Destiny 2 players are gearing up for a return to one of the most iconic locations in the franchise—the Dreadnaught. But things won’t be exactly as they remember. With the launch of Destiny 2: Heresy on February 4, the Hive warship will see some major transformations, setting the stage for a battle unlike any before.
The Dreadnaught Awakens After Nearly a Decade
For long-time players, the Dreadnaught is a familiar yet eerie battleground. Introduced in The Taken King expansion nearly ten years ago, it was the domain of Oryx, the Taken King himself. But what happens to a Hive warship when its master is gone?
According to Nikko Stevens, Destiny 2’s Narrative Architect, the return of the Dreadnaught won’t be a simple nostalgia trip. “The Dreadnaught has reawakened for the first time in almost a decade,” Stevens revealed in a PlayStation feature. “We finally get to see what has become of it years after Oryx was felled and its halls were left to corrode, without a Navigator.”
That corrosion—and whatever else has crept in over the years—sets the stage for an unsettling new chapter in the game’s lore.
The Nether: A New Activity Brings Chaos to the Dreadnaught
The biggest gameplay addition coming with Heresy is a fresh activity known as The Nether. The mission revolves around stopping the spread of Taken corruption, which has festered in the absence of its original ruler.
This won’t be a straightforward battle. Players will need to disable the ship’s internal weapons while managing unpredictable modifiers that affect both Guardians and their enemies.
- The boons system shakes up combat by giving random advantages—or disadvantages—to players and their foes.
- Strategic decision-making will be critical, as these effects could turn the tide of battle at any moment.
- The ship itself may pose unexpected dangers, as its shifting landscape and corrupted passages challenge even veteran fireteams.
The Nether promises to be more than just another mission. It’s a test of adaptability, teamwork, and endurance against an evolving battlefield.
A Star Wars Collaboration Brings the Empire to Destiny 2
Guardians won’t just be battling new threats—they’ll also have some new gear inspired by a galaxy far, far away. Heresy’s launch will be accompanied by a collaboration with Star Wars, bringing armor, accessories, emotes, and finishers styled after some of the Empire’s most fearsome warriors.
The lineup includes items inspired by:
- Death Troopers – The elite enforcers clad in black armor.
- Imperial Guards – The Emperor’s personal protectors, known for their crimson robes and deadly combat skills.
This isn’t the first time Destiny 2 has borrowed from pop culture. Recent crossovers have featured gear from The Witcher, Mass Effect, and Assassin’s Creed. But bringing elements of Star Wars into the mix adds a new level of excitement for sci-fi fans.
A New Dungeon and the Race to Be the First to Conquer It
Beyond the Dreadnaught and its mysteries, Bungie has also revealed details about Sundered Doctrine, the next dungeon in Destiny 2. While specifics remain under wraps, one thing is certain—players will once again be racing to be the first to complete it.
The game’s dungeon races have become a staple of the community, with fireteams competing for world-first bragging rights. Bungie has leaned into this competitive spirit, offering exclusive rewards for those who manage to claim victory first.
With Heresy bringing both a fresh PvE experience and a thrilling new dungeon, February 4 is shaping up to be a major date for Destiny 2 players. The return of the Dreadnaught is more than just a throwback—it’s a chance to see how the game’s universe continues to evolve, even after nearly a decade.
