Season 17 in Destiny 2 is definitely different. First a weak start, which promised too little content for many guardians. Then problems in the PvP mode Rift split the community. And last night, just after the Weekly reset, one of the strongest characters in the game created a sad moment that silenced many Guardians. MyMMO tells you why.
What happened in the latest story mission? Destiny 2 has given many players pause for thought with Mourning, its latest story mission of Separation. It showed the NPC, who is actually considered to be the strongest character in the game and who can’t be thrown off course but a broken man.
Until now, Commander Zavala has always been the strong leader of the Vanguard. If everyone would falter – he remains steadfast. But the new story mission has now revealed: The probably strongest titan of all time is in reality deeply troubled and quarrels with himself every day.
What is Season 17 about again? The Leviathan, a massive ship owned by the former Cabal Emperor Calus, has returned and is attempting to link up with the Pyramid of Darkness on the moon. The Guardians must face their worst nightmares once more to find out what the return is all about and why Calus (who appears to have merged with the ship by now) claims “I am the end!”.
For many guardians, however, the new season 17 was only moderately interesting:
So although new players were enthusiastic about the environment, some long-time veterans in Destiny 2 either wrinkled their noses bored or turned away from the apparently uninteresting content and thus from the complete Season 17.
For all players who continued to follow the story, however, Bungie on the Leviathan not only revealed a completely new area, but also the secret of Zavala’s deep connection to two knitting needles. The story has potential if you let it go.
On MeinMMO you can watch the emotional cut scene, which shows the deep sadness of Commander Zavala, for yourself:
Destiny 2: Season 17 Sad Story Reveals – Game Cutscene
What does the Destiny 2 community have to say about this? Player reactions to the video and revelations from the Vanguard Commander’s past life were filled with strong emotions. Many fireteams just went silent and stood for a while atop the HELM, the Vanguard’s airborne base of operations, while silently gazing out into space. And some even moved the story to real tears.
This is how the player mynameisshoe reports on Twitter:
Things have changed a lot in the last few years since I became a father, but this is the first time Destiny has gotten me. Really broke my heart.
mynameisshoe via Twitter
And Jacob also touched this Season 17 story in his heart:
It’s amazing, made me cry. I’ve been dealing with a lot of grief myself lately and it’s really hit me. One of the best, if not the best cutscenes so far. Very good work and I can’t wait to see what’s next. This story in this season is amazing.
Jacob via Twitter
There is probably only one moment in the entire history of Destiny 2 that could touch the Guardians as much as the fate of Zavala that has now become known. Namely, in the Forsaken campaign, when players had to say goodbye to Cayde-6 forever.
Zavala only knows sadness, and now some Guardians understand why he’s always staring thoughtfully at the last town or out his office window. Cayde-6 is also among a long list of lives that weigh heavily on the Commander’s soul.
Next week, players will find out if they can help him deal with this deep guilt.
Who do the players have to thank for these emotions? In the run-up to Season 17, some developers, including Hazel Monforton, aroused the guardians’ curiosity on Twitter.
Destiny 2 Piques Fan Curiosity About Season 17 – “It’s Awesome. You will love it.”
Hazel Monforton is a recent Senior Narrative Designer at Bungie and will focus primarily on the seasonal content for Destiny 2. She is also, as we now know, the person who brought this story from Commander Zavala to life in such an emotional way.
Hazel Monforton tweeted after publishing her work
The story continues in the background: If you still want to know what happened after the video and Amanda Holliday’s radio message to Zavala, then you should read the accompanying lore book. Also, the voice lines have changed after completing this story mission, giving you even more insight. To listen to them, all you have to do is complete a few runs on level 3 of Nightmare Containment in the Forsaken Leviathan’s keep.
What are your thoughts on the latest story mission and location? Did the message touch you and do you say “More of this!” or have you already ticked off Season 17 and are fed up with it? We look forward to your opinions in the comments.