"I hate Destiny; it's my favorite game." Something along these lines is what you'll often hear from longtime players. The game has been a rollercoaster ride. Countless amazing improvements along with baffling missteps. Though I must say that, as of Season of Arrivals in late 2020, the game is nigh-consistently in a good place. The gameplay loop and return on your time spent feels mostly good. The core gunplay is stellar and stands above any other FPS on the market. Some have tried, and no other game offers what Destiny does. It needs that kick in the pants from some competition, but we have yet to get a successful challenger.

The game has drastically cut back on the "FOMO" which has plagued it since launch. Though I'm sad to say FOMO is still a core part of the experience. And as a completionist myself it's always going to hurt. Most things you do in the game will always involve, "Doing such and such before it goes away permanently next week/month/year." The enduring content is good, and feels better than ever in many ways, but nothing feels permanent. The game has a serious problem with gear storage, too, one I pray every year they finally decide to tackle. More than just giving extra storage space (which the engine limits just doing endlessly anyway. It needs a core systems fix.)

The new player experience is unfortunately dreadful, this is owed in part to a lot of the game's earlier content being removed (for the sake of ease in developing, maintaining, and debugging the new stuff.) With a solid group of players to guide you, however, you can eventually find a deep and rewarding experience. LFG for this game is extensive via Discord, and now after years we have an in-game Fireteam Finder. It's easy enough to find people to match with for any and all activities 24/7. Along with new friends to play with, many of whom are eager and friendly sherpas.

Do I recommend it to new players? If you're willing to put in the time to overcome the hurdles of the new player experience, especially if you have friends to play with or are willing to utilize LFG - sure? If not, then it's tough to say. One of the big problems Destiny faces, the same for other major games that have been around for a decade plus, is giving newer/younger players a reason to stick around. The aging community, myself included, is dedicated. We're addicted in varying degrees and the sunk cost is real. But even that has its limits. For now I'm sticking with it and enjoying it as well as I can.

"I hate Destiny; it's my favorite game." Something along these lines is what you'll often hear from longtime players. The game has been a rollercoaster ride. Countless amazing improvements along with baffling missteps. Though I must say that, as of Season of Arrivals in late 2020, the game is nigh-consistently in a good place. The gameplay loop and return on your time spent feels mostly good. The core gunplay is stellar and stands above any other FPS on the market. Some have tried, and no other game offers what Destiny does. It needs that kick in the pants from some competition, but we have yet to get a successful challenger. The game has drastically cut back on the "FOMO" which has plagued it since launch. Though I'm sad to say FOMO is still a core part of the experience. And as a completionist myself it's always going to hurt. Most things you do in the game will always involve, "Doing such and such before it goes away permanently next week/month/year." The enduring content is good, and feels better than ever in many ways, but nothing feels permanent. The game has a serious problem with gear storage, too, one I pray every year they finally decide to tackle. More than just giving extra storage space (which the engine limits just doing endlessly anyway. It needs a core systems fix.) The new player experience is unfortunately dreadful, this is owed in part to a lot of the game's earlier content being removed (for the sake of ease in developing, maintaining, and debugging the new stuff.) With a solid group of players to guide you, however, you can eventually find a deep and rewarding experience. LFG for this game is extensive via Discord, and now after years we have an in-game Fireteam Finder. It's easy enough to find people to match with for any and all activities 24/7. Along with new friends to play with, many of whom are eager and friendly sherpas. Do I recommend it to new players? If you're willing to put in the time to overcome the hurdles of the new player experience, especially if you have friends to play with or are willing to utilize LFG - sure? If not, then it's tough to say. One of the big problems Destiny faces, the same for other major games that have been around for a decade plus, is giving newer/younger players a reason to stick around. The aging community, myself included, is dedicated. We're addicted in varying degrees and the sunk cost is real. But even that has its limits. For now I'm sticking with it and enjoying it as well as I can.