Destiny 2 needs a renewed focus on PvP modes in 2021

For many years now, PvP in Destiny 2 has taken a backseat to the more PvE focused activities that have come with Seasonal content and full expansions. This isn't to say that PvP is a small part of the game as yesterday DestinyTracker counted almost 600k players entering the Crucible with there being a bit over 800k counted for PvE activities.

It’s clear from these numbers that PvP still has a prominent place within the game.

Despite these numbers, the content generation for PvP has been lacking for some time.  Trials of Osiris was introduced in Season of the Worthy alongside 3 rereleased Destiny 1 maps: Anomaly, The Cauldron and Exodus Blue. The problem here is that Trials of Osiris is a pinnacle PvP activity and so is largely inaccessible to a large portion of the player base while the ‘new’ maps are simple ports from the original game.

The latest big expansion, Beyond Light, and Season of the Hunt saw no new PvP maps added to the game much to the displeasure of the player base. Beyond Light did however add new Darkness-empowered Stasis subclasses that many argued has caused PvP to take one huge step backwards. Stasis saw an immediate, and overwhelmingly, negative reaction from the community so Bungie had to scramble quickly to try to make adjustments.

Gothalion, one of the game’s biggest streamers and member of the King’s Fall World’s First team, had the following to say about Stasis on Twitter shortly after Beyond Light went live: “Stasis makes pvp a nightmare. The CC is so long and you just get f**cked. It’s not even a “get good” scenario, it’s a “how was this even shipped” scenario.”

Another popular streamer, Gladd, uploaded the following video with his thoughts on Stasis: “THIS IS ABSOLUTELY RUINING THE CRUCIBLE EXPERIENCE - Destiny 2 Beyond Light”

Now, to be fair, Bungie has made several adjustments to the Stasis subclasses since the above statements were made but many have argued that this is simply not enough. The simple act of being frozen, which is an inherent ability in all Stasis subclasses, is an extremely frustrating experience.

So, to sum it up here's what PvP content, apart from balance patches, Destiny 2 saw last year in 2020:

• Trials of Osiris - A largely unforgiving and inaccessible game mode ment for the top percentage of players. Skip to the present and this mode is now hemorrhaging players.
• Three ‘new’ PvP maps Exodus Blue, Anomaly, and The Cauldron which are simple ports from the original Destiny.
• 11 maps removed from the rotation and placed in the Destiny Content Vault
• 7 Crucible modes removed from the rotation and placed in the Destiny Content Vault.
• Introduction of Stasis which many argue has made PvP an immensely frustrating experience.

It is due to all of the above that Destiny 2 saw a sort of mass exodus a couple of weeks ago with many high profile players announcing their semi-retirement from PvP.

Gladd: [whatever] Take:

Maybe I’m being dramatic. I know I’m a Destiny PvE main. I used to chill and play PvP during down time or just for fun/to get better.

Stasis has essentially removed me entirely from Destiny’s PvP. It’s now just a part of the game I don’t ever think about.”

Both Fallout Plays and True Vanguard uploaded videos recently talking about the situation and why PvP players are feeling a bit forgotten. Make sure to check those videos out.

Now, some of you might be thinking ‘Well, Destiny 2 is a PvE focused game so who cares about PvP?”. Another popular Youtuber, RickKackis, raises an excellent point with the following tweet:

“Half of the people who say

"Destiny 2 is a PvE game"

Play PvE because they don't enjoy PvP.

And they don't enjoy PvP...

...cause of the same things the PvP community is complaining about right now.

Y'all are on the same side.”

PvP in Destiny 2 is still a major portion of the gameplay experience and is what draws much of its player base into the game world. This part of the game can no longer be ignored by Bungie if they want to keep the game healthy and alive.