Destiny Rising Review – A Bold New Chapter in the Destiny Universe

When I first loaded into Destiny Rising, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. Being familiar with the long history of the Destiny franchise, I knew it would bring the usual mix of breathtaking visuals, rich lore, and that signature mix of PvE and PvP action. But this game isn’t just another expansion or a rehashed storyline. It’s something new entirely, a sci-fi first-person shooter set in an alternate universe during the early City Age. That phrase alone was enough to hook me, and after diving deep into its world, I can confidently say that Destiny Rising manages to balance nostalgia with fresh ideas in a way that’s both exciting and emotionally rewarding. And yes, before I forget—there are codes for the game that give you some surprisingly useful rewards. More on that later.

A Different Timeline, A Different City

What makes Destiny Rising stand out from the rest of the franchise is its setting. Instead of pushing forward into unknown timelines, Bungie takes us back to an alternate version of the early City Age, right after the Collapse. The City you step into isn’t the fortress we know from Destiny 1 or 2. It’s fragile, vulnerable, and still trying to figure out what it means to survive in the aftermath of catastrophe. Walking through its streets feels raw and almost unsettling, like you’re witnessing the first sparks of civilization trying to rebuild itself under constant threat.

I’ll admit, the first time I explored these zones, I caught myself slowing down just to take it all in. The ruined skyscrapers covered in makeshift scaffolding, the tents strung together like fragile lifelines, the quiet hum of survivors going about their day—it all felt alive in a way that Destiny’s worlds sometimes struggle to capture. The attention to detail here is remarkable. This City isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing character in its own right.

The Missions That Shape the World

Of course, visuals and setting mean little if the gameplay doesn’t deliver, and thankfully, Destiny Rising doesn’t disappoint. The missions are structured to highlight the tension of this era. You’re not a Guardian swooping in to save the day with godlike powers. Instead, you’re more vulnerable, more human in a sense, and that makes the battles feel much more grounded.

The early story missions I played weren’t just about mowing down endless waves of enemies—they carried emotional weight. One mission had me escorting a group of civilians through a collapsing building while fending off raiders, and the sense of urgency was unlike anything I’d experienced in Destiny before. The people you save actually matter; they show up in later story beats, they thank you in the Tower equivalent of this era, and it adds a layer of consequence to your choices that feels refreshing.

PvE That Feels Personal

The PvE content in Destiny Rising feels intentionally smaller in scale compared to the sprawling raids and massive fireteam events of past games. And that’s a good thing. Instead of overwhelming players with gigantic alien gods to take down, the focus is more intimate. You’re dealing with bandits, rival factions, and threats that make sense in this fragile time period.

That being said, don’t think for a second that the fights lack intensity. On the contrary, the smaller scope means every bullet counts, every push into enemy territory feels dangerous, and the tension is real. I found myself relying on cover more than ever, which honestly made firefights more engaging. When I finally cleared out an enemy stronghold, I didn’t just feel powerful—I felt like I’d genuinely accomplished something for the people struggling to rebuild their world.

PvP With a Twist

Of course, no Destiny game would be complete without PvP, and Destiny Rising brings its own flavor to the Crucible. What’s different here is that the maps reflect the unstable world around you. They’re not pristine battle arenas but gritty zones with hazards, environmental shifts, and limited resources.

In one match, I was holding down a control point inside a half-collapsed skyscraper when part of the floor gave way, sending both me and my opponent crashing to a lower level. Moments like that make PvP unpredictable, messy, and thrilling. It feels like Bungie is intentionally leaning into the chaos of the early City Age, and it works beautifully.

Codes That Actually Help

I mentioned earlier that Destiny Rising comes with codes, and I have to say, they’re more useful than I expected. Unlike some games where codes just hand out a cosmetic item or two, here they give you real advantages in the early game. Whether it’s a boost to your starting gear, extra resources to craft upgrades, or unique shaders that make your Guardian stand out in the crowd, the codes feel like a genuine way to enhance your experience.

Personally, I redeemed one of the codes before my first major mission, and the upgraded weapon I received probably saved me more times than I’d like to admit. It’s not game-breaking by any means, but it adds a nice little edge when you’re just starting out. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a good bonus?

The Emotional Core

What surprised me most about Destiny Rising wasn’t just its mechanics or visuals but its emotional depth. This isn’t a game where you’re untouchable, floating above the struggles of ordinary people. Here, you’re part of a community trying to survive, and that makes every mission, every battle, feel personal.

I remember finishing a mission where I’d defended a group of children from a raider attack. Afterward, one of the NPCs approached me and quietly said, “You gave us another day.” It wasn’t some grand speech, but it hit me harder than any victory celebration I’d seen in previous Destiny titles. That’s the kind of storytelling this game excels at—small, intimate moments that linger with you long after you put down the controller.

A New Direction Worth Exploring

Destiny Rising isn’t just a spin-off or side story; it’s a bold experiment that reimagines what the series can be. By grounding its world in vulnerability, focusing on smaller-scale conflicts, and weaving in emotional storytelling, it creates an experience that feels fresh without losing the DNA of what makes Destiny great.

Sure, it’s not perfect. The limited scope might disappoint players who crave the massive raids and galaxy-spanning battles the series is known for. But for me, that’s exactly what makes this game special. It slows down, it breathes, and it lets you connect with the world in ways the mainline titles sometimes gloss over.

And with the added bonus of redeemable codes to give you a little extra boost, Destiny Rising feels like a game that respects both your time and your emotional investment.

Final Thoughts

After spending countless hours in its world, I can say without hesitation that Destiny Rising is a game worth experiencing. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and it offers a new perspective on a universe that many of us thought we already knew inside and out. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Destiny franchise take risks and tell more grounded, personal stories, this is your chance.

So, whether you’re here for the PvE, the PvP, or just to wander the fragile streets of the early City Age, Destiny Rising delivers. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll walk away not just entertained but moved in ways you didn’t expect from a sci-fi shooter.