The expansion Eclipse either Lightfall Destiny 2’s expansion is just around the corner. It launches on February 28th and will have a pre-existing maintenance period. This is a pretty special expansion for three reasons: it introduces a new subclass (the Tether), The Traveler’s nemesis, The Witness, arrives in our solar system and sparks an all-out war on Neptune; and there are some very important changes to the core game.
If you are a veteran player, you are surely ready for Eclipse and The Witness. If you have just arrived with the version Free-to-play or you come back after a while, I give you some tips on how you can prepare for war that is coming.
Before you start
It doesn’t matter if you’re a veteran, just back, or brand new. This section is for all Guardians. Destiny 2 It’s not as complete a game as we would like. There are a number of external details that you should know in order to have a more comfortable and fun experience.
DIM: This app allows you to manage your inventory and warehouse without having to touch the in-game menu. Simply log in and link your account. Additionally, you can check out all merchants’ inventory and Xur’s position in the “Merchants” section. You can use it via browser (PC) or download it to your mobile.
Destiny 2 Official App: This app is a must have. You must download it to your mobilelog in with your account and link your platform. You can manage your inventory, claim contracts and form squads with other players. Go to the “Squads” section, find the activity you need to do.
- Find a group: join and the leader will send an invitation. Accept in the game and play.
- Create a group: Specify the activity, name, number of players, and whether or not a microphone is required. When Guardians join, hit “Send Invites” to send an invitation to the joined Guardians. You don’t have to touch the controller/keyboard.
It is usually used to make the more difficult activities (and better rewards) that don’t have matchmaking in the game. At this point, you shouldn’t have any issues because you’ll almost always be with very powerful Guardians who will help you. Bungie is working on implementing this system into the game… but until then, that’s it.
You must keep in mind that the amount of things you can do depends on the number of expansions you own. Try to make the most of everything you can do and remember that preparing for Eclipse involves farmingthat is: repeat many activities in search of equipment.
REMINDER: Beyond Light expansion is free in February 2023 with PS Plus.
Subclass and Armor Builds
Any Guardian preparing for Eclipse should know that the expansion will arrive alongside an update that will change Destiny 2 to the point of looking like Destiny 3. The biggest change will be that the armor (helmet, arms, chest, legs and belt/bracer/cape) will no longer have a light charge.
What does it mean when armor loses its light charge? That one piece of armor will be worth several character builds or builds. Also, the modifiers that apply to armor pieces will receive changes and seasonal items, which until now granted new modifiers, will change completely. In other words: most current builds or builds will be useless.
- First tip for newbie guardians: Don’t rack your brains trying to find a specific build that you’ve come up with or seen in guides. It’s going to be of no use to you soon. Instead, look for armor pieces with high stats. Ideally, the “Total” should be above 63-64 points and should be well distributed among the attributes you need. Recovery, Discipline, and Endurance are usually the most sought after so far.
Armament
Same philosophy with weapons. At this point you have little time to get the best weapons. My advice is to keep those that you feel most comfortable with and have synergy with your subclassas many of the weapon-subclass relationships will survive all the changes Eclipse will bring.
I propose to you three activities to get powerful weapons:
- On Fridays (18:00h Spanish time) it appears Xur at a certain point on a random planet. Try to locate him and pay him a visit. He usually brings an exotic weapon and an exotic armor piece for each class. He also brings the exotic weapons Dead Man’s Story (do not hesitate to buy it) and Moon Hawkand some purple weapons and armor that should be powerful.
- If you have the expansion Forsaken either The Renegadesthis week you can do Nightfall Strikes (in Vanguard) to get the heavy grenade launcher Wendigo GL3. You should look for it with the following attributes: Quick Launch, Spike Grenades (Proximity for PVP), Self-Loading Holster and Explosive Light.
- If you have the Witch Queen expansion and access to the dungeon Watchman’s Spiredon’t hesitate to destroy this activity as much as you can. Call a couple of friends or use the official game app to find a squad. Why? Because they fall armor pieces with high stats and because the final boss can give him the exotic bow Hierarchy of Needsthe most powerful weapon in Destiny 2 currently.
Power Level
Like the rest of the expansions, Eclipse will increase the level of power or light. This and all the changes that the update will bring will leave all Guardians in diapers, whether they are veterans, returning or newbies. That’s why there’s no point in obsessing over subclass builds.
That said, what can you do to get to Eclipse as strong as possible? You have little room for manoeuvre, but it’s not impossible. Your goal is to get to the top 1600-1610 of power, something very respectable for the time you have left and more so if you don’t have friends to play with.
- Claim all contracts as much as you can from The Tower and the CLME. Visit Zavala, Banshee, the Drifter and the rest of the NPCs to get their contracts. They will keep you busy while you do the rest of the activities. You will get more experience and rewards. Redeem them when you are in a squad with other Guardians, as you get a bonus for being in a group.
- You must do ALL the activities you can that have weekly missionsYou’ll recognize them because they have a round, glowing icon with a star on it. Including Crucible and Gambit, even if you’re not into PVP. Every time you complete one, you’ll get a Powerful Engram, which contains a weapon or armor with high Power.
- If you want, you can follow the story missions you have. They usually provide good equipment and give you a goal to follow so you don’t feel too lost.
The number of contracts and activities you can do will depend on the expansions you own. If you are playing the version free-to-play of the game and you are thinking of buying an expansion, let it be Eclipse. If you can’t, my advice is to save up and Don’t spend on other expansions until you can buy it. You can catch up with the rest later.
As I said, you have very little room. It’s not impossible, but anything you can do will help prepare you a little more for everything that’s coming with Eclipse. The changes also include changes to the menus, so Don’t despair If you’re lost… we all will be from the 28th onwards.
My advice as a veteran Guardian is to use these days to get as much gear as you can, get into the swing of Destiny 2 (learn the basics and explore), and meet other guardians that can help you on your Eclipse adventure.
