For over a decade, the whispers of `Old Chicago` have echoed through the lore and speculation of the Destiny universe. A legendary, oft-teased location, it remained an enigmatic promise, a distant star in the Guardians` cosmic journey. But with the recent launch of Destiny 2`s latest expansion, Edge of Fate, those whispers have swelled into a chorus, suggesting that the long-anticipated trip to the ravaged Windy City is not just a possibility, but an imminent reality.
The Whispers Begin: Lodi`s Vision and a Familiar Shore
The initial hints were, perhaps, designed for the keenest of eyes—or ears. The Edge of Fate narrative, while primarily set on the far-flung world of Kepler, masterfully weaves in elements of time-bending and glimpses into both past and future. It was during one such vision, granted to the expansion`s new pivotal character, Lodi, that the first concrete clue materialized. He spoke of standing alongside the Guardian, our own player character, on the desolate shores of Lake Michigan. For anyone with a rudimentary grasp of terrestrial geography, Lake Michigan is not just any body of water; it’s the colossal basin cradling the very metropolis in question: Chicago.
The Iron Horse Delivers: Less Subtle Than a Rocket Launcher
Then came the trains. Oh, the trains. What began as a dramatic opening sequence, featuring the venerable Ikora Rey narrowly avoiding a time-displaced subway car, quickly evolved into a pervasive motif. These mechanical behemoths became narrative touchstones, conduits to different realities within Kepler, and ultimately, the defining visual element of the entire expansion. One might, with a slight smirk, suggest that Bungie was being `subtle.` Because if observing a train car uncannily resembling Chicago`s iconic `El` elevated railway wasn`t enough, a closer inspection of the Edge of Fate key art reveals the train`s destination clearly printed above its door: `Ravenswood.` For those unfamiliar, Ravenswood is a distinct neighborhood in northern Chicago. At this point, even the most skeptical Guardian might concede that the signs were less `subtle` and more `billboards written in neon, accompanied by a marching band.`
The Unmistakable Confirmation: Ikora Speaks
Any lingering ambiguity, however, was decisively obliterated as the Edge of Fate campaign drew to its conclusion. In one of the final missions, Ikora Rey, ever the pragmatic strategist, sheds all pretense. Her dialogue, direct and unambiguous, delivered the confirmation that had been years in the making:
“Maybe soon we’ll go to Chicago.”
The decade-long speculation found its definitive validation in a single, simple sentence. It was as if a cosmic alarm clock, set 12 years ago, finally decided to ring.
Why Old Chicago Matters: A Glimpse of Home, Shattered
For veteran players, the prospect of Old Chicago is more than just a new map. It`s the culmination of an odyssey. The location has been teased, debated, and woven into the very fabric of Destiny`s intricate lore since before the original game even launched. While Destiny 2 has offered glimpses of a post-Collapse Earth—from the European Dead Zone (EDZ) with its generic `Trostland` to the Cosmodrome in a vaguely Russian locale—none have presented a truly recognizable landmark from our pre-Collapse reality. Chicago would be the first. Imagine seeing the shattered remnants of a familiar skyline, warped by centuries of decay and alien invasion, a stark contrast to the fictionalized landscapes we`ve traversed thus far. It`s a poignant moment of real-world history intersecting with sci-fi apocalypse.
Uncharted Territory: Gameplay, Lore, and the DEO
Beyond the nostalgic recognition, Old Chicago presents a wealth of narrative and gameplay opportunities. How would Bungie interpret this iconic city after centuries of progress, decline, and cataclysm? What unique environmental challenges and encounters would a ravaged urban sprawl offer? And what of the potential survivors, clinging to existence amidst the ruins? Furthermore, the Edge of Fate campaign hints at connections to a mysterious historical entity: the Department of External Observation (DEO), a mid-20th-century government agency focused on alien contact. Cutscenes imply this department had significant ties to a city resembling Chicago. If Chicago is indeed our next destination, the DEO`s role in the unfolding narrative could be monumental, potentially bridging the gap between Earth`s distant past and the Guardians` immediate future. It’s an intriguing prospect, blending historical conspiracy with cosmic conflict.
Conclusion: The Long Road Home
What began as a flicker of lore, a concept art sketch, has steadily grown into an undeniable beacon. The Edge of Fate expansion isn`t just a new chapter; it`s a meticulously crafted prelude to a destination long-dreamed of. After nearly 12 years of waiting, it appears Guardians are finally packing their bags for the long-overdue trip to Old Chicago. Prepare your Light, for the wind off Lake Michigan might carry more than just a chill; it might carry the echoes of a past waiting to be reclaimed.
Callum Darby