Best if you want AAA gunplay with flexible co-op loops, deep buildcrafting, and bite-sized sessions that grow into a long-term MMO-FPS hobby—expect to buy expansions for the best content.
Destiny 2 stands out for its best-in-class shooting feel: crisp recoil, satisfying audio feedback, and weapons that behave exactly as you expect. Every trigger pull feels premium, making the moment-to-moment loop rewarding even before you factor in the loot chase. You'll spend sessions experimenting with exotic gear, tuning armor mods, and mixing subclass abilities to find a playstyle that clicks—whether you're slinging void grenades, buffing teammates, or chaining precision kills. The free New Light entry point offers a guided onboarding, rotating playlists, three-player strikes, and full access to the competitive Crucible PvP modes. Sessions naturally fit into 20–30 minute chunks: run a strike, tackle a weekly challenge, or dive into a few Crucible matches. Progression feels smooth at first—you'll unlock abilities, collect gear, and see power climb—but the ceiling becomes clear once you eye raids, dungeons, and seasonal storylines, nearly all of which require paid expansions. Think of the free version as a generous trial that lets you test the loop before committing. For those who invest, Destiny 2 transforms into a hobby game with weekly rituals, six-player raids that demand communication and role coordination, and seasonal refreshes that rotate metas and activities. Buildcrafting depth rivals dedicated RPGs: armor stats, elemental affinities, champion mods, and exotic synergies all matter. The learning curve is moderate—strikes ease you in, but endgame content like Grandmaster Nightfalls and Master raids expect optimized builds and tactical awareness. Crossplay keeps the playerbase healthy, so queues stay instant whether you're on Steam, console, or Stadia. The social layer works well: built-in matchmaking for casual content, LFG tools for harder activities, and clan systems for regulars. The game respects your time with clear weekly milestones, but also rewards long grinds for god-roll weapons or titles. Destiny 2 is best for players who value shooting mechanics above all, enjoy repeatable loops with friends, and are open to a free-to-paid funnel. If you want a polished sci-fi shooter with optional PvP depth and years of content ahead, this is a safe bet—just know the best experiences cost extra.
12 online • Full Crossplay
Destiny 2 supports full crossplay across all platforms, supports up to 12 players online, features co-op campaign mode.
Single Player • Multiplayer • Co-op • PvP • Online Multiplayer • MMO
Online-only. Steam lists online PvP and online co-op. Max activity sizes: Fireteam up to 3 in many PvE activities (e.g., strikes), up to 6 in raids; PvP varies by mode and can reach 12 players total (e.g., 6v6). No LAN. No split-screen on PC. Cross Play supported across supported platforms (Steam/Epic/Microsoft Store PC, PlayStation, Xbox). Console online play generally requires platform subscription (e.g., PS Plus / Xbox Game Pass Core) except where platform policy allows free-to-play online without it.
Important details about which version to buy and where to play.
The base New Light version is free and includes core playlists, Crucible PvP, and introductory strikes. Major expansions (Lightfall, The Final Shape, seasonal content) unlock campaigns, raids, dungeons, and exotic quests. Annual passes and deluxe editions bundle seasons; watch for sales if committing long-term.
Full crossplay between Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Stadia (until sunset). Steam offers native KB+M support with robust aim-assist for controllers. Progress syncs via cross-save, so you can switch platforms freely. Performance scales well; 60 FPS on mid-range hardware, 120+ on high-end rigs.
Extensive accessibility: full key and controller remapping, FOV slider, colorblind modes, adjustable subtitle size, text-to-speech for chat, hold/toggle options, and granular audio sliders. In-game ping system aids communication without voice. Difficulty tiers let you scale challenges, and matchmaking removes social barriers for casual content.
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If you enjoyed Destiny 2, you'll love these similar games. We've handpicked titles based on gameplay style, difficulty, atmosphere, and what players like you are enjoying. Whether you're looking for something with a similar vibe, more challenge, or the same multiplayer features, these recommendations have you covered.
Cooperative multiplayer games that emphasize teamwork and shared objectives, building on the social aspects of Destiny 2.
Cover-based firefights and loot chasing shine in 2–4 player squads, with missions, strongholds, and endgame activities built for coordinated co-op clears.
A loot-heavy FPS that’s easy to run as a duo or full party—drop-in co-op, shared questing, and constant gun upgrades keep the PvE loop flowing.
Four-class teamwork, objective-driven cave dives, and satisfying gunplay deliver that ‘run a mission with friends’ feel, with quick restarts and great pacing.
Head-to-head competitive games for players who enjoy the competitive elements found in Destiny 2.
Arena FPS fundamentals—tight movement, clean gunfights, and objective modes—make it a strong alternative when you want competitive matches over PvE grinding.
Squad-based PvP with distinct abilities and high-skill gunplay; constant rotations, clutch fights, and ranked ladders scratch the competitive itch hard.
Hero-shooter teamfights emphasize roles, ult economy, and coordination; short matches and clear objectives make it ideal when you want pure PvP focus.
Games with deeper mechanical complexity than Destiny 2, rewarding players who enjoy mastering intricate systems and advanced strategies.
A deeper looter-shooter rabbit hole: frames, mods, Arcanes, crafting, and build theory let you chase mastery for hundreds of hours across PvE grinds.
For the buildcraft side: sprawling skill tree, item crafting, leagues, and endgame maps reward long-term theorycrafting and optimization like a hobby.
Games that capture the essence of Destiny 2 with a gentler learning curve and more forgiving difficulty, perfect for newcomers to the genre.
A more straightforward co-op looter shooter with clear goals and lighter onboarding—jump into missions fast, chase drops, and swap characters without overload.
Mission-based loot shooting with punchy abilities and a simple gear loop—less live-service friction, easier to finish a campaign and still enjoy co-op endgame.
We've included this game in 6 articles.
Destiny 2 layers RPG buildcrafting—subclasses, exotics, armor mods—onto exceptional FPS mechanics, making it a unique hybrid. Free New Light content lets you experiment with progression systems and sample strikes and PvP, but most raids and story campaigns require expansions. It's an honorable mention because the free slice feels like an extended trial rather than a complete RPG experience.
Destiny 2 earns its spot for delivering some of the best weapon feel in any shooter, free or paid. Crucible PvP is fully accessible, letting you experience Bungie's legendary gunplay and evolving metas without spending a cent. The trade-off is steep: raids, dungeons, and campaigns require expansions, so free players get a slice of the looter-shooter rather than the full meal.
Destiny 2 blends cooperative PvE strikes with competitive Crucible modes, all backed by smooth matchmaking and reliable servers. Seasonal updates keep activities and loot fresh, while the free package offers meaningful progression in both spaces. Some premier raids and story content require expansions, but the core multiplayer loop—solo queue or with friends—remains accessible and polished.
Destiny 2 delivers cinematic sci-fi action with best-in-class gunplay and stunning visuals, all playable solo in strikes and patrols. The free offering showcases Bungie's polish through bite-sized missions and buildcrafting, though it's always online and major campaigns sit behind paid expansions. Best for FPS fans wanting premium production quality and satisfying moment-to-moment combat in short sessions.
Destiny 2's free playlists showcase Bungie's renowned gunfeel, flexible buildcrafting, and cooperative strikes, giving dozens of polished hours before deciding on paid expansions. It ranks this high because the core shooting mechanics, subclass variety, and social features are all accessible—letting you experience AAA production quality at no cost. Best for players wanting to test a premium looter-shooter.
Destiny 2 ranks high for polished 3-player strikes and 6-player raids that reward tight teamwork and smart buildcrafting. Its best-in-class gunfeel, instant matchmaking, and massive crossplay community ensure you'll always find a fireteam. Free players get dozens of cooperative hours, though the deepest endgame content sits behind expansions. Perfect for squads prioritizing shooter quality and repeatable missions.
Common questions about this game answered by our team.
Core strikes and Crucible are approachable for FPS fans. Endgame raids, Grandmaster Nightfalls, and trials demand optimized builds, communication, and mechanical skill. Difficulty tiers let you choose your challenge level.
Dozens of hours exploring subclasses, strikes, and Crucible. Progression slows without expansions; most raids, dungeons, and seasonal stories require purchase. Think extended trial rather than full game.
Yes, with caveats. Strikes and patrols work solo or with matchmaking. Raids and dungeons expect groups (LFG tools help). Crucible is PvP. Always-online required; no offline mode.
No. Expansions unlock content, not power. Microtransactions are cosmetic (shaders, emotes, ornaments). Free players compete on equal footing in Crucible; gear comes from gameplay, not wallet.
Yes, if you enjoy shooters. New Light onboarding guides basics, and matchmaking eases group anxiety. Systems can overwhelm (mods, currencies, milestones), but the shooting feels great from minute one.
