Destiny’s First Expansion, The Dark Below, Available December 9

Destiny, a game whose identity has been completely wrapped in controversy, will be seeing its first major expansion later this year. On December 9, gamers will be able to make their way a new content package labeled 'The Dark Below.' This is, to many, the first major test of Destiny's lifespan. If Bungie Studios, who develops the game, can prove that Destiny will have longevity, gamers will likely stick with the title more happily.

"Destiny was created as a living universe, which has allowed us to improve the experience post launch in real-time," says Harold Ryan, President of Bungie. "It also gives us insight into the things players are looking for in new content. We've seen from feedback that people want new activities, gear and weapons, and of course the immensely popular Raid. The community helps shape our development decisions and that's really important to us."

The Dark Below expansion will feature a number different additions to the game, all highlighted below:

• New weapons, armor, and gear to earn, including Legendary and Exotic items
• Light Level cap raised to 32 and five additional Bounty slots added
• New story quests and missions – after years hiding amongst the Hive shadows, a new character, Eris, has come forth bearing an ominous warning: The Hive seek to summon a god, Crota, to destroy the Earth. Find Eris in the Tower to take on special quests that include three new missions where you will increase your Light and earn new rewards
• New cooperative Strike, The Will of Crota, pits you and your Fireteam against Omnigul as she works to expand the Hive army at the command of her master, Crota
• New six-player Raid, Crota's End, set deep within the depths of the Hellmouth
• PlayStation platforms will also get access to an exclusive cooperative Strike, The Undying Mind, and more (timed exclusive until at least Fall 2015)

Among these new features are also three new competitive multiplayer arenas:

• Pantheon – set deep within the Black Garden in an ancient Vex temple that features Vex-designed landscapes and tight corridors
• Skyshock – an old interplanetary defense array that offers both vehicle and infantry engagements
• The Cauldron – an abandoned Hive ritual site that offers close-quarter combat

The Dark Below expansion can be bought alone for $19.99 or as part of the Destiny Expansion Pass, which offers both expansions 1 and 2 for $34.99.