Summary
- Destiny 2 game director Joe Blackburn reveals a reworked shader system, addressing a major criticism that the shader icons do not accurately represent the colors that will be applied.
- The upcoming shader rework will ensure that all colors are represented in each icon to better showcase what will appear.
- The new shader system is set to debut alongside Destiny 2's The Final Shape expansion on February 27, 2024, giving players a more accurate depiction of how shaders will impact their weapons, vehicles, and armor.
Destiny 2 game director Joe Blackburn reveals an upcoming shader rework during a recent stream. While not quite as extensive as some other RPG titles, like Starfield or Cyberpunk 2077, Destiny 2 does allow players to express themselves through various cosmetic options. In addition to various armor sets and weapons, Destiny 2 players can use a transmog system to change the appearance of their armor without having to change the armor stats and mods. Ornaments are another popular way to customize the appearance of exotic gear, though acquiring these items typically involves interacting with the in-game store and using premium currency.
For most players, shaders are an easy way to change the look of armor and weapons through their color. The shader system has seen plenty of changes over the years, initially launching as a consumable that could run out, to now being a permanent unlock through Eververse, completing certain objectives in higher end activities like Crota's End, or earned through seasonal vendor progression. However, the system hasn't always been flawless, with a major criticism being that the shader icons don't always do a good enough job indicating the primary colors that will be applied.
Thankfully, Destiny 2 game director Joe Blackburn has heard this feedback and revealed plans to fix it. On Datto's "Name That Shader" event on Twitch, Blackburn took the opportunity to announce an upcoming shader rework that essentially changes the icon to better reflect which colors are prominently used when applied. The intent is to fix many of the current Destiny 2 shaders which don't always showcase how they're going to impact weapons, vehicles, and armor like Emrita's Dream, Jacarina, and Amethyst Veil to name a few.
Blackburn revealed that the team is changing the icons so that all colors are represented in each one so that the more prominent ones take up a larger part of the shader and the hidden colors now appear as well. The plan is to debut this new shader system alongside Destiny 2's The Final Shape expansion, likely with the update that typically goes out on the expansion launch day. As such, players should see the new shaders take form on February 27, 2024.
In the meantime, players have been attempting to unlock the long requested all black shader known as Twilight Keepsake. As part of this year's Festival of the Lost limited time event, players first have to finish three objectives to unlock the associated Twilight Triumph and Lost Memento. This involves wearing certain masks while completing specific activities. Upon claiming the triumph once finished, the memento and shader will unlock and be available to use when crafting a weapon.
Destiny 2 is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.