It’s completely normal for ongoing live-service games likeDestiny 2to fluctuate between highs and lows in player counts between the game’s major updates. As more and more players complete everything each past update has to offer, it’s typical for many to take a break, and then return en masse when new updates are released, with new game modes offering more loot to chase.Destiny 2is no stranger to this pattern, experiencing a cycle of frequent highs and lows since the originalDestinywas first released over a decade ago.
No matter how much the player count declines betweenDestiny 2’s major updates and DLCs, the game always seems to attract both new and returning players whenever a new expansion is released. However, the highs and lows ofDestiny 2have reached new extremes recently, leading to concerns surrounding the game’s longevity in the post-Final Shape era. WhileDestiny 2has big plans in store for 2025and beyond via content updates and refined gameplay systems, more immediate and dramatic solutions might be necessary to ensure that the game lives long enough to see the full extent of these improvements.
Destiny 2’s New All-Time Low Could Mean the End Is Near
According toSteam Charts,Destiny 2reached a near-all-time high player count on Steam of 314,379around the time when the Final Shape DLC was released in June 2024. Since then,Destiny 2has reached an all-time low of 36,896players as of December 2024. While these statistics don’t reflectDestiny 2’s player counts on the Epic Games Store, Xbox, or PlayStation platforms, the loss of almost 90% of the game’s player count on Steam alone is still a cause for concern.
This record-low player count is especially worrisome since it happened duringDestiny 2’s Dawning 2024 seasonal event, a time when the player counts are generally expected to increase due to FOMO of limited-time rewards.
Despite recently reaching a near-all-time high player count with the release ofDestiny 2’s Final Shape DLC, some of the issues that have presumably contributed to the game’s new record-low player counts have persisted for many years. While comeback stories forlive-service games likeDestiny 2aren’t unheard of, Bungie will have its work cut out for it to address some of the underlying issues that have led to this new low for the game.
Destiny 2’s Codename Frontiers Updates Could Secure the Game’s Future, or Leave It Doomed
Destiny 2has big changes planned for 2025 already, namely refining existing gameplay systems and transitioning to two annual expansions instead of one. However, some of the issues that the game currently faces are much deeper than a lack of new content, sofuture updates forDestiny 2may ultimately need to balance between fixing longstanding bugs and introducing new content that appeals to both new and longtime players.Destiny 2has also had a reputation for having a notoriously convoluted new-player experience for several years now, though considering the game’s new record-low player count, it’s important now more than ever that the new-player experience is improved as well.
There’s a massive weight riding on the shoulders ofDestiny 2’s upcoming Seasons and DLCs, as they could potentially cement the game’s success – or its downfall. If the first DLCs and Seasons inDestiny 2’s Codename Frontiers era fail to meet fans' expectations,Destiny 2’s days of reigning as one of the most popular looter-shooters may come to a sad end. With theDestiny: Risingmobile game coming soon, and the potential for a “Destiny3,” the franchise is likely far from over despiteDestiny 2currently experiencing an all-time low. However, while the franchise could endure through spiritual successors, sequels, and spin-offs,Destiny 2may have to face the reaper much sooner than previously anticipated if the upcoming content cannot win gamers back.
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.
