OMG you guys, I finally don't feel like a lost puppy in Destiny 2 dungeons anymore! 🙌 As a New Light who started playing during Lightfall, dungeons always seemed so intimidating - like trying to solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded while being shot at. But with the Rites of the Nine event, Bungie dropped this absolute game-changer called Explorer Mode for three dungeons (Spire of the Watcher, Grasp of Avarice, and Duality), and holy moly it's a total game-changer for us casual guardians!

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What Exactly is Explorer Mode? 🤔

Think of this as training wheels for dungeons - the easy mode we've been begging for! Instead of that soul-crushing 45-second respawn timer when you die (which always happens to me during jumping puzzles, let's be real 😅), it's only 5 seconds! No more restricted respawn zones either, so you won't get stuck watching your teammates struggle. The best part? You can solo queue with matchmaking! No more awkward LFG posts or getting kicked because you don't have 50+ clears. It's like Bungie finally said "hey, let's make dungeons actually fun for everyone!"

Baby Steps with Waypoints & Tooltips ✨

The real MVP here are the magical floating waypoints! Remember that Arctrician buff in Spire of the Watcher that had me running around like a headless chicken? Now golden waypoints appear over every node you need to shoot!

Plus there are extra platforms during jumping sections because let's face it - my Warlock glide still needs work 💀 Tooltips pop up explaining mechanics in plain English instead of vague raid-speak. It's like having Sherpa friend whispering in your ear!

Bye Bye Tedious Mechanics! 🎉

Bungie trimmed the fat on annoying mechanics too! In Spire's second encounter, you only need to activate ONE set of nodes after DPS phase instead of all four - thank the Traveler! Enemies hit softer and have less health, so you can actually enjoy the combat instead of hiding behind cover for 10 minutes.

Loot & Limitations 💰

Before you ask - YES you get loot! All that sweet dungeon gear can drop... except the exotic weapon (major FOMO moment 😩). You also can't:

  • Progress legacy triumphs

  • Work toward dungeon-specific seals

  • Get credit for Rites quests in third encounter (bugged atm)

But Ada-1 bounties work here! Not sure if that's intentional but shhh don't tell Bungie đŸ¤Ģ

Final Verdict 🚀

This is hands down the best thing for New Lights since the New Light quest overhaul! Whether you're:

  • đŸŖ A total dungeon newbie

  • 😅 Want to learn mechanics stress-free

  • 🕹ī¸ Practicing for normal mode

It's the perfect chill vibe before taking on the real deal. Fingers crossed Bungie expands this to ALL dungeons! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to actually enjoy Spire without crying in confusion ✌ī¸

FAQ Time!

Q: Can I get the exotic in Explorer mode?

A: Sorry guardian, no dice! Exotics are reserved for normal mode.

Q: Is there matchmaking?

A: Heck yes! Solo, premade, or matchmade - your choice!

Q: Do I need DLC for this?

A: Only for specific dungeons - check which ones are in Rites event!

Q: Can I use this to farm gear?

A: Absolutely! Except for that elusive exotic sigh

Q: Will this stay after Rites of the Nine?

A: No official word yet, but pray to the Traveler it does!