After a decade-long cosmic journey, the Light and Darkness Saga in Destiny 2 reached its epic conclusion with The Final Shape. Guardians across the solar system paused, not just to mourn or celebrate, but to wonder: what comes next? The answer has arrived in the form of The Edge of Fate, a new expansion that doesn`t just turn a page, it opens an entirely new chapter in the universe of Destiny, challenging core beliefs and setting a bold, fresh course for the game`s future narrative.
This isn`t merely a continuation; it`s a recalibration. Bungie, through its narrative director Alison Lührs, has offered a rare glimpse into the philosophical underpinnings and intricate planning behind this ambitious new era. The central tenet of the Fate Saga is a direct confrontation with the long-held Guardian mantra: “Guardians make their own fate.” But do they, really? This provocative question permeates every facet of the new narrative, inviting players to ponder the very nature of free will in a universe increasingly guided by forces beyond their immediate comprehension.
The Nine Emerge from the Shadows
For years, the enigmatic Nine have been an ethereal, background presence in Destiny`s lore—interdimensional entities whose influence felt more like cosmic whispers than direct commands. With The Edge of Fate, these beings, intrinsically linked to the planets of our solar system, step directly into the spotlight, actively steering the narrative. Players journey to Kepler, a new planetoid that serves as a crucible for their newfound agency.
The challenge for Bungie, as Lührs explains, lies in maintaining the Nine`s alien, unknowable essence while simultaneously making them comprehensible and relatable to players. This involves dissecting their individual desires and the deep ideological divides among them, weaving these into a tapestry that honors established lore while dramatically expanding their roles. Balancing the profound cosmic weirdness—yes, even the Space Horse and Xur factor in—with a cohesive, character-driven story is no small feat, but it`s a balancing act Bungie seems intent on mastering.
Lodi: A Mirror for the Player
Perhaps the most intriguing addition to The Edge of Fate is Lodi, a character unlike any Guardian. He is not reborn of the Traveler`s Light, nor does he possess immortality. Lodi is a man out of time, an emissary from the 1960s, specifically from the U.S. government`s clandestine Department of External Observation (DEO)—an organization dedicated to the rather quaint pursuit of alien hunting. His perspective, grounded in a more recognizable past, offers players a unique and remarkably relatable lens through which to experience Destiny`s futuristic world.
Lodi`s origin introduces a fascinating layer of retro-futurism and, as it turns out, a touch of historical conspiracy. The Collector`s Edition lore hinted at the DEO`s investigation into the Kennedy Assassination, sparking playful speculation among fans. Did Lodi, our new time-traveling diplomat, have a hand in that infamous event? Bungie`s answer is a delightful blend of humor and lore expansion: Lodi, bless his optimistic heart, has an “ironclad alibi.” The assassination, however, involved an extraterrestrial weapon, reverse-engineered by the DEO into the very foundation of the Graviton Project and, eventually, the formidable Graviton Lance. It`s a testament to Bungie`s ability to inject real-world historical intrigue, albeit with a cosmic twist, into their grand narrative.
Bungie`s Evolving Storytelling Blueprint
With a decade of storytelling under their belt, Bungie isn`t just launching a new saga; they`re refining their narrative strategy. Alison Lührs revealed a surprisingly confident approach: the ending of the Fate Saga is already known. This might sound rigid, but it`s framed as a “skeleton,” providing a foundational structure that allows for immense flexibility and adaptability in how the story beats are achieved. This method facilitates planting “seeds” now that will blossom into significant payoffs much later, ensuring a rich, interconnected narrative from the outset.
Learnings from The Final Shape, particularly the success of its character-centric ensemble, are heavily influencing this new direction. Players can expect a deeper focus on individual characters—both new companions and familiar faces—whose choices will meaningfully impact the world. The shift from “seasons” to “episodes” also allows for concentrated character development within a high-stakes, overarching narrative. The Edge of Fate exemplifies this by focusing intensely on a handful of characters rather than spreading the narrative thin across a multitude.
Even mission design has seen an innovative overhaul. The campaign`s missions can be played out of order, thanks to a clever narrative architecture where each biome contains self-contained thematic knowledge. This ensures that regardless of a player`s path, the story coheres and continuously deepens their understanding of characters and the world.
While time travel is integral to Lodi`s character, Lührs assures us that Bungie is treading carefully. There won`t be a full-blown “Dharma Initiative on an island in the 70s” scenario. The past in Destiny is approached with the same optimism as its future, distinct from our own history, serving to enrich the existing lore rather than complicate it with excessive temporal paradoxes.
A New Destiny Dawns
The Edge of Fate isn`t just an expansion; it`s a declaration of intent. Bungie is committed to pushing the boundaries of Destiny 2`s narrative, asking deeper philosophical questions, and exploring rich character arcs with newfound focus and intentionality. By bringing the Nine to the forefront and introducing characters like Lodi who bridge the fantastical with the familiar, the game is poised to deliver a narrative experience that is both grand in scope and intensely personal. As Guardians venture into the uncharted space of the Fate Saga, they`re not just fighting battles; they`re grappling with the very fabric of their destiny, ready to see where their choices, and the universe`s grand plan, will lead them.
Callum Darby