It wouldn’t be a Destiny 2 event without its share of controversies, and this weekend delivered just that. The latest endgame activity, the new raid titled The Desert Perpetual, launched into a world-first race on Saturday. Team Nuts managed to complete it roughly 16 hours later, which isn’t even among the longest raids in the game’s history. However, players collectively voiced their frustration regarding the four bosses, each boasting staggeringly high health pools.
Compounding the difficulty were various glitches and bugs that hindered progress for many teams, leading some to abandon attempts on contest mode, a higher difficulty set for the first 48 hours. The overwhelming boss health was so problematic that Bungie felt compelled to respond on Monday morning.
Bungie acknowledged, “While we absolutely wish for contest mode to challenge your loadouts, teamwork, and puzzle-solving abilities, the highest end of damage has been reported to require far more than expected.” They assured players that they would take feedback from this experience into account moving forward.
Each of the raid’s four bosses demanded teams to think creatively about maximizing their DPS and finding ways to chip away at the terrifyingly large health bars of the Vex enemies. A common strategy involved players swapping loadouts midway through fights to ensure they had enough firepower to stay competitive. Yet, this tactic signals a significant concern in gameplay balance.
“This happened to us every pull we tried for several hours straight” – Substancer, on Twitter.
Having played Destiny for over 10 years, the frustration players have felt during this raid race is familiar. Yet, with The Edge of Fate registering some of the lowest Steam player counts post-expansion, I can’t help but wonder if this will be the last raid for some players.
What makes a Destiny 2 raid race controversial? Players often grapple with the balance of challenge versus frustration. Bittersweet victories can leave a sour taste, especially when community feedback isn’t quickly addressed. Engagement from Bungie can provide reassurance, yet players remain wary, especially during critical moments like a raid launch.
What types of strategies do players use to tackle difficult raids? Many players rely on communication, creative loadout modifications, and teamwork to maximize their chances. Players have to adjust tactics rapidly, often needing quick thinking during boss fights to mitigate massive health pools.
How does boss health in raid scenarios affect player participation? High boss health can discourage players when they feel their efforts aren’t rewarded. This dissatisfaction has been known to lead to drop-offs in player engagement, especially in a competitive setting like a raid race.
How does Bungie typically respond to community backlash? Bungie is known for its quick responses to player feedback, often making adjustments to gameplay in real-time based on community sentiments. Their adherence to player input can sometimes mend trust issues but requires continual communication.
What role do glitches play in the player experience during raids? Bugs and glitches can exacerbate frustrations in an already challenging environment. When players are forced to contend with additional barriers, it can sour the overall experience, leading to negative reception regarding a new release.
As you contemplate your own experiences with Destiny 2 raids, keep an eye on how Bungie navigates these challenges moving forward. Players want to see continual evolution and engagement to create enjoyable experiences. Explore more about gaming trends and updates at Moyens I/O, and share your thoughts on how Bungie can improve.