Destiny: Rising, officially revealed on October 14, 2024, is an upcoming free-to-play mobile sci-fi RPG shooter set in an alternate timeline of the Destiny universe. Developed primarily by NetEase Games under Bungie’s license, the game offers a fresh perspective on the Destiny lore, focusing on the post-Dark Age era.
Unique Setting and Storyline
Unlike the main Destiny series, Destiny: Rising explores an alternate timeline where humanity is emerging from the Collapse. Players will experience a narrative centered on the early days of the Last City’s formation, interacting with both familiar faces and new characters, each possessing unique abilities and backstories. The game is set in the Warlord Era, a turbulent period before the Guardians and their iconic classes (Titans, Warlocks, and Hunters) were fully established.
According to NetEase, “Destiny: Rising is set in an alternate timeline, many years before Destiny 1 & 2. This timeline allows for a different exploration of how humanity began to rise from the ashes of the Collapse when invaders from beyond the stars brought an end to what was once a golden age.”
Diverse Gameplay Modes
The game promises a variety of gameplay options, including single-player campaigns, cooperative missions, and competitive multiplayer modes. Players can engage in six-player strikes and participate in both PvE and PvP activities, reminiscent of the core Destiny experience. Notably, Destiny: Rising allows players to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives and supports both touchscreen controls and external controllers for a flexible gaming experience.
Key PvE and PvP Modes:
- Campaign Missions – Explore the world and its evolving narrative.
- Destination Free-Roam – Engage in open-world exploration.
- Haven Ops Strikes – Quick co-op challenges.
- Gauntlet Ops (6-Player Raids) – Inspired by Destiny’s classic raids, offering challenging endgame content.
- Shifting Gates (PvP Mode) – A new competitive multiplayer mode debuting in the Alpha test.
- Morgran’s Prey, Legacy, and Realms of the IX – Additional teased game modes.
Character Selection and Customization
Unlike the traditional Guardian class system, Destiny: Rising introduces hero characters known as Lightbearers. Some confirmed characters include Kabr, Ikora Rey, and Iron Lord Jolder. Players will also create a customizable protagonist named “Wolf”, with options to personalize gender and appearance.
Each Lightbearer has unique abilities tied to the Relic System, which defines their powers and playstyle. This adds a fresh layer of strategy, giving players more diverse combat options beyond Destiny’s typical class-based abilities.
New Weapon Type and Gear Rarity
Destiny: Rising introduces new mechanics to shake up the gameplay experience:
- New Weapon Type: Crossbows – A fresh addition to Destiny’s arsenal, offering strategic ranged combat.
- Mythic Gear Rarity – A brand-new rarity tier, introducing highly powerful and exclusive loot.
- Streamlined Weapon Slots – Unlike Destiny 2’s complex weapon system, Destiny: Rising simplifies it with just two slots: Primary Weapons and Power Weapons.
Upcoming Alpha Test
A closed alpha test is scheduled to begin in November 2025. Interested individuals can pre-register now at playdestinyrising.com to gain early access and provide feedback that will shape the game’s development.
Anticipated Release
While an official release date has not been announced, Destiny: Rising is projected to launch a closed alpha test in Winter 2025. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates and participate in upcoming test phases to get a firsthand experience of this new addition to the Destiny franchise.
Destiny: Rising aims to deliver a comprehensive and engaging mobile gaming experience, expanding the beloved Destiny universe to new platforms and audiences.
