Destiny 2's The Witch Queen launched last year to acclaim from fans and critics alike, who praised its new location, story, combat, and aesthetic. Many felt the expansion's elements progressed naturally, leading to a grand conclusion that changes the lore of Destiny 2 for the better in the future. One year later, the Witch Queen remains one of the best story expansions since Forsaken. The story brings new layers and depths to one of the most notorious villains in Destiny lore while beautifully setting up Lightfall.
The Witch Queen sees the return of Savathun, the titular character, and the planet Mars, where players can access her Throne World. The story expands upon the fate of Savathun from past seasons, revealing that she has stolen the Light from Destiny 2's Traveler and bestowed it upon her Lucent Brood. Guardians set out to uncover how this travesty occurred, unbeknownst to them until the end, that Savathun has been resurrected as a Guardian by the Traveler, which gave her the Light rather than being stolen.
The Witch Queen Contained Some of the Best Seasons
In addition to a stellar story campaign, the associated seasonal content with the Witch Queen has been relatively well received. Season of the Risen and Haunted were generally well received as accompanying stories to the overall narrative of the Witch Queen, allowing characters like Cabal Empress Caiatl, Lord Saladin, and Crow to shine. Season of the Haunted was particularly well received with the return of the Leviathan from the content vault, tying it into Emperor Calus' story and his plans to elevate himself in the Darkness to becoming a Disciple of the Witness.
While Season of Plunder was generally perceived as one of the weakest seasons to date due to its repetitive nature and softer story elements, Season of the Seraph, which closes out the Witch Queen seasons, invigorated the Destiny community and brought with it a genuinely fun and surprising experience as the narrative switched to the Warmind Rasputin, while also cleverly setting up the new location of Neptune for Lightfall.
Season of the Seraph provided players with different missions that breathed fresh life into the seasonal content, introducing an Exotic quest reminiscent of blasts from the past, such as Destiny 2's Presage mission. Not only were the tasks new and exciting, but the locations themselves, such as the Bray Orbital Station, along with puzzle and quest mechanics, revitalized a lot of fatigue from veteran players and introduced new members to peak content that makes Destiny 2 stand out as such a fun and exciting game.
The Witch Queen's Story and Seasons Set Up Lightfall's Story Nicely
Lightfall's story expansion is set to be an explosive entry into the Destiny 2 story. With Emperor Calus hailed as the Disciple of the Witness and Destiny 2's Witness returning to the Sol System to begin a second Collapse, the stakes have never been higher. With the campaign marketed as the beginning of the end for the Light and Darkness saga and new locations and enemies to explore and fight, players are ready to see what dangers await.
The Witch Queen and its seasonal content have done an excellent job establishing and setting up the events to come in Lightfall. Season of the Risen and Season of the Haunted, in particular, spent ample time fleshing out the role of Emperor Calus, his ambitions, his powers, and the danger he poses if he achieves his goals. With Calus cementing their position as the herald of the Witness, players can anticipate deadly results in Neomuna on Neptune, where the former emperor has laid siege in Lightfall.
Furthermore, Season of Plunder brought Guardians into the fray to obtain the relics of Nezarec, thwarting Eramis, Kell of Darkness, from claiming them for some unknown purpose. While information regarding Nezarec and his relics will most likely be explored further, the Season culminated with using their power to awaken Osiris from his coma. This was used to set up Osiris' role in Season of the Seraph and Lightfall searching for a hidden city on Neptune, as he now has Savathun's memories from her time possessing his body.
The Witch Queen's first anniversary marks one of the most successful and well-received story expansions in the Destiny 2 universe. Its ongoing popularity cements it as pivotal content that players have been delighted by. With its seasonal content further enriching the story, the stage has been successfully set for Lightfall, which is releasing in a few days. The beginning of the end is here, and the board is set for an explosive entry featuring friends and foes alike as the Witness prepares its assault.
Destiny 2 is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.