The gaming world is abuzz with mixed emotions as Bungie prepares to release the final update for Destiny 2titled Monument of Triumphon June 9. This update marks the end of a nine-year journey for the live-service behemoth, leaving players with a sense of both anticipation and nostalgia.
For many players, the past year has been a rollercoaster of emotions. The introduction of the Portal and the unraveling of player concessions under the Joe Blackburn era have left a bitter taste. Yet, as the end approaches, the Monument of Triumph update promises to be one of the most substantial and player-friendly patches in years.
The Monument of Triumph: A Quality-of-Life Revolution
The Monument of Triumph update is packed with quality-of-life improvements that players have been requesting for years. From a simplified Portal system to a major buff for all primary weapons, this update aims to leave the game in a better state than ever before. Here are some of the key changes:
- A much more simplified version of the Portal that eliminates the need to faff around with mods
- A major buff to all primary weapons
- An extra 300 vault slots and eight loadout slots
- The ability to save your artifact mods directly to your loadouts
- Seven new artifacts to choose between
- Intrinsic anti-champion functionality added to all weapons
- A massive update to loot pools throughout the game
One of the most welcomed changes is the ability to save artifact mods directly to loadouts, a feature that has been a consistent annoyance for years. The fact that Bungie has addressed this issue now, at the end of the game’s lifecycle, raises questions about why such improvements were not implemented sooner.
New Abilities and Reworks
The Monument of Triumph update also introduces a plethora of new abilities and reworks existing ones to enhance gameplay. Let’s dive into some of the most exciting changes:
New Subclass Abilities
Titans are getting a new Solar and Void Aspect called Shieldburstwhich enhances their barricade with Solar capabilities. This ability turns the barricade into a wall of glass with a C4 charge strapped to it, dealing increased damage based on the Class stat.
Hunters will enjoy the new Crackshot Aspect, which allows them to fire up to three scorching shots at marked targets. This ability not only deals damage but also cures the player, providing some breathing room mid-combat.
Warlocks are receiving the Soul Siphon Aspect, which turns them into life-draining vampire mages. This ability siphons energy from enemies, dealing damage and gathering Overshield and class ability energy.
New Darkness Grenades
The update introduces two new grenades: the Stasis Shatter Grenade and the Strand Slicewire Grenade. The Stasis Shatter Grenade sticks to combatants before exploding into razor-sharp Stasis shrapnel, dealing damage and freezing targets. The Strand Slicewire Grenade releases multiple whirling threads, severing targets and dealing significant damage.
Nightstalker Melee Rework
Nightstalkers are getting a new melee ability called Phantom Surgewhich allows them to dash forward, slashing combatants as they pass through them. This ability deals increased damage to Void-debuffed targets and generates Void Overshield for each combatant hit.
The classic Smoke Bomb is also getting some love, now making players and allies invisible by default on deployment. Other elements of the Nightstalker kit are being reworked to enhance their overall gameplay experience.
A Bittersweet Farewell
As the end of Destiny 2 approaches, players are left with a mix of emotions. While the Monument of Triumph update brings much-needed improvements and new abilities, it also serves as a reminder of the game’s impending conclusion. The question remains: why did players have to wait until the end to receive these meaningful improvements?
Despite the frustration, the final release offers a compelling reason to return to the game. The Monument of Triumph update is a testament to Bungie’s commitment to leaving Destiny 2 on a high note, even as it prepares to say goodbye to its nine-year journey.
