Our Initial Thoughts On Season Of The Chosen In Destiny 2

Alright Guardians, gather 'round, grab your space-tea, and let’s dish! Season of the Chosen has officially landed in Destiny 2, and after a solid few days of diving headfirst into Caiatl’s… interesting proposition, we’ve got some initial thoughts brewing. You know, the kind where you’re not quite sure if you should be raising an eyebrow or busting out the disco ball. So, pour yourself a cup, settle in, and let’s chat about what Bungie’s thrown at us this time. Is it chosen for greatness, or just… chosen?

First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the Tower – or rather, the giant, regal, rather intimidating Empress strutting her stuff. Empress Caiatl. Woah. She’s not exactly subtle, is she? This whole “joining the Cabal” thing is a bold move, even for Destiny. I mean, we’ve spent years shooting these guys in the face, blowing up their ships, and generally making their lives a fiery, explosive mess. And now, suddenly, we’re supposed to be… buddies? It’s like your ex showing up at your doorstep with flowers and asking to borrow your favorite hoodie. Awkward, to say the least.

But, you gotta admit, there’s something undeniably cool about it. Caiatl herself has this presence. She’s not just some random alien warlord; she’s got gravitas. She’s important. And the whole dynamic between her and Zavala? Chef’s kiss. Watching that stoic Titan trying to negotiate with this imposing Empress is pure gold. It’s like watching a chihuahua try to boss around a Great Dane, but with more explosions and existential dread. And also, much more armor.

Then there’s the whole chosen aspect of the season title. It’s throwing me for a loop. Are we the chosen ones? Is Caiatl the chosen one? Are the Hate Lords the chosen ones? Is my exotic engram from Xur the chosen one to finally drop that damn Trinity Ghoul catalyst? The ambiguity is… well, it’s Destiny. Keeps us on our toes, I guess. Or maybe it just means I need more coffee.

The H.E.L.M. – Our New (Temporary?) Hangout

So, the H.E.L.M. has gotten a significant glow-up, hasn't it? It’s like the Tower got jealous of the Drifter’s dingy little Gambit barge and decided to host its own fancy gala. Caiatl’s command center is… a lot. It’s got that whole militaristic grandeur vibe going on. Lots of polished metal, stern faces, and the distinct impression that if you spill your space-tea on the carpet, you might lose a limb. Or at least have to polish a lot of gladius.

And our good old pal, Crow, is there, looking… well, he’s still Crow. Trying his best, bless his heart. He’s got that whole “trying to make friends with the scary new kids” energy. It’s kind of endearing, in a slightly pathetic way. I just keep waiting for him to trip over something and accidentally start an intergalactic incident. It’s in his DNA, you know?

The H.E.L.M. itself feels like a hub for… dealings. It’s where the tough conversations happen, where alliances are forged (or fractured), and where you can pick up your weekly dose of destiny… or at least, your weekly dose of bounties. It’s a nice change of pace from the usual Tower hustle and bustle. Less screaming about shaders, more… diplomatic tension. Which is… also a kind of hustle, I guess.

Battlegrounds: The New Kid on the PvE Block

Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the new activities! Battlegrounds. These are… interesting. The idea is that we're disrupting Cabal operations, going in, kicking butt, and taking names. And by "taking names," I mean "collecting them for Caiatl's little victory lap." It's very much a "work for hire" situation, and we're the highly skilled, heavily armed mercenaries.

The strikes themselves are pretty fun. They’re not reinventing the wheel, but they’re well-designed and offer a decent challenge. I’ve definitely seen some hilarious deaths in there. Like that one time I got absolutely flattened by a Centurion’s hammer. My ghost just looked at me like, “Really? Again, dude?” Sigh. Such is the life of a Guardian. Always a new way to meet your maker.

And the loot! Oh, the loot. The new seasonal weapons are pretty sweet. I’m still farming for that god-roll of the new hand cannon. You know the one. The one that shoots laser beams and makes your enemies spontaneously combust. If anyone finds it, please, for the love of the Traveler, send it my way. My vault is starting to look like a sad little lonely hearts club for incomplete builds.

The ritual activity part of Battlegrounds, where you’re earning reputation with Caiatl, is also a nice touch. It feels like there’s a tangible reward for your efforts, beyond just more blue engrams. It makes you feel like you’re actually doing something, rather than just… shooting aliens for sport. Though, let’s be honest, shooting aliens for sport is also a valid hobby.

The Story – It’s Getting… Complicated

Okay, the story. This is where things get really juicy. The whole premise of us negotiating with the Cabal, trying to forge an alliance against the returning threat of the Hate Lords (or whatever they’re officially called this week – it’s a mouthful!). It’s a massive shift from what we’re used to. It’s like all those years of us being the plucky underdogs fighting the galaxy-spanning empire have suddenly flipped, and now we’re the… slightly less plucky underdogs trying to get the actual galaxy-spanning empire to help us.

It’s got that classic Destiny flair for the dramatic, that’s for sure. The voice acting is top-notch, and Caiatl herself is a masterclass in commanding presence. You can feel her power, her conviction. She’s not someone you want to cross, and watching her interact with the Vanguard, with us, is genuinely captivating. It’s like watching a really intense chess match, but the pawns are exploding.

And the implications for the lore! This could fundamentally change how we perceive the Cabal, how we perceive our own place in the universe. Are we truly the heroes of this story, or just another faction scrambling for survival? It’s the kind of stuff that keeps you up at night, staring at the ceiling and wondering if you left the oven on… or if the universe is about to implode. Mostly the latter, if we’re being honest.

The weekly story progression is also a nice touch. It’s like a mini-binge-watch series, with new episodes dropping every week. It’s easy to keep up with, and it keeps you invested. You’re not just grinding for gear; you’re unraveling a narrative. It’s a good balance, and something I appreciate. Keeps the spark alive, you know?

The Seasonal Pass – The Usual Suspects

And of course, there’s the seasonal pass. You know the drill. New armor, new shaders, new… stuff. It’s got that familiar Destiny rhythm. You play, you earn XP, you unlock cool cosmetics. It’s a nice little bonus for those of us who are already sinking our teeth into the season’s content. Plus, some of that new seasonal armor looks sick. I’m already mentally redecorating my Guardian’s wardrobe.

I’ve always been a fan of the seasonal pass system. It gives you something to work towards, even when you’re just doing your daily activities. It’s like a little reward for your loyalty, a little pat on the back from Bungie. And if you’re a regular player, you’re probably going to get a lot of mileage out of it. It’s the digital equivalent of getting a free ice cream after a good day at work. Except, you know, with more alien guts.

Our Initial Verdict – Promising, But Let’s See…

So, to sum up our initial thoughts on Season of the Chosen: it’s definitely got potential. The story is intriguing, the new activities are solid, and the characters are, as always, larger than life. Caiatl is a standout, and the idea of an alliance with the Cabal is a fascinating narrative curveball. It’s a bold swing from Bungie, and for the most part, they’ve hit it out of the park… or at least, into the next solar system.

There are always going to be little quirks, little things that don’t quite land perfectly for everyone. That’s just the nature of a live service game. But the overall feeling right now is one of excitement and anticipation. We’re standing on the precipice of something big, something that could redefine our relationship with one of Destiny’s most formidable foes.

It’s still early days, of course. We’ve got a whole season ahead of us to dig deeper, to uncover more secrets, and to, you know, shoot more stuff. But the foundation is strong. The story is compelling. And the promise of what’s to come is, dare I say it, glorious. So let’s keep our eyes on the prize, Guardians. Let’s keep fighting the good fight, forging new alliances (however unlikely), and making sure that when the dust settles, we’re the ones standing tall, bathed in the warm, comforting glow of victory… and maybe a little bit of exotic loot. Here’s to a chosen season of epic adventures, laughter, and maybe a few less unexpected explosions. Go forth, and be magnificent!