Guardians, gear up! Bungie is rolling out the epic version of The Desert Perpetual raid in Destiny 2, complete with intense Contest Mode challenges and revamped loot mechanics that promise to shake up endgame strategies.
Epic Raid Goes Live withContest Mode Thrills
The highly anticipated epic mode for The Desert Perpetual raid is set to launch on September 27, kicking off a 48-hour Contest Mode window that will test even the most seasoned fireteams. This mode disables certain gear bonuses while allowing seasonal mods, creating a level playing field for the World First race. Players need to own The Edge of Fate expansion and clear the base raid to dive in.
Expect exclusive rewards like the Fractured Timeline emblem for Contest Mode completers and After the Unknown for normal mode. The first team to conquer it snags a unique World First belt, with Twitch Drops offering the Gnarled Tendrils emblem for viewers tuning in from September 26 to 28.
What Gear is Banned in the Epic Raid?
To maintain fairness, Bungie has banned items like the Bastion Exotic Fusion Rifle, One-Two Punch perk, Haliaetus Legendary Rocket Launcher, lightweight Legendary Swords, and Ergo Sum Exotic Sword. This could force players to rethink loadouts, potentially spotlighting underused weapons in high-stakes encounters.
Raid Improvements and Weekly Challenges
Bungie is enhancing raid loot with feat-based rewards, where completing challenges boosts drop quality. The Cutthroat Combatants feat now counts double, making it a smart pick for maximizing gains. A new full clear lockout lets you farm Power and loot beyond your first run each week.
The Raid Night initiative revives old-school vibes by adding pinnacle rewards, encouraging regular group play. These changes could revitalize raid communities, making them more accessible and rewarding for casual players.
Upcoming Update Brings Power and Portal Tweaks
In an upcoming patch, expect faster Power progression in Solo Ops, Fireteam Ops, and Pinnacle Ops, alongside scored bonus engrams in the Portal. Difficulty tuning simplifies modifiers and caps deltas, with matchmaking upgrades for Quickplay and Join in Progress for tough activities.
New or returning Guardians get a one-time catch-up chest with gear at Power level 300 or better, helping close the gap quickly. Conquests keep their original tuning, preserving that elite challenge.
What's Changing with Banshee-44?
The beloved Gunsmith gets a fresh voice from actor Ian Gregory, adding new flavor to his dialogues. This recast might bring subtle personality shifts that enhance immersion in the Tower.
Trials of Osiris and More Highlights
This week's Trials features the Burden of Guilt fusion rifle on maps like Javelin-4, Cirrus Plaza, and Endless Vale – perfect for PvP enthusiasts chasing that god roll. Plus, check out the new Destiny 2 metal poster collection from Displate for some stylish merch.
Bungie notes ongoing fixes for issues like Banshee-44 bounties and clan rewards. Community spotlights include creative Lego builds of Crota's End and Stasis-inspired videos. Looking ahead, the Renegades expansion is on the horizon, promising more adventures.
For full details, visit Bungie's official site. What do you think of these raid overhauls? Share in the comments!