A retrospective into the most influential changes in the game’s development history
Since its launch in 2017, Destiny 2 has evolved from a rocky sequel into the fantastic sci-fi epic it is today. Each expansion has brought major content drops, introduced new mechanics, and shaped the larger universe of the game. With the release of The Final Shape, Bungie closes out the Light and Darkness saga, giving us the perfect moment to look back and rank every Destiny 2 expansion from worst to best. This list is just about major expansions and not just specific dungeons or events!
If you’re trying to enjoy your trip through Destiny 2’s history through playing its expansions but are having difficulties due to the high power level requirement to play through some of these areas. I would recommend you get a Destiny 2 carry service.
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Curse of Osiris (2017)
What it Added:
- Mercury as a patrol zone
- Infinite Forest activity
- New story centered on Osiris and the Vex
- Two short strikes (reskinned from story missions)
Why it Ranks Lowest:
Curse of Osiris is widely regarded as Destiny 2’s weakest expansion. While the story itself surrounding Osiris was intriguing, the expansion’s execution was underwhelming. Mercury was a tiny, unmemorable destination, and the Infinite Forest — while conceptually interesting — was repetitive and lacked variety.
Additionally, the story missions were brief, and much of the content felt recycled. The community backlash was strong, and Bungie had to pivot hard after this release to regain players’ trust.
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Shadowkeep (2019)
What it Added:
- The Moon returns (revamped from Destiny 1)
- Nightmare Hunts
- The introduction of Armor 2.0
- Seasonal model begins in earnest
- Hive-centric story with Eris Morn
Why it Falls Short:
Shadowkeep was important for the franchise — it marked Bungie’s first solo release after parting ways with Activision. However, the expansion suffered from limited content and an unfocused narrative. The Moon was nostalgic but mostly reused space.
While Nightmare Hunts were decent, they lacked the staying power of Strikes or other activities. The Armor 2.0 system was a meaningful change but came with a confusing mod system. Overall, it felt like a transitional expansion rather than a blockbuster release.
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Beyond Light (2020)
What it Added:
- Europa as a new destination
- Introduction of Stasis, the first Darkness subclass
- Deep Stone Crypt raid
- Major narrative shift toward the Darkness
Why it’s Middle-tier:
Beyond Light was a massive change for Destiny 2. For the first time, Guardians wielded the Darkness, opening up new possibilities in gameplay and lore. Europa was a beautiful, dynamic zone, and the Deep Stone Crypt raid is a fan-favorite.
However, Beyond Light also came with the controversial content vaulting of several destinations and campaigns. Stasis dominated PvP for months, leading to balance chaos. Despite these flaws, it set the foundation for future success and gave Destiny 2 some much-needed narrative momentum.
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The Final Shape (2024)
What it Added:
- The Pale Heart destination
- Prismatic subclasses (Light + Darkness fusion)
- A narrative conclusion to the Light and Darkness saga
- Memorable campaign missions
- New raid: Salvation’s Edge
Why it Earns a Mid-high Rank:
The Final Shape had the immense burden of wrapping up nearly a decade’s worth of story — and, for the most part, it delivered. The campaign was emotionally resonant, with strong character arcs for Zavala, Ikora, and Cayde. The Pale Heart was a visually surreal location that tied the narrative to a thematic core: memory, identity, and hope.
While the expansion is still fresh, its early impact has been strong. Prismatic builds brought a new depth to customization, and the Salvation’s Edge raid challenged even veteran fireteams. Some players have raised concerns about content longevity, but for now, The Final Shape holds its ground as a strong finale.
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Warmind (2018)
What it added:
- Mars as a destination
- Escalation Protocol activity
- Introduction of Ana Bray
- Hive-focused story with Rasputin
Why it Ranks High Despite its Size:
Though smaller than most other expansions, Warmind was a significant course correction after Curse of Osiris. It gave players new challenges, lore-rich content, and the fan-favorite Escalation Protocol—a wave-based public event that laid the groundwork for future world activities.
Ana Bray’s introduction and the deepening lore around Rasputin enriched the game’s universe. Bungie began showing signs that they were listening more closely to player feedback, paving the way for Forsaken.
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Lightfall (2023)
What it Added:
- Neomuna (on Neptune)
- Strand subclass
- Legendary Campaign difficulty
- Root of Nightmares raid
Why it’s Controversial — But Ambitious!:
Lightfall was divisive at launch. Many players criticized its story, which leaned into 1980s cyberpunk aesthetics and left major lore threads unresolved. The character of Nimbus also polarized fans. However, under the surface, Lightfall was crucial for mechanics and pacing.
Strand was an exciting new subclass that eventually became one of the game’s most versatile. The Legendary Campaign introduced a higher challenge standard. Over time, with seasonal updates and balance passes, Lightfall proved to be more than its messy launch suggested — earning it a higher rank than initially expected.
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Witch Queen (2022)
What it Added:
- Savathûn’s Throne World
- Legendary Campaign mode (debut)
- Glaives as a new weapon archetype
- Weapon crafting
- Vow of the Disciple raid
Why it Nearly Highest the List:
The Witch Queen was a triumphant return to form. Savathûn, a fan-favorite villain, took center stage in a story that finally delivered on Destiny’s long-promised narrative depth. The Legendary Campaign became an instant hit, offering both challenge and replayability.
Weapon crafting gave players greater control over their loadouts, and glaives introduced a new, hybrid playstyle. The raid, Vow of the Disciple, was visually stunning and mechanically rich. The expansion rekindled community excitement and set new standards for storytelling in Destiny.
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Forsaken (2018)
What it Added:
- Tangled Shore and Dreaming City
- The Scorn enemy faction
- Uldren Sov and Cayde-6’s death
- Nine-Baron hunt campaign
- Last Wish raid and the Shattered Throne dungeon
- Gambit mode
Why it’s still #1:
Even years later, Forsaken remains Destiny 2’s gold standard. It redefined what an expansion could be, delivering a gritty revenge tale, open-ended world-building, and content that reshaped the game’s structure. Cayde’s death gave the story weight, while Uldren’s redemption arc added emotional nuance.
The Dreaming City introduced Destiny’s first evolving destination, with secrets that unfolded week to week. Last Wish remains one of the most complex and beloved raids in Destiny history. Although Forsaken’s campaign has since been vaulted, its legacy lives on in every part of the game.
In conclusion
Destiny 2’s journey through its expansions has been anything but linear. From missteps like Curse of Osiris to triumphs like Forsaken and The Witch Queen, each expansion has left a distinct mark on the game’s history. Some introduced revolutionary features; others fumbled but paved the way for future improvements. Players can look back and appreciate the bumpy, brilliant path Bungie has taken. And while the story arc may be over, Destiny 2’s legacy continues — with new frontiers likely on the horizon.
