Is Destiny 2 shutting down?

Following a steep population decline, Destiny 2 is getting its final content update in June 9, with the Monument of Triumph patch. The game is going out with a bang, since the celebration is bringing some longstanding fan requests.

The game’s demise can inspire uncertainty about its future—and, once again, reports are looking bleak. Thankfully, Bungie seems better at keeping Destiny alive than at keeping it lively (and the game has been anything but sinceThe Edge of Fate last July). Here’s what you should know about Destiny 2 shutting down (spoiler alert: it won’t) and what to expect from its frozen future.

Is Destiny 2 shutting down?

Destiny 2 is not shutting down once Monument of Triumph lands, Bungie confirmed. This is hardly a surprise, considering the studio still keeps servers running for the 10-year-old, last-gen-exclusive Destiny.

“Though active development may be concluding, we will ensure that Destiny 2 remains playable, just as the original Destiny is today,” the blog post reads. “Many changes in this final update will aim to ensure that Destiny 2 is a welcoming place for players to return to.”

Essentially, with Monument of Triumph, Bungie aims to “freeze” Destiny 2 in a good spot, prioritizing the Director over the Portal but bringing Tier-compatible versions of most gear in the game.

Can I still play Destiny 2 after it ends?

You can still play Destiny 2 long after its final patch, and the game will likely be on a much better state after that. Monument of Triumph is bringing a litany of gifts, including more free cosmetics, as a last love letter from the developers.

In fact, keep your eyes peeled for an all-encompassing collection containing “all Destiny 2 content packs” once the update lands, according to Bungie. Dungeon keys are included, so anyone can jump in and experience everything the final version of D2 has to offer. What has been removed, however, is likely not coming back.

For better or worse, Destiny 2 has left a mark on its fans and on the game community as a whole. Monument of Triumph can be a great moment to return to the game to pay your respects, or even to experience it for the first time. Access to the game in its entirety with one single purchase beats two of D2‘s weaknesses: an arcane DLC purchasing structure and looming $100 yearly price tags for expansions.

The role of time gates, FOMO, and power grinds being watered down also means it’ll be easier to play D2 for the love of the game than anything else, which is a much-needed change. If you’re a jaded veteran or a lapsed player, it’s easier to hop in knowing there are no expectations tied to it.

The game is bound to get a flock of guardians in its final state, too, and it wouldn’t be surprising if it found a higher player count as a baseline after Monument of Triumph. It’s not the ending Destiny 2 deserved, but it’s as good as it could get.

The post Is Destiny 2 shutting down? appeared first on Destructoid.