Bungie to Retire Destiny 2 Legendaries: A Season of Change

What is the infusion update all about for Destiny 2?

Bungie’s infusion update for Destiny 2, launching with Season 12, introduces a significant shift in how Legendary gear functions. Instead of enduring a static power level throughout the game’s lifespan, Legendaries are now subject to a dynamic infusion cap. This means that a Legendary item’s maximum potential power level will be tied to the seasons after its release. For example, a season 8 Legendary will only be infusable to the maximum Power Level of seasons 8, 9, 10, and 11, making it less effective in subsequent seasons.

• Legendary gear, weapons, and armor, are now capped at a power level three seasons ahead of its release, effectively marking the end of its usefulness in future seasons.
• Gear from seasons 1-7, will still maintain their season 11 power level, meaning they’re still useful until the end of season 11.
• Exemptions include Exotics, Last Wish gear, and Garden of Salvation raid loot; these will remain viable beyond season 12’s infusion limits.

How is this going to affect Destiny 2 as a whole?

This change will fundamentally alter the game’s dynamic by creating a renewed focus on seasonal content. The outdated Legendary items will no longer serve as optimal equipment, forcing players to pursue newer items, thereby incentivizing engagement with each new season’s offerings. This also has implications for the PvP landscape, potentially fostering greater diversity in playstyles as players experiment with newly released gear.

• The retirement of Legendaries fosters engagement with current seasonal content. Players will be actively driven to collect and utilize the latest gear, rather than relying on outdated items.
• Permanence in weapon and armor choices are diminished, emphasizing the importance of collecting and upgrading in each new season.
• The alteration in the PvP/Crucible/Trials landscape could level the playing field, potentially providing an easier entry point for less skilled players through varied tactics and equipment choices.

When is season 12 going to roll out? What can we expect from the next update?

Season 12 is projected to arrive in the fall, sometime between September and December. Bungie’s aim of maintaining a seasonal cycle for a full year promises extended content and activities. This could alleviate the pressure on Guardians to amass all seasonal content and could inspire more players to engage in activities beyond their immediate current needs.

• Guardians face a reduced pressure to immediately collect all gear within each season due to the infusion changes and a commitment to sustained season duration.
• The change in gear availability fosters a less constrictive environment for deciding on ideal equipment.
• A full year of content promises extended activities and a greater focus on the long-term longevity of each season, which is an unprecedented approach for the game.