Destiny 2: The Final Shape review – "an incredibly well-executed expansion that nicely rounds off a decade-long journey"

GamesRadar+ Verdict GamesRadar+ Verdict With a confident and satisfying campaign, a fascinatingly well-designed destination, and several standout endgame pursuits, Destiny 2: The Final Shape is an excellent offering for veteran and returning players of the FPS. Even with some classic endgame grinding repetitiveness, it’s an incredibly well-executed expansion that nicely rounds off a decade-long journey, making it Destiny 2’s best. PC Deals353 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆5 deals available$13.93ViewLow Stock$15.14ViewLow Stock$43.39View PC Deals353 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆5 deals available PC Deals353 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆5 deals available PC Deals 353 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆ 353 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆ ☆☆☆☆☆ 5 deals available $13.93ViewLow Stock$15.14ViewLow Stock$43.39View $13.93ViewLow Stock$15.14ViewLow Stock$43.39View $13.93ViewLow Stock $13.93View $13.93View $13.93 $13.93 Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock $15.14ViewLow Stock $15.14View $15.14View $15.14 $15.14 Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock $43.39View $43.39View $43.39View $43.39 $43.39 Show More Deals Show More Deals We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Pros+Arguably Destiny 2’s best expansion+Satisfying story to close out the Light and Darkness Saga+The Pale Heart is an incredible destination+Great endgame missions and Prismatic is fun Arguably Destiny 2’s best expansion Satisfying story to close out the Light and Darkness Saga The Pale Heart is an incredible destination Great endgame missions and Prismatic is fun Cons-Some repetitive endgame quests-Prismatic Fragments are quite a grind to unlock Some repetitive endgame quests Prismatic Fragments are quite a grind to unlock Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Fast FactsRelease date:June 4, 2024Platform(s):PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, PS4, Xbox OneDeveloper:In-housePublisher:Bungie Fast Facts Release date:June 4, 2024Platform(s):PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, PS4, Xbox OneDeveloper:In-housePublisher:Bungie Release date:June 4, 2024Platform(s):PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, PS4, Xbox OneDeveloper:In-housePublisher:Bungie Although, that’s not to say that I wasn’t engaged in the story. Destiny has long struggled with effectively implementing a cohesive narrative, but after 10 years, it has finally come together in an ambitious campaign that respects the entire player journey in its most impressive destination to date.Bungiehas pulled out all the stops to deliver a monumental expansion for its space magic FPS that somehow pays off a decade-long rollercoaster of endless war across the Solar System. There are some spoilers for Destiny 2: The Final Shape’s story below. Confronting oblivion (Image credit: Bungie) With The Final Shape representing the end of the “Light and Darkness Saga” that began way back in 2014 with Destiny, the campaign has a lot of heavy lifting to do. Destiny has, rightfully, been criticized for its storytelling in the past, with many plot elements being either relayed poorly, relegated to lore entries, or removed from the game entirely. As a result, I had serious reservations about how Bungie would bring it all together – let alone tell a comprehensible story to conclude the arc. It seemed an impossible task, but Bungie has certainly squashed any concerns I had coming into this expansion. The stakes are high right from the start; get to the Witness and stop it from enacting the eponymous Final Shape – the entire universe frozen in time for all eternity that the Witness sees as salvation from entropy and chaos. The first mission has you going solo into the unknown space inside the Traveler itself, known as the Pale Heart – a world of thought and consciousness physically manifested thanks to the combined powers of the Witness’s Darkness and the Traveler’s Light. (Image credit: Bungie) Ultimately, I think Destiny 2 has tended to flip between telling slightly hollow stories that mainly serve the expansion of its own universe and strongly pushing specific characters and themes to the forefront, making for more interesting stories that may be a bit heavy-handed. However, Destiny 2: The Final Shape strikes a good balance. While the story does focus on your grand mission through the Pale Heart to prevent the end of the universe, it doesn’t lose sight of its characters leading the charge around you, and that all makes for an epic but mature and, at times, poignant story about facing insurmountable odds – as well as finding purpose in a universe of conflict. Be still, my Pale Heart (Image credit: Bungie) Things only get weirder when you start venturing into the Darkness anomalies between some locations, featuring clusters of pained faces as walls, fungal masses, and angry, red geometry that reminds me of the Hiss in Remedy Entertainment’s Control. Firmly into Witness territory, you’re greeted with the familiar sight of the rusted Cosmodrome where you were resurrected, infested with giant, grasping hands and harsh deep-black Pyramid architecture. Coupled with the cosmic Damien Hirst installations and vertically sliced sculptures of Guardians, the Pale Heart’s darker side veers into light body horror. The familiar locations and features of some regions can mean that the Pale Heart sometimes looks like a masterclass in asset recycling, but there’s enough creativity and novelty behind it that I think it’s greater than the sum of its parts. Its eldritch and almost museum-like design makes it one of the most unique video game environments I’ve explored, and demonstrates that Bungie is firing on absolutely all its cylinders. Witness me (Image credit: Bungie) Even with such pressure to get the campaign right, Bungie has not let up for The Final Shape’s endgame either. Some of Destiny 2’s best missions can be taken on once you’ve beaten the story, providing great challenges, fleshing out relationships more, and clearly establishing possible plot points for the future. As an example, the secret Dual Destiny mission is one of Destiny 2’s best cooperative challenges, effectively working as a two-player Raid against the clock. Although, I think the most important endgame pursuits are the 10 Lost Ghost quests from Micah-10. They’re not especially rewarding and are even a bit repetitive, but they do a solid job of teeing up future threats to the Solar System outside the Pale Heart. It’s a good way to bring things up to date with new context, and give the post-Final Shape world some loose ends to chase or brace for. Otherwise, I think Destiny 2: The Final Shape would have appeared somewhat directionless once it was all over. The Final Shape campaign is an immensely satisfying and, importantly, cohesive story that closes out the decade-long Light and Darkness Saga. Along with some of its best endgame activities and the go-wild approach to Prismatic and its new Exotics, Destiny 2: The Final Shape is a climactic, fun, and rewarding expansion. What the studio has created is a remarkable achievement and a return to form – one that I hope can be maintained, largely because it must be if the game is to make it through another decade. Disclaimer PC Deals353 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆5 deals available$13.93ViewLow Stock$15.14ViewLow Stock$18.79ViewLow Stock$43.39View$59.88ViewLow Stock PC Deals353 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆5 deals available PC Deals353 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆5 deals available PC Deals 353 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆ 353 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆ ☆☆☆☆☆ 5 deals available $13.93ViewLow Stock$15.14ViewLow Stock$18.79ViewLow Stock$43.39View$59.88ViewLow Stock $13.93ViewLow Stock$15.14ViewLow Stock$18.79ViewLow Stock$43.39View$59.88ViewLow Stock $13.93ViewLow Stock $13.93View $13.93View $13.93 $13.93 Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock $15.14ViewLow Stock $15.14View $15.14View $15.14 $15.14 Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock $18.79ViewLow Stock $18.79View $18.79View $18.79 $18.79 Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock $43.39View $43.39View $43.39View $43.39 $43.39 $59.88ViewLow Stock $59.88View $59.88View $59.88 $59.88 Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock Low Stock No More DealsShow less No More Deals Show less We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices CATEGORIESPC GamingXbox Series XXbox OnePS5PS4PlatformsXboxPlayStation CATEGORIES More about destiny 2From Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree to Destiny 2: The Final Shape, the best expansions of 2024 breathed new life into old favoritesHow to get the Destiny 2 Doki Doki armor setsLatestPlanescape: Torment was a revolutionary RPG, but many of its devs had no experience with the D&D campaign it was based on: “What the f*ck is that?“See more latest► More about destiny 2From Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree to Destiny 2: The Final Shape, the best expansions of 2024 breathed new life into old favoritesHow to get the Destiny 2 Doki Doki armor setsLatestPlanescape: Torment was a revolutionary RPG, but many of its devs had no experience with the D&D campaign it was based on: “What the f*ck is that?“See more latest► More about destiny 2From Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree to Destiny 2: The Final Shape, the best expansions of 2024 breathed new life into old favoritesHow to get the Destiny 2 Doki Doki armor sets More about destiny 2 From Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree to Destiny 2: The Final Shape, the best expansions of 2024 breathed new life into old favoritesHow to get the Destiny 2 Doki Doki armor sets From Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree to Destiny 2: The Final Shape, the best expansions of 2024 breathed new life into old favorites From Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree to Destiny 2: The Final Shape, the best expansions of 2024 breathed new life into old favorites How to get the Destiny 2 Doki Doki armor sets How to get the Destiny 2 Doki Doki armor sets LatestPlanescape: Torment was a revolutionary RPG, but many of its devs had no experience with the D&D campaign it was based on: “What the f*ck is that?“See more latest► Latest Planescape: Torment was a revolutionary RPG, but many of its devs had no experience with the D&D campaign it was based on: “What the f*ck is that?” Planescape: Torment was a revolutionary RPG, but many of its devs had no experience with the D&D campaign it was based on: “What the f*ck is that?” Planescape: Torment was a revolutionary RPG, but many of its devs had no experience with the D&D campaign it was based on: “What the f*ck is that?” See more latest► Most PopularAnbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids”Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” Most PopularAnbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids”Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” Most PopularAnbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids”Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” Most Popular Anbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket” Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up” Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created” Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships” Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became” Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used” Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids” Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5 Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”