Destiny 2's Grand Finale: A Surge of Players and the Lingering Question of a Sequel

In a remarkable turn of events, Destiny 2 recently experienced an unprecedented surge in its player base on Steam, coinciding with the release of its concluding live service update. This resurgence has sparked discussions about the game's future and the fervent desires of its dedicated community.

The day of Destiny 2's final live service update saw an astonishing peak of over 164,000 concurrent players on Steam, according to data from SteamDB. This figure significantly eclipses the 108,000 concurrent players recorded during the launch of the 'Edge of Fate' expansion in July 2025. The 'Edge of Fate' expansion, despite its initial surge, saw player numbers quickly dwindle, with concurrent players dropping to below 13,000 by April of this year. This sharp contrast underscores the impact of the current update, titled 'Monument of Triumph,' which Bungie clearly poured considerable effort into, reflected in its extensive patch notes.

The community's response to the 'Edge of Fate' expansion was largely critical, with many players and critics expressing concerns about the game's direction. Phil Savage, a prominent reviewer, notably rated the expansion at 54%, stating that Destiny 2 had become "worse to play in almost every way." Another commentator, Tim Clark, echoed these sentiments, expressing worry that the game might not endure the numerous issues presented by the expansion. At the time, few anticipated that this problematic expansion would precede the announcement of Destiny 2's transition out of active content development.

Ironically, the news of Destiny 2 entering maintenance mode, rather than deterring players, seems to have reignited enthusiasm. The game's entire collection is currently available on Steam at a reduced price, contributing to its status as a top seller. This renewed interest has fueled speculation and hope for a potential sequel. A Change.org petition, urging Sony and Bungie to greenlight Destiny 3, has already garnered over 370,000 signatures, demonstrating the strong desire within the player base for the franchise to continue its journey.

The remarkable increase in player engagement following the final update, coupled with the success of the current sale and the burgeoning petition for a sequel, clearly indicates a vibrant and passionate community that remains deeply invested in the Destiny universe. This unexpected turn of events raises intriguing questions about the game's legacy and what the future may hold for this beloved franchise.