Sony continues its bold foray into the future with the launch of the PlayStation 5. Bungie is proud to partner with them and embark on the next generation of games with a groundbreaking update to Destiny 2. Since the launch of the Destiny 2’s latest expansion, Beyond Light, Bungie has started harnessing the enhanced power of the PS5 console to deliver an optimized next-gen experience to gamers around the world.
With the launch of Beyond Light on November 10, we’ve released our first next-gen enhancements, with additional enhancements announced for release on December 8. Best of all, Destiny 2 owners who play on PlayStation 4 can upgrade to the enhanced version on their new, completely free PlayStation 5.
As soon as the PlayStation 5 launched on November 12, owners started using the console’s lightning-fast SSD hardware to dramatically improve load times. Faster load times affect systems throughout Destiny 2. From starting the game, loading UI elements, and even navigating through menus; Several high-traffic areas of the game have been improved to become smoother and more responsive.
And the launch was just the start. With today’s update, the enhanced next-gen Destiny 2 offers console gamers a series of firsts. Destiny 2 will be playable at impressive 4K resolution. But making the game amazing was only half the equation. Knowing how crucial smooth gameplay is for the action MMO, Bungie combined this improvement in graphics fidelity with a smooth, smooth 60 FPS. It’s 4K at 60 FPS – a first for Destiny 2 on console.
Along with this responsive high-resolution layout, another Destiny 2 first is included with this update: a customizable field of view slider. This feature of FPS gaming is a powerful feature that allows players to change the way their character visually interprets each game environment. It’s an incredibly personal aesthetic that gives players a personalized way of seeing the world of Destiny 2. Ask Whether you like enlarged images and highlighting specific subjects, or if you like images larger and allowing you to take an entire scene – the control for choosing a view that looks natural is now at your fingertips.
In addition to the aesthetic enhancement, a custom field of view slider offers a number of implications for gameplay. When your view is wide you can see more enemies, but these enemies are also much smaller and harder to target. Conversely, narrow your eyesight and the targets get much larger, but your peripheral vision is much more limited. No one option is “best” for everyone and every situation and this is where the importance and power of this new feature lies.
Perhaps the only thing more impressive than these new features is the seamless way gamers can upgrade to the PlayStation 5. In the past, console developers and game studios have faced a question when creating new hardware and updates to their games. Namely: Do players who upgrade lose their ability to band together and go on adventures with players who don’t upgrade? Additionally, in an age where so many players have multiple ways of logging into Destiny 2, are players encouraged to have multiple accounts, characters, and progress on each platform they use and own?
The answer to these two questions is a resounding “no”. Bungie has worked with Sony to ensure that PlayStation 5 owners can continue to play with everyone on PlayStation 4. Dividing the Destiny 2 universe has never been an option. Bungie has also made sure to provide players with Cross Save, a feature that allows players to transport their characters and progress between multiple platforms. So no matter where you are: on the couch, at your desk, on your phone, the previous generation or the next generation, your characters are always available and your friends are always welcome to come.
Great care was taken to ensure that nothing that players have grown to love about the world of Destiny 2 is sacrificed. The feeling of controlling a guard, the critically acclaimed shooter, and the aerial action are all present and familiar. And now everything looks better, loads faster, and is more customizable.
The stars have truly lined up for the launch of Beyond Light and PlayStation 5. The new version of Destiny 2 enters the next generation of games, and in doing so, the Guardians are taking a giant leap into the frozen border of Europe. Power has certainly taken a new form, it’s in 4K, and it’s available today.
