Destiny 2's PvE content forms the backbone of the experience. Strikes are three-player cooperative missions with matchmaking, featuring a series of encounters culminating in a boss fight. Nightfalls are harder versions of Strikes with modifiers and better rewards, ranging from Adept to Grandmaster difficulty. Dungeons are three-player challenges similar to raids but smaller in scope, featuring puzzles and boss encounters with unique loot.
Raids are Destiny 2's premiere endgame PvE content. These six-player activities require coordination, communication, and knowledge of complex mechanics. Raids like Vault of Glass, King's Fall, and Root of Nightmares offer some of the best weapons and armor in the game. They do not have matchmaking, so you'll need to find a group through LFG (Looking for Group) tools, clan members, or friends. Completing your first raid is a milestone experience for any Guardian.
The Crucible is Destiny 2's PvP arena. Control (capture zones) is the main casual mode, while Trials of Osiris is the competitive weekend event where teams of three compete for exclusive loot by winning seven matches on a single card. Iron Banner appears monthly with unique gear and modified rules. Gambit combines PvE and PvP — two teams race to defeat enemies and bank motes, with opportunities to invade the opposing team's arena.
Seasonal content provides a narrative throughline with weekly story missions, new activities, and limited-time events. The seasonal model means there's always something new to chase. Patrol zones offer open-world exploration with public events, Lost Sectors (mini-dungeons), and world bosses. Legend and Master Lost Sectors provide solo endgame challenges for Exotic armor farming.