Top 10 Mistakes Every New Player Makes in Destiny 2 – How to Fix Them

Destiny 2 has a rich universe, packed with core PvE content like strikes, raids, Crucible, and Trials of Osiris. It combines fast-paced FPS action with MMO-style character advancement. New players might find it a little overwhelming to start with, considering the runtime of the campaign. Not to mention the different mechanics, progression systems, gear levels, and content introduced every season.

In this guide, you will learn about the top 10 pitfalls for players just starting. More importantly, we will share the strategies you can apply to remedy them. Destiny focuses a lot on player skill and power. Sidestepping the missteps designed for unseasoned players will drastically enhance your experience and what you get out of this remarkable game.

If you came across services looking to sell their Trials of Osiris endgame content, you are probably used to being offered Trials carries in Destiny 2. These services are meant for people who enjoy high-level PvP rewards, but the satisfaction of actually winning them in a competitive environment adds a twist. With the tips from this guide, you will get there much quicker.

1. Ignoring the Campaigns and Seasonal Stories

Many players, after getting into the game, just log in and hop onto PvP or other highly competitive modes without completing the campaigns.

The campaigns are not merely story content; they add gameplay elements, game lore, are the primary instruction manual for vital Non-Player Characters (NPCs), and are critically instrumental in unlocking game features such as subclass selection and new areas or maps.

• How to Fix It: The first quest should be the New Light quest, which is followed by The Witch Queen, Beyond Light, and finally, the Lightfall campaigns are to be completed in order.

2. Wasting Upgrade Materials Too Early

Players use enhancement cores, prisms, and ascendant shards to masterwork early or low-tier gear.

These materials are rare and better reserved for endgame gear you plan to use long-term.

• How to Fix It: Don’t spend valuable upgrade materials on gear under 1580 Power unless it’s a god-roll weapon or a stat-perfect exotic. Save enhancement cores and ascendant shards for pinnacle activities, like Trials, Grandmaster Nightfalls, and raids.

3. Not Understanding Weapon Rolls and Perks

Equipping weapons based solely on power level or appearance, not the perks.

Weapon perks massively affect performance. For example, perks like Outlaw, Kill Clip, Frenzy, or Overflow can significantly increase damage and reload speed.

• How to Fix It: Use sites like light.gg or D2 Gunsmith to understand the best rolls for weapons. Learn what god-rolls are for PvP vs PvE and keep an eye out for them in your loot drops.

4. Neglecting Armor Stats

Wearing the highest-power armor without looking at the stat distribution.

Armor stats affect cooldowns for abilities, class regeneration, and resilience. Ignoring stats makes your Guardian much less effective.

• How to Fix It: Prioritize armor with high stats (total > 60) and focus on key stats like Resilience (for damage reduction), Discipline (for grenade cooldown), and Recovery (for health regen). Use mods and loadout tools like DIM (Destiny Item Manager) to optimize your builds.

5. Not Exploring Mods and Loadouts

Relying only on base abilities without taking advantage of mods and synergies.

Mods and subclass combinations are the backbone of powerful builds. Ignoring them puts you at a serious disadvantage.

How to Fix It: Unlock artifact mods each season and learn how to create synergies between your subclass and your armor. For example, pair Solar 3.0 with Warmind Cell mods or use Volatile Rounds with Void builds. Watch build guides on YouTube for inspiration.

6. Skipping Bounties and Weekly Milestones

Not grabbing bounties or pursuing weekly objectives from vendors.

Bounties give valuable XP for the seasonal artifact and battle pass. Weekly milestones offer powerful and pinnacle gear.

How to Fix It: Before doing any activity, pick up bounties from Zavala (Vanguard), Shaxx (Crucible), and the Gunsmith. Prioritize weekly milestones like Nightfalls, Crucible matches, Raids, and Dungeons for steady power gains and loot.

7. Misunderstanding Power Level Progression

Grinding low-level activities expecting significant power boosts.

Once you reach the soft cap (usually around 1750), only powerful and pinnacle drops increase your power level.

How to Fix It: Focus on powerful engram sources until the hard cap, then pivot to pinnacle activities. Understand the caps: Soft Cap → Powerful Cap → Pinnacle Cap. Use tools like Destiny Recipes to track your gear and progression efficiently.

8. Jumping into PvP Without Preparation

Entering the Crucible or Trials without understanding maps, weapon meta, or ability cooldowns.

PvP in Destiny 2 is highly competitive. Unprepared players often get frustrated and burned out.

How to Fix It: Spend time in Control or Rumble to get familiar with PvP combat. Use meta weapons like the Immortal SMG or Matador 64. Watch PvP guides, practice peeking, positioning, and radar awareness. Avoid jumping into Trials until you’ve honed your mechanics in casual Crucible playlists.

9. Not Playing With a Fireteam

The Mistake: Trying to solo every activity, including endgame content like Raids or Nightfalls.

Why It’s a Problem: Destiny 2 is built around teamplay. Many activities require coordination, review mechanics, and communication.

How to Fix It: Use the in-game Fireteam Finder, Bungie.net’s Fireteam tool, or Discord servers like Destiny LFG. Don’t be afraid to join friendly clans—they’re the best source of help, knowledge, and Sherpa-led activities. Even if you’re shy, most players are happy to teach newcomers.

10. Overlooking Endgame PvE Content

Avoiding activities like Dungeons, Raids, or Grandmaster Nightfalls due to fear or inexperience.

Endgame content offers the best loot, unique weapons, and crucial upgrade materials.

How to Fix It: Start with more straightforward content like Dares of Eternity or seasonal activities, then move on to Dungeons like Prophecy or Shattered Throne. Look for beginner-friendly raid teams or join a Sherpa raid event. Completing these activities helps you understand the full depth of Destiny 2 and gives you access to Exotic catalysts, adept weapons, and prestige cosmetics.

Bonus Tips for New Guardians:

• Learn Subclasses: With the 3.0 reworks (Void, Solar, Arc, and Strand), subclasses have become customizable and powerful. Experiment with different fragments and aspects.
• Keep Your Vault Clean: Dismantle unused gear regularly. Store high-stat armor and god-roll weapons only.
• Use Destiny Apps: Download Destiny Item Manager (DIM) and Ishtar Commander for quick inventory transfers and loadout management.
• Check Weekly Resets: Know what activities are rotating in and which loot is available every Tuesday reset.
• Don’t Stress the Meta: Meta weapons and builds shift every season. Focus on learning core mechanics, and adjust as you go.

Final Thoughts

Destiny 2 is one of the most rewarding looter-shooters out there, but only if you’re willing to learn its systems. New players often make avoidable mistakes that slow down their progress and diminish the experience. By understanding and fixing these top 10 missteps, you’ll become a more confident and competent Guardian ready for whatever challenge the Darkness throws at you.

Whether you’re diving into PvP or PvE, chasing exotics, or looking to dominate in trials, Destiny 2, the path to improvement starts with knowledge and practice. Stick with it, keep learning, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.