Latest Destiny 2 Gameplay Showcases Sequel’s First New Strike, Inverted Spire

Bungie spared no expense in revealing the first gameplay for Destiny 2 yesterday and, like you, we’re still sifting through and digesting the huge amount of info that it dumped on us during the event. Everything, from new subclasses for the shooter’s Warlock, Titan and Hunter classes, to punchy new weaponry, fantastical planets and dangerous new enemies were showcased in full force during the presentation’s duration, but that’s not all. Not even close.

Strikes, a type of activity that are best described as pseudo-dungeons, have always been considered a core pillar of Destiny‘s gameplay, so it comes as little surprise that they’re set to return in Destiny 2, though it looks as if Bungie’s given them a drastic upgrade for the sequel. The first brand new Strike to be revealed, Inverted Spire, was playable during yesterday’s event.

Set on the planet Nessus, Inverted Spire will pit Guardians against the latest threat to humanity: the Red Legion. Dubbed by Bungie’s Mark Noseworthy as being the Navy SEALs of the Cabal military forces, this elite squadron brings with it new enemy types unique to Destiny 2, including the animalistic War Beasts, pyromaniac Incendiors and the brutish Gladiators. Joining the Legion, not as allies, but as a separate threat for players to confront, the Vex return for Destiny 2, with one of its number – Protheon – appearing at the Strike’s end as the end-of-level boss. Check out the action-packed demo for yourselves above.

Destiny 2 is out September 8 for Xbox One and PlayStation 4, with a PC version due to follow at an unspecified time. Bungie didn’t provide a start date for the shooter’s planned beta during yesterday’s show, but fingers crossed, we’ll get a firm window at next month’s E3.