In an ambitious move to welcome players old and new, Bungie has announced a limited-time offer that grants free access to three major Destiny 2 expansions. From May 8 to June 3, players across all platforms can experience Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, and The Witch Queen at no additional cost, unlocking years of content ahead of the highly anticipated release of The Final Shape on June 4.
Dubbed the “Expansion Open Access Month,” this promotion allows players who download the free standard edition of Destiny 2 to dive into the expansions’ campaigns, raids, and additional content. This includes access to the Season of Defiance, Season of the Deep, Season of the Witch, and Season of the Wish, along with their respective unlockables.
Notably, PlayStation Plus subscribers are receiving an additional treat, as Sony is offering the latest expansion, Lightfall, at no extra cost to those subscribed to the service’s basic tier. This move essentially grants PlayStation players access to the last four years of Destiny 2’s content with a simple download.
Bungie’s generosity doesn’t end there. Players who participate in the Expansion Open Access Month will be able to keep any gear, exotics, and unlockables they acquire during the free trial period, even if they do not purchase the expansions after June 3.
For those eager to experience The Final Shape, which promises to conclude the overarching story told through the aforementioned expansions, Bungie is offering a discounted bundle with the Year 7 Annual Pass. This bundle is available for purchase on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Epic Games Store, with Steam users gaining access to the same discount on May 21.
The Final Shape’s release was initially slated for February 27, 2024, but Bungie delayed the expansion, citing the need for additional development time to ensure it meets their standards. This decision came amidst layoffs at the studio in October 2023, prompted by Destiny 2’s underperformance, which led to a “soul-crushing” atmosphere and fears of further job losses.
With this ambitious offer, Bungie appears to be leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to attract and re-engage players ahead of The Final Shape’s launch. Whether this strategy will pay off remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly presents an enticing opportunity for Guardians, both seasoned and new, to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Destiny 2’s universe.
