Bungie has released Update 8.2.5 for Destiny 2, focusing primarily on bug fixes and balance adjustments across multiple game modes. The update brings significant changes to Nightstalker Hunters in PvP, introduces a new top-tier Competitive rank with exclusive rewards, and implements numerous quality-of-life improvements for Trials of Osiris matchmaking.
Nightstalker Smoke Bomb Gets Major PvP Nerf
Hunters beware! The Destiny 2 balance team has taken aim at Nightstalker's smoke bomb ability in PvP, significantly reducing its effectiveness. The smoke bomb debuff no longer slows or suppresses movement in Crucible activities, a substantial nerf that will likely impact Nightstalker's viability in competitive play.
This change comes alongside adjustments to the "On the Prowl" aspect, which now features reduced visibility effects for hunted players. Nightstalker mains might want to reconsider their subclass choices for PvP activities going forward.
Competitive Play Gets Exclusive New Rank
Elite PvP players have something new to chase with the introduction of "Ascendant 0" – a prestigious new rank for Competitive players who surpass 10,000 points. This exclusive tier comes with a unique reward: the "Darkest Night" emblem, which can only be earned through wins at the Ascendant 0 rank.
The update also implements a much-requested feature for solo players in high-stakes PvP modes. Both Trials of Osiris and Competitive now feature loss forgiveness when solo players match against pre-made fireteams, helping to level the playing field for those braving these challenging activities without a squad.
| Playlist | Changes |
|---|---|
| Trials of Osiris and Competitive | - Enabled solo vs. fireteam loss forgiveness - Duos and trios can now be matched together |
What's Changing with Weapons in PvP?
Lightweight Pulse Rifles, which have been dominant in the Crucible meta, are receiving a slight damage reduction in PvP. Body shot damage against players has been reduced from 20.4 to 19.7, while critical hit damage has been lowered from 31.8 to 31.5.
Redrix's Estoc, a popular Pulse Rifle choice, has also had its handling reduced from 79 to 74. These changes aim to bring Lightweight Pulse Rifles more in line with other weapon options without completely removing them from viability.
| Weapon | Changes |
|---|---|
| Lightweight Pulse Rifles | - Body shot damage against players reduced from 20.4 to 19.7 - Critical hit damage against players reduced from 31.8 to 31.5 |
| Redrix's Estoc | - Reduced handling from 79 to 74 |
In a welcome fix for sword enthusiasts, Wave-Frame Swords now properly deal damage in PvP activities. Additionally, the Sword Logic perk has been adjusted in PvP, with reduced base damage bonus but an increased Super kill bonus.
Hunter Exotic Armor Fixes
Hunters have received several important exotic armor fixes in this update:
- Sealed Ahamkara Grasps: Fixed issues with the Nightmare Fuel damage bonus
- Radiant Dance Machines: Fixed a bug causing dodge charge loss when changing areas
- Shards of Galanor: Fixed energy refund incorrectly applying to the wrong Supers
- Relativism - Spirit of Galanor: Fixed energy refund issues
Titans and Warlocks weren't left out, with fixes to No Backup Plans, Khepri's Horn, and Hazardous Propulsion for Titans. These adjustments should improve the reliability and performance of these exotic armor pieces across all activities.
PvE Content Improvements
On the PvE side, the seasonal activity "The Nether" has received damage reduction adjustments, making the Sharpshooter's Burden and Fragile Strength effects less punishing. Issues with Paracasual Payload and Siphon buffs have also been addressed.
The Vesper's Host dungeon has received a fix for a frustrating bug where nuclear cores weren't properly spawning in the first encounter. Additionally, players who were missing lore book rewards should now receive them correctly.
When Will These Changes Take Effect?
Update 8.2.5 for Destiny 2 is expected to be released in November 2023. As with all Destiny 2 updates, players will need to download the patch before being able to log in once it goes live.
With significant changes to PvP balance, competitive play systems, and numerous bug fixes, Update 8.2.5 looks to address several community pain points while providing new challenges for top-tier players. Whether you're a Hunter main lamenting the Nightstalker nerfs or a solo player excited about the new loss forgiveness in Trials, there's plenty to digest in this substantial quality-of-life update.