Welcome to the New Player Guide for Destiny 2. We are glad to have you here, New Light. That's you! It's what new players are called in Destiny and it's also the name of one of the first missions you complete in the game. Further chapters of this guide will cover many of the aspects you need to know about Destiny 2, from how to navigate menus to what activities to play, and we also go into depth on your character's abilities and gear. Everything will make a bit more sense when you start playing, so let's kick things off!
What is Destiny 2
Destiny 2 is an online multiplayer first-person shooter game developed by Bungie. It launched on September 6, 2017 and it's currently available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Steam, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store.
Destiny 2 takes place in a fictional universe where you assume the role of a Guardian, a protector of humanity and its allies in the Sol System and beyond. Thanks to its combination of single-player and cooperative gameplay experiences as well as its ever-evolving narrative, Destiny 2 has captivated players from all over the world for more than a decade.
How To Install Destiny 2
Destiny is available to download from all major online storefronts such as the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store for Xbox and PC, Steam, and Epic Games Store.
You can search for Destiny 2 on your preferred platform to download the most recent version of the game. If you need to check the storage requirements beforehand, please read this guide. Expansions and some offerings can be acquired separately and will unlock in the installed version of the game when acquired with no need for an additional download.
Making a Bungie.net Account
To get started, let’s set up your Bungie account. When you log into the game for the first time, you will be able to create one easily.
If you have a Bungie account before you start playing Destiny 2, you should be good to go as the process will ask you to link your account to your platform of choice.
Your Bungie Name
In the process of creating your Bungie account, you will be assigned a Bungie Name based on your username on your platform of choice. This Bungie Name will be your identity as a player and used across Bungie's games, websites, and services. It’s also a key part of Cross Save for Destiny 2.
All Bungie Names include a hash and numeric ID and will look similar to the below example:
- Bungie Name: PlayerName#1234
- Display Name: PlayerName
- The Display Name is chosen by you and can be changed if you have a token for it. It has to comply with Bungie's Code of Conduct.
- Hash: #
- The Hash separates your chosen Display Name from the Numeric ID.
- Numeric ID: 1234
- The Numeric ID is a randomized identifier that generates a unique Bungie Name that other players can use to identify you, allowing multiple accounts to potentially share the same Display Name. The number cannot be changed.
Cross Save and Cross-Platform
Players that own Destiny have the ability to play on a single Destiny account across multiple consoles. Additionally, players may be able to use their platform's game sharing feature to access some Destiny content even if their account does not own the licenses for the Destiny content.
Pick Your Class
Destiny 2 is a game where your identity is very important. This is determined by the abilities you use, gear you equip, and even your fashion choices. As you start your journey, you have to make a decision that will determine the biggest part of your identity as a Guardian: the choice of your class.
Destiny 2 has three classes: Hunters, Warlocks, and Titans.
Hunters
Known for their mobility and stealth, Hunters are also capable of increasing the damage of their weapons and abilities. Perfect for those familiar with rogues.
Warlocks
Excellent healers, Warlocks can also use their many abilities to damage foes or empower their Fireteam. Ideal for those who favor magic classes.
Titans
Titans are proficient in close combat but can also shield their allies from incoming threats. Great for those who prefer barbarian or tank roles.
These are broad characterizations of each class. Destiny 2 is a game where you can build specific roles using the right gear and abilities. In other words, you could end up with a very resistant Hunter who punches their way through enemies, an agile Warlock who's very hard to hit, or a Titan who excels in using grenades and healing allies.
No matter which class you choose, you will feel powerful when playing, have a variety of options, and will have equal access to Destiny 2’s content. Should you ever want to try another class, your account has slots available for additional characters. It's common among players who really love Destiny 2 to be proficient and use all three of these character slots.
Choose Your Looks
Once you’ve chosen your class, you'll be asked to select your character's race and appearance. You’ll be given the option to be a Human, an Awoken, or an Exo. There's no difference in terms of gameplay between these options, so pick the one you like the most. Other cosmetic aspects of your Guardian such as body type, face, hair, and markings can also be customized.
Just take into consideration that, while you can change your body type, face, hair, and markings as much as you want after you have created your character, you can’t change your character's race between Human, Awoken, and Exo. In other words, your character race selection is permanent and can only be changed if you delete your character which will wipe all of its progress.
Once you are happy with how your character looks, you are ready to start playing! We'll be publishing more chapters for this guide detailing the game world, the characters you’ll meet, your gear or abilities, and much more." These are your first steps into an expansive world and we hope you enjoy the experience!
Destiny Awaits!
You’ve created your Guardian which means you’re ready to start your adventure! Listen carefully to your Ghost during your first steps into the Destiny universe and follow the gameplay tutorials during the New Light quest. See you starside, Guardian!
