Destiny 2 Free Expansion Access And Post-Launch Content Structure

Bungie has announced a significant promotional period for Destiny 2, offering temporary free access to three major story expansions. This initiative provides an opportunity for both new and returning players to experience substantial narrative content and gameplay mechanics without an upfront purchase. The promotional access covers the Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, and The Witch Queen expansions. According to official announcements, this offer was active from Tuesday, May 7, 2024, through Monday, June 3, 2024. This timeframe allowed players a limited window to download and play the campaigns before the release of The Final Shape.

Following the conclusion of the free promotional period, Bungie implemented a permanent change to the accessibility of specific content. The story campaigns for Shadowkeep and Beyond Light, along with the Stasis subclass introduced in Beyond Light, were made permanently free to all players. This structural change distinguishes the narrative experience from the endgame activities associated with these expansions. Players who engage with the free campaigns will encounter the core storylines but will require specific paid packs to access the associated raids, dungeons, and high-tier loot.

Shadowkeep Campaign and Permanent Free Access

The Shadowkeep expansion, originally released in 2019, focuses on the Moon destination and the resurgence of Nightmares. The narrative involves investigating the Scarlet Keep and confronting manifestations of past traumas. Prior to the update on June 4, 2024, Shadowkeep was a paid expansion. The campaign is now permanently free for all Destiny 2 players.

For players seeking the complete Shadowkeep experience beyond the free campaign, Bungie introduced the Shadowkeep Pack. This paid DLC pack replaces portions of the original expansion. It is required to access the endgame activities and loot introduced during the Shadowkeep era. The Shadowkeep Pack grants access to:

• The Garden of Salvation raid.
• The Pit of Heresy dungeon.
• The Scarlet Keep Nightfall strike.
• Nightmare Hunts.
• A collection of Exotic weapons and armor pieces originally released with Shadowkeep and its associated season.

Existing owners of the original Shadowkeep expansion automatically received access to the contents of the Shadowkeep Pack upon its release. The pack is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Steam, and the Epic Games Store.

Beyond Light Campaign and Stasis Subclass

Beyond Light, released in 2020, introduced the Europa destination and the Darkness-based Stasis subclass. The story campaign involves facing the Fallen Kell Eramis and learning to wield the new elemental power. Like Shadowkeep, the Beyond Light campaign is now permanently free to all players.

The Stasis subclass, which allows for freezing and shattering enemies, is also permanently free. Previously, unlocking Stasis required completing the Beyond Light campaign and a lengthy questline; this is now included in the free offering.

To access the full suite of endgame content from the Beyond Light era, players can purchase the Beyond Light Pack. This pack provides access to the specific activities and gear that are not included in the free campaign offering. The Beyond Light Pack includes:

• The Deep Stone Crypt raid.
• The Glassway and Proving Grounds Nightfall strikes.
• Exotic weapons and armor pieces released during the Beyond Light era.

The Witch Queen Expansion Details

The Witch Queen expansion, released in 2022, introduced the Throne World destination and the Glaive weapon type. The campaign is widely regarded for its narrative depth and challenging gameplay. During the promotional period (May 7 to June 3, 2024), The Witch Queen was available to all players at no cost.

It is important to note that the source material does not indicate that The Witch Queen campaign became permanently free following the promotional period. The permanent free content structure specifically mentions Shadowkeep and Beyond Light. Therefore, access to The Witch Queen campaign likely reverted to a paid requirement after June 3, 2024, unless players own the expansion or purchase it through other bundles.

Year 6 Seasons and Content Retention

In addition to the three expansions, Bungie offered free access to four seasons released during the Year 6 cycle (the year of Lightfall). These seasons include:

• Season of Defiance
• Season of the Deep
• Season of the Witch
• Season of the Wish

This free access was also limited to the promotional window ending June 3, 2024. These seasons provided narrative quests, seasonal activities, and unique rewards.

A key benefit of the free access was the retention of unlocked items. Any weapons, armor, cosmetics, or other items unlocked during the free promotional period were retained by the players even after the period ended. This allows players to keep the gear they earned while they had access to the activities.

New Expansion Bundles and Legacy Collection

Following the changes to free access, Bungie introduced new expansion bundles to streamline purchasing for players. These bundles consolidate older content into single purchases.

The Destiny 2: Legacy Collection 2024 is a comprehensive bundle that includes:

• Destiny 2: Lightfall
• Destiny 2: The Witch Queen
• Destiny 2: Bungie 30th Anniversary Pack
• Destiny 2: Beyond Light Pack
• Destiny 2: Shadowkeep Pack
• Destiny 2: Forsaken Pack

This bundle is designed for players who wish to purchase the complete library of past expansions and packs rather than buying them individually. It includes the paid packs required to access the endgame activities for the free campaigns (Beyond Light Pack and Shadowkeep Pack) as well as the narrative content for Lightfall and The Witch Queen.

Community Reaction and Availability

The announcement of free access to Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, and The Witch Queen generated a positive response within the Destiny 2 community. Discussions on social platforms highlighted the value of the offer for players who had previously missed these expansions or were considering returning to the game. The shift from a paid model to offering permanent free campaigns was viewed as a welcoming gesture for new Guardians.

The promotional access was available across all supported platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. Players were advised to claim and play the content during the specified window to experience the campaigns at no cost. For those seeking the full endgame experience after the promotional period, the specific packs (Shadowkeep Pack, Beyond Light Pack) or the Legacy Collection 2024 provide the necessary access to raids, dungeons, and exclusive loot.

Conclusion

Bungie has permanently altered the entry point for Destiny 2 by making the Shadowkeep and Beyond Light campaigns, as well as the Stasis subclass, free to all players. This allows the community to experience significant narrative arcs and gameplay mechanics without an initial purchase. The Witch Queen campaign was available for free during a limited promotional window in May and June 2024. Players wishing to access the endgame activities, such as raids and dungeons, associated with these expansions must purchase the specific Shadowkeep Pack or Beyond Light Pack, or acquire them through the Destiny 2: Legacy Collection 2024 bundle. All items earned during the free promotional period remain in the player's inventory.

Sources

1. ZLeague.gg - Destiny 2 Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, and Witch Queen Now Free
2. The Game Post - Three Destiny 2 Expansions Free Until Final Shape
3. Destiny 2 Wiki - Shadowkeep Pack