Bungie released an in-depth developer video outlining Destiny 2: Renegades, the next major expansion arriving on December 2, 2025. From the earliest footage, the update unmistakably draws visual and tonal inspiration from Star Wars — yet the studio insists the expansion remains unmistakably Destiny at its core.

Many elements that might read as direct lifts are actually Destiny-native reinterpretations: lightsaber-like weapons are presented as Praxic Blades, stormtrooper-esque forces appear as members of the Barant Imperium, and the shadowy antagonist is introduced as Dredgen Bael rather than any canonical Star Wars villain. Bungie’s goal is to evoke familiar motifs while preserving the franchise’s established lore and mechanics.

How successfully Bungie separates homage from imitation will become clear when players can experience the expansion themselves, but the preview material gives plenty of reasons to be intrigued. The narrative centers heavily on the Drifter, whose morally ambiguous, scoundrel-like demeanor serves as a gateway into the expansion’s criminal underbelly — a tone that nods to roguish archetypes familiar from space opera fiction.

Renegades also brings to life Aunor Mahal, a figure previously referenced in Destiny’s lore. She wields a Praxic Blade and performs combat feats that position her as the closest analogue to a Jedi within this story — a guardian who channels something like Force-like finesse while remaining embedded in Destiny’s ruleset.

Players will pledge allegiance to one of several factions and earn reputation as they explore the Lawless Frontier, a new region with its own social hub, Tharsis Outpost. Faction options include The Pikers, an anarchic Eliksni biker collective; the Tharsis Reformation, a curious group of sentient Vex; and the Totality Division, a renegade Cabal contingent. Activities range from smuggling operations and bounty contracts to sabotage missions tailored to each faction’s flavor.

On the equipment front, Renegades introduces Praxic Blades for players — exotic kinetic weapons that combine melee versatility with defensive options. These blades let Guardians deflect incoming strikes, perform melee combos, and even be thrown; Bungie has confirmed they’ll remain part of the game ecosystem beyond this expansion.

The update also adds several new Blaster archetypes, designed to emulate the feel of blaster-style firearms. Variants range from heavy, high-damage models to nimble, rapid-fire types. Instead of conventional magazines, these weapons use an overheat mechanic that requires cooldown between volleys. A featured exotic — a solar crossbow called Heirloom — channels the visual and functional spirit of familiar franchise armaments while fitting into Destiny’s combat loop.

Beyond weapons, players can unlock “renegade abilities” tied to the factions they serve, providing distinct playstyles and strategic options depending on allegiance. Across the preview, one of the most notable elements was the score: Bungie leaned on the sweeping, thematic cues that evoke classic space-opera soundtracks, producing music that heightens the cinematic quality of the expansion.

For those who want the full breakdown, Bungie’s complete vidoc walks through these systems and more. Watch the developer presentation below to see extended gameplay and developer commentary. Destiny 2: Renegades launches December 2, 2025.