'Destiny 2' release date updates: Sequel expected to arrive in 2017; 'Rise of Iron' update to introduce new maps, gears, and weapons

(Facebook/DestinyTheGame)"Destiny 2" is expected to be released sometime in 2017.

"Destiny" fans have a lot to look forward to. Not only is Bungie releasing a new update and an expansion for the game, but "Destiny 2" is confirmed to be coming out next year.

Reports reveal that most of Bungie's designers and developers are currently focused on "Destiny 2." This was revealed by Eric Hirshberg, Activision's Publishing CEO, during the company's recent investor Q&A and second quarter earnings call. He also confirmed that they are currently on track for the proposed 2017 release date of the "Destiny" sequel.

Even though most of the design team were focused on "Destiny 2," some are currently working on "Destiny: Rise of Iron," the game's upcoming expansion. According to reports, "Rise of Iron" will be introducing new Quests, a new Story Campaign, new weapons, armor, gears, maps, modes, bosses, a new Raid, and even a new Plaguelands environment.

Bungie has been keeping details about the expansion a secret, but it was inevitable for bits and pieces of information to leak out. For instance, it has been said that players will be getting new customized armor and weapons via Ornaments. New artifacts with uber cool abilities are reportedly on the way as well. As for maps, names like Floating Gardens, Last Exit, and Skyline have been bandied about, with these places allegedly set on Venus.

But before "Destiny: Rise of Iron" arrives, fans would have to make space for update 2.4, which will reportedly be rolled out on Sept. 8.

Once the update and "Rise of Iron" are released, the rest of Bungie's team will undoubtedly turn all their attention to "Destiny 2."

There's been a lot of speculation on what the sequel will offer fans. Some reports have stated that the game's missions will be largely set in Mars. Another rumor pegs the game to revolve around a mysterious Warlock known as Osiris and that the sequel might be named "Destiny 2: Shattered Suns."

"Rise of Iron" is set to be released on Sept. 20 on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles, while "Destiny 2" will reportedly hit game consoles sometime in 2017.

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