This Is the Game Destiny 2 Should’ve Been From the Start

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Borderlands 4 dramatically improves the classic loot-and-shoot formula, achieving what Destiny 2 has been striving for over the years. While Destiny 2 often gets bogged down in repetitive gameplay and a lack of new ideas, Borderlands 4 confidently takes chances that really work. The result is a looter-shooter that feels both new and comfortably familiar, and it clearly demonstrates where Destiny 2 falls short – the quality and excitement of the loot itself.

For a long time, *Destiny 2* was the leading example of the ‘looter-shooter’ genre, combining online world elements with excellent shooting mechanics. While it started with a lot of potential, it eventually fell into a pattern of constantly increasing power levels, reused content, and a system called ‘sunsetting’ – where older gear became useless, frustrating many players. *Borderlands 4*, however, immediately recaptures the excitement of finding new loot, showing players how rewarding powerful and creative gear can be.

Borderlands 4 Understands What Makes Loot Exciting

The core of the *Borderlands* series is finding great loot, and *Borderlands 4* takes that to the next level. Weapons and gear aren’t just about bigger numbers; they’re designed to be interesting and fun to use. Each item feels unique, encouraging players to try different combinations. For example, a pistol might bounce between enemies, creating a chain of lightning, or a shotgun could freeze opponents in the air before exploding them. Even weaker items have surprising features that make them worth testing out in battle.

This is quite different from how *Destiny 2* handles loot. New weapons often feel like only minor changes to ones players already have. Bungie seems to focus on small improvements and slight perk adjustments, which often makes it hard to tell weapons apart. This results in a loot system that frequently feels unrewarding, prioritizing optimization over the thrill of discovery – a problem when loot is a key part of how players progress.

Borderlands 4 keeps things exciting by being unpredictable. Each boss battle and treasure chest could give you powerful, game-changing items, so loot always feels meaningful. The game knows the best part of this genre is the thrill of the unexpected, and it keeps players engaged by constantly offering the chance to discover something new.

Destiny 2 Forgot the Golden Rule of Loot

The most important thing about rewards in games is that they should feel valuable. Unfortunately, *Destiny 2* has started to miss the mark. Players often spend a lot of time earning items only to break them down for parts without ever actually using them. The rewards from seasonal activities rarely seem worth the effort, and even powerful exotic weapons aren’t as exciting as they used to be.

When rewards don’t meaningfully change how players experience a game, it weakens the core gameplay. In *Destiny 2*, the focus on small improvements made the pursuit of loot feel repetitive – it extended the game’s lifespan by making rewards less impactful, not more fun. Players kept playing not because they enjoyed it, but because they felt they had to. New items often felt like slight upgrades to what they already had, discouraging experimentation and strategic changes. This predictable cycle eventually removed the excitement of finding something truly new, a key element of looter-shooter games. The feeling of accomplishment faded, and progressing through the game felt like simply checking off boxes.

Unlike some other games, Borderlands 4 makes finding new weapons truly exciting. These weapons don’t just offer small improvements; they fundamentally change how you play, creating new tactics and often leading to delightfully chaotic battles. The game also respects your time by making each item drop feel significant and worthwhile, a feeling Destiny 2 initially offered but has had trouble maintaining.

Why Borderlands 4’s Risks Pay Off Where Destiny 2 Plays It Safe

For a long time, Bungie has been careful with how they develop *Destiny 2*, and this has been both a good and bad thing. Their focus on balance created a predictable game environment that was great for competitive players, but it didn’t leave much room for unexpected or exciting moments. While weapons in the game are consistently reliable, they rarely offer any surprises. This careful approach has kept the game stable, but after so much time, it’s started to feel disappointing for players who want more excitement and variety.

Unlike some games, *Borderlands 4* fully leans into wild, over-the-top action. Gearbox designed weapons and abilities to be incredibly powerful, and that’s what makes the game so enjoyable. Finding a new weapon can completely change how you approach a fight, forcing you to think on your feet and enjoy the chaotic fun. The game doesn’t see feeling powerful as a problem – it’s a key part of what makes *Borderlands* exciting and keeps things from feeling too predictable.

The bold risks taken in *Borderlands 4* show what *Destiny 2* could have been. Gearbox has crafted a looter-shooter that prioritizes inventive gameplay, unexpected moments, and sheer enjoyment over strict control and predictability. While *Borderlands 4* might need some balancing, it at least *has* that discussion. *Destiny 2* often faces criticism for much more significant issues than whether a weapon is slightly overpowered or behaves unusually.

Ultimately, *Borderlands 4* demonstrates that looter-shooters are most successful when the rewards are truly thrilling and players are encouraged to take chances. While *Destiny 2* remains a solid game, *Borderlands 4* highlights its biggest flaw by showing how much fun loot can be when developers aren’t afraid to prioritize excitement. The game proves that finding great loot should be joyful, and it does so powerfully.

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2025-09-24 01:42