Gamescom 2021: Destiny 2 The Witch Queen Announcement

25 August, 2021 - 11:41 am by Joseph Whitfield
About 6 mins to read

Bungie have gone all out for the next expansion to Destiny 2. As well as detailing The Witch Queen expansion itself, we’ve been given updates for the next season that lays the seeds for the next chapeter in the game. Oh and that season starts today. We’ve also been given a look at how Bungie intends to celebrate being in the business for 30 years as well as a few other surprises.

First up we have the reveal trailer for Destiny 2 The Witch Queen, where we find out that all important release date of 22nd February 2022. We also know that Cross-play has been enabled right now, so you can now team up with Guardians on the other platforms.

The Witch Queen Expansion

It seems that for years, Savathûn’s schemes have unfolded, as she has assumed the identities of trusted allies and woven a web of lies that has spanned the galaxy. With The Witch Queen, Guardians will learn the truth behind her infernal plans and face a challenge unlike any they’ve encountered before: Enemies who are infused with the very Light that Guardians hold dear.

That means one thing – Hive Guardians are coming to the game. These enemies have had the darkness mixed with the Light to create some formidable enemies. Along with Hive Ghosts, the Guardians of the Witch Queen are a group of enemies you really want to avoid… Unless you’re confident you can bring them down.

Of course The Witch Queen will bring new challenges, maps, raids and six-player activities, but one important, and requested feature will also becoming to the game, Weapon crafting. Forge weapons will allow you to make unique combinations of mods, stats and shaders. To help you understand how the system works, a new weapon type has been announced – the Glaive. This is the first 1^st person melee weapon, which will be capable of powerful melee attacks and mid-range blasts, as well as shielding.

All of this is available now for preorder and will be available on 22nd February. But before then…

Season of the Lost

Starting today, the next season in Destiny 2 has been announced as Season of the Lost and will run until the 22nd February. It acts a prologue to The Witch Queen so is well worth exploring this new story before heading into new territory. Here’s the synopsis from the PR:

After a prolonged absence, Mara Sov, Queen of the Awoken, has finally returned to the Dreaming City. And although her return is unexpected, her intention is clear: to seek an audience with Savathûn, the Witch Queen.So begins the next chapter in Destiny 2’s ongoing narrative, as forces converge, unlikely partnerships are formed, and mysteries deepen. Season of the Lost begins today, offering players new adventures to take part in, new activities to try, and more

As part of the new season, there is a new exotic weapon quest where players search for a weapon originally intended for Mara Sov’s Brother, Uldren. Ager’s Scepter holds the keys to areas of the Shattered Realm a previously barred location. The mission is to avoid the Awoken security and reach the Exotic weapon before it falls into the wrong hands.

Bungie’s 30th Anniversary

To celebrate the company’s 30th year, celebrations will be held in Destiny 2 from December. There will be a free 6-player matchmade activity, and new missions which will unlock collectible rewards that commemorate the last three decades of Bungie’s history.

There is a paid upgrade bundle which will add in a few extras, but we’ve detailed them below.

Finally, let’s have a look at what’s included in the deluxe editions. These are the extras on top of what’s already been outlined above. Meaning, there are still perks for players if you didn’t want to splash the extra cash.

Destiny 2: The Witch Queen Deluxe Edition

The Destiny 2: The Witch Queen Deluxe Edition is available to pre-order now and includes:

Destiny 2: The Witch Queen expansion + All Year-5 Season Passes (4 Seasons Total)
Access to two Dungeons released in Year 5
Throne World Exotic Ghost Shell and Legendary emblem
The Enigma Exotic emote
Exotic Submachine Gun with Exotic catalyst and ornament
Throne World Exotic Sparrow

30th Anniversary Bundle

In addition, Bungie lifted the lid on the Bungie 30th Anniversary Bundle, which is also available for pre-order and includes:

New Dungeon
Gjallarhorn Exotic Rocket Launcher with Exotic catalyst and ornament
New weapons inspired by past Bungie worlds
Thorn armour set
Bungie streetwear ornament set
Marathon-themed ornament set
Unique helmet ornament
Exotic Sparrows
Exotic ship
Emblems, shaders and emotes

Both The Witch Queen Expansion and the 30th Anniversary bundle can be purchased together or separately. The total cost of the joint bundle is around £89.

For even more oomph, there will be a tangible collectors edition which will have all of the content for The Witch Queen, plus the 30th Anniversary as digital keys for the platform of choice. It’ll also contain physical a hidden psychic investigation kit, Hive Ghost replica, hidden keycard, lore booklet, and other mysteries from Savathûn’s Throne World.

And Finally…

If that wasn’t enough we’ve been given this teaser for where Destiny 2 will head next year. Of course this is only a teaser image, but Bungie are keen to close out the 10 year story which started with the first game back in 2014… Only 2 more years left…

Destiny 2 The Witch Queen will release on PlayStation, Xbox & PC from 22nd February 2022. Cross-play and Season of the Lost is available now and the base game is free to play so you can try before you buy.