Destiny 2 is one of those games that feels massive from the very first mission. It’s rich in lore, filled with tough enemies, and constantly changing with new content. To keep it all structured, Bungie releases expansions that act like milestones in the game’s journey. Each expansion adds new planets, powers, and villains. They also reshape the way Guardians play, from new activities to reworked subclasses. If you’re new or returning, you may wonder: What are the Destiny 2 expansions in order? or Which ones matter most for the story?
This guide answers that. It breaks down every expansion, explains what each brought in, and gives gameplay insights.
Why Expansions Matter in Destiny 2?
Expansions are like seasons in a long-running series. Each one pushes the story forward, raises the stakes, and introduces mechanics that stay for years.
For example:
- Curse of Osiris taught us about the Vex.
- Forsaken changed the game forever with Cayde’s death.
- Beyond Light vaulted old campaigns and gave us Stasis.
- The Witch Queen proved Bungie could deliver a true masterpiece story.
Without following Destiny 2 expansions in order, you’d miss the larger narrative arc.
How Many Expansions Does Destiny 2 Have?
As of 2025, Destiny 2 has six major expansions released and two more announced. Together, they form the backbone of the Light and Darkness saga. If you only play the main expansions, the story takes around 40–50 hours. Add in seasonal content, side activities, and raids, and you can easily stretch it past 200+ hours.
Full List of Destiny 2 Expansions in Order
Here’s the complete expansion list. Each one brought new destinations, enemies, and systems that shaped the game we know today.
| Expansion | Release Date | Key Feature / Villain | Pro Tip |
| Curse of Osiris | Dec 2017 | Mercury, Osiris, Vex storyline | Don’t skip strikes—good loot early. |
| Warmind | May 2018 | Mars, Rasputin, Hive God Xol | Escalation Protocol is tough—bring friends. |
| Forsaken | Sep 2018 | Tangled Shore, Dreaming City | Save bows—they shine in PvE. |
| Shadowkeep | Oct 2019 | Moon, Nightmares, Eris Morn | Nightmare Hunts drop great gear. |
| Beyond Light | Nov 2020 | Europa, Stasis subclass | Learn Stasis control early—it’s key. |
| The Witch Queen | Feb 2022 | Throne World, Savathûn | Hive Lightbearers are brutal—stay mobile. |
| Lightfall | Feb 2023 | Neomuna, Strand subclass | Strand mobility helps everywhere. |
| The Final Shape | 2024 (planned) | End of Light/Darkness saga | Stockpile weapons—endgame fights will peak. |
Expansion Breakdown
Curse of Osiris (2017)
The first expansion took us to Mercury. Guardians fought Vex armies while rescuing Osiris and Sagira. The campaign was short but vital for lore.
- Focused on Vex simulations
- Introduced new strikes
- Set tone for early DLC pacing
Warmind (2018)
Warmind returned players to Mars. Guardians teamed up with Ana Bray and Rasputin while battling Hive forces and the worm god, Xol.
- Escalation Protocol activity
- Mars map added
- Expanded Warmind lore
Forsaken (2018)
Forsaken changed Destiny 2 forever. Cayde-6 was killed, leading to a revenge-driven campaign. It introduced Tangled Shore and Dreaming City.
- Gambit mode launched
- Bows added
- Dreaming City raid and curse cycle
Shadowkeep (2019)
Guardians returned to the Moon. Eris Morn guided players through the terror of Nightmares. This expansion was Bungie’s first step as an independent studio.
- Horror-driven missions
- Nightmare Hunts
- Seasonal model introduced
Beyond Light (2020)
Beyond Light vaulted much of Destiny 2’s old content. It added Europa, introduced Stasis, and reshaped progression.
- Stasis subclass
- Return of Cosmodrome
- Destiny Content Vault began
The Witch Queen (2022)
Widely considered the best expansion. Savathûn’s Throne World offered the most cinematic story yet. The Hive used the Light, shocking Guardians.
- Campaign with Legendary mode
- Hive Lightbearers introduced
- Void subclass rework
Lightfall (2023)
Lightfall took Guardians to Neomuna, a neon city on Neptune. It introduced Strand, a mobility-focused Darkness power. The expansion set up the final showdown.
- Strand subclass
- Neomuna as destination
- Focus on The Witness
The Final Shape (2024 – upcoming)
This is the conclusion of the Light and Darkness saga. Bungie promises an unforgettable finale.
- End of saga storyline
- New raid expected
- Closure for years of lore
Hardest Expansions Ranked
The hardest expansions in Destiny stand out because of their sharp difficulty spikes. The Witch Queen on Legendary mode tested every skill, while Forsaken pushed players with brutal Barons and the tricky Dreaming City.
In comparison, Beyond Light demanded patience with Stasis control, and Shadowkeep kept Guardians on edge as Nightmares overwhelmed the unprepared. Each of these expansions proved why they remain the toughest challenges in the series.
Final Thoughts on Destiny 2 Expansions
The journey through Destiny 2 expansions in order shows how much the game has evolved. From Mercury in Curse of Osiris to Savathûn’s Throne World and beyond, each expansion added new depth. The upcoming Final Shape will close the Light and Darkness saga. But Bungie has hinted the story of Guardians will continue. For now, if you’re new, playing through the expansions in order gives the best experience.
FAQs
Q1. Do expansions include seasons?
Ans. No, expansions are major releases. Seasons run between expansions.
Q2. Can I replay old campaigns?
Ans. Some were vaulted. Only current expansions and seasonal content remain playable.
Q3. Which expansion is best for beginners?
Ans. The Witch Queen offers the most polished campaign.
Q4. Will Destiny 2 end with The Final Shape?
Ans. No, Bungie plans to continue the universe beyond this saga.
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