14 DAY TRIAL // Bungie has detailed some of the special activities that are unlocked for Destiny players after they reach level 20, confirming that among them are Heroic Strikes that offer not just tougher foes but also modifiers for certain things like damage dealt by specific weapons.
Destiny debuts tomorrow, September 9, around the world and millions of fans are really looking forward to venturing inside the multiplayer-only first-person shooter and making a name for their virtual Guardian by collecting rewards and loot, while finishing missions and challenges.
While the game has a level cap of 20, Bungie has made it clear recently that there's still a lot to do for those who have already reached the limit, as they can then improve their Light levels by collecting better gear and participate in new experiences.
Heroic Strikes offer a bigger challenge
Among these new things are Heroic Strikes, which are tougher versions of the regular cooperative Strike missions that are possible inside the game.
Bungie has detailed these missions on its blog, confirming that they'll require not just skill but also changes in terms of play style, depending on the different modifiers that are introduced in that specific encounter.
"A weekly rotation of very challenging Heroic Strikes (and the pinnacle Nightfall Strike) use high-level enemies and global modifiers to create challenges that require skill, gear, and sometimes creative character builds to beat," Bungie explains.
Skill and play style changes are needed
Bungie introduces in the Heroic Strikes not just tougher foes but also other elements that prompt advantages for both players and the AI-controlled enemies.
"Modifiers are one of the ways we tweak content we’ve already built. The first modifier is called 'Heroic.' Heroic leverages the more difficult version of the encounters, but the second modifier is where we really start to challenge players."
"Take a modifier like Arc Burn – which increases all damage dealt by Arc Damage by 300%. If you’re a Bladedancer Hunter, you’re about to be an even more destructive force, and everyone else in your Fireteam is going to be scrambling for Arc weapons. But, if the enemies you’re facing also use Arc weapons, they will cut through you like paper."
Besides these weekly Heroic Strikes, level 20 players can also participate in the daily Heroic Story chapters, which also have tougher enemies, different modifiers, and, of course, bonus rewards for those who complete them.
Destiny debuts tomorrow, September 9, worldwide on PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
