Bungie's latest expansion for Destiny 2, named Renegades, has generated a notable increase in player numbers on Steam. On 2025-12-02, the game reached a concurrent player peak of 71,278, the highest since August, though still behind past expansions.
Player Numbers and Expansion Features
The Edge of Fate expansion launched in June did not perform as expected, leading to a drop in players. The new Renegades expansion, which incorporates Star Wars themes such as lightsabers and a Cantina-like social space, seeks to revitalize the game. However, the expansion's player peak fell short compared to the launch of Edge of Fate's peak of over 100,000 players and other expansions like Witch Queen and Lightfall, each exceeding 290,000 players.
Community Reception and Feedback
The initial player response to Renegades has been mixed. While new build-crafting features and compelling narratives have been praised, the expansion has faced criticism. User reviews on Steam are currently at 59%, highlighting concerns over microtransactions and the reliance on Star Wars themes. Despite these challenges, a sustained player base around 70,000 could suggest success, though falling numbers remain a concern.
Future Prospects for Destiny 2
Renegades has brought a temporary player boost to Destiny 2, but questions remain about its long-term impact. Bungie hopes that maintaining engagement can prevent a repeat of the drop-off seen post-Edge of Fate. Continued updates and community engagement will be crucial for Bungie's strategy going forward.
