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Desert Perpetual Epic Raid launches

The Desert Perpetual Epic Raid goes live September 20 with Contest Mode and updated loot.

August 21, 2025 at 06:43 PM
blur Destiny 2 Desert Perpetual Epic Raid: Release Date, Start Time, Contest Mode, Not Swap, Loot, and Race Details

Destiny 2 introduces the Desert Perpetual Epic Raid with Contest Mode, a not swap rule, loot updates, and a World First race.

Destiny 2 Desert Perpetual Epic Raid Sets World First Race and Loot Changes

The Desert Perpetual Epic Raid goes live on Saturday, September 20, at 10 AM PT, with a special 48-hour Contest Mode that carries a fixed Power disadvantage. The first team to clear all encounters during Contest will unlock Tier 5 gear drops and an exclusive emblem, while a full clear grants the raid Exotic and its catalyst. After the initial race, the Epic difficulty will open for everyone.

Bungie is adding an updated Not Swap modifier to keep encounters action-focused and level the field across platforms. Changing Exotic or Legendary armor or ammo types will reset Super and ability energy, wipe Special/Heavy ammo, and remove ammo orbs on the ground. This rule applies during Contest Mode and in Epic when three or more Feats are active. In addition, Artifact Featured Gear bonuses and Seasonal Mods will be active during the Contest weekend, enhancing damage and resistance for eligible weapons. Bungie also notes that a full list of banned items will be released before launch and that its security team will monitor clears in real time, ready to ban players who cheat or work with cheaters.

Key Takeaways

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Epic raid adds tougher mechanics to test team coordination
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Contest Mode runs for 48 hours with a fixed power disadvantage
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Not Swap rules reset energy and ammo to keep races fair
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First clear yields Tier 5 gear and emblem; full clear rewards raid Exotic
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Artifact bonuses and Seasonal Mods will be active during the contest
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Security monitors race in real time and will ban cheaters
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Epic unlocks for all after the first team clears the race
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Loot updates make gear drops differ from standard runs

"A clean race is a true test of teamwork."

Tweetable line about race fairness.

"Fair play matters more than bragging rights."

Editorial stance on integrity.

"Security will not hesitate to ban cheaters."

Policy enforcement statement.

"The world first race will reveal how much players value integrity."

Outlook on community values.

The Desert Perpetual Epic raid marks a test for players that goes beyond reflexes. The new Not Swap rule and a fixed power gap place emphasis on teamwork, planning, and precise execution. That shift could push teams to practice differently, rewarding coordination over brute power. It also highlights how Bungie is balancing accessibility with strict competition, signaling a broader push to protect the integrity of World First races.

At the same time, the changes to loot and attunement in Update 9.1.0 may reshape how players pursue gear week to week. The combination of permanent loot updates and a targeted farming path could alter how players invest time and resources, favoring strategic farming over sheer farming volume. How the community reacts to these shifts will reveal what players value most: glory, consistency, or the thrill of new rewards.

Highlights

  • A clean race is a true test of teamwork
  • Fair play matters more than bragging rights
  • Security will not hesitate to ban cheaters
  • The world first race will reveal how much players value integrity

World First Race Integrity at Risk

The event involves a high-stakes competitive environment with real-time monitoring and strict enforcement against cheats. There is potential for controversy if bans or item disqualifications affect results or provoke backlash from players.

The Desert Perpetual Epic Raid will reveal what the Destiny 2 community values in competitive play.

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