Was Destiny 2 Always Free?
Destiny 2, a popular online first-person shooter video game developed by Bungie, has undergone significant changes since its release in 2017. One of the most notable changes is the shift from a pay-to-play model to a free-to-play model. In this article, we will explore the history of Destiny 2’s pricing model and answer the question: Was Destiny 2 always free?
Early Days: Pay-to-Play
When Destiny 2 was first released in 2017, it was a pay-to-play game, meaning players had to purchase the game and its expansions to access its content. The standard edition of the game was available for $59.99 USD, and players could purchase additional content, such as expansions and DLCs, separately.
The Shift to Free-to-Play
In 2019, Bungie announced that Destiny 2 would be transitioning to a free-to-play model. This change was implemented to make the game more accessible to a wider audience and to attract new players. As part of this transition, the game’s base game and its first two expansions, Curse of Osiris and Warmind, became free to play.
Free-to-Play Content
Under the free-to-play model, Destiny 2 offers a range of content for players to enjoy, including:
- Story Missions: The game’s main story missions are available for free, allowing players to experience the game’s narrative without having to purchase additional content.
- Strike Missions: Strike missions, which are shorter, more action-packed missions, are also available for free.
- Raids: Raids, which are cooperative missions that require players to work together to complete challenging objectives, are available for free.
- PvP: The game’s competitive multiplayer mode, PvP, is also available for free.
Premium Content
While the base game and its first two expansions are free to play, additional content, such as expansions and DLCs, requires a purchase. These premium content packs offer new storylines, characters, and game modes, and are available for purchase through the game’s store.
Table: Destiny 2’s Pricing Model
| Content | Price |
|---|---|
| Base Game | Free |
| Curse of Osiris | Free |
| Warmind | Free |
| Forsaken | $39.99 USD |
| Shadowkeep | $39.99 USD |
| Season Pass | $19.99 USD |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Destiny 2 was not always free. When it was first released, it was a pay-to-play game, and players had to purchase the game and its expansions to access its content. However, in 2019, Bungie transitioned the game to a free-to-play model, making its base game and first two expansions free to play. While premium content, such as expansions and DLCs, still requires a purchase, the game’s core content is now accessible to a wider audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between free-to-play and pay-to-play?
- Free-to-play games allow players to access the game’s core content without a purchase, while pay-to-play games require a purchase to access the game’s content.
- Why did Bungie transition Destiny 2 to a free-to-play model?
- Bungie transitioned Destiny 2 to a free-to-play model to make the game more accessible to a wider audience and to attract new players.
- What content is available for free in Destiny 2?
- The game’s base game, story missions, strike missions, raids, and PvP are available for free.
- What content requires a purchase in Destiny 2?
- Additional content, such as expansions and DLCs, requires a purchase through the game’s store.