Get ready, Guardians — Bungie has just unveiled an expansive roadmap for Destiny 2, marking the arrival of its "Year of Prophecy." This ambitious plan includes two major expansions, alongside significant seasonal and core game updates. The best part? Much of this content will be available to both free players and those who choose to invest in premium additions.
The Year of Prophecy stands out as the first annual update to feature four major content drops — two paid expansions and two substantial free updates. Let’s dive into what’s coming your way.
Kicking off the year is Rite of the Nine, a fresh dungeon experience now available at no extra cost to all players. Designed for both veteran dungeon runners and newcomers alike, Rite of the Nine brings back beloved dungeons like Prophecy, Spire of the Watcher, and Ghosts of the Deep — but with exciting new twists. Reconnect with Orin and try out revamped dungeon weapons, offering even seasoned Guardians a reason to return to the depths.
On July 15, Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate arrives as the first paid expansion of the Year of Prophecy. This marks the beginning of a multi-expansion saga that promises long-term storytelling and gameplay evolution. In this expansion, players will encounter the enigmatic Nine — ancient beings predating even the Traveler — and meet two key characters stepping into the spotlight: Lodi, a new ally, and Ikora Rey, the Warlock Vanguard.
Set on the brand-new destination, Kepler, this expansion draws inspiration from Destiny's rich dungeon mechanics and exploration-driven design. Expect a world filled with mystery, puzzles, and opportunities for deep player discovery. Alongside new enemies, weapons, gear, and abilities unique to Kepler, the expansion delivers a fresh frontier for Guardians to explore.
Simultaneously, Destiny 2’s core systems are getting a major overhaul:
- A refined armor and gear system designed to enhance buildcrafting possibilities
- A brand-new activity selection interface called the Portal, allowing players to easily jump into Fireteam Ops, Pinnacle Ops, Crucible Ops, or the newly introduced Solo Ops for solo-friendly content
Additionally, 50 new modifiers will offer deeper customization and increased challenge options. Curated activity rotations ensure there’s always something fresh to chase, keeping gameplay engaging across all playstyles.
Pre-order bonuses for The Edge of Fate include exclusive rewards such as an instantly unlocked Exotic Ghost and Legendary Emblem. For fans going all-in, the Year of Prophecy Edition and Ultimate Edition unlock even more perks, including future content like the Renegades-exclusive Exotic Ship and Emblems, the New Land Beyond Exotic Sniper Rifle, and several collector-grade cosmetics.
Later in the year, on September 9, the second major update — Ash & Iron — goes live. Then on December 2, Destiny 2: Renegades, the second expansion of the Year of Prophecy, launches with a theme inspired by the legendary Star Wars universe. This crossover of worlds merges Destiny's signature gameplay and narrative depth with iconic sci-fi elements, promising one of the most unique expansions yet.
Finally, on March 3, the Shadow & Order update will bring the Year of Prophecy to a close, wrapping up story arcs and delivering final surprises to Guardians everywhere.
This packed schedule comes after a challenging period for Bungie, which saw 220 layoffs (17% of its workforce) in July 2024 — not long after another round of cuts in late 2023. Despite these setbacks, the team remains committed to evolving Destiny 2 and delivering high-quality experiences to its passionate community.
Beyond Destiny 2, Bungie is also pushing forward with Marathon, a revival of its classic franchise revealed in May 2023. After years of silence, Marathon finally showed its hand earlier this year. In IGN’s hands-on preview, we noted: "After playing enough of Marathon to get a solid feel for its alpha state, I’m already fairly confident it’ll scratch the Bungie PvP itch that’s been left unscratched for quite some time. Here’s hoping they deliver a knockout when it launches on PC and consoles this September."
Stay tuned for more details as each phase of the Year of Prophecy unfolds — the Light has never shone brighter.
