Destiny 2: The Witch Queen stands out as a major expansion in the first-person shooter genre, blending action-packed combat with deep RPG elements. Released in 2022, this installment takes players into a new realm filled with intrigue and high-stakes battles against cunning enemies. As part of the larger Destiny 2 universe, it introduces fresh mechanics that enhance customization and strategic depth, making it a key chapter for fans of looter-shooters seeking cooperative and competitive experiences.
Gameplay
In Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, core gameplay revolves around exploring Savathun's Throne World, a location marked by corruption and hidden secrets. Players engage in combat using a mix of firearms, abilities, and new tools like the Glaive, which combines melee strikes, projectiles, and an energy shield for defense. Weapon crafting allows for creating personalized gear with specific mods, shaders, and stats, drawing from patterns obtained through activities and requiring materials like Resonant Alloys.
Subclass systems see updates to Light-based powers, including Void, Solar, and Arc, where Aspects and Fragments enable tailored builds. Enemies such as the Lucent Hive wield Light abilities, adding layers to encounters by requiring players to destroy their Ghosts to prevent resurrection. Power progression involves leveling through activities, with seasonal artifacts unlocking mods that influence combat strategies.
Game Modes
The expansion features a story campaign playable on Legendary difficulty for increased challenge and rewards, focusing on unraveling Savathun's schemes. Raids include Vow of the Disciple, set in a Pyramid ship, and the reprised King's Fall, both demanding teamwork for puzzles and boss fights.
Dungeons like Duality and Spire of the Watcher offer smaller-scale challenges with unique mechanics. PvP options encompass Competitive divisions with modes such as Survival, 3v3 Rift, and Showdown, alongside Iron Banner events that rotate formats like Rift. Seasonal activities, some of which have been reintroduced, include PsiOps Battlegrounds for infiltrating enemy strongholds and Heist Battlegrounds for tactical infiltrations.
Updates and Current State
Following its launch, The Witch Queen rolled out four seasons: Risen, Haunted, Plunder, and Seraph, each adding activities and story arcs. Much of this content entered the Destiny Content Vault after 2023, but elements like Expeditions and Nightmare Containment returned in 2025 as updated operations.
As of 2026, the game maintains active support with persistent features like weapon crafting and power systems. A major update has been delayed to June 2026, indicating ongoing development to refine mechanics and address community feedback.
Is It Worth Playing?
For those who enjoy first-person shooters with cooperative raids and customizable builds, Destiny 2: The Witch Queen delivers strong value through its acclaimed campaign and challenging encounters. Player reception highlights the expansion's story and raid design as standout elements, with favorable reviews noting the engaging combat and Throne World exploration.
With ongoing updates and reintroduced content, it suits players interested in multiplayer action and loot progression. If you prefer narrative-driven shooters with strategic depth, this expansion remains a solid choice, especially for existing Destiny 2 players looking to expand their experience.
