Destiny 2’s Latest Expansion Takes a Wild Turn into Star Wars Territory — But Not Quite How You Think
Destiny 2
Bungie’s newest expansion, Renegades, officially drops today — and it’s already stirring up conversation for all the right (and weird) reasons. This is the second smaller release of the year, part of Bungie’s new content structure that spaces out updates more widely. But the real buzz isn’t about scheduling — it’s about that unmistakable Star Wars feel. The font on the logo? Practically straight out of the galaxy far, far away. The symbol? A dead ringer for the Rebel Alliance crest. Things are about to get strange — and fascinatingly so.
For the first time ever, we’re seeing what might be called a “licensed Star Wars crossover” that isn’t actually a Star Wars game. Renegades tells a proper Destiny story within Bungie’s canon but drapes itself in intergalactic influences — from ship designs to blaster sounds — that scream Star Wars inspiration. Yet it avoids being a clone or unlicensed copy by partnering directly with Lucasfilm. Both studios collaborated to decide just how far Destiny could lean into that universe without actually becoming it. The result? Something officially approved but wildly experimental.
Of course, the gaming industry has seen its share of quirky Star Wars experiments. From the nostalgic chaos of Yoda Stories to cult favorites that reimagined the galaxy in unexpected ways, there’s been a full spectrum of tone and quality. But a licensed homage within another franchise? That’s something entirely new. Some fans might see it as unnecessarily gimmicky. Others might find the nostalgia too strong to resist — perhaps even reinstalling Destiny after a long hiatus. And that, clearly, is part of Bungie’s strategy.
Destiny 2
Everywhere you look in Renegades, Star Wars-like imagery jumps out:
- Behemoths fill the same role as AT-ST walkers.
- Praxic Warlocks channel their inner Jedi Knights.
- Dredgen Bael mirrors the brooding energy of Kylo Ren.
- The Praxic Blade? Practically a lightsaber in everything but name.
- Cabal troops resemble Stormtroopers.
- Europa feels as icy and remote as Hoth.
- Venus mirrors the lush forests of Endor.
- Mars brings to mind Tatooine’s arid deserts.
- Tharsis Outpost gives off pure Mos Eisley cantina vibes.
- Blasters sound just like they were pulled straight from Lucasfilm’s archives.
The homage doesn't stop there. You’ll stumble upon a Sarlaac Pit lookalike, a sail barge reminiscent of Jabba’s, and even a “not-quite” X-Wing variant. Frozen caverns hide enemies dangling like wampas’ prey. Every corner feels like a wink to long-time fans. It’s more than a reference — it’s practically a playground for those who grew up loving lightspeed adventures.
Destiny 2
Having played it firsthand, it’s clear that Renegades works — more than it fails. Destiny has reached a stage where bold creativity isn’t optional; it’s a necessity. This expansion is proof of Bungie’s willingness to take risks, even if the concept sounds bizarre on paper. Lucasfilm apparently thought the idea was worth pursuing, and the end result justifies their curiosity.
Expectations are cautiously optimistic. Renegades already feels stronger than Edge of Fate, both narratively and mechanically. Yet, Bungie faces an uphill battle rebuilding community trust and player engagement after some rocky months. No one expects Renegades to resurrect the magic of Forsaken — those lightning-in-a-bottle moments are rare. Still, this could mark the start of a more imaginative, crossover-friendly chapter for Destiny’s future.
From a newcomer’s perspective, this expansion might be the most accessible entry point yet. It offers fresh themes and a clear sense of fun that the game’s current onboarding system sorely lacks. Jump in now, and you can always explore the older campaigns later. The galaxy, as they say, isn’t going anywhere.
And that raises a question worth debating — is Renegades a clever hybrid celebrating both universes, or a creative identity crisis dressed in nostalgia? Does this level of crossover enrich Destiny’s lore or dilute it? One thing’s for sure: fans will have plenty to argue about in the weeks ahead.
Follow the conversation with Paul Tassi on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky, and Instagram. Check out his sci-fi novels — The Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy — for more intergalactic adventures and high-stakes storytelling.
