Summary

  • Destiny 2 has hit a new low in player count with 32,497 average monthly users on Steam.
  • Bungie's update model and recent layoffs contribute to concerns about the game's future.
  • Bungie's acquisition by Sony may signal larger projects post-Marathon, while Destiny 2 could still see growth.

Steam numbers show that Destiny 2 has hit a new low in the last 30 days with only 32,497 average players, a far cry from its peak player count. Bungie has been updating Destiny 2 for seven years, but its best days may be behind it.

Destiny 2 has gone through ups and downs over the years since it was released. With major content updates and expansions, player counts often rise, but this is contrasted by lower player counts during quieter months. Since the game follows a seasonal model unlike its predecessor, it has seen player counts remain relatively consistent since launch. Bungie laid off many of its employees earlier this year, causing some concern about the future of Destiny 2 and its upcoming game, Marathon. With the game hitting a new low in player count numbers, the studio may need to find a way to return lapsed players to the game.

destiny-2-warlock-admiral-ackbar-guardian-fashion
This Destiny 2 Warlock's Admiral Ackbar Outfit is Shockingly Accurate

A Destiny 2 player online turns their Warlock into Admiral Ackbar from the Star Wars franchise, with a recreation that is shockingly accurate.

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The Game Post has discovered that Destiny 2 player counts have plummeted to 32,497 average Steam players this month. This is a stark contrast when compared to the Final Shape's expansion launch when it reached an all-time high of 123,023 average monthly players. This shows a loss of 90,526 players in a community-driven game that thrives with more gamers playing it. When factoring in all the platforms Destiny 2 is on, the population sits at around 469,180 average monthly players. Steam charts also show the Witch Queen expansion drew 60,961 average monthly players, Lightfall saw 62,610, and The Final Shape hit 32,497 only three months after their release. This means that despite The Final Shape bringing in the biggest numbers of any expansion, it has seen the biggest drop in players as well.

Destiny 2 Has Declined in Average Monthly Players

Bungie has confirmed that Destiny 2 remains a multi-year journey that will continue to see support, which may indicate that these player numbers could increase in the future. Despite this, the developer has suggested that the scale and frequency of future expansions could be affected by recent layoffs. In July 2024, Bungie laid off approximately 220 employees as part of a reorganization effort due to rising development costs. Though Bungie has denied the existence of Destiny 3, the company was acquired by Sony for $3.6 billion, which may indicate big projects beyond Marathon.

As Bungie continues to update Destiny 2, it may see increases to the new low of 32,497 average monthly players. The game's free-to-play nature may also help bring new players to the game in future content updates which could open the door for a higher peak than 123,023 players.

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Destiny 2 Tag Page Cover Art

Destiny 2
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Systems
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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)