Summary

  • Bungie plans to overhaul Destiny 2's armor system for Codename: Frontiers with stat reworks and set bonuses.
  • The changes are intended to make the armor system less confusing and a more active part of buildcrafting.
  • While exotic armor will largely be unchanged and old armor will see a few tweaks, Bungie will address vault space issues.

Bungie reveals ambitious plans to completely overhaul Destiny 2's armor system with Codename: Frontiers which reworks stat values, while also adding archetypes and set bonuses. The countdown is now on as Episode Revenant is officially ready to launch next week on October 8. However, Bungie has revealed a ton of new information about the upcoming Destiny 2 episode, helping to set player expectations.

This week has been a big one for fans, as Bungie's latest showcase placed a major spotlight on Episode Revenant and all the new Destiny 2 content. In addition to making the entire Act 1 story available at launch, players will be interacting with characters like Mithrax and Eido while undertaking a new mechanic centered on potion brewing that offers limited time combat bonuses. In addition to new weapons and armor, Bungie is adding Onslaught: Salvation, an updated version of the activity that adds new enemy types with three maps and additional twists to help the mode standout a bit more. However, alongside the showcase, Bungie also revealed new details regarding the studio's long-term plans for overhauling the current armor system.

destiny 2 crucible logo
Destiny 2 Announces Major Changes for the Crucible

Bungie reveals major changes coming to the PvP modes of Destiny 2's Crucible, while also teasing new content launching with Episode: Revenant.

In a new developer blog, Bungie confirmed a major overhaul coming to Destiny 2's current armor system alongside the launch of Codename: Frontiers next summer. In order to make the armor system less confusing and a more active part of buildcrafting, Bungie is completely reworking stat mechanics to hopefully prevent what the studio calls the "lock-in" effect when a player finds the perfect combination of stat values. Stat effects will be capped at 200 and no longer offer tiered bonuses every 10 points. Some stats are also seeing bigger changes, like Strength and Discipline and Bungie even confirmed that some Legendary armor will have Stat Archetypes baked in to offer bonuses to specific types.

Destiny 2 Armor Rework Also Adding Set Bonuses

Alongside those stat changes, Bungie also confirmed the introduction of Set Bonus modifiers as well. With Codename: Frontier, armor will lean more into themes and offer players bonuses for having 2 or 4 pieces equipped at the same time. The perks themselves will highlight specific playstyles, and have been integrated to account for players utilizing Destiny 2's extensive exotic armor as well. While subject to change, Bungie listed a few examples of what they're crafting:

Theme

Perk 1 (2 Armor Pieces)

Perk 2 (4 Armor Pieces)

Tex Mechanica

Shooting from the hip increases movement speed and weapon handling. Scoring hits increases the effect.

Tex Mechanica weapons have increased range and accuracy when hipfired.

Nonstop Aggression

Final blows with freshly reloaded weapons heal the player.

Damaging a target with a Shotgun or Fusion Rifle increases the damage it takes from those weapons for a short time.

Demolitions Expert

Direct hits with explosive weapons temporarily increases their reload speed.

Repeated direct hits with explosive weapons temporarily increase grenade ability damage.

Vanguard Operative

Activating the grenade gives you and nearby allies damage resistance against combatants.

Defeating Champions with a finisher generates Special ammo for the player and their fireteam.

Naturally, Bungie anticipated a number of player questions as a result of these changes. Bungie has confirmed that exotic armor is largely going to be left alone for now, though the studio is planning one meaninful updates as part of the roadmap. Old armor isn't going to see much in the way of changes either, though with the stat mechanics and types being global changes, players will likely notice a few tweaks. One of the big issues with Destiny 2 is vault space, with Bungie confirming that it is aware of "vault pressure" being a real problem for many players. While the studio is considering adding more space, the team is looking into longer term solutions that it hopes to have resolved around the time the second expansion called Codename:Behemoth is ready to launch.

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Top Critic Avg: 84 /100 Critics Rec: 88%
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Released
August 28, 2017
ESRB
T For TEEN for Blood, Language, and Violence
Developer(s)
Bungie
Publisher(s)
Bungie
Engine
Tiger Engine
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
Cross-Platform Play
PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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Dive into the world of Destiny 2 to explore the mysteries of the solar system and experience responsive first-person shooter combat. Unlock powerful elemental abilities and collect unique gear to customize your Guardian's look and playstyle. Enjoy Destiny 2’s cinematic story, challenging co-op missions, and a variety of PvP modes alone or with friends. Download for free today and write your legend in the stars.

An Immersive Story
You are a Guardian, defender of the Last City of humanity in a solar system under siege by infamous villains. Look to the stars and stand against the darkness. Your legend begins now.

Guardian Classes
Choose from the armored Titan, mystic Warlock, or swift Hunter.

Cross Save
yes
Expansions
Destiny 2: Forsaken, Destiny 2: Shadowkeep, Destiny 2: Beyond Light, Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, Destiny 2: Lightfall
Franchise
Destiny
Number of Players
1-6 (Co-Op)
Steam Deck Compatibility
no
Genre(s)
FPS
How Long To Beat
100+
X|S Optimized
YES
PS Plus Availability
Essential, Extra, & Premium (The Witch Queen)
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty