The time has finally come Guardians: Savathûn is finally going to show us her true power. With the launch of The Witch Queen expansion, Bungie is preparing to turn Destiny 2 up to 11, and start to bring to a close the whole Light/Dark story arc that has been going on almost since Destiny 1. Oh, and Numskull Designs have created a rather gorgeous statue too. So, let’s have a brief look at what we can expect as The Witch Queen crashes onto PC and console, shall we?
First off, if you have been watching all the Bungie reveals as avidly as I have, all I need to say is “Lucent Hive”. If you haven’t, I’ll explain a little. The Hive have learned to control the Light, and have also mastered using super attacks against our Guardians. These so called Guardian Hive come in three flavours – Acolytes have gained the power of Solar, and can throw a fan of burning knives; Knights have learned to use Void, and their supper sees them summoning two giant shields that can really ruin your day, while the Wizards have learned to channel Arc. Best of all (or worst of all, depending on your point of view), when you do manage to defeat one of these Lucent Hive, if you don’t get over to their smouldering remains and destroy their “Ghost”, they will respawn. And fight again.
But should we, as Ghost carrying Guardians, be blase about destroying other Ghosts? An interesting moral quandary comes about via Destiny 2’s The Witch Queen expansion…
Alongside this big reveal, there is a ton of new content coming to the game as well. Over fifty new types of weapons and armour, including a whole new archetype, the Glaive. The Glaives do look very interesting, being almost a jack of all trades: is it a melee weapon, given it’s a big pointy sword on a huge handle? Is it a ranged weapon, given that it can also fire projectiles, or is it a defensive weapon, as they can also generate a shield that can be used to shelter you from incoming fire while reviving a fellow Guardian, say? Well, it appears the answer is yes!
Almost more exciting than this is the promise of enhanced weapon crafting, including Glaives, where you can tailor your weapon to do what you want it to. Add to this the ability to also swap bits on all the other weapons and this could well be the next level of crafting in the Destiny universe.
Exotic armour and weapons are also promised, and while details are thin on the ground, one at least is promised to those who have the Deluxe Edition. Retailing at £69.99, this edition will give you access to Seasons 16-19, a new Exotic SMG that fires homing rounds, and plenty more besides, including Dungeons in Year 5, an Exotic Sparrow and an ornament and catalyst for the SMG, alongside the swag from the regular edition.
The regular Standard Edition retails at a slightly more palatable £34.99, and getting this will grant you a new Ghost shell, exotic emote and an emblem. But, importantly, not access to the Season of the Risen playlist that launches with the expansion.
You can colour me excited to see what there is to discover in the new location, Savathûn’s Throne World, and to take on these new Lucent Brood, and also to start smacking Hive about with the Glaive. With the promises Bungie are making, this could well be the most important DLC that they have released for Destiny 2, and I’m hoping for a Taken King rather than a House of Wolves, if you know what I’m saying.
Features include:
- Lucent Brood: Savathûn has gifted her soldiers with the powers of the Light. Guardians will now face enemies who can resurrect, wield powerful (and familiar) Supers, and more.
- Weapon Crafting: Guardians will use Deepsight to craft and upgrade an array of fearsome weaponry. Master the system to create your customized weapons with unique combinations of shaders, mods, and advanced stat pools.
- The Glaive: A formidable first-person melee weapon that packs a punch up close and at range. This new weapon type can also deploy a powerful energy shield to protect its wielder.
- The Throne World: A new destination in Destiny 2, the Throne World is the seat of Savathûn’s power, a twisted wonderland of corruption and splendor. Here, Guardians will seek the truth and learn that mystery makes a home in both the Darkness and the Light.
- Wellspring: A new six-player matchmade activity is at the heart of the ongoing struggle for control of the Throne World.
- New Raid – Vow of the Disciple: Among the swamps of Savathûn’s Throne World lies a sunken Pyramid. Guardians will gather their fireteam and confront the ancient danger that lies within.
Hit up the Xbox Store for all of your ordering needs should you be playing on Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S. You’ll find The Witch Queen hanging out on PlayStation and PC too. The launch trailer for the expansion can be viewed here:
So, Guardians, are you excited to finally start to get some answers? Will you be blasting off into this strange new world? Let us know in the comments! And keep your eyes peeled for our full review of Destiny 2 The Witch Queen on Xbox in the coming days.
DLC Description:
Delve into Savathûn’s Throne World to uncover the mystery of how she and her Lucent Hive stole the Light. Learn the secrets to crafting new weapons, the new Glaive, and survive the truth within her web of lies.
But there’s more Destiny 2 The Witch Queen goodness too and Numskull Designs have proudly announced that Savathûn will be the next release in their range of Destiny statues.
Joining Eris Morn, The Stranger, The Drifter, and Cayde-6, Savathûn is the – or Sister of Shapes, the Scheme Mother, the Witch Queen, depending on how you fancy it – has been the deceptive Hive God scheming behind some of the biggest calamities within Destiny 2 lore. Now, thanks to Numskull you can have her bring havoc in the comfort of your own home.
The Witch Queen statue stands at a colossal 11.5 inches (29.2cm) tall and has all the finishing details that fans would expect, such as her huge Hive wings, teeth details, piercing blue eyes, and acolyte soldier. If you’re a fan of the Destiny franchise, this is possibly one that will stand as the centrepiece of your collection.
Features include:
- Official Bungie product
- Designed and manufactured by Numskull Designs, in conjunction with the Bungie Cinematics Team
- Highly detailed 11.5″ (29.2cm) replica of the iconic ‘Savathûn, the Witch Queen’ with hand-painted features for extra detail
- Dimensions: Height (11.5 inches/29.2cm) x Width (26 inches/66.4cm) x Depth (9.8 inches/24.9cm)
- Base comes with intricate details including giant Hive wings, teeth details, glowing blue eyes and acolyte soldier
- Includes 4x plastic wing support stands
Sold? Get over to Numskull right now and get your purchase in. Just don’t expect to see The Witch Queen arriving on your doorstep until September 2022.
