Destiny 2’s fashion scene, often referred to as “Dresstiny,” is a significant aspect of the game for many players. Bungie’s fashion contests regularly attract thousands of entries, showcasing the creativity and passion within the community. For many, curating the perfect Guardian look is the ultimate endgame. However, the current system heavily relies on the Eververse store, creating a barrier to entry for some and sparking debate amongst players.
Winning a Bungie Guardian fashion contest is a significant achievement. Often, the winning looks utilize a significant number of Eververse ornaments. While these cosmetic items offer a vast array of customization options, they are primarily obtained through real-money purchases. This reliance on paid content raises concerns about accessibility and fairness within the fashion contest landscape.
The core issue lies in the limitations of acquiring and utilizing non-Eververse armor. The vast majority of armor sets become obsolete due to power level limitations and the lack of a dedicated farming system. While visually appealing, older raid or activity-specific armor sets are often unusable in endgame content. Furthermore, limited vault space restricts players from storing a wide variety of armor pieces for purely cosmetic purposes.
This leads to a situation where players are incentivized to use Eververse ornaments for fashion purposes due to their universal application and ease of access. While some argue that this devalues the effort required to obtain unique armor sets, others point to the convenience and flexibility offered by the Eververse system. The ability to instantly change the appearance of powerful gear with different styles is a major draw for many players.
A potential solution to this dilemma lies in the implementation of a comprehensive transmogrification system, often referred to as “transmog.” This system would allow players to apply the appearance of any armor piece to their currently equipped gear. This concept is not entirely foreign to Destiny 2; Eververse and battle pass ornaments already function as a limited form of transmog.
Expanding this functionality to encompass all legendary armor sets would significantly impact the fashion game. Several implementation methods could be considered, ranging from simply acquiring the armor piece to completing mini-quests associated with each item. This would not only provide a greater degree of customization but also incentivize engagement with a wider range of content.
One common concern is the potential impact on Eververse sales. However, a well-designed transmog system could coexist with the current microtransaction model. Unique and visually striking Eververse ornaments would likely remain desirable, even with the expanded availability of transmog options. Additionally, Eververse could continue to offer exotic armor and weapon ornaments.
Another argument against transmog is the potential devaluation of the “armor chase.” However, the current system already renders many armor sets irrelevant due to power creep and the lack of targeted farming methods. Transforming these sets into ornaments would give them new value and purpose, incentivizing players to collect and unlock a wider variety of appearances. Furthermore, the seasonal mod slot system would ensure that the pursuit of high-stat armor remains relevant.
A robust transmog system would address many of the current limitations surrounding Destiny 2’s fashion game. By granting players greater freedom and control over their Guardian’s appearance, Bungie could foster a more engaging and inclusive experience for all players, regardless of their spending habits. Ultimately, allowing players to look their best while performing at their best would elevate both the fashion and gameplay aspects of Destiny 2.
