Destiny 2: It's Time to Accept One Enemy May Never Return
As Destiny 2 approaches its third episode, the community may have to let go of the idea of seeing SIVA and Wrath of the Machine again.
The release of the Final Shape expansion marks Destiny’s tenth anniversary, and with it comes a fresh chapter in the ongoing story. Destiny 2 has seen a period of success, thanks to Bungie’s efforts in crafting a captivating new campaign and compelling content. But as the game pushes forward with its third Episode, Heresy, and embraces several promising changes, there’s one aspect fans may have to accept: the iconic enemy, SIVA, might never return.
With the shift from seasonal updates to Episode-based releases, the idea of reintroducing older Raids has sparked debates among the community. Raids like Leviathan, Scourge of the Past, and Wrath of the Machine have often been discussed as potential returns. Among these, Wrath of the Machine, with its unforgettable encounter against the SIVA-infested Fallen, has a strong following. However, after recent comments from Bungie, it seems that SIVA might be left in the past.
Why SIVA and Wrath of the Machine Might Stay Gone
During a recent AMA session on Twitter, Destiny 2's community manager, dmg04, was asked about the potential return of Wrath of the Machine. His response? Not likely. Bungie, it seems, is now focused on innovating and creating fresh content rather than revisiting old favorites. In the past, Bungie developers have expressed that remaking Wrath of the Machine from the ground up, complete with new assets, would require significant resources—resources that might not be worth the investment, considering the likelihood that SIVA-based content would end up being sidelined.
For many, this news is a bittersweet moment. Wrath of the Machine is a fan-favorite, and the SIVA storyline holds strong nostalgic value for players who experienced it during Destiny’s original expansion. However, Bungie’s current focus on new content, paired with their comments about the difficulty of reviving Wrath of the Machine, suggests that the beloved raid—and its destructive AI—won’t make a comeback anytime soon. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s one that may be necessary if the game is to evolve.
Why Destiny 2 Might Be Better Off Without SIVA
While it’s difficult to say goodbye to such a powerful antagonist, there’s also a strong case for why Destiny 2 may benefit from leaving SIVA in the past. Destiny 2 has proven itself capable of creating compelling, new narratives and enemies. A core part of Destiny’s allure is its ever-expanding universe, and rehashing old content might stunt that growth.
SIVA’s connection to the Rise of Iron expansion and its ties to Rasputin’s AI, while rich in lore, may not have much place in Destiny 2’s evolving story, especially as the game ventures out of the Solar System in the upcoming Frontiers expansion. Bringing back SIVA, especially given its origin in the first game's storyline, might feel disconnected from where Destiny 2 is heading. In fact, embracing new content rather than leaning on nostalgia could pave the way for fresh stories and challenges for players to experience.
Ultimately, Destiny 2 needs to evolve beyond its past. While Wrath of the Machine and SIVA will always hold a special place in the hearts of long-time fans, it might be time to let go and look ahead. Bungie’s decision to prioritize new content means more exciting adventures in uncharted territories. And while it’s tough to let go of something so beloved, Destiny 2 might just be better off forging ahead into uncharted territory, creating memories and challenges for a new generation of players.