30 years in the industry is a long time for any game developer, especially when you have such a rich and storied history such as the one surrounding Bungie. Contributing some of the most influential and important mechanics into gaming as well as being largely responsible for the success of the original Xbox, there are enough stories to tell about them to fill a book.

Destiny 2 is currently at an all-time high and we are mere months away from one of the biggest major updates to the franchise we have ever seen. Due to the pandemic however, the current season was extended to allow more time for the Witch Queen’s development cycle so this anniversary pack couldn’t have hit at a better time.

Before Destiny was around, Bungie had created a series of first-person shooters called ‘Marathon’, a pair of strategy games named ‘Myth’ and a little franchise called ‘Halo’. Each additional release helped build the Bungie we know today and what better way to celebrate their past by combining their history into the Destiny universe. Since their current platform is an MMO-FPS that is all about the loot, the design team have been let loose to make some eye-popping armour ornaments and the new weapon pool is a sight to behold. If that wasn’t enough to get the fans all hot and bothered, a new 3-man Dungeon, 6-man matchmaking activity and 2 brand new Seals to work on are all launching day 1 of the DLC with more content on the way for the Dawning event in a few weeks.

I may as well address the Elephant in the room because if you are an avid fan of Destiny 2 or had any substantial time in Destiny 1, you may have heard about the “Gjallarhorn” making its Destiny 2 debut. After four years, without the most infamous Exotic Rocket Launcher, some say this day may have never come but I can tell you it is as beautiful as the day I lost it. Alongside its return to the fold, a newcomer in the mix is Destiny’s first-ever special ammo sidearm. This beast of a weapon is aptly named “Forerunner” and is almost a one-to-one remake of the iconic Halo 1 pistol in look and feel, it couldn’t be a better nod to their Halo history if they tried.

The two exotic weapons have already set the bar pretty high but there is a list of legendary weapons being thrown in the mix as well to cover all situations. Firstly, the BXR-55 Battler is as close as you will ever get to the Halo 2 battle rifle in Destiny.

The new perk that can roll with it, Perpetual motion, allows this 3 shot burst weapon to be as effective at shooting from the hip as if you were playing Halo. Two adaptative frame swords have been added in as well named “Half-Truths” and “The Other Half” which if set side by side will resemble the Energy Sword synonymous with the Elites from Halo. A vortex frame Arc Sword named the “Hero of Ages” is a direct pull in design from Myth and a Kinetic shotgun named “Wastelander M5” pays homage to Marathon.

Since you are now equipped and feeling like a badass, you may as well look the part too, I mean, after all, the Destiny end game is all about the fashion. A set of armour ornaments for each class is awarded at the start of the DLC which if they sold alone would probably cost the same amount as what this DLC cost.

This streetwear gear set brings a more casual look to your guardians. For a more combat focus look, the Dungeon offers a spiky Thorn themed armour set and the 6-man matchmaking activated leads to a Marathon themed armour set. I can safely say, it is a very good time in Destiny to look and feel like a badass.

The crowning jewel of this DLC is the “Grasp of Avarice”, a Dungeon that is literally kicked off by recreating the Loot cave exploit found in Destiny 1, 7 years ago! Without a doubt, this was the funniest day one experience of any Dungeon before it, with a loose pirate theme surrounding the loot hoarding aspect to the game, the encounters, booby traps and music all offered a fantastic addition.

This is also the first Dungeon to offer a legendary and master version excluding the exotic missions such as “Presage” or “Harbinger”. If you manage to beat Captain Averokk then you could get your hands on returning favourites such as the “1000-Yard Stare” sniper rifle or the “Eyasluna” hand cannon.

The team at Bungie have clearly gone all out and have loosened the reins of the serious tone with the Dares of Eternity activity. Xur, alongside Starhorse, an ethereal manifestation of the Nine are your hosts of this chaotic game show inspired activity.

Battle against random sets of enemies determined by a wheel of death, fight your way through wacky obstacle courses and face a collection of old school Destiny bosses with a chance of a lightning round at the end. All of this leads to showers of loot, keys and the returning strange coins for a rewarding loop of gameplay.

Front end loading this DLC was the spark that was sorely needed in an extremely long season by Destiny standards. Being able to work on the “Moments of Triumph” and “Anniversary Seals” will also naturally guide you on a tour of all things that are set to be vaulted at the end of Season 15 as well.

For an event that could have been something simple, Bungie has exceeded all expectation and have delivered one of the best DLC’s in Destiny’s History not including a major expansion.

Written by: Shane Fletcher