Destiny 2: The Final Shape – A Comprehensive Review of Features, Performance, and Optimisation Across Platforms

Destiny 2: The Final Shape – A Comprehensive Review of Features, Performance, and Optimisation Across Platforms

Destiny 2: The Final Shape marks a pivotal chapter in Bungie’s beloved franchise, bringing together years of lore, gameplay evolution, and cutting-edge technology. With the promise of closing out a major narrative arc, this expansion aims to deliver an unforgettable experience across all platforms. In this in-depth review, we'll explore the differences in features across platforms, provide performance benchmarks for various hardware configurations, and discuss how Destiny 2: The Final Shape optimises gameplay on different gaming consoles. If you're wondering how this latest expansion performs on your preferred platform, keep reading to discover everything you need to know.

Feature Comparisons Across Platforms

Destiny 2: The Final Shape is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with each platform offering a unique set of features tailored to its hardware capabilities. On the PlayStation 5, the game takes full advantage of the console’s powerful architecture. Players can enjoy the game in 4K resolution at 60 FPS, with stunning detail in every environment, from the eerie landscapes of the Throne World to the intricate design of Guardian armour. The PS5’s DualSense controller brings an added layer of immersion, with haptic feedback that lets you feel the recoil of every shot and the impact of every hit. Adaptive triggers further enhance the experience by varying resistance based on the weapon used.

On the Xbox Series X, Destiny 2: The Final Shape also runs at 4K 60 FPS, ensuring that the game’s fast-paced combat and visually rich environments are experienced as intended. The Xbox’s Quick Resume feature is particularly beneficial, allowing players to jump back into action almost instantly after a break. The Smart Delivery system ensures that whether you’re playing on the latest hardware or an older Xbox One, you’ll get the best version of the game your console can handle.

For PC gamers, Destiny 2: The Final Shape offers the most customisation options. PC players can adjust settings like field of view, texture quality, and anti-aliasing to tailor the experience to their hardware. Support for ultra-wide monitors and uncapped frame rates means that Destiny 2: The Final Shape can look and perform better than ever on a high-end rig. Additionally, the integration of cross-play ensures that regardless of your platform, you can team up with friends for the final battle against the Witness.

Performance Benchmarks Across Hardware Configurations

Performance in Destiny 2: The Final Shape varies depending on your hardware setup, particularly on PC where the range of configurations is vast. High-end PCs equipped with processors like the Intel Core i9-13900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X paired with GPUs such as the NVIDIA RTX 4090 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX can easily run the game at 4K resolution with ultra settings, achieving frame rates well above 120 FPS. This allows for a fluid and visually stunning experience, especially during intense raids or PvP matches where every frame counts.

Mid-range systems, like those with an Intel Core i7-13700K or AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D paired with an NVIDIA RTX 4070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800, can comfortably run Destiny 2: The Final Shape at 1440p with high settings, maintaining a stable 60 to 100 FPS. These configurations offer a good balance between visual quality and performance, ensuring that the game remains responsive during chaotic firefights and visually impressive during exploration.

Even on lower-end hardware, Destiny 2: The Final Shape remains playable. Systems equipped with an Intel Core i5-12600K or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and a NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super or AMD Radeon RX 580 can run the game at 1080p with medium settings, achieving a steady 60 FPS. While some of the more advanced graphical features may need to be toned down, the core experience remains intact, allowing players to enjoy the game without needing the latest hardware.

Overall Game Optimisation

Bungie has put significant effort into optimising Destiny 2: The Final Shape across all platforms. On consoles, the game benefits from dynamic resolution scaling, which adjusts the resolution in real-time to maintain smooth performance during high-intensity moments. This ensures that the game runs smoothly even when multiple enemies fill the screen, and explosions and effects are at their peak.

On the PlayStation 5, Destiny 2: The Final Shape makes excellent use of the console’s SSD, resulting in significantly reduced load times. Whether you’re fast-travelling across planets or loading into a new mission, the wait is minimal, keeping you in the action. The PS5’s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback also contribute to a more immersive experience, making every shot, jump, and ability feel more impactful.

The Xbox Series X version of the game is similarly optimised, with fast load times and stable performance even during the most graphically demanding sequences. The Xbox's Quick Resume feature allows players to seamlessly switch between Destiny 2: The Final Shape and other games, making it easier to dive back into the action without having to reload the game entirely. Additionally, the game’s cross-save functionality ensures that progress is preserved across platforms, allowing for a seamless experience whether you’re playing on Xbox or PC.

On PC, Destiny 2: The Final Shape offers a range of options to optimise performance. The game supports technologies like NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR, which allow players to increase frame rates by rendering the game at a lower resolution and then upscaling it. This is particularly useful for those with mid-range hardware who want to maintain high frame rates without sacrificing too much visual quality. PC players can also use tools like RivaTuner to monitor performance and adjust settings in real-time, ensuring the game runs as smoothly as possible.

Enhancing Performance on Gaming Consoles

Performance enhancements on gaming consoles are a key focus of Destiny 2: The Final Shape. On the PlayStation 5, the game’s use of the SSD dramatically reduces load times, ensuring that you spend more time playing and less time waiting. The DualSense controller’s adaptive triggers provide varying levels of resistance depending on the weapon or action, adding a tactile dimension to the gameplay. The haptic feedback is finely tuned to reflect different in-game events, from the rumble of your Sparrow to the impact of an enemy’s attack.

The Xbox Series X benefits from its powerful GPU and CPU, which ensure that Destiny 2: The Final Shape runs smoothly even during the most graphically intensive moments. The console’s robust cooling system helps maintain performance during extended play sessions, preventing thermal throttling that could affect frame rates. Additionally, the integration of DirectStorage technology further reduces load times, making the transition between missions and planets almost instantaneous.

On PC, enhancing performance in Destiny 2: The Final Shape can be achieved through a combination of in-game settings and system-level adjustments. Players can tweak settings such as shadow quality, texture resolution, and ambient occlusion to find the right balance between visuals and performance. For those with NVIDIA GPUs, enabling DLSS can provide a significant boost in frame rates, especially at higher resolutions. AMD users can take advantage of FSR to achieve similar results, ensuring that the game runs smoothly on a variety of hardware configurations.

Conclusion: Which Platform Offers the Best Destiny 2: The Final Shape Experience?

Ultimately, the best platform for playing Destiny 2: The Final Shape depends on your personal preferences and available hardware. For those who value immersive features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, the PlayStation 5 offers a highly engaging experience. The console’s fast load times and stunning 4K visuals make it a top choice for many players.

Xbox Series X users will appreciate the seamless performance, quick resume feature, and cross-save functionality, which allow for a smooth and flexible gaming experience. The stability and reliability of the Xbox make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize consistent performance.

For PC gamers, Destiny 2: The Final Shape provides the most flexibility in terms of performance and visual settings. The ability to customize every aspect of the game, from resolution to field of view, makes PC the go-to platform for players who want the best possible experience tailored to their hardware.

As Destiny 2 approaches its final narrative arc with The Final Shape, Bungie has ensured that the game is optimized to run smoothly across all platforms, delivering an experience that is both visually stunning and deeply engaging. Whether you’re playing on a next-gen console or a high-end PC, Destiny 2: The Final Shape promises to be a fitting conclusion to one of the most beloved franchises in gaming history.