Destiny 2 players hoping for a break from the Pinnacle grind will be disappointed as Bungie announced the return of the seasonal Power level increases in the upcoming Episode: Revenant. Players will need to grind for another 10 levels as Bungie raises the Power cap once again, reinstating the Pinnacle grind that was removed with the Lightfall expansion.
What is Changing in Episode: Revenant?
According to Bungie’s latest This Week in Destiny blog post, the studio is rolling back its decision to simplify the Power grind. Previously, the Lightfall expansion had reduced the need for seasonal Pinnacle farming, making players grind for Power levels only once a year. However, with Episode: Revenant, the Pinnacle system returns, forcing players to chase another 10 levels.
The Return of Seasonal Pinnacle Drops
Before Lightfall, each season increased the Power cap by 10 levels, with players needing to complete endgame activities such as Raids and Dungeons to acquire Pinnacle drops. Bungie claims that this system added goals for hardcore players, giving them reasons to engage in high-level content throughout the season.
Now, the Power level system is back, and so is the grind. Pinnacle rewards from limited sources will once again be crucial for players looking to hit the new cap.
Power Scaling Changes in The Final Shape
One of the driving reasons for this change is the power scaling system introduced with The Final Shape, which adjusts the player’s level relative to the highest level in their fireteam. This new mechanic, which launched in June, means players are always scaled five levels below the highest fireteam member.
The Artifact Bonus and Contest Mode
On top of the Power cap changes, the Artifact Bonus—which temporarily boosts Power levels for a season—will continue to reset with each new season or episode. This means players must grind not only for Pinnacle levels but also for their Artifact Bonus, adding another layer of challenge to the season.
Bungie is also doubling down on hardcore content with the introduction of Contest Mode in upcoming dungeons. This mode, which locks players into a harder difficulty for the first 24 to 48 hours of a new activity, is normally reserved for raids. Contest Mode forces players to tackle the hardest content with enemies at significantly higher levels, increasing the difficulty even further.
More Grinding Ahead for Destiny 2
As Destiny 2 continues to evolve, Bungie appears to be pushing the game toward more hardcore players. With the introduction of a loot tier system, players may soon need to grind not just for Pinnacle levels but also for different sub-rarities of weapons and gear. This could extend to armor, meaning longtime players may need to farm new sets to stay competitive in the endgame.
In Episode: Revenant, players will face one of the easiest Pinnacle grinds, as all drops now count for all three classes. However, with 10 more levels to farm and the continued artifact grind, the path to max Power will be longer than ever.
Bungie’s Struggle Amidst Player Burnout
The decision to bring back the Pinnacle grind comes at a difficult time for Bungie. Destiny 2 has seen player burnout, and the constant grind for levels is a contributing factor.
After recent layoffs and a dwindling player base, Bungie is struggling to keep its community engaged. The return of this grinding system might help keep dedicated players invested, but there are concerns it could push more casual players away.
Conclusion
With the return of the Pinnacle grind in Episode: Revenant, Destiny 2 is shifting back to a more hardcore player focus. The changes will bring more endgame content and additional Power levels to chase, but the increasing grind may lead to further burnout for some players.
As Destiny 2 approaches the release of The Final Shape, it remains to be seen how the community will respond to these changes.
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