The launch of “The Desert Perpetual” raid in Destiny 2 has marked a significant shift in the gaming experience, as it introduces the franchise’s first nonlinear raid structure. Traditionally, Destiny raids feature a set sequence of encounters and boss battles.
However, with the earlier “The Edge of Fate” released on July 15, Guardians were already given a taste of change, setting the stage for this new raid format. Set on Kepler, a newly introduced destination at the edge of the solar system, “The Edge of Fate” also brings new mysteries, notably surrounding a character named Lodi and the enigmatic Nine.
With the expansion, players can explore new activities, unlock legendary gear, and gather Exotics. Continuing a long-standing Bungie tradition, the raid and World First race commenced within the first week of the expansion’s launch.
The World First race for “The Desert Perpetual” kicked off on July 19 at 10:00 a.m. PDT. Shortly into the competition, players shared their findings on Reddit, realizing the raid’s nonlinear approach after completing the first encounter named Predestination.
Afterward, players can select from various encounters in a hub area, activated by spheres, and engage with bosses Iatros, Agraios, and Epoptes in any order they choose. As the gameplay unfold, many fireteams have opted to confront the Iatros boss first, resulting in the emergence of guides and tips shared online.
While defeating these three bosses likely leads to a final raid encounter, the World First race remains active, and players are experimenting with optimal strategies and gear for this raid. Bungie’s willingness to innovate indicates potential future enhancements within Destiny 2, as the choice of encounter selection offers players more flexibility and versatility in their raid experiences.
This could ultimately allow them to optimize their gameplay, returning to specific encounters to farm desired gear efficiently.