Get ready for Destiny 2’s Edge of Fate raid launching July 19 with Contest Mode. Bungie teases an Epic version expanding the raid’s story, set to arrive in September with the Ash and Iron update.
Bungie has officially revealed that Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate will introduce its newest raid on Saturday, July 19, just four days after the expansion launches on July 15. The raid, which will kick off with a Contest Mode-enabled race, is expected to push Guardians to their limits as they battle not only powerful enemies but also the ticking clock to be among the first to clear it.
This timing marks a slight shift from Bungie’s usual raid release strategy. In past expansions, raid races typically began on the Friday following the expansion’s Tuesday release. However, The Edge of Fate is switching things up by starting the raid race on a Saturday, which could hint at a fresh approach to Bungie’s competitive PvE scene.
Contest Mode, an established tradition for raid races, returns to set the stage. This mode temporarily caps players’ Power levels and enhances raid difficulty by reducing outgoing damage, increasing enemy health, and demanding near-flawless coordination. It remains a pure test of skill, strategy, and communication. Bungie also confirmed that players won’t need to chase high-level gear beyond the Legendary Campaign; simply finishing it on Legendary difficulty will be enough to hit the Power level needed for the raid race.
While full details about the raid’s setting and mechanics remain under wraps, Bungie has promised a demanding experience. Whether it will rival the brutality of Salvation’s Edge from The Final Shape remains to be seen, but expectations are high.
Adding even more intrigue is the Epic version of the raid, scheduled to launch in September alongside the Ash and Iron update. Unlike past re-releases or difficulty modifiers, this new version won’t be a rehash of the original. Bungie says the Epic version will expand on the story of the raid, bringing new content and deepening the narrative experience. Importantly, Bungie emphasized that the base version of the raid won’t be incomplete or “held back.” Instead, the Epic variant will serve to enhance the overall raid experience, offering something fresh even for those who clear it on day one.
With new gear, Exotics, modifiers, and more rolling out with The Edge of Fate, players are encouraged to maximize their preparation in the short four-day window. Grinding high-tier activities and acquiring powerful loot will be critical, especially for those aiming to compete in the Day One raid race.
As the clock ticks down to July 19, all eyes will be on the fireteams vying for the World First title, and on what secrets the Epic raid might unveil in September. Whether you’re in it for the glory, the loot, or the lore, Edge of Fate is shaping up to be one of Destiny 2’s most ambitious raids yet.
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