What to Expect with Destiny 2’s Rite of the Nine Update

The Destiny 2 Rite of the Nine update drops tonight as Destiny 2’s last major update before Edge of Finality. It is considered similar to last year’s Into the Light. All content related to Rite of the Nine is free for all players. The update also includes a new PvP game mode, Sandbox changes, and the potential inclusion of a new exotic weapon that leaked recently. The update should release at 10 AM PT (7 PM CEST).

Destiny 2 Rite of the Nine Dungeons

A large portion of the update surrounds the three revamped dungeons. Prophecy, Spire of the Watcher, and Ghosts of the Deep will form part of the Rite of the Nine. All three dungeons will receive weapon perk refreshes, encounter updates, adept weapons, and three different difficulties. The dungeons feature on a weekly rotation for players to acquire loot and complete challenges.

The selectable difficulties for the dungeons are Explorer, Eternity, and Ultimatum. Explorer Mode is for new players to experience dungeons. Eternity Mode will likely be the standard dungeon experience, while Ultimatum Mode will be similar to Contest Dungeons. Players who complete Ultimatum mode with a Platinum score will receive adept versions of the weapons from that dungeon. Players can also attune specific weapons at The Third Spire, a returning social space.

New Rewards

The Rite of the Nine Update sees the addition of three new weapons. Trials of Osiris, Iron Banner, and Nightfalls receive one weapon each. Trials of Osiris gets The Inquisitor (Arc Precision Slug Shotgun), Iron Banner gets Nature Reclaimed (Solar Lightweight Pulse Rifle), and Nightfalls have Cruel Mercy (Arc Heavy Burst Pulse Rifle). The Inquisitor and Cruel Mercy will drop alongside another weapon as the adept version. The Inquisitor drops alongside Aisha’s Care for Trials of Orisis. Cruel Mercy will drop with Lotus Eater in Nightfalls.

Sandbox Changes

Rite of the Nine is a mid-episode balance tuning for Destiny 2. Bungie’s most recent TWID revealed all the sandbox changes coming to Destiny 2. Some of the notable changes are: a significant nerf to Lord of Wolves’ Hip Fire Damage in PvE, nerfs to Legacy Frame Pulse Rifles in PvP, adjustments to Radiant Dance Machines, and large-scale buffs to Finality’s Auger. All the changes should see a shakeup to the PvP and PvE metas, especially with Lord of Wolves falling out of favor.

Heavy Metal and Event Tab

Rite of the Nine is adding a new PvP game mode. Players will take command of Brigs or Drake Tanks to battle each other. The game mode is on the fun side and allows players to destress. It features a new Event Home Tab for the first time, replacing the old Event Cards. The Event Tab gives players access to the activity, the ability to travel directly to the Tower, and trackable quests. There will be daily and weekly challenges to complete, and a free Event Pass granting various rewards.

New Land Beyond Exotic

Several weeks ago, leaks emerged that the Destiny 1 Exotic, No Land Beyond, will return to Destiny 2, called New Land Beyond. It is an Exotic Special Ammo Sniper Rifle. The Exotic should be an Edge of Fate Pre-Order Weapon, which means players will likely get access to it today after the Edge of Fate Livestream. New Land Beyond’s Perks, Master gives bonus damage for precision hits, and Bullseye’s Bolster grants target acquisition, handling, stability, and reload speed for precision hits.