Destiny 2’s Rite of the Nine: Bungie Responds to Player Feedback with Dungeon Rotation Changes and Bonus Rewards
Destiny 2 players voiced their frustration with the initial rollout of the Rite of the Nine event, and Bungie has responded with significant changes to address the community's concerns. Originally planned with a three-week dungeon rotation, the event now features shorter rotations and increased rewards.
The Rite of the Nine event, designed to bridge the gap until the Edge of Eternity expansion, brought back three dungeons—Spire of the Watcher, Ghosts of the Deep, and Prophecy—with updated loot and new challenges. However, the initial plan to keep each dungeon active for three weeks instead of a weekly rotation caused disappointment among players.
Players felt misled by the extended time-gating, leading to comparisons with past problematic events in Destiny 2. Bungie initially clarified the three-week rotation, but the negative feedback persisted. Responding swiftly, Bungie announced changes to the dungeon rotation and added extra loot incentives.
New Dungeon Rotation: Each dungeon will now be featured for two weeks instead of three. This change aims to provide a quicker pace and more variety for players engaging with the event.
Increased Rewards: The drop rate for Nonary Manifold currency is being increased, allowing players to exchange it for more weapons. This means more chances to acquire the new Holofoils and Adepts.
Weapon Drop Bonuses: During the second week of each dungeon, weapon drops will be increased across the board, including from any enemy within the dungeon. This provides an additional incentive to replay the same dungeon during its featured weeks.
Updated Schedule:
- Spire of the Watcher: May 6 to May 20
- Ghosts of the Deep: May 20 to June 3
- Prophecy: June 3 to June 17
From June 17 to July 8, all Rite of the Nine dungeons will be available at any time, on any difficulty. A featured dungeon each week will continue to offer bonus weapon drops, starting with Spire of the Watcher on June 17, followed by Ghosts of the Deep on June 24, and Prophecy on July 1.
The final week of Episode Heresy will feature a "lootapalooza" starting July 8. All three dungeons—Spire of the Watcher, Ghosts of the Deep, and Prophecy—will have all bonus rewards active, maximizing loot farming opportunities. Bungie is also introducing a new way to spend Nonary Manifold currency during this period.
This event will conclude on July 15, coinciding with the release of The Edge of Eternity expansion. Bungie hopes guardians have ample time to hunt down Holofoils and Adepts.
Player Retention: The pressure is on for Bungie to keep Destiny players engaged and the game profitable. The tweaks to the Rite of the Nine event represent an effort to combat recent player count lows.
By shortening the dungeon rotations, increasing rewards, and adding a “lootapalooza” week, Bungie aims to revitalize player interest in the event and address the initial concerns about time-gating.
What do you think about these changes? Do they adequately address the initial issues with the Rite of the Nine, or is there more that Bungie could do? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
