Summary
It’s not uncommon forDestiny 2expansions and locations to run their course quite early after their release, which is not necessarily a symptom of the fact that there’s a lack of content, but rather that there is only so much a given destination can offer. For example,Destiny 2’s The Final Shape expansionadded plenty of content for players to enjoy and loot to farm, and a lot of it was found outside The Pale Heart. Some good loot was added to the new Raid, other to GM Nightfalls and Crucible activities, and so on. WhileDestiny 2andWarframeare very different games, the latter has an ace up its sleeve for endgame content that the former should replicate.
Warframehas been around for a long time and expanded well beyond its original scope, whichDestiny 2is also doing in different ways. Both games are looters at their core, and they do share some DNA, such as activity-specific grinds, gathering materials for crafting, and more. One ofWarframe’s most interesting additions is the Steel Path, which is a hybrid between endgame content and what could be described as new game+, as it allows players who complete each node on the Star Chart to return to it with increased difficulty and better loot.Destiny 2doesn’t have an equivalent, but it should.
Warframe’s Steel Path Endgame Explained
The Star Chart inWarframeis essentially the map of the game’s universe, with each planet or location having multiple nodes that players need to complete. In order tounlock the Steel Path, players have to complete all the nodes on the Star Chart and complete all the main quests inWarframe, including more recent ones like Whispers in the Wall from Update 35.0 in December of 2023. With Steel Path unlocked, players have the whole galaxy to grind once again, only this time the nodes are more difficult and scaled up in level, granting better loot.
How Destiny 2 Could Use Warframe’s Steel Path Endgame
Destiny 2could take this same principle to heart and add a sort of new game+ mode where players have to return to each destination in the game, only at the same level as a Legend campaign or even higher, with the promise of more loot and greater challenges ahead. This could offer plenty of endgame content for players to farm over repeatable activities like GM Nightfalls, Dungeons, and Raids.Destiny 2’s endgamedoesn’t have a permanent mode that players can grind for a long time and still get rewards, much likeWarframe’s Steel Path, but it would benefit the game quite a lot.
In fact, players could even unlock exclusive rewards at the end of each “new game+” campaign inDestiny 2, be it cosmetics or unique armor or weapons. Armor is not particularly desirable for veterans, butDestiny 2’s Frontiers will overhaul the armor systemand make each drop more interesting, so maybe campaign-specific armor sets could be a great reward. Likewise, weapons with unique Origin Traits or even perk combinations could be incredible loot to collect.
Destiny 2 Would Greatly Benefit From Replayable Endgame Content
This would also make campaigns and other destination content replayable, meaning that some iconic locations and moments inDestiny 2’s story so farcould be relived with rewards in store for players.Warframe’s Star Chart is huge, so taking on every Steel Path node can be a tall task that requires quite some time, which may be a huge plus forDestiny 2were it to adopt a similar model. A Steel Path-like mode in the game could go even further and allow players to go back to allDestiny 2vaulted content, like old destinations and planets, but with modern gameplay, challenges, and loot.
It remains to be seen whether Bungie is willing to do something like this for the game, but it could revitalize the same old endgame cycle forDestiny 2players. WithFrontiers presumably going beyond the Sol System, it seems thatDestiny 2is ready to leave its past content behind, but this approach could breathe new life into it, instead.
Destiny 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Dive into the world of Destiny 2 to explore the mysteries of the solar system and experience responsive first-person shooter combat. Unlock powerful elemental abilities and collect unique gear to customize your Guardian’s look and playstyle. Enjoy Destiny 2’s cinematic story, challenging co-op missions, and a variety of PvP modes alone or with friends. Download for free today and write your legend in the stars.An Immersive StoryYou are a Guardian, defender of the Last City of humanity in a solar system under siege by infamous villains. Look to the stars and stand against the darkness. Your legend begins now.Guardian ClassesChoose from the armored Titan, mystic Warlock, or swift Hunter.
