Destiny 2: Into the Light update will add Pantheon raid gauntlet, PvP maps, and two classic missions

The Into the Light update for Destiny 2 is shaping up to be a banger. In the final stream detailing the April 9 update, Bungie confirmed the return of two fan-favorite Exotic missions, showcased three new PvP maps, and revealed a Raid boss gauntlet called Pantheon.

Destiny 2: Into the Light is a free content update to tide players over until The Final Shape expansion launches in June. Bungie has broadcast three livestreams detailing what players can expect when Into the Light releases. Alongside the new horde mode, Onslaught, the update features beloved weapons from across Destiny history, a new social space, new PvP maps, and more. 

As if the upcoming content wasn't already sweet enough, Bungie revealed that Exotic missions, The Whisper and Zero Hour, would return alongside the new PvP battlegrounds and even more PvE surprises.

The Whisper and Zero Hour reborn

The Whisper and Zero Hour missions are beloved by the Destiny community and often considered some of the best Destiny content. When the two missions disappeared during a round of content vaulting, players mourned the loss. The community frequently requested that both return, and now Bungie is finally making those dreams come true.

The studio used the first part of its third Into the Light stream to tease the new iterations of both missions. Beginning with The Whisper, one of the first things Bungie pointed out was a new way to start the mission. Previously, players had to wait for the right time to get the entrance to appear on Io. For Into the Light, a familiar face via Eris Morn guides the way.

Alongside added enemy density and new enemy types, Bungie alluded to the fact that The Whisper was painstakingly combed over to refresh and change up secrets. As such, the studio jokingly warned that old guides and walkthroughs wouldn't work any longer. While the team didn't want to say too much so as not to spoil anyone's fun, Bungie briefly mentioned that The Whisper will have some noticeable changes to the final boss.

Like The Whisper, Zero Hour has also been slingshot into the current Destiny 2 sandbox, touting more enemies and foes absent from the mission before. In the same vein, secrets have entirely changed, and the studio is leaving that surprise fresh for players. Surprisingly, Bungie noted that while playtesting Zero Hour with newer movement options like Strand or Eager Edge swords, the latest tools didn't break the original challenge.

The original iteration of Zero Hour only gave players 20 minutes to complete the mission. Now, the normal difficulty gives Guardians a little wiggle room with a 40-minute timer, with the 20-minute timer returning for Legend difficulty. It was unclear whether this was true for Zero Hour and The Whisper or just Zero Hour.

The Whisper and Zero Hour both feature craftable Exotic weapons, with the Whisper of the Worm and Outbreak Perfected seeing a bit of crafting rework. In addition to these Exotics, players can earn a redux of the A Thousand Wings ship alongside a new ship for Zero Hour inspired by Outbreak Perfected's appearance. Bungie said these ships would be earnable by completing the secrets and Triumphs associated with the Exotic missions.

PvP comes to Europa, Neomuna, and a pyramid ship

Destiny 2's update does limit itself to revamped classics, either. The showcase continued with with three new PvP maps: Europa, Neomuna, and a Witness' pyramid ship.

The Europan map is centered around a research outpost where Eramis has docked a Ketch to refuel. The zone mixes Braytech technology and the harsh, icy Europan environment. The map is dotted with smaller indoor areas interconnected via carved tunnels or frosty passages. Of note, there's a central ice cave where many paths converge, opening up exciting possibilities to bounce grenades or other attacks off the walls or ceiling.

Neomuna's map seems like it'll quickly become a favorite. The art aesthetic also feels refreshing, allowing Destiny 2 to dip its toes in the clean look of Neomuna technology. The map is built around a central, open atrium, with plenty of hallways and winding rooms.

The final new PvP map is set in the pyramid ship hit by the Traveler's beam at the start of Lightfall. This collision of Light and Dark results in a locale resembling a cross between the aesthetics found in the Vow of the Disciple and Root of Nightmares Raids. There's pyramid and Witness architecture around the map, with large glass display cases holding bizarre knick-knacks. Alongside this, the Light has caused roots and plant life to sprout and partially rip apart the ship.

Pantheon, The Final Shape gameplay preview, and more

As the final Into the Light stream winded down, Bungie made a few more surprise announcements. The first was Pantheon, a new Raid-focused PvE pursuit Bungie clarified as "a Raid boss gauntlet." Bungie described Pantheon briefly, noting, "You'll have an oppurtunity to face ruling Raid bosses and a weekly challange with escalating difficulties and rewards." The new content is slated to go live on April 30, with more information due in an upcoming This Week In Destiny (TWID) communication.

A new title, Brave, is coming to the game alongside Into the Light. It's unlocked by completing all of the Triumphs associated with a new seal for the update content. And if Guardians want a new look while tackling Into the Light, character and name changes will be available to all players starting on April 9.

Destiny 2's upcoming expansion, The Final Shape, also saw a small tease. To end the Into the Light stream, Bungie revealed that it would be back on April 9 with a gameplay preview for The Final Shape. The stream begins at 12:30 PM ET (9:30 AM PT) on Twitch, and be part of a Drop where players can earn another exclusive emblem.

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