# Destiny 2 campaign order: what to play first

> Play the Destiny 2 campaigns in release order: Shadowkeep, Beyond Light, The Witch Queen, Lightfall, The Final Shape, then newer releases.

Play the Destiny 2 campaigns in release order: Shadowkeep (2019), Beyond Light (2020), The Witch Queen (2022), Lightfall (2023) and The Final Shape (2024), then the newer releases. The original campaigns (the Red War, Curse of Osiris, Warmind and Forsaken) were removed from the game, so watch a story recap for them first.

## Suggested order

1. **New Light introduction:** the free starting missions teach the basics.
2. **Recap of the removed story:** the Red War, Curse of Osiris, Warmind and Forsaken are no longer playable. A recap explains Ghaul, Uldren and the Dreaming City.
3. **Shadowkeep:** the return of the Darkness.
4. **Beyond Light:** Europa and Stasis, the first Darkness subclass.
5. **The Witch Queen:** Savathûn's story, often considered one of the best campaigns.
6. **Lightfall:** Neptune and Strand.
7. **The Final Shape:** the end of the Light and Darkness saga.
8. **Later content:** the expansions released since, starting with The Edge of Fate and Renegades in 2025, in release order. Check Bungie's official site for anything newer.

## Tips

Seasonal stories from past years were also removed, so recaps are the only way to follow them. Most players play the campaign first and use it to unlock subclasses and gear before endgame content like raids and dungeons.

## FAQ

**Is Destiny 2 free to play?**
The base game has been free since October 2019 (New Light), and since The Final Shape (June 2024) the Shadowkeep and Beyond Light campaigns are free too. Newer expansions are sold separately; check the in-game store for current bundles.

**What is the Destiny 2 story order without DLC?**
Without buying anything you can play the New Light introduction plus the Shadowkeep and Beyond Light campaigns, which have been free since June 2024. For the paid expansions, story recaps help you follow the plot.

**Can you play Destiny 2 seasons in order?**
Mostly no. Past seasonal stories were removed when their year ended, so recap videos are the only way to follow them in order.

**How long is the Destiny 2 story?**
Each expansion campaign usually takes about 6 to 12 hours, depending on difficulty and side content.

**Do I need to play Destiny 1 first?**
No. A recap is enough; Destiny 2 is playable on its own.

**Is Forsaken still in the game?**
No. The Forsaken campaign was removed in 2022, though some content was moved into other parts of the game.

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https://gamevoyages.com/what-s-the-best-order-to-play-destiny-2-s-content/ · Game Voyage · Checked 2026-10-31