Beginner Tips — Destiny 2 Getting Started

Welcome to Destiny 2, Guardian! This guide provides essential tips for new players to navigate the vast universe, understand core mechanics, and get started on your epic journey. From choosing your class to managing your inventory, these pointers will set you on the right path to becoming a powerful force.

Destiny 2 is a massive online shooter with a wealth of content. As a new player, it can feel overwhelming, but with a few key strategies, you can quickly get up to speed. This guide focuses on the fundamental aspects of the game, ensuring you have a solid foundation for your adventures across the solar system.

1. Choosing Your Guardian Class

Your first major decision is selecting your Guardian class: Titan, Hunter, or Warlock. Each class has unique abilities and playstyles.

Titan: A frontline combatant, excelling in defense and melee. Their abilities often involve shields and powerful close-range attacks.
Hunter: Agile and precise, Hunters are masters of ranged combat and critical hits. Their abilities focus on mobility, stealth, and precision damage.
Warlock: Arcane spellcasters who wield the Light and Darkness to devastating effect. Their abilities often involve area-of-effect attacks and support capabilities.

Don't stress too much about this choice; you can create multiple characters to try out each class.

2. Understanding Your Gear and Inventory

Your gear is crucial for your Guardian's power. Pay attention to the following:

Power Level: This is your overall strength. Higher Power Level gear increases your effectiveness in combat.
Gear Rarity: Gear comes in different rarities: Common (White), Uncommon (Green), Rare (Blue), Legendary (Purple), and Exotic (Gold). Focus on acquiring Legendary and Exotic gear.
Inventory Management: Your inventory can fill up quickly. Regularly visit the Vault in the Tower to store gear you want to keep. Dismantle items you don't need for Glimmer and Legendary Shards.
Mods: Gear can be equipped with Mods that provide stat bonuses or special perks. Experiment with different Mod combinations.

3. Core Gameplay Loop: Quests and Activities

Destiny 2 revolves around completing various activities to gain experience, gear, and resources.

Story Quests: These are your primary path through the game's narrative. Follow the quest markers on your map.
Patrols: Open-world zones where you can complete small tasks, gather resources, and engage in Public Events.
Strikes: Three-player cooperative missions with challenging boss encounters. A great way to earn gear and practice teamwork.
Crucible: Player-versus-player combat. Start with casual modes to get a feel for it.
Gambit: A hybrid PvE and PvP mode where teams compete to defeat enemies and collect motes.

4. Essential Resources and Currencies

You'll encounter several important resources:

Glimmer: The primary currency, used for purchasing items, upgrading gear, and more.
Legendary Shards: Earned by dismantling Legendary and Exotic gear. Used for purchasing specific items from vendors.
Enhancement Cores/Prisms/Shards: Used for upgrading gear and Masterworking.
Exotic Engrams: These decrypt into powerful Exotic weapons or armor.

5. Don't Be Afraid to Experiment

Destiny 2 offers a vast array of weapons, abilities, and subclasses. Try different combinations to find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to experiment with different playstyles and loadouts.

6. Join a Clan

Joining a clan provides access to clan-specific rewards, shared resources, and a community of players to team up with for activities. It's highly recommended for a more enjoyable experience.

By focusing on these beginner tips, you'll be well on your way to enjoying all that Destiny 2 has to offer. Good luck, Guardian!