Destiny 2is known for its dynamic action,longstanding narrative, and impressive weaponry, but it’s also one of the best multiplayerWarhammer 40Kexperiences around. While there are plenty of surface differences between the franchises,Destiny 2is built from the same stuff that has kept40Kfans loyal since the 80s. Of course, it’s by no means a perfect translation. There arelegitimateWarhammer 40Kgamesout there that incorporate actual lore and characters. But if players want to engage in an immersive grimdark future where super-powered protectors of humanity confront galaxy-wide conflict against alien factions and supernatural entities,Destinyis the place to be.
Fans ofWarhammer 40Klove its dystopian future teeming with warring civilizations and demonic magic. But the whole package seldom culminates in a gaming experience that mirrors the epic scale of the storied franchise. While plenty of licensedWarhammer 40Kgames detail skirmishes between a couple of factions and a few varied locales, the scope is often meager compared to the franchise as a whole. Further, the 40K games that try to incorporate a more representative slice of the universe tend to be strategy games that strain worldbuilding by burying players in menus. Destiny 2 seamlessly blends an expansive grimdark backdrop against consequential narratives on a scale that rivals Warhammer 40K. The game’s snappy FPS gunplay, ease of playing with friends, and engaging content are just icing on the cake.
In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war
Destiny 2’sartistic direction, featuring grandiose architecture, mysterious landscapes, and cosmic anomalies, closely aligns with the aesthetic language ofWarhammer 40K. Coupled with the omnipresent juxtaposition of hope and despair, these elements nail the grimdark atmosphereWarhammer 40Kthrives alongside. This intertwines with profound lore featuring various species, factions, and even supernatural forces. It all comes together to deliver something akin to40K‘s complex setting. Sometimes, that’ll mean learning about a space prison and its malfunctioning warden through a Strike with friends; other times, a big bad will reveal itself over the course of a season’s story missions. Either way,Destinyfrequently throws players right into its narrative’s most significant moments.
Like the innumerable factions inWarhammer 40Kthat battle for supremacy,Destiny 2features various groups vying for control. Each has unique philosophies, goals, aesthetics, and fighting styles. Naturally, this carries the ever-evolving alliances, betrayals, and power struggles found withinDestiny 2.Often, these beats reflect corresponding ideological conflicts prevalent in theWarhammer 40Kuniverse. The Fallen,Destiny’sspace pirates, turned to a life of plunder after the Traveler abandoned their Eleksni society. The aliens share more than a few threads with the40KAeldari factions that have adopted similar practices. Additional comparisons can be drawn between Space Marines and Guardians, the Hive Gods and the Chaos Gods, and even the Traveler and the Emperor of Mankind.
All that said, it would be irresponsible not to mention the elephant in the room. While the narrative delivery inDestinycan be top-notch, especially compared to some official40Kgames,Destiny 2’sfirst few years of content were removed to make room for new additions. Whilethe decision has remained ever-unpopular with players, even in its diminished state, the setting and story content are more than enough to scratch a particular grimdark itch.
And they shall know no fear
The extensive range of weaponry, armor, and customization options available inDestiny 2should make anyWarhammer 40Kfan feel at home. And the possibilities likely eclipse what’s available in many actual40Ktitles. Titans’ attire frequently retains a Space Marine power armor look, while Hunters and Warlocks often appear more akin to40KScouts/Assassins and Psykers, respectively. On top of armor,Destiny 2boasts a wild assortment of weaponry ranging from traditional fare like shotguns and auto rifles to more unique options like glaives and fusion rifles. This is before individual weapon frames, perks, and rare Exotic weapons turn performance and functionality up to 11. There are even a few options that feel as though they were directly inspired by40K,like a classic bolter ala the Skyburner’s Oath Exotic and a chainsword via The Lament Exotic.
Destiny 2players can optimize their Guardian’s stats and upgrade their gear, emulating the strategic planning inherent to theWarhammer 40Ktabletop game. Once players have equipped their Guardian the way they want, it’s time to dive intoDestiny 2‘s blend of PvE and PvP. Thecooperative Raidsand Strikes enable players to band together, reminiscent of weighty narrative moments and cataclysmic battles inWarhammer 40K. Meanwhile, competitive multiplayer offers a platform for players to test their mettle against each other, reflecting40K’srelentless and shortsighted conflicts. And while this content isn’t updated as frequentlyas longtime community members would like, the live-service title is constantly evolving and adding new content to explore.
WhileDestiny 2andWarhammer 40Koriginate from different creative visions, the two franchises share too much to ignore. Numerous parallels in lore, an extensive focus on wargear, and atmospheric design makeDestiny 2compelling for40Kenthusiasts. The simple fact is thatDestiny 2offers a similar setting at a scale that in-universe games typically do not. And with the flexibility to interact with the universe beyond a lone single-player campaign, it can provide much more mileage. Of course, it’s all the better when some friends tag along for the ride.
