#18,6Free-to-play check · 2026
Is Destiny 2 free to play?
Yes — it's free to playFree to play
Yes. Destiny 2 is free to play through its 'New Light' version, which includes the core game and a rotating selection of activities. Only the paid expansions and seasonal content cost extra.
New Light gives you the core experience, the shooting, the loot, the world, for free, so you can sink plenty of hours in without paying. The catch is that the story campaigns and the newest seasonal content are sold as paid expansions.
If you love the free looter-shooter loop, there are other great free games in the same spirit worth lining up next.
What's free in Destiny 2?
What you get without paying — and what costs extra.
Free
- The full New Light core game
- A rotating set of activities and playlists
- Crucible PvP and Gambit
- Free seasonal reward tracks
Costs money
- Story expansions (e.g. The Final Shape)
- Premium seasonal / episode content
- Dungeon keys and cosmetics
Free alternatives to Destiny 2
Genuinely free to play — start any of these right now, no subscription.
| Game | Best for | Platforms | Browser | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warframe | Action, Co-op | PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile | — | 8.6 |
| Star Wars: The Old Republic | Story, Sci-Fi | PC | — | 7.9 |
| Path of Exile | ARPG, Seasons | PC, PlayStation, Xbox | — | 8.5 |
#18,6
#27,9
#38,5How we check this
We base this on Destiny 2's official pricing model (as of 2026), separating what's permanently free from trials and paid expansions. We only recommend alternatives that genuinely start free — with no paid placements.
FAQ
Is Destiny 2 free to play in 2026?
Yes. Destiny 2 is free to play through its 'New Light' version, which includes the core game and a rotating selection of activities. Only the paid expansions and seasonal content cost extra.
What are the best free alternatives to Destiny 2?
Great free-to-play alternatives include Warframe, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Path of Exile — all free to start with no subscription required.