Destiny 2, Bungie’s long-running online shooter, is facing a major decline in its active player base following the release of its latest expansion, The Edge of Fate. While the game has remained a cornerstone of the live-service gaming scene since its 2017 debut, the newest chapter in what Bungie calls “The Fate Saga” has not been met with universal praise, resulting in a steep drop in engagement.
Originally launched as a successor to 2014’s Destiny, the franchise quickly became known for its expansive worlds, cooperative gameplay, and dedicated community, even earning awards like “Best Community Support” at The Game Awards in 2019. However, Destiny 2’s latest content update seems to have disrupted that momentum.
The Edge of Fate introduced sweeping changes to core mechanics, including a new gear tiering system, alterations to armor stat calculations, and the addition of The Portal, designed to simplify onboarding for newcomers. While intended to refresh the experience, these adjustments have instead created frustration among many veterans, with players citing punishing difficulty spikes, unresolved technical issues, and a lack of truly engaging new activities as reasons for their dissatisfaction.
According to recent data from SteamDB, Destiny 2’s player numbers surged briefly after the expansion’s July launch, peaking at over 100,000 concurrent players. But the surge was short-lived. By September, the game had fallen to a 24-hour peak of just over 21,000 players, marking nearly an 80% decline in activity compared to its launch window.
The decline underscores the growing challenges Bungie faces in retaining its community at a time when live-service shooters are more competitive than ever. Still, there is hope on the horizon: Destiny 2’s upcoming Renegades expansion, set to arrive in December, promises a bold collaboration with Lucasfilm Games, bringing a Star Wars-inspired twist, a brand-new social hub, and a fresh explorable zone called the “Lawless Frontier.”
For now, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see whether Bungie can use Renegades to revitalize Destiny 2 and restore the trust of its once-thriving player base.
