Bungie has rolled out a major new update for Destiny 2, officially removing the controversial Unstable Cores system and reworking several key features from the Edge of Fate expansion. Alongside significant balance adjustments and bug fixes, the latest patch also introduces major changes to the Portal activity — one of the most divisive additions to the game since the expansion launched earlier this year.
While Destiny 2 continues to struggle with declining player numbers and community frustration, Bungie appears determined to address long-standing complaints and rebuild player trust through consistent updates. This new patch, labeled Version 9.1.5.2, focuses on cleaning up core progression systems and improving gameplay flow, marking another step in Bungie’s post-Edge of Fate course correction.
Unstable Cores Officially Removed
When Edge of Fate launched, Unstable Cores were introduced as a new crafting and infusion material designed to enhance high-level gear beyond power level 200. However, the mechanic quickly became a source of frustration for players, who criticized its overly complex design and lack of meaningful reward.
With this update, Bungie has officially deprecated Unstable Cores, replacing them with a simpler and more intuitive system. Infusing weapons and armor now costs one Enhancement Core and 5,000 Glimmer, regardless of the item’s level. Any Unstable Cores already owned by players will no longer drop or function in dismantling rewards.
The removal has been well received by fans, who see it as Bungie finally acknowledging feedback from the player base. Many have compared this change to the studio’s removal of planetary materials years ago — another simplification that ultimately made progression smoother.
Portal Overhaul Addresses Player Complaints
Another major focus of the update is Destiny 2’s Portal activity, a feature introduced in Edge of Fate that had been heavily criticized for its chaotic modifiers and inconsistent matchmaking. Bungie has now removed a number of challenge modifiers to make runs less frustrating, including Match Game, Antisurge, Volatile Shields, and several others.
This move significantly reduces the randomness of encounters and should make the Portal experience more consistent across difficulty tiers. According to the patch notes, additional fixes address matchmaking issues, missing loot from Pinnacle Ops, and bugs that prevented certain fireteam members from receiving mission rewards.
Balance Changes and Bright Dust Refunds
Beyond the headline removals, the patch includes a wide range of balance updates. Hunters will notice major buffs to the On Your Mark aspect, Titans will see improved Prismatic melee refunds, and Warlocks finally get a fix for the Vortex Grenade, which was bizarrely pushing rather than pulling enemies.
Players who participated in the Ash & Iron event are also receiving compensation. Bungie confirmed a Bright Dust refund for those who overpaid for armor ornaments due to a pricing error in Week 1. Depending on the number of items purchased, refunds range from 300 to 600 Bright Dust, with additional adjustments being applied automatically.
Festival of the Lost Returns
The update coincides with the launch of Destiny 2’s annual Festival of the Lost, bringing a seasonal wave of Halloween-themed content. This year’s event replaces the long-running Haunted Lost Sectors with a new six-player mode called Haunted Altars, inspired by the Altars of Sorrow activity from the Moon.
PvP fans can also dive into a limited-time Crucible mode, Red Rum(ble), alongside new spooky cosmetics and seasonal weapons. Between the festival and ongoing live updates, it’s clear Bungie is working hard to reignite excitement in the game heading into the winter season.
Destiny 2 Update 9.1.5.2 Summary
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Unstable Cores removed from Infusion; replaced by 1 Enhancement Core + 5,000 Glimmer.
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Portal modifiers reduced for better matchmaking and playability.
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Balance updates for Hunters, Warlocks, and Titans.
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Bright Dust refunds for Ash & Iron armor purchases.
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Stability and quality-of-life fixes across all major systems.
Despite ongoing challenges, Bungie’s latest patch demonstrates a clear intent to simplify progression, reduce frustration, and prioritize the feedback of long-term players. Whether these updates will be enough to rebuild Destiny 2’s declining player base remains to be seen — but it’s another step in the right direction for the studio’s flagship live-service title.
