Destiny 2: Renegades Overhauls Armor Sets with New 2 and 4-Piece Bonuses

Bungie has announced Destiny 2: Renegades, a major new expansion launching December 2, 2025. The update introduces a Star Wars-inspired criminal underworld narrative and a complete rework of legendary armor. This overhaul is a direct response to player feedback seeking more rewarding and customizable gameplay loops.

The expansion features seven new legendary armor sets, each with unique 2-piece and 4-piece bonus effects. This design shift aims to provide deeper buildcrafting options beyond the simple stat increases of previous content. According to IGN, this change is part of Bungie’s new strategy to release two mid-sized expansions per year.

What’s New in the Renegades Expansion?

Renegades transports players to the Lawless Frontier, a new activity zone filled with crime syndicates and smuggling operations. The setting draws heavy inspiration from the aesthetics and themes of the Star Wars universe. Players will acquire new Heat-based Blasters and exotic gear like the Praxic Blade.

Bungie collaborated with Industrial Light and Magic to ensure an authentic feel. The partnership brings iconic visual and audio elements to the Destiny universe. This marks one of the most significant thematic departures for the franchise in recent years.

Armor Set Bonuses Explained

The new armor system rewards players for wearing multiple pieces from the same set. A 2-piece bonus activates with just two equipped items. The more powerful 4-piece bonus requires a full set, excluding one slot for an Exotic item.

This allows for hybrid builds and greater flexibility. Players can mix two different 2-piece set bonuses or commit to a single 4-piece effect. The seven confirmed sets cater to diverse playstyles, from sword combat to gunplay.

For example, the Swordmaster’s Set offers melee exhaustion on its 2-piece bonus. Its 4-piece bonus grants damage resistance after blocking with a sword or glaive. The Thriving Survivor Set boosts grenade and weapon performance in a cycle of destruction.

Design Philosophy: Learning from Player Feedback

This redesign follows the mixed reception to The Edge of Fate expansion. That update was criticized for its focus on grind over meaningful rewards. Director Tyson Green acknowledged the need for a new approach in an interview with Video Games Chronicle.

“The Final Shape brought things to a crescendo… people were pleased and satisfied,” Green stated. “But after that, there was a big spike downwards in population. That wasn’t the plan, but we still want to keep making Destiny.”

The new two-expansion model allows Bungie to iterate faster. Renegades is the first test of this more responsive development cycle. The team aims to deliver compelling stories without sacrificing rewarding gameplay.

Thought you’d like to know-

When does Destiny 2: Renegades release?

The expansion is scheduled to launch on December 2, 2025. It will be available on all platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

What are the new armor set bonuses?

Seven legendary sets offer 2-piece and 4-piece bonuses that enhance specific playstyles. These include bonuses for sword combat, grenade usage, and weapon handling.

Can I mix and match the new armor sets?

Yes, the system is designed for flexibility. You can use one Exotic piece with a 4-piece set or combine two different 2-piece set bonuses for hybrid builds.

Is the Star Wars content a permanent crossover?

No, the Star Wars elements are thematic inspiration for the Renegades expansion. The collaboration with Industrial Light and Magic brings a unique aesthetic to Destiny’s universe.

Why did Bungie change the armor system?

The change addresses player feedback for more rewarding progression. The previous system was seen as overly grindy without offering compelling new gameplay options.