough to reengage players. While Seasons 21 and 22 had some great content, they did little to stabilize the population. Now, with Season 23 on the horizon and the possibility of it unexpectedly inflating to six or seven months, it'll be tougher than ever to convince newcomers to join the game. And that's topped by those actively canceling their The Final Shape preorder in light of Bungie's layoffs.

This population and engagement problem is a tricky one. Destiny 2 is about to enter one of the game's most sterile and empty periods, already at a player deficit. With the title largely populated by veteran players who may have already hit a point of burnout, an overlong season with a lack of content won't help bolster numbers before The Final Shape.

There's still worry even if The Final Shape is great

Even if The Final Shape is better than favored expansions like Forsaken and The Witch Queen, Bungie will still have a daunting hill to climb. Namely, this is because, for better or worse, The Final Shape is billed as the end of Destiny's initial saga.

While Bungie relied on Destiny veterans to carry the title through its worst times, the upcoming expansion will act as an exit for many players. With no new expansions confirmed, and with three longer "Episodes" replacing the typical four yearly seasons, it feels a lot like The Final Shape is the game's final act and Episodes are an epilogue.

Though Bungie has repeatedly stated that Destiny will go on after The Final Shape, no one knows in what capacity the game will continue. And these worries haven't been soothed after the Bungie layoffs included central figures like composer Michael Salvatori. With the initial saga concluding, decade-long Destiny players could hardly be blamed for hanging up their hats after The Final Shape.

Of course, this only reintroduces the problem of engagement. With an expected dropoff of those that Bungie usually banks on to play Destiny 2, will the game be able to make up those players? It's certainly possible. But it won't be easy, given the ongoing disastrous state of the new player experience.

Where can Destiny go from here?

Some have noted that this predicament might signal that it's high time for Bungie to start considering a successor to Destiny. The idea of a Destiny 3 has some merit. It could effectively act as a hard reset and a point of excitement for longtime, burnt-out players. The same could be said for those hesitant to participate in the hellscape that is trying to start Destiny 2.

That said, it would mean that longtime Guardians would have to face some scary changes. Players would likely have to give up their hard-earned loot again, learn the intricacies of whatever new systems the game might bring, and lose access to even more beloved content. This, of course, does not sit well with every player. And who's to say the game wouldn't just stumble back into the same issues?

Regardless of where players stand on a Destiny 3, there doesn't seem to be any indication that it's something Bungie has lined up. While there's no telling what the future might bring, the current plan is to continue riding out Destiny 2. A lot hinges on the success of The Final Shape. Here's hoping it serves as a triumphant turnaround rather than a nail in Destiny's coffin.

The post Destiny 2 may have just received a blow it can’t recover from appeared first on Destructoid.

Eva Levante offers Hocus Focusing

What's inside Eerie Exotic Engrams?

While there's no guarantee players will get the Exotic they're specifically looking for, Candy is a currency that only exists within the Festival of the Lost, so the only actual cost is time. A respectable 2500 Candy isn't hard to amass, but it will undoubtedly take some time spent within Haunted Lost Sectors or other activities with a Festival mask equipped. With that known, Guardians will want to prioritize the slot they want to gamble on and hope they have enough Candy to see the desired result.

Warlock

Legs

Chest

Arms

Head

Titan 

Legs

Chest

Arms

Head

Hunter

Legs

Chest

Arms

Head

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Destiny 2's Season 22 story is just about complete. With the formal weekly story updates culminating in a finale for Week 7, all that remains, barring any substantial deviations from the norm, are a few audio logs, lore entries, and a final activity in the Imbaru Engine. But instead of a satisfying conclusion to the suspense that had been building even before the Season of the Witch began, players got a confusing mess of a cutscene that prompted more questions than it provided answers. Perhaps worst of all, critical narrative-moving events occur directly after the depicted scene, partially nullifying the finale's cinematic. However, that vital information lives only in lore pages that most players will never see.

Season of the Witch begins where the preceding Season of the Deep ended. Players discover they need Savathûn's help, as the Hive God is vital to traversing the portal used by the Witness at the end of Lightfall's campaign. In opposition to these plans is Xivu Arath, Savathûn's sister and the Hive God of war. To that end, the season saw Guardians helping Eris Morn engage in rituals to propel her into Hive Godhood. While this is happening, tension is growing between Eris, Xivu, and the plans within plans Savathûn is known for.

Despite the strong hook, Season 22's storytelling falls apart in its most pivotal moments. Players never get to see Eris flex power as a Hive God, and Xivu has still yet to appear outside of flashbacks to the Hive Gods' origins. Making matters worse, key narrative happens off-screen, including the half-baked, meandering answer to how players will follow the Witness into the Heart of the Traveler.

This feels like The Veil all over again

The proposition was simple: revive Savathûn and get whatever MacGuffin allows the plot to move forward. However, things don't come to quite as neat a conclusion. While Season 22's Week 7 cutscene shows Eris Morn killing Savathûn to gain her power and seemingly voiding the original deal, the Hive God is still quite alive. Following the check-ins at the H.E.L.M, players receive a lore entry in the Rites of Passage book. It reveals that Savathûn is immediately revived by her Ghost following the cutscene's events. She then tells players that the key to following the Witness will reveal itself when the moment is right.

So, to be clear, Savathûn knows whatever is needed to follow the Witness and is opting to give a hand-waving answer that amounts to, 'Well I guess you'll just have to wait and see.' All the while, she presses the importance of players not failing to pursue the Witness. Bungie has tried this method of creating a winding mystery around a new plot device before, and it blew up in its face. This stinks to the high heavens the same way the intrigue around The Veil did in Lightfall's campaign.  

What is The Veil? Players certainly didn't know at the time, but NPCs seemed to understand how important it was. Yet there was nearly no discussion about what The Veil was and why players should care about it. It was just a hook without any bait. Bungie eventually acknowledged that narrative delivery around The Veil was off and took measures to remedy the issue. But it feels like history is repeating itself. The other big problem is, because these important story details exist only as a lore entry, there will likely be many players who'll simply believe Savathûn is dead, having only watched the cutscene.

Xivu Arath was unceremoniously defused

While it's frustrating that significant story beats were surprisingly less accessible in Season 22, it's no more so than how Xivu Arath was handled. After Eris absorbs the power from killing Savathûn, she creates a fiery image of Xivu Arath's symbol in her hand. Eris crushes it, and just like that, Xivu is banished from her throne world. The act renders the God mortal and effectively takes a lot of the wind out of the villain before she can appear in the game.

It was never likely that Eris and Xivu would battle each other one-on-one, given that the Hive God of war draws power from acts of conflict. However, dealing with Xivu Arath off-screen after the last two seasons had her screaming over Guardians' comms for battle feels a bit deflated. It would have felt like a worthwhile payoff for players' work, even if it was just a few seconds, for Xivu to get her on-screen debut or to showcase Eris' strength defending herself from the God of war. 

Of course, it doesn't seem like Xivu is completely out of the picture. But losing a throne world, the source and manifestation of a Hive God's power, is quite the blow. While there's still some chance Guardians will hear from Xivu again before the season officially ends, it'll lack the flair that could've been incorporated into the Week 7 finale.

Season 22's confusion leads to nothing

At the end of the season, what are players left with? Well, for those who care enough to read through the optional lore entries, they'll know Savathûn is alive, albeit withholding the information that allows the story to progress. Those who didn't get out their reading glasses will be in shock the next time the Hive God of lies shows up unscathed, making pointed remarks as if nothing's wrong. All players will know from the cutscene that Xivu Arath was dealt with off-screen. Not officially defeating the long-withheld Hive God, but doing enough to defuse a seemingly inescapable confrontation.

So, with all that considered, Guardians are pretty much right where they started. Players still don't have a definitive answer to the overarching question that's been stretched since the end of Lightfall's campaign: how do we go through the portal? But there apparently is an answer; it's just being tugged in front of players like a carrot on a stick. The conflict with Xivu Arath wasn't resolved in any major way; just put on hold. And players still haven't gotten a glimpse at Xivu's current form, even after two seasons of Bungie hyping the God up.

If anything, Guardians' only progress this season was in bringing back a powerful enemy. And even that will be a point of contention between those who just casually play the game and those who read every scrap of lore. It's a shame because Season 22's story was quite interesting — showcasing Eris grappling against the Hive's and Xivu's influence. It was really just the bizarre finale and its awkward split presentation that left such a sour note. Destiny 2 is a live game, and things could change in an instant, but right now, it feels like Season 22 was players getting screwed out of their end of a deal.

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Destiny 2 is known for its dynamic action, longstanding narrative, and impressive weaponry, but it's also one of the best multiplayer Warhammer 40K experiences around. While there are plenty of surface differences between the franchises, Destiny 2 is built from the same stuff that has kept 40K fans loyal since the 80s. Of course, it's by no means a perfect translation. There are legitimate Warhammer 40K games out there that incorporate actual lore and characters. But if players want to engage in an immersive grimdark future where super-powered protectors of humanity confront galaxy-wide conflict against alien factions and supernatural entities, Destiny is the place to be.

Fans of Warhammer 40K love its dystopian future teeming with warring civilizations and demonic magic. But the whole package seldom culminates in a gaming experience that mirrors the epic scale of the storied franchise. While plenty of licensed Warhammer 40K games detail skirmishes between a couple of factions and a few varied locales, the scope is often meager compared to the franchise as a whole. Further, the 40K games that try to incorporate a more representative slice of the universe tend to be strategy games that strain worldbuilding by burying players in menus. Destiny 2 seamlessly blends an expansive grimdark backdrop against consequential narratives on a scale that rivals Warhammer 40K. The game's snappy FPS gunplay, ease of playing with friends, and engaging content are just icing on the cake.

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war

Destiny 2's artistic direction, featuring grandiose architecture, mysterious landscapes, and cosmic anomalies, closely aligns with the aesthetic language of Warhammer 40K. Coupled with the omnipresent juxtaposition of hope and despair, these elements nail the grimdark atmosphere Warhammer 40K thrives alongside. This intertwines with profound lore featuring various species, factions, and even supernatural forces. It all comes together to deliver something akin to 40K's complex setting. Sometimes, that'll mean learning about a space prison and its malfunctioning warden through a Strike with friends; other times, a big bad will reveal itself over the course of a season's story missions. Either way, Destiny frequently throws players right into its narrative's most significant moments.

Like the innumerable factions in Warhammer 40K that battle for supremacy, Destiny 2 features various groups vying for control. Each has unique philosophies, goals, aesthetics, and fighting styles. Naturally, this carries the ever-evolving alliances, betrayals, and power struggles found within Destiny 2. Often, these beats reflect corresponding ideological conflicts prevalent in the Warhammer 40K universe. The Fallen, Destiny's space pirates, turned to a life of plunder after the Traveler abandoned their Eleksni society. The aliens share more than a few threads with the 40K Aeldari factions that have adopted similar practices. Additional comparisons can be drawn between Space Marines and Guardians, the Hive Gods and the Chaos Gods, and even the Traveler and the Emperor of Mankind.

All that said, it would be irresponsible not to mention the elephant in the room. While the narrative delivery in Destiny can be top-notch, especially compared to some official 40K games, Destiny 2's first few years of content were removed to make room for new additions. While the decision has remained ever-unpopular with players, even in its diminished state, the setting and story content are more than enough to scratch a particular grimdark itch.

And they shall know no fear

The extensive range of weaponry, armor, and customization options available in Destiny 2 should make any Warhammer 40K fan feel at home. And the possibilities likely eclipse what's available in many actual 40K titles. Titans' attire frequently retains a Space Marine power armor look, while Hunters and Warlocks often appear more akin to 40K Scouts/Assassins and Psykers, respectively. On top of armor, Destiny 2 boasts a wild assortment of weaponry ranging from traditional fare like shotguns and auto rifles to more unique options like glaives and fusion rifles. This is before individual weapon frames, perks, and rare Exotic weapons turn performance and functionality up to 11. There are even a few options that feel as though they were directly inspired by 40K, like a classic bolter ala the Skyburner's Oath Exotic and a chainsword via The Lament Exotic.

Destiny 2 players can optimize their Guardian's stats and upgrade their gear, emulating the strategic planning inherent to the Warhammer 40K tabletop game. Once players have equipped their Guardian the way they want, it's time to dive into Destiny 2's blend of PvE and PvP. The cooperative Raids and Strikes enable players to band together, reminiscent of weighty narrative moments and cataclysmic battles in Warhammer 40K. Meanwhile, competitive multiplayer offers a platform for players to test their mettle against each other, reflecting 40K's relentless and shortsighted conflicts. And while this content isn't updated as frequently as longtime community members would like, the live-service title is constantly evolving and adding new content to explore.

While Destiny 2 and Warhammer 40K originate from different creative visions, the two franchises share too much to ignore. Numerous parallels in lore, an extensive focus on wargear, and atmospheric design make Destiny 2 compelling for 40K enthusiasts. The simple fact is that Destiny 2 offers a similar setting at a scale that in-universe games typically do not. And with the flexibility to interact with the universe beyond a lone single-player campaign, it can provide much more mileage. Of course, it's all the better when some friends tag along for the ride.

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While Destiny 2's Season 22 has some key wins, a change is coming with the start of Season 23. A balance must be maintained that makes all elements of the game enjoyable for everyone. However, Legendary Shards have consistently presented a challenge in achieving this balance. The vast discrepancy in acquiring these shards has led to inequality among players. The result is an in-game economy where Legendary Shards don't feel significant to some or attainable for others, regardless of their play habits. This, coupled with the constant exploitation of loopholes in the Shard acquisition process, has propelled the developers to take a decisive step toward simplifying the game's economy. 

The aim is to eradicate the current clutter of currencies, consumables, and items. This will create a more streamlined experience that duly recognizes and rewards the time and effort invested by players across various activities. To that end, Bungie is removing Legendary Shards from the game. But you won't hear me complaining. In fact, I say good riddance. Bye-bye, Legendary Shards, I won't miss you -- and neither should other players.

While some players may worry about what will happen post-Legendary Shards, others may feel frustration from the dissolution of a long-accumulated currency. Nevertheless, phasing out Legendary Shards will serve the greater Destiny 2 community. The only change to gameplay comes via removing an artificial hindrance.

Season 23 is the beginning of the end for Legendary Shards

The journey towards a Legendary Shard-free Destiny 2 begins in Season 23. In a move that promises to aid new and returning players in unlocking weapons with greater ease, the initial phase involves the elimination of Legendary Shard costs from the Monument to Lost Lights, leaving the costs of Glimmer, Exotic Ciphers, and Spoils of Conquest unaffected.

Furthermore, Season 23 will see Legendary Shards retire from ritual gear focusing, altering the cost structure of various items in the game. Here's what Bungie has shared about the new cost framework:

• New Ritual Weapons: 1 Engram, 0 Glimmer
• Standard Ritual Pool Weapons/Armor: 3 Engrams, 5000 Glimmer
• Legacy Weapons/Armor: 5 Engrams, 15,000 Glimmer
• Iron Banner/Nightfall Weapons: 5 Engrams, 25,000 Glimmer
• Adept Nightfall Weapons: 1 Engram, 50,000 Glimmer, 10 Nightfall Ciphers
• Trials Weapons: 5 Engrams, 25,000 Glimmer
• Adept Trials Weapons: 1 Engram, 50,000 Glimmer, 7-Win Trials Passage

Say goodbye to Legendary Shards alongside The Final Shape

With the upcoming release of The Final Shape, Destiny 2 will bid farewell to Legendary Shards entirely. They won't be rewarded anymore, and costs associated with the currency will be wholly removed from the game. It's vital to note that there will be no exchange scheme for stored Legendary Shards. So, if players have a large stash, like previous Gunsmith materials, it's worth making daily trips to Master Rahool starting now. The good news is that there will be no increase in Glimmer prices or the introduction of alternative materials for items previously associated with Legendary Shards. In line with this transformation, Guardians' currency bar will undergo a revamp, showcasing only Glimmer, Silver, and Bright Dust. 

Following player feedback on these changes, Bungie added that it plans to augment the drop rates of various in-game items, including Glimmer and different engrams. This should enrich the reward system and promote a more flexible reward-earning approach. Furthermore, the costs associated with retrieving ships and Sparrows from collections will be abolished. Guardians will finally be able to modify their style effortlessly. Given that dismantling gear, ships, and Sparrows has been a primary source of acquiring Legendary Shards, Bungie is looking into ways to ensure it remains worthwhile to dismantle. Depending on gear type and rarity, the initially proposed reward system rework offers varying amounts of Glimmer, Enhancement Cores, and Gunsmith rep. That said, Bungie also noted that these values can change before The Final Shape releases.

Destiny 2 game director Joe Blackburn hinted that fans can also anticipate alterations to how the mysterious Exotic vendor, Xûr, traded in "The Final Shape." Although specific details remain under wraps, removing Legendary Shards, one of the vendor's primary currencies, will introduce new ways to acquire Xûr's goods. Guardians can only hope this comes with some updates to what Xûr sells.

These sweeping changes might seem like a lot to take in, but they signify a pivotal moment in Destiny 2's economy. It marks a shift towards a more inclusive, balanced, and rewarding experience. There won't be players with more Legendary Shards than they could ever use alongside scores of those who struggle just to get enough to participate in essential game functions.

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Put those Tractor Cannons away, Guardians. The Crota's End contest mode has come to a close, and players can now go back to using the full extent of their abilities and armory. The 48-hour contest mode for the returning Destiny Raid addressed Bungie's former promise to bring difficult content back to Destiny 2. And it didn't disappoint. That said, with contest mode ended, players should once again have little trouble toppling the son of Oryx.

While Bungie has been on the backfoot with its community, including a fumble during the most recent State of the Game and the lackluster reveal of The Final Shape expansion, it's tough to argue the company isn't at least trying to make some amends. Joe Blackburn has become the face of the studio, commenting on community backlash and responding to conspiracies around future content. On top of that, Bungie turned the difficulty to 11 for the Crota's End relaunch, a direct response to the overwhelmingly negative feedback following the Root of Nightmares Raid. Initially, this posed a bit of a surprise considering the original Destiny version could be soloed, but hardcore players reveled in the challenge. Thankfully, Ol' Crota's weekend romp is over, and now it's time for Guardians to take out those contest mode frustrations.

Contest mode Raids are no new thing in Destiny 2. Since the Crown of Sorrow Raid during The Forsaken expansion, Bungie has built hype and a little competitive energy around the launch of these new endgame PvE activities. On top of players typically heading into these new Raids without knowing what they'll encounter, contest mode sets players at a power disadvantage. It also prohibits using specific abilities, armor, weapons, and mods.

What made Crota's End contest mode so hard?

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Now that contest mode is over, Guardians jumping into Crota's End might wonder what all the weekend fuss was about. Sure, the Raid features a mix of puzzles and boss encounters that demand a bit more than the average Strike or Dungeon, but with the contest mode smoke cleared, the content is no more daunting than a pass through King's Fall or Europa's Deep Stone Crypt.

Part of what had made contest mode so grueling was the heavy restrictions during the first 48 hours. Entire Subclass Aspects, Exotic weapons, Exotic armor, and even mods were completely disqualified from use. That nigh unkillable and super fun to play Strand Banner of War Titan build? Disabled. The powerful new Tessellation Exotic fusion rifle earned via preordering the $100 version of The Final Shape expansion? Disabled. And for good measure, the Seasonal Artifact Mod that makes heavy ammo easier to come by, Elemental Embrace, was also disabled. 

Of course, players managed without these boons, as they always do. But considering most of these recent additions shook up the PvE meta and readily incorporated into prep builds for the return of Crota's End, the changes left Guardians scrambling to find viable alternatives for the time-dependant race. Tack on the power disadvantage, which translates to less outgoing damage with increased incoming damage, absurd enemy density, and the fact that players were learning the updated content for the first time, and it's easy to see why this contest mode felt so much more complicated than the last.

Crota's just a regular raid boss now

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Back at full power, without the restrictions imposed by contest mode, Crota and his Raid isn't much to worry about. That's not to say that Guardians can race through without participating in each encounter's mechanics. But generally, it should mean there's a lot more flexibility between a group wipe and pulling through by the skin of your teeth. The leading threat players will face in Crota's End at its regular difficulty is coordination. 

All encounters revolve around receiving a specific buff, passing it around to other team members, and using it to interact with particular objects when needed. It's nothing too out of the ordinary for Destiny 2, but it does require clear communication and listening skills. Without the constant threat of death from the overpowered adds swarming the team, it'll just take a little practice. 

The Raid's bosses similarly cause less stress. Without the gear and mod restrictions, Guardians can access the exact build and abilities they want for any situation. And naturally, with the power disadvantage removed, all foes, including those pesky bosses like Crota, take more overall damage and deal less (so long as players' power level is higher than the contest mode's 1780 power gate).

While it's now mostly sunshine and rainbows, one crucial point for Crota is that his damage phase triggers via a finicky Destiny 2 mechanic: the Hive relic sword. Though contest mode often demanded the use of three relics before Crota's shield broke, the regular difficulty still requires two. These Hive relics are pretty hit or miss (no pun intended) regarding hit detection on Crota's giant form. However, once that shield finally comes down, he's now nothing more than just another Hive boss in a Raid. Bring a sword, Guardians.

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Titans have never had a hard time in Destiny 2, per se, but it's been a while since they've felt as good as a new Strand Aspect makes the class feel. Season 22 debuts the Banner of War Titan, and it's a force to be reckoned with. Not only does the Aspect lock in a constant stream of healing and buffs, but it is also almost infinitely customizable. Players can easily combine the Banner of War effects alongside their favorite Exotic weapons and armor. And, best of all, it fulfills the Titan power fantasy, encouraging Guardians to get right in the face of their enemies. 

After the last few sour notes for the community, this feels like a win. Bungie and the Destiny 2 community haven't been on the same page for a little bit, with tensions coming to a head following a disastrous State of the Game. Director Joe Blackburn even took to Twitter to try and placate players with promises of a surprise PvP map pack and new armor. Since then, the showcase for The Final Shape only managed to whelm fans. Thankfully, Season of the Witch kicked off immediately following the showcase and signals some key wins.

Now, players are diving into Season 22 and finding joy in new Artifact Mods, Exotic changes, and a new Strand Aspect for each class. While the additions for Hunter and Warlock are both powerful and welcome in their own way, Banner of War stands out among the crowd. 

What Makes Banner of War So Good?

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Strand Titans can equip two Aspects to augment how their Strand playstyle works. The newest addition, Banner of War, provides an ongoing healing pulse to the player and allies on top of increased melee, glaive, and sword damage. The Banner is raised after Titans defeat a foe with a melee, sword attack, glaive melee, or finisher, and more stacks are gained whenever targets are defeated near the Banner. The more stacks a Guardian has, the faster the healing effect pulses.

There are tons of viable builds that can use Banner of War as the foundation. Unsurprisingly, its flexibility and sheer power potential have started turning heads in the community. Destiny 2 notable Datto couldn't help but praise the Aspect in one of his videos. He even went as far as to question what it would take for his Titan to die. 

Titans can effectively keep this Banner up so long as there are enemies within range to kill. Even better is that any ally kills within range also refreshes the buff. So that means Titans can have near infinite regenerative pulses and increased melee, sword, and glaive damage as a baseline before incorporating any other powerful Exotic weapons or armor. See where this is going?

How to Make the Most of Banner of War

Depending on the playstyle a Titan is after, there's plenty of variety that can build upon what Banner of War does and sweeten the deal via supporting Exotics weapons and armor. It's important to note that there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution to this Aspect; it'll ultimately depend on how players want to engage against enemies and with what weapons. These represent just a couple of ideas out in the wild, and players should experiment to see what other synergies they can concoct. 

Plunder's War Storm

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If Titans want to do immense bursts of damage with only their melee, and they want to toss those melee attacks from the sky like some kind of vengeful harpy, this build is for you. Designed and showcased on YouTube by Destiny 2 build-crafter Plunderthabooty, the setup combines Flechette Storm as the second Strand Aspect, the Monte Carlo Exotic auto rifle, and Synthoceps Exotic arms.

The culmination of these pieces, along with some additionally recommended Strand Fragments and armor mods, offers Titans some absurd bonuses. Melee and Super damage is increased when surrounded by enemies -- which is bound to happen often when you're running around punching aliens and robots. Monte Carlo regenerates melee energy as shots hit enemies, a goldmine for ensuring those buffed powered melees are always available. 

Best of all, Flechette Storm lets Titans slide into a powered melee attack to leap into the air and perform a ranged, enhanced version of the powered melee. Of course, this is all underscored by additional melee damage and near-constant healing pulses, ala Banner of War.

Sword and Banner

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As Datto pointed out, another exceptional use for Banner of War is to make the most out of the underlying buffs it offers sword-users. Trade out Synthoceps for Stronghold, Flechette Storm for the Into the Fray Aspect, and Monte Carlo for The Lament Exotic sword. This setup takes advantage of Banner of War and the recent sword buffs that hit the game. Unfortunately, The Lament did not receive every Season 22 sword buff. Still, it was already a great weapon, and every little bit helps.

Guardians will have the peace of mind to engage primarily in sword combat because of the healing already provided by Banner of War. To ensure players feel extra safe, Stronghold offers its own health regen if Titans guard an attack before connecting with a swing. That's pretty safe, but then there's also the passive sword guard buffs now in effect that The Lament benefits from. Couldn't get any safer, right? Wrong. The Into the Fray Aspect grants Woven Mail, a 60% damage reduction, whenever Super is cast or a nearby Tangle is destroyed. 

So, at this point, players are just about unkillable. Couple this with the sword damage buffs from Banner of War, Stronghold, and The Lament, and Titans can ensure they won't just be there to soak up enemy fire. The only thing standing in a Guardian's way will be Heavy ammo. Make sure to pack your Ammo Finder mods.

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