With Destiny 2's next expansion set to release in February 2022, Bungie has been hard at work laying the foundation. Aside from press releases and trailers, a lot of what is to come has already been teased through the current season of Destiny 2, Season of the Lost. This article contains spoilers for the Destiny 2 story through Season of the Lost.
While it's easy to argue that Bungie doesn't tell Destiny's story in an easily found or digestible fashion, one can't deny that the storytelling over the past few seasons has been phenomenal. For those willing to seek it out, this storytelling has improved by leaps and bounds with each consecutive season. Now, players find themselves in the last season leading up to the next major expansion, and Destiny 2 could be in the best state it's ever been. Likewise, Season of the Lost paves the way for The Witch Queen, which could be an even bigger deal yet.
Season of the Lost's best work was in how it significantly advanced the story of several main characters. Bungie takes a very slow and deliberate pace when it comes to Destiny's storytelling. To see so many big reveals in a season is unheard of. Continuing its trend of better storytelling, Bungie made sure to put each of the big reveals on-screen rather than hide them in lore entries. That being said, there are plenty of tidbits to be gained from reading the many entries for Season of the Lost and Festival of the Lost.
Savathun
The Witch Queen's big bad made her in-game debut with Season of the Lost. In a shocking twist that surprised many, it was revealed that Savathun had been living amongst the civilians of the Last City and had been influencing not only the Vanguard but factions like the Future War Cult. All of this came to a head when Osiris was cornered by Mara Sov, Crow, the Guardian, and Osiris' partner, Saint 14. This came as a result of "Osiris'" meddling with the events in Season of the Splicer that nearly led to a civil war amongst the last of humanity. As the transformation into her true form began, Queen of the Reef Mara Sov froze the Queen of the hive in crystal.
For the duration of Season of the Lost, Savathun would offer counsel to the Guardian, "her friend." She offers help in exchange for Mara's help in removing her worm. These worms offer the leaders of the hive their immortality and limitless power. But this comes at a cost. The worms demand sacrifice. By following the "Sword Logic," each kill made by the hive is a tribute offered to one of these ancient beings. The last worm the guardian encountered and subsequently, slew was Xol, Will of the Thousands.
From the Witch Queen trailers, it's clear that Savathun escapes this crystal prison. Even more concerning is that she has found a way to harness the Light, which was previously only thought to be a gift from the Traveler. This prompts a few questions. Just what was Savathun doing in the Last City before revealing herself? Why did she choose to reveal herself in Mara Sov's sanctuary, where the heart of Riven still lays?
Osiris
As mentioned earlier, Osiris was a figure of much controversy during Season of the Splicer. After Savathun revealed herself to be inhabiting the form of Osiris, Saint 14 and others demanded to know what happened to the warlock. Savathun claims that she merely captured him and that he is safe. Should she receive the help she is after and see her worm removed, she will return the warlock safely to his friends. However, Savathun is notorious for her lies and deception. As such, many players doubt that the warlock is still alive.
Crow
Crow has been on quite the roller coaster since he was found by Pork Chop/Glint and raised up as a guardian. From being an outcast to being "welcomed" into the inner circle of the Vanguard, Crow has simultaneously been shunned and adopted by those in power. One such person that took Crow under their wing was the Witch Queen herself. Now that it was revealed she had been Osiris all along, it's clear that she had been plotting something with the former Prince. From being "rescued" by him on the Moon to whispering in the ears of Ikora and Zavala to bring Crow in closer, Savathun has been playing and maneuvering Crow for reasons that still aren't clear.
For the duration of Season of the Lost, Crow had been pining to speak with Savathun. Was it a sense of betrayal or some sense of twisted loyalty? It's hard to say, but ultimately, Crow had his audience. This resulted in Savathun restoring the memories of Prince Uldren to him. With everything made clear to him, Crow requested a transfer away. Instead, Ikora saw him posted as an ambassador to Empress Caiatl. Without the need for protection, Glint took the opportunity to adventure with the Guardian during the Festival of the Lost.
Mara Sov
Just as mysterious and duplicitous as Savathun herself, Queen of the Reef Mara Sov has agreed to rid the Witch Queen of her worm. While she claims to have the situation under control, it's clear that something happens that leads to the Witch Queen escaping and heading back to her throne world.
The Witch Queen is set to answer many questions laid out during the previous seasons. Season of the Lost, in particular, did a phenomenal job in setting the stage for the coming expansion. It shook up what many players had known and believed about characters they loved. Even more disturbing, the balance of the Destiny universe will be completely upended by the hive being able to wield the Light. Making matters worse is that the Witch Queen expansion was pushed back due to COVID impacting development. Until it is released in February 2022, players will have to ponder and speculate the answers.
Destiny 2 is now available on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.