Destiny 2’s holiday event, The Dawning 2024, launched with unexpected cheer as a bug allowed players to claim premium event card rewards for free. The joy was short-lived, however, as Bungie swiftly disabled the event card and key progression systems, leaving the festive season in limbo.
A Dawning Gift Gone Wrong
The Dawning Event Card, central to the holiday festivities in Destiny 2, encountered a glitch that let players access its upgraded version without spending the usual 1,000 Silver (~$10). This upgrade typically unlocks exclusive cosmetics and additional event challenges.
Instead, players who clicked the “Upgrade Event Card” button received all the premium rewards for free, including the Rime of the Season shader, the Cozy Cat emote, and the Gift Wrapped sparrow.
This error triggered a scramble from Bungie, who promptly disabled the event card, halting all associated triumphs and progression. “Due to disabling the Dawning Event Card, all Event Card Triumphs and progression are on hold until the main issue is resolved,” the developer announced via social media.
Impact on the Dawning 2024 Event
With the event card out of commission, many core objectives tied to the Dawning are currently unavailable. However, players can still:
- Gather Dawning Essence and Dawning Spirit, essential for baking event-themed cookies.
- Advance certain quests and bounties unrelated to the event card.
It remains unclear whether progress made during this downtime will be retroactively applied when the event is restored.
Event Cards: The Backbone of Seasonal Events
Event cards, introduced in 2022, serve as a checklist for challenges and rewards in Destiny 2’s seasonal events. The free tier provides access to basic rewards, while the premium upgrade unlocks exclusive cosmetics and a mini “season pass” experience.
The premium version has faced criticism since its inception, with many players questioning the value of microtransactions tied to fleeting events. The recent bug rekindles debates about their implementation, especially since the cost of an event card upgrade equals two-thirds of an episode, the new format replacing seasons in Destiny 2.
Will Bungie Take Back the Gifts?
It remains to be seen whether Bungie will remove the free cosmetics claimed during the glitch. Historically, the developer has addressed such incidents by either revoking unintended rewards or letting players keep them. As of now, no official statement has been made regarding the fate of these items.
Players who managed to claim the premium content are advised to monitor updates for any changes. Meanwhile, some content creators, including glitch expert Cheese Forever, recommend avoiding logging into the game until the situation stabilizes.
A Festive Mess for Bungie
The disruption of The Dawning 2024 marks another stumbling block in Bungie’s efforts to maintain player trust amid growing concerns about monetization and event management.
Despite the setback, players can still immerse themselves in the spirit of the season by baking cookies and completing available quests. Yet, for those seeking the full experience, patience may be the best strategy.
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