Can You Play Destiny Without Buying Expansions?
Destiny 2 is a free-to-play first-person shooter game that has gained immense popularity among gamers worldwide. However, like many live-service games, Destiny 2 has a rich narrative and engaging gameplay that requires players to buy expansions to access its full potential. In this article, we’ll explore the question of whether you can play Destiny without buying expansions and what you can expect from the game without these additional content packs.
Can You Play Destiny 2 Without Buying Expansions?
In a nutshell, yes, you can play Destiny 2 without buying expansions. The base game provides a substantial amount of content, including a story campaign, Strikes, and Crucible (PvP) multiplayer modes. However, if you’re looking to experience the game’s endgame content, including Raids, Nightfalls, and activities like the Destiny 2 Lightfall, you’ll need to purchase expansions.
What Can You Play Without Buying Expansions?
Here are some activities and features that you can access without buying expansions:
- Base Game Campaign: The main story campaign is available in the base game, taking you through the events that unfolded in the original Destiny and setting the stage for the story in Destiny 2.
- Strikes: Strikes are co-op missions that you can play with friends, designed for three players.
- Crucible (PvP): You can play against other players in the Crucible, the game’s competitive multiplayer mode.
- Trophies and Collections: You can collect trophies, including Legendary and Exotic items, and participate in various activities like public events and Patrols.
What Can’t You Play Without Buying Expansions?
Here are some activities and features that require you to buy expansions:
- Raids: Raids are endgame activities that require coordination with a team of players to defeat powerful enemies and earn rewards. They are available only with expansions.
- Nightfalls: Nightfalls are a type of strike that is more challenging and rewarding than regular strikes. They are available only with expansions.
- Lightfall and Other Activities: Activities like the Destiny 2 Lightfall, a new destination in the game, require the purchase of an expansion.
- New Characters and Playstyles: New characters, playstyles, and game modes are often introduced in expansions, giving you access to new ways to play the game.
Benefits of Buying Expansions
While you can play Destiny 2 without buying expansions, here are some benefits you’ll gain by purchasing them:
- New Content and Activities: Expansions add new storylines, characters, and activities to the game, giving you more reasons to play and explore.
- Access to Endgame Content: Expansions provide access to endgame activities like Raids and Nightfalls, which offer challenging gameplay and better rewards.
- Improved Storyline and Character Development: Expansions deepen the game’s narrative and character development, providing a more immersive experience.
Conclusion
While you can play Destiny 2 without buying expansions, you’ll miss out on a significant portion of the game’s content and endgame activities. If you’re looking to experience the game’s full potential, consider purchasing expansions. However, if you’re new to the game, you can start with the base game and gradually purchase expansions as you progress.
Table: Activities and Features by Expansion
| Activity/Feature | Base Game | Shadowkeep | Beyond Light | Witch Queen | Lightfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Story Campaign | |||||
| Strikes | |||||
| Crucible (PvP) | |||||
| Raids | |||||
| Nightfalls | |||||
| Lightfall and Other Activities |
Note: | represents availability, with the expansion being required for access.
Key Takeaways
- You can play Destiny 2 without buying expansions, but you’ll miss out on endgame content and activities.
- Expansions provide new characters, playstyles, and game modes, giving you more reasons to play.
- If you’re new to the game, consider starting with the base game and gradually purchasing expansions as you progress.
- Raids, Nightfalls, and Lightfall activities require the purchase of an expansion.