Destiny 2 is pulling no punches when it comes to trying to build hype for its upcoming expansion The Final Shape. With that, Bungie has decided to do something almost unprecedented in the history of Destiny, offering the three previous expansions for free for a limited time. Unfortunately, while old Destiny 2 expansions and seasons are free-to-play until The Final Shape drops, but the best parts are still gatekept.
A Brief moment of freedom for Guardians
The announcement was made alongside the weekly updates (this particular one bringing the next Pantheon boss) and showed off a lot. Players who play Destiny 2 from May 7 to the release of The Final Shape on June 3 can experience the Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, and Witchqueen expansions.
Along with this, players can try out the subclass tied to Beyond Light, Stasis during this interval. Sadly, unless you have the game on PlayStation grab Lightfall for free during May, you’ll have to pay for the expansion to even try out Strand. Exotic weapons and armor will also be obtainable during this free trial period, further increasing the benefits of playing Destiny 2 right now. But with so many things to try out for players, which ones will you keep, and which ones will be taken from you?
What do you keep after temporary free-to-play Destiny 2 expansions?
Let’s start on a brighter side and talk about the things free-to-play players will get to keep once The Final Shape drops. Due to the nature of how you get these items, you will keep any Exotic armor and gear you obtain during your time with the open-access expansions.
This is extremely helpful for those players who haven’t had a chance to grab Witherhoard, even more so for certain pieces of Exotic armor. Of course, any other weapons or gear you get during this time will also follow you into the Traveller for The Final Shape.
Should you happen to have PS Plus and snag the Lightfall expansion along with the four seasons, you will keep any rewards you can earn from the season pass before the end of May. Now let’s sour the mood and see what Bungie is taking away from people when the end of the Light and Dark saga releases.
What gets removed after temporary free-to-play Destiny 2 expansions?
It seems Bungie is treating this open access period almost equatable to using cross-save on a platform without the expansions. If you own Lightfall on PC, play the legendary story, unlock Strand and the free Exotic, then attempt to cross-save to your PS5 that doesn’t own Lightfall, you will keep the Exotic but lose Strand.
The open access period for these three expansions works the same way, and things such as the Stasis subclass and the ability to play/replay any of the campaigns will be locked once The Final Shape launches.
Additionally, if you are a PS Plus subscriber and have been enjoying the free Lightfall expansion along with these, you will lose access to Strand and the subsequent campaign if you decide to let your subscription expire. And if you thought you would be getting access to any of the raids/dungeons from these expansions for free, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
It seems this open-access event is being used as a catch-up for anyone who doesn’t want to watch the great Byf lore videos and play the story for themselves. Which is nice, especially since players will be able to keep those Exotics should they earn them.
However, the sentiment from a good portion of the community questions why Bungie is still trying to nickel and dime their fans for four and five year-old expansions, instead of giving away a couple of them for free permanently. But for the time being, you can enjoy the expansions and make sure you play them in the right order.
