Game files refer to a possible Premium Destiny 2 monthly subscription service

Destiny has always been a game with yearly expansions since its release in 2014, with smaller expansions (House of Wolves, Warmind, etc.) being released in between. However, with the release of Destiny 2’s first major expansion – Forsaken, Bungie changed the model from two smaller expansions to seasons, releasing a total of four seasons per year. And now, it looks like the developer is experimenting with a premium subscription service for the game, as there are some references in the game files.

It appears Bungie has been testing a monthly subscription model (similar to games like Final Fantasy XIV) for Destiny 2’s upcoming Lightfall expansion and its later canceled (?) Season 20 for some reason, revealed in the game files. Elliott over on the D2 Datamines Discord server shared some threads with TGP that feature four types of subscriptions for the game.

• \Season_20\data\subscription_upsell_month1_ad_banner_000_004.v2.tif
• \Season_20\data\subscription_upsell_month3_ad_banner_000_005.v2.tif
• \Season_20\data\subscription_upsell_month6_ad_banner_000_006.v2.tif
• \Season_20\data\Subscribe_upsell_month12_ad_banner_000_007.v2.tif

As we can see, this clearly indicates that at some point there was a subscription service planned for Lightfall and Season 20. The file description states that the subscription model will include “Lightfall, new dungeons and raids, one month of premium content in Destiny two years 6, Exotic Sparrow, and a catalyst Quicksilver Storm and Ornament, and Rahool’s Secret Stash: Four Exotic Accessories and Deluxe Material Pack Delivered All Year 6″.

“Enhance your journey as a new light with a premium subscription to Destiny 2. Experience the first Destiny 2 quests and destinations: Lightfall, The Witch Queen, Beyond Light, and Shadowkeep for free.”

“Prevent the end of the world by racing Emperor Kallos to the edge of the solar system. Brave a new campaign and master the Strand, a new sub-class. Pre-order now to instantly unlock the Quicksilver Storm Exotic weapon and exclusive rewards.”

We don’t know when this was added in the game files but given that it’s for Lightfall and Season 20, the best guess is that Season of Plunder will launch, after the Lightfall demo event.

Now, even with some direct references to the Destiny 2 subscription service in the game files, we don’t know if this will pay off with The Final Shape, or if this is something Bungie plans to add to the next Destiny saga. In short, take it with a grain of salt.

As of now, Bungie hasn’t announced any kind of premium subscription model for Destiny 2 for Lightfall or Year 6 in general. The community has been asking for a seasonal renewal in Destiny 2 due to the frequent level grind, power creeps, and vendor upgrades for months now.

Destiny 2’s Season of the Seraph is in full swing now, with the third alien Revision Zero, now available as part of the new alien mission that launched earlier this week.