It’s completely normal for ongoing live-service games like Destiny 2 to fluctuate between highs and lows in player counts between the game’s major updates. As more and more players complete everything each past update has to offer, it’s typical for many to take a break, and then return en masse when new updates are released, with new game modes offering more loot to chase. Destiny 2 is no stranger to this pattern, experiencing a cycle of frequent highs and lows since the original Destiny was first released over a decade ago.
No matter how much the player count declines between Destiny 2’s major updates and DLCs, the game always seems to attract both new and returning players whenever a new expansion is released. However, the highs and lows of Destiny 2 have reached new extremes recently, leading to concerns surrounding the game’s longevity in the post-Final Shape era. While Destiny 2 has big plans in store for 2025 and beyond via content updates and refined gameplay systems, more immediate and dramatic solutions might be necessary to ensure that the game lives long enough to see the full extent of these improvements.
Destiny 2 Should Now Bite The Bullet It Has Long Dodged
Destiny 2 is currently in one of its darkest moments, and to get out of the woods it would need to finally budge and walk back a big decision.
Destiny 2’s New All-Time Low Could Mean the End Is Near
According to Steam Charts, Destiny 2 reached a near-all-time high player count on Steam of 314,379 around the time when the Final Shape DLC was released in June 2024. Since then, Destiny 2 has reached an all-time low of 36,896 players as of December 2024. While these statistics don’t reflect Destiny 2’s player counts on the Epic Games Store, Xbox, or PlayStation platforms, the loss of almost 90% of the game’s player count on Steam alone is still a cause for concern.
This record-low player count is especially worrisome since it happened during Destiny 2’s Dawning 2024 seasonal event, a time when the player counts are generally expected to increase due to FOMO of limited-time rewards.
Despite recently reaching a near-all-time high player count with the release of Destiny 2’s Final Shape DLC, some of the issues that have presumably contributed to the game’s new record-low player counts have persisted for many years. While comeback stories for live-service games like Destiny 2 aren’t unheard of, Bungie will have its work cut out for it to address some of the underlying issues that have led to this new low for the game.
Destiny 2’s Codename Frontiers Updates Could Secure the Game’s Future, or Leave It Doomed
Destiny 2 has big changes planned for 2025 already, namely refining existing gameplay systems and transitioning to two annual expansions instead of one. However, some of the issues that the game currently faces are much deeper than a lack of new content, so future updates for Destiny 2 may ultimately need to balance between fixing longstanding bugs and introducing new content that appeals to both new and longtime players. Destiny 2 has also had a reputation for having a notoriously convoluted new-player experience for several years now, though considering the game’s new record-low player count, it’s important now more than ever that the new-player experience is improved as well.
There’s a massive weight riding on the shoulders of Destiny 2’s upcoming Seasons and DLCs, as they could potentially cement the game’s success – or its downfall. If the first DLCs and Seasons in Destiny 2’s Codename Frontiers era fail to meet fans' expectations, Destiny 2’s days of reigning as one of the most popular looter-shooters may come to a sad end. With the Destiny: Rising mobile game coming soon, and the potential for a “Destiny 3,” the franchise is likely far from over despite Destiny 2 currently experiencing an all-time low. However, while the franchise could endure through spiritual successors, sequels, and spin-offs, Destiny 2 may have to face the reaper much sooner than previously anticipated if the upcoming content cannot win gamers back.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 84 /100 Critics Rec: 88%
WHERE TO PLAY
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
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC, Stadia
- Genre(s)
- FPS
- How Long To Beat
- 100+
- X|S Optimized
- YES
- PS Plus Availability
- Essential, Extra, & Premium (The Witch Queen)
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
