How To Play Red War Destiny 2 2022

Okay, so picture this: Me, 2018, absolutely obsessed with Destiny 2. I’d spent hours grinding public events on Io (remember Io? Sigh those were the days…), dreaming of getting that perfect roll on a Better Devils. Then, boom, life happened. Work, responsibilities, the whole shebang. I blinked, and suddenly it was 2022. I fired up Destiny 2, ready to jump back into the action, only to be greeted by… nothing? Where was my beloved Red War campaign? Why was everyone talking about the Witness and Calus being… a turtle? (Don’t ask, it’s a long story.) Turns out, the Red War, along with a bunch of other content, had been vaulted. Talk about a rude awakening!

Now, you might be in the same boat. Maybe you’re a returning player like me, or perhaps you're a brand new Guardian eager to experience Destiny 2's original storyline. Either way, the question is the same: How do you play the Red War campaign in Destiny 2 in 2022? Well, buckle up, because it’s a bit of a… unique situation. Let's just say Bungie took away our toys.

The Bad News: It's Gone (Mostly)

Let’s rip off the band-aid right away: You can't play the full Red War campaign in Destiny 2 as of 2022. The campaign, along with the expansions Curse of Osiris and Warmind, were removed from the game as part of a content vaulting initiative. Bungie's reasoning was that the game was getting too large, and they needed to make space for new content and improve overall performance. Fair enough, I guess, but it doesn't make it any less disappointing for those of us who loved those early storylines.

Think of it like your favorite childhood LEGO set. You loved building that spaceship, but then your parents needed to make room in the attic, and poof, gone. Heartbreaking, right?

The Good News: You Can Still Experience Parts of the Story

Don’t despair completely! While the full Red War campaign is inaccessible, there are still ways to experience elements of the story and get a feel for what it was like during Destiny 2's early days. Here's how:

1. The Cosmodrome New Light Quest: A Taste of the Past

If you're a brand new player, or even if you haven't played in a while, the New Light questline, which takes place in the Cosmodrome, offers a small glimpse into the Red War era. You'll be introduced to some familiar characters like Shaw Han (a name you'll hear a lot) and learn the basics of being a Guardian. While it's not the full Red War story, it does provide some context and helps you understand the universe before diving into the current expansions.

Think of it as a historical documentary, but you get to shoot aliens in the face. Win-win!

2. Lore: Diving Deep into the Grimoire

This is where things get interesting (and a little nerdy). Destiny's lore is incredibly deep and detailed, and much of the Red War storyline is preserved in various lore books, items, and dialogue found throughout the game. Websites like Ishtar Collective are invaluable resources for exploring this lore. You can read about the Red Legion, Ghaul's motivations, and the events that unfolded during the campaign. It's not the same as playing through the story, but it's a great way to fill in the gaps and understand the historical context of Destiny 2.

Consider this option your advanced history class on Destiny. Prepare for some serious reading!

3. YouTube: Relive the Memories (and the Memes)

Thank the Traveler for YouTube! There are countless videos of players playing through the Red War campaign. You can watch full playthroughs, cutscene compilations, and analysis videos to experience the story vicariously. It's a great way to see the campaign in action and relive some of those iconic moments. Plus, you'll probably find some hilarious commentary and memes along the way.

YouTube is your time machine. Just grab some popcorn and enjoy the show!

4. Nostalgia: Talking to Veteran Players

Don't underestimate the power of a good conversation! Find some veteran Destiny 2 players who experienced the Red War firsthand. Ask them about their favorite moments, what they loved (or hated) about the campaign, and how it shaped their experience with the game. You might be surprised by the stories they have to share. Plus, you'll get a sense of the community that formed around Destiny 2 in its early days.

This is like listening to your grandparents tell stories about "back in their day." Except, instead of rationing sugar, they were battling Dominus Ghaul.

5. Look for Story Beats in Current Content

Bungie hasn't completely forgotten about the Red War. You'll find references to the events of the campaign in various quests, dialogue, and even some locations. Keep an eye out for these nods to the past, as they can provide further context and enrich your understanding of the Destiny 2 universe. For example, the Tower has been rebuilt since Ghaul attacked, and you can see remnants of the Red Legion's presence in certain areas. Learning about the story of The Last City can enrich your understanding of these nods.

It's like finding Easter eggs hidden throughout the game. Keep your eyes peeled!

Why Did They Vault It? (And Should They Bring It Back?)

The content vaulting decision was controversial, to say the least. While Bungie's reasoning about game size and performance makes sense, many players felt that they were losing valuable content and history. The question of whether they should bring back the Red War campaign (or other vaulted content) is a topic of constant debate within the Destiny 2 community.

On one hand, bringing back the Red War would allow new players to experience the original story and provide a nostalgic trip for veterans. On the other hand, it would require significant resources and could potentially exacerbate the game's file size issues. Bungie has experimented with bringing back certain weapons and strikes from the vault, so it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility that they could revisit the Red War in some form in the future.

Personally, I'd love to see a remastered version of the Red War campaign, perhaps as a separate, optional download. Imagine playing through the story with updated graphics, gameplay mechanics, and maybe even some new content. That would be a dream come true!

Alternatives to Keep You Engaged

Look, I know it stings. You want to blast through Ghaul's ship and feel the rush of taking back the Light. But since the Red War isn't directly playable, here's what is:

• Focus on the Current Story: Destiny 2's narrative has evolved significantly since the Red War. Dive into the current expansions like The Witch Queen and Lightfall to experience the latest chapters of the story. You might find yourself just as invested in these new storylines and characters.
• Explore Raids and Dungeons: These challenging activities offer some of the most rewarding experiences in Destiny 2. Team up with friends or join a clan to tackle these endgame challenges and earn powerful loot.
• Master the Gameplay: Destiny 2's gameplay is incredibly satisfying. Experiment with different classes, subclasses, weapons, and armor to find your perfect playstyle. There's always something new to learn and master.
• Complete Exotic Quests: Many Exotic weapons have their own unique quests that tell interesting stories and challenge your skills. These quests are a great way to earn powerful gear and learn more about the Destiny 2 universe.
• Participate in Seasonal Events: Destiny 2 regularly hosts seasonal events like the Dawning, Festival of the Lost, and Solstice. These events offer unique activities, rewards, and cosmetics.

Final Thoughts: The Red War Lives On (In Our Hearts)

While you can't directly play the Red War campaign in Destiny 2 in 2022, the story and its impact on the universe remain relevant. By exploring the lore, watching videos, talking to veteran players, and paying attention to the references in current content, you can still experience the essence of the Red War and understand its significance in the Destiny 2 narrative.

So, go forth, Guardian! Explore the world, uncover the mysteries, and continue the fight against the Darkness. The Red War may be gone, but its legacy lives on in every Guardian who picks up a weapon and defends the Light.

And who knows? Maybe one day, Bungie will surprise us all and bring back the Red War in some form. Until then, we'll keep the memories alive and continue to fight for a brighter future.

Plus, let's be honest, with all the new threats we're facing (The Witness, Calus, and now space rhinos?!?!), maybe Ghaul wasn't so bad after all. Just kidding… mostly.

Now go get that god roll, Guardian!