Destiny 2's Dawning 2024: New Weapons, Celestial Dragons Armor, and Community Events
Destiny 2 Dawning event returns December 10, bringing Episode Revenant updates, new loot, and celestial dragon cosmetics for an epic winter celebration.
Hey Guardians! As we're getting ready to close out another year in the system, haven't you noticed that Destiny 2 could really use a bit of holiday cheer? With Episode Revenant's launch being, let's be honest, a bit rough around the edges—between the bugs and some loot issues—and the general community morale still recovering from last year's turbulence, it feels like we're all waiting for that perfect spark to reignite the fire. Well, I'm here to tell you that spark is coming, and it's shaped like a snowball and smells like freshly baked cookies. December 10 is just around the corner, and Bungie is bringing back the Dawning with what might just be the most exciting update we've seen in a while. So, grab your oven mitts and let's dive into what 2024's winter event has in store for us.
First things first, the Dawning itself is returning on December 10, and according to Bungie's latest communications, the core activities will remain familiar. But here's the twist—remember all those snowballs we've been tossing around for fun? This year, they might actually have some strategic weight! With Episode Revenant heavily focusing on Stasis builds, I can't help but wonder: will our icy projectiles finally become a key part of our combat toolkit? It's a small change, but one that could make the event feel fresh and integrated into our current gameplay loops.
Now, let's talk loot, because what's an event without new toys to chase? Bungie is giving some older Dawning weapons a complete makeover, which is always welcome. But the real star of the show is a brand-new weapon: the Mistral Lift, a Void linear fusion rifle. Linear fusions have had their moments in the meta, and a Void variant could be incredibly potent for volatile rounds or synergy with Void subclasses. I'm already thinking about the build possibilities—could this be the new go-to for boss damage in certain encounters?
However, the crown jewel of this year's Dawning might not be a weapon at all. Bungie is introducing three entirely new cosmetic sets based on the concept of "celestial dragons." This is a massive departure from the usual festive, winter-themed armor we're used to. Imagine this: armor sets with star-filled night skies woven into what look like draconic wings, and helmets shaped like dragon heads. Doesn't that sound epic? The best part? They'll be available for both Silver and Bright Dust. Thanks to the generous Dawning bounties, even if you haven't been hoarding Bright Dust, you'll have a solid chance to earn these for free. In my opinion, this could easily be one of the most popular cosmetic releases Destiny 2 has ever seen.
But Bungie isn't just dropping loot and leaving. They've cooked up some fantastic community-driven activities to get us all involved. First, there are new emblems to earn from the 'A Gift in Return' packages. Bungie says they're "pretty rare," but there's a way to increase our odds: the Dawning Bake-Off community event. Each week, we'll need to bake specific sets of cookies for our favorite NPCs to progress community goals. Hit those goals, and the emblems become more common for everyone. It's a great way to feel like we're all contributing to a shared reward. Here's the weekly baking schedule:
| Week & Dates | Title | Cookies to Bake |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (Dec 10-16) | Confectionary Commander | Gjallardoodles (Zavala), Bright-Dusted Snowballs (Tess), Starwort Thins (Elsie), Neomun-Cake (Nimbus) |
| Week 2 (Dec 17-23) | Epicurean Extraordinaire | Traveler Donut Holes (Ikora), Classic Butter Cookie (Eva), Dark Chocolate Motes (Drifter) |
| Week 3 (Dec 24-31) | Handcrafter Hunter | Vanilla Blades (Shaxx), Lavender Ribbon Cookies (Saint-14), Etheric Coldsnaps (Variks) |
And as if that wasn't enough, there's also a fashion contest! Bungie is challenging us to create the best Guardian fashion based on themes of Stasis, winter, or desserts. The prizes? Two exclusive emblems: Felis Galaxias and The Levante Prize. To enter, you just need to post your look on social media with the hashtag #DawningFashion and include your BungieID. This is the perfect chance to show off your creativity and maybe win a unique bragging right for your collections.
So, what does all this mean for us as we head toward the end of 2024 and look ahead to 2025? While we're still waiting for Act 3 of Episode Revenant (and that exotic shotgun, Slayer's Fang) in a few weeks, the December 10 update feels like a crucial moment. It's more than just a seasonal event; it's a concentrated dose of new content, community engagement, and stunning cosmetics designed to bring players together and lift spirits. Will it fix all the bugs? Only time will tell. But it provides a clear, fun, and rewarding goal for us to focus on as a community. In a way, the Dawning this year isn't just about celebrating in-game; it feels like Bungie is trying to bake a little goodwill back into the Guardian community. And honestly? I'm ready to preheat the oven.