For most new players, start with Destiny 2: its New Light quest is the current official introduction, and Bungie provides a suggested route through the available story content. Start with Destiny 1 first if you specifically want to experience the original game and can play it on supported hardware. You do not need to play Destiny 1 before beginning Destiny 2.
Which game should you start with?
Choose based on what you want from the series and what hardware you have:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Destiny 2 - Xbox One - Standard Edition | $9.08 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Destiny 2 - Standard Edition | $9.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Destiny 2 - PlayStation 4 Standard Edition | $6.01 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Destiny 2: Forsaken - Legendary Collection - PlayStation 4 | $8.52 | Buy on Amazon |
| Your priority | Recommended start | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Get into Destiny with the least friction | Destiny 2: New Light | It is the current guided introduction, but it does not restore every campaign from Destiny 2’s history. |
| Play the original game’s story | Destiny: The Collection on PS4 or Xbox One | These versions include content through Rise of Iron. Destiny 1 is optional, not a prerequisite for Destiny 2. |
| Follow Destiny 2’s story broadly | New Light, Timeline missions, then Bungie’s suggested mostly chronological route | You can also begin with a newer expansion and return to earlier available content later. |
How to start Destiny 2
- Install Destiny 2 on a supported platform. Bungie lists PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Steam, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store. Store availability may differ by region.
- Begin the New Light quest. Bungie identifies it as the tutorial and recommends it for first-time Destiny players and players new to first-person shooters.
- Use the in-game Timeline missions for a quicker overview of key story moments, then follow Bungie’s suggested progression if you want more context.
- Decide whether to buy additional content after trying the free entry point. Campaigns and activities vary in availability; check the in-game Director and the current official guide before purchasing.
Bungie recommends a mostly chronological path for story development, but the order is your choice: the game allows you to start with a newer expansion and return to earlier ones.
What you can and cannot play in Destiny 2
Destiny 2 has a free entry point and some free campaigns or activities. Bungie’s content guide identifies the Shadowkeep and Beyond Light campaigns as free, along with introductory missions for certain paid campaigns. Available content can change, so confirm the current listing in-game before planning a purchase.
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Destiny 2 does not offer a complete, playable sequence of every campaign released since the game launched. Bungie’s Destiny Content Vault documentation lists The Red War among the campaigns moved into the Vault. A Timeline mission can provide story context, but it is not the same as playing a vaulted campaign.
Bungie describes Destiny 2: The Collection as a bundle of paid expansions, naming The Witch Queen, Lightfall, The Final Shape, The Edge of Fate, and Renegades. Check the current platform-store listing for exact contents, edition, availability, and price; these can vary by platform and region.
Rank #2
- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
What to know before choosing Destiny 1
Destiny 1 is a separate legacy game, not a required prologue to Destiny 2. Bungie says the PS4 and Xbox One versions continue through Rise of Iron. The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions are limited to content through The Taken King. Bungie says Destiny 1 has no planned content updates.
If you want to play the original story, Destiny: The Collection is listed for PS4 in the PlayStation Store, and Bungie confirms the supported PS4 and Xbox One content range. Check the relevant store for current regional availability; physical stock and editions may vary.
Rank #3
- From the makers of the acclaimed hit game Destiny, comes the much-anticipated sequel
- An action shooter that takes you on an epic journey across the solar system
- Humanity’s last safe city has fallen to an overwhelming invasion force, led by Ghaul, the imposing commander of the brutal Red Legion
- To defeat the Red Legion and confront Ghaul, you must reunite humanity’s scattered heroes, stand together, and fight back to reclaim our home
Does Destiny 2 still receive new content updates?
As of October 8, 2026, Bungie says planned Destiny 2 live-service content updates ended with Update 9.7.0 on June 9, 2026. Bungie notes that a future stability hotfix may still be needed. This is relevant if you are choosing based on an expectation of ongoing planned content updates; it does not change the fact that Destiny 2 is the current starting point for its available story and activities.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does buying Destiny 1 unlock Destiny 2’s old campaigns?
No. Destiny 1 and Destiny 2 are separate games, and buying Destiny 1 does not restore Destiny 2 campaigns that have been moved into the Vault. Choose Destiny 1 for its own story, not as a way to access vaulted Destiny 2 content.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Available 9.3.18. Playable 9.4.18 at 10AM PDT
- Destiny 2
- Expansion I: Curse of Osiris
- Expansion II: Warmind
- Destiny 2: Forsaken
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
