Destiny 2's Episode: Revenant Unveils Vesper's Host Dungeon with Contest Mode and Day 1 Race

Destiny 2 players are on the cusp of a thrilling new chapter as Bungie prepares to launch the second major content pack, Episode: Revenant, this October. This episode marks the return of a familiar and formidable foe: the Scorn leader, Fikrul, who has mysteriously seized one of the powerful Echoes left behind after the climactic defeat of The Witness in The Final Shape. The narrative will unfold in a novel way for the game, with Bungie abandoning the time-gated story structure. This change empowers Guardians to experience the full story of Revenant at their own pace, a welcome shift from the weeks-long waits of the past. As the first step in a roadmap leading to the major Codename: Frontiers update in 2025, Revenant is set to deliver more than just a story, introducing groundbreaking new challenges and activities.

A Dungeon Like Never Before: Vesper's Host

The centerpiece of Episode: Revenant's new offerings is the Vesper's Host dungeon. This isn't just another three-player activity; Bungie is making history by equipping it with a feature previously exclusive to the game's most prestigious Raids: Contest Mode. For 48 hours after the dungeon's launch, this modifier will fundamentally alter the experience, leveling the playing field and testing even the most seasoned fireteams. Here’s what Contest Mode entails:

• Power Disabled: All character Power advantages are removed. Your skill and strategy, not your Light level, will determine success.

• Heightened Aggression: Enemies become more aggressive and dangerous, demanding precise teamwork and coordination.

• Resurrection Tokens: The classic Raid mechanic makes its dungeon debut, limiting revives and punishing mistakes.

• Encounter Limits: Certain boss fights may feature enrage timers or other limitations, pushing teams to execute cleanly and efficiently.

Completing Vesper's Host under these grueling conditions within the 48-hour window will grant a unique emblem and an exclusive exotic reward, marking a significant achievement in any Guardian's career.

The First Ever Dungeon Day One Race 🏁

Inspired by the legendary Raid Races that captivate the Destiny community, Bungie is introducing a competitive first for dungeons. Concurrent with the Contest Mode period, fireteams from around the world will compete in the Vesper's Host Day One Race. The stakes are high, and the rules are clear. The first three fireteams to conquer the dungeon will be declared victors, earning special rewards and eternal bragging rights. To participate, players must meet strict criteria:

Requirement	Details
Power Level	All fireteam members must be at least Power 1985.
Access	At least one member must own The Final Shape Dungeon Key.
Quest	The "Rogue Network" quest must be active for the team.
Completion	All members must loot the final chest for the clear to count.

This race promises to be a spectacular showcase of skill, strategy, and endurance, transforming the dungeon launch into a global community event.

Looking Beyond Revenant: The Road to 2026

While Vesper's Host is the immediate future, Bungie's vision for Destiny 2 extends far into 2026. Episode: Revenant is merely the beginning of this journey, which will culminate in the massive Codename: Frontiers update in the summer of 2025. But the story doesn't end there. Bungie has already teased further expansions, codenamed Apollo and Behemoth, promising to continue the epic saga. Furthermore, a series of four major updates are planned, starting in Summer 2025 and running through Spring 2026. This ambitious schedule signals a committed, evolving future for the game, ensuring that the world of Destiny 2 remains dynamic and engaging for years to come.

Improving the Core Experience: Rotator and Loot

Alongside these grand new adventures, Bungie is refining the core gameplay loop. A significant quality-of-life improvement is coming to the Weekly Dungeon and Raid rotator. The system will be upgraded to feature two dungeons and two raids each week, instead of just one. This change has a major impact:

• Faster Rotation: It cuts the cycle time for all eight activities in half, so your favorite dungeon comes around more often.

• Better Farming: Players have more frequent, targeted opportunities to farm for specific weapons and gear they desire.

• New Addition: The popular Warlord's Ruin dungeon is being added to the rotator, finally giving players a consistent, easier path to chase coveted weapons like the Buried Bloodline exotic sidearm and the Indebted Kindness grenade launcher.

These systemic improvements demonstrate Bungie's commitment to respecting player time while enhancing the endgame grind, making the pursuit of perfect gear a more focused and rewarding endeavor.

As 2026 approaches, the Destiny 2 universe is poised for a renaissance. Episode: Revenant, with its story-driven focus, groundbreaking Vesper's Host dungeon, and the inaugural dungeon race, represents a bold new direction. Coupled with a clear long-term roadmap and meaningful core game improvements, Guardians have every reason to be excited. The fight against Fikrul's resurrected Scorn is just the beginning of a much larger conflict, and the tools to face it—through contest, competition, and refined pursuit—are being forged now. The journey continues, and it has never looked more promising. 🔥