The Real Talk: Destiny 2’s Social System is a Miss
Alright, gamers, grab your joysticks ’cause we’re about to dive deep into the world of Destiny 2. You know how each expansion always comes with some juicy new features, Destiny 2’s Social System?
Well, a season and a half past Lightfall, I reckon it’s time we confess: their latest social system additions, those shiny commendations and ranks, are just not hitting the mark. And trust me, they’re not leveling up with time either. [First Noticed by Forbes.]
Commendations: Cool Concept, Poor Execution
Let’s kick things off with commendations, a feature that’s been debated more times than we’ve had hot dinners. The intensity for powerful drops or rank progression has been toned down, but the core of the concept? Still as flat as a pancake.
The only moment commendations feel remotely worthwhile is when they’re awarding the Destiny 2 equivalent of “America’s Next Top Model.” Why? Because you can quickly size up everyone’s cool armor in the commendation screen. Easy peasy.
But the rest of the Destiny 2’s Social System is as confusing as a maze. Bungie seems to be skirting around hurting players’ feelings by not displaying their strike scores or Crucible kda on the main screen. Yet, those commendations you’re supposed to dish out are still tied to performance. You can flip to the score screen, cross-check everyone’s stats, and try to match names with their corresponding Guardians, but by the time you’re done, most folks have already hit the road.
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The Guardian Ranks: A Pointless Grind
Then there’s the Guardian Ranks. A system designed to replace seasonal ranks and show off your achievements, like smashing a master raid or GM this season. But let’s be honest, it’s as pointless as a broken controller. Nearly everything carries over from season to season, so you’re just grinding basic seasonal stuff to level up.
And don’t get me started on the gild border— you’re supposed to earn it back each season, but it seems like it’s gone AWOL for everyone. Maybe it’s just me. Maybe it’s a bug. Or maybe we’re all just missing something.
What’s the solution?
I’ll be the first to admit, the old season pass ranks weren’t exactly the gold standard. But neither is this new Destiny 2’s Social System. You could be a PvP deity stuck at level 6 because you’re not into random PvE quests and there’s zero PvP objectives in the system. Or you could be a GM master who didn’t spam enough commendations, and now you’re stuck in the lower ranks.
It feels like we used to have better ways to show off our gaming chops, like the Titles! Remember the Gilded Flawless x6 or Gilded Conqueror x9? Those not only showed your game priority but also your dedication. Even the simple ability to tell whether someone’s a Hunter, Titan, or Warlock from their icon was more useful.
Despite the effort poured into these systems, they’re just not delivering. They feel like solutions to problems that didn’t exist and they’re not fulfilling their promises of a more socially rewarding gaming experience. Will they evolve into something worthy? Only time will tell. But for now, they’re as relevant as a Guitar Hero controller at a Fortnite tournament.