Hey Guardians! Let's dive deep into Destiny: The Taken King on PC. This expansion was a massive game-changer for Destiny, and exploring it on PC brings a whole new level of awesome. We’re going to break down everything you need to know, from the storyline and new subclasses to gameplay mechanics and why playing it on PC is a must-try.

What is Destiny: The Taken King?

Destiny: The Taken King is the third expansion for the original Destiny game. Released in 2015, it addressed many of the criticisms leveled at the base game and its initial expansions, The Dark Below and House of Wolves. The Taken King introduced a new storyline, a new raid, new strikes, and perhaps most significantly, significant overhauls to gameplay mechanics, progression systems, and the overall user experience. It’s often credited with revitalizing Destiny and setting the stage for its future success. It was a pivotal moment for the franchise, and players who jumped in at this point experienced a dramatically improved version of the game.

Story and Setting

The Taken King's story centers around Oryx, the Taken King, and his quest for revenge after Guardians defeated his son, Crota, in The Dark Below expansion. Oryx arrives in our solar system with his massive Dreadnaught ship, wielding the power to “take” beings, twisting them into his corrupted army. Your mission, should you choose to accept it (and you definitely should), is to stop Oryx and his Taken forces from consuming the solar system.

The narrative is a significant improvement over the base game, featuring more compelling characters, better voice acting, and a more coherent plot. The sense of urgency and the stakes involved are palpable, making the player feel like a crucial part of the fight against overwhelming odds. Key characters like Eris Morn play a more central role, providing context and driving the narrative forward. The expansion also delves into the lore of the Hive and the Taken, enriching the Destiny universe.

New Subclasses

One of the most exciting additions in The Taken King was the introduction of new subclasses for each class:

• Warlock - Stormcaller: Unleash the power of arc energy with the Stormcaller subclass. Stormtrance, the super ability, allows Warlocks to chain lightning between enemies, making them a powerhouse in both PvE and PvP.
• Hunter - Nightstalker: Hunters gain the ability to manipulate void energy with the Nightstalker subclass. Their super, Shadowshot, tethers enemies, suppressing their abilities and making them vulnerable to attack. This is a fantastic support class, offering unparalleled utility in team-based activities.
• Titan - Sunbreaker: Titans can now wield solar energy with the Sunbreaker subclass. Burning Maul, their super, lets them hurl flaming hammers at enemies, creating explosions on impact. Sunbreakers are excellent for clearing out waves of enemies and dealing significant damage to bosses.

These new subclasses not only added variety to the gameplay but also allowed players to experiment with different playstyles and roles within their fireteams. Each subclass felt distinct and powerful, enhancing the overall Destiny experience. The Taken King truly diversified the combat options available to players.

Why Play on PC?

Bringing Destiny: The Taken King to PC elevates the experience in several key ways:

Enhanced Graphics

PC gaming offers superior graphical fidelity compared to consoles. With the right hardware, you can experience Destiny’s stunning environments in glorious detail, with higher resolutions, better textures, and improved lighting effects. Seeing the Dreadnaught looming in space or the intricate details of the Hive architecture in crisp 4K is a game-changer. The visual upgrade alone makes it worth revisiting this expansion on PC.

Higher Frame Rates

One of the most significant advantages of PC gaming is the ability to achieve higher frame rates. Playing Destiny at 60fps or higher results in smoother, more responsive gameplay. This is particularly noticeable in fast-paced combat situations, where every millisecond counts. The fluidity of movement and aiming enhances the overall sense of control and immersion.

Keyboard and Mouse Precision

For many players, keyboard and mouse controls offer superior precision compared to gamepads, especially in first-person shooters. The accuracy and responsiveness of mouse aiming can significantly improve your performance in both PvE and PvP activities. Snapping headshots on enemies becomes easier, and navigating complex environments feels more natural.

Customizable Settings

PC gaming allows for extensive customization of graphics settings, allowing you to tailor the game to your specific hardware. Whether you have a high-end gaming rig or a more modest setup, you can adjust the settings to achieve the optimal balance between visual quality and performance. This level of control ensures that everyone can enjoy Destiny: The Taken King on PC, regardless of their hardware.

Gameplay and Mechanics

The Taken King brought sweeping changes to Destiny's gameplay and mechanics, addressing many of the issues players had with the original game.

Quest-Driven Progression

One of the most welcome changes was the shift towards a more quest-driven progression system. Instead of grinding endlessly for loot, players were guided through a series of quests that provided clear objectives and meaningful rewards. This made the leveling process feel more engaging and less repetitive. The story became more integrated with the gameplay, giving players a greater sense of purpose.

Revamped Loot System

The loot system was also overhauled to be more rewarding and less frustrating. The introduction of guaranteed loot drops for completing certain activities and the ability to infuse higher-level gear into lower-level items made it easier to acquire and upgrade the gear you wanted. This reduced the reliance on random chance and gave players more control over their character progression.

Court of Oryx

The Court of Oryx is a public event area located on the Dreadnaught where players can summon and defeat increasingly difficult bosses. This activity provides a fun and challenging way to earn valuable rewards and test your skills. It encourages teamwork and cooperation, as players need to work together to take down the bosses. The Court of Oryx added a new dimension to the endgame activities.

How to Get Started on PC

If you're ready to jump into Destiny: The Taken King on PC, here’s what you need to do:

System Requirements

First, make sure your PC meets the minimum or recommended system requirements. While the game isn’t the newest, here’s a general guideline:

• Minimum:
  • OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
  • Processor: Intel Core i3 3220 or AMD Phenom II X4 945
  • Memory: 6 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7850
  • DirectX: Version 11
  • Network: Broadband Internet connection
  • Storage: 40 GB available space
• Recommended:
  • OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
  • Processor: Intel Core i5 2400 or AMD FX-8350
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 390
  • DirectX: Version 11
  • Network: Broadband Internet connection
  • Storage: 40 GB available space

Purchasing the Game

Since the original Destiny is no longer sold as a standalone product, you'll likely need to acquire Destiny: The Collection, which includes the base game and all expansions, including The Taken King. Keep an eye out for deals on digital distribution platforms like Steam or other authorized retailers.

Installation and Setup

Once you've purchased the game, download and install it through the platform you bought it from. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. After installation, launch the game and create a character, choosing your class, race, and appearance.

Tips and Tricks for New Players

Starting out in Destiny: The Taken King can be a bit overwhelming, so here are some tips to help you get started:

• Follow the Questline: The questline will guide you through the main story and introduce you to the various activities and locations in the game. Pay attention to the objectives and rewards, as they will help you level up and acquire better gear.
• Join a Fireteam: Destiny is designed to be played with others, so consider joining a fireteam (a group of up to three players) for strikes and other activities. Playing with friends or other players can make the game more enjoyable and rewarding.
• Experiment with Different Subclasses: Don't be afraid to try out the different subclasses and find the one that suits your playstyle. Each subclass offers unique abilities and playstyles, so experimenting with them can help you discover new strategies and tactics.
• Manage Your Inventory: Inventory management is crucial in Destiny, so make sure to keep your inventory organized and avoid hoarding unnecessary items. Dismantle unwanted gear to obtain materials for upgrading your favorite weapons and armor.
• Explore the World: Destiny’s world is full of secrets and hidden treasures, so take the time to explore the different locations and discover everything they have to offer. You might stumble upon rare loot, hidden quests, or challenging encounters.

Conclusion

Destiny: The Taken King on PC is an incredible experience for both new and returning players. The enhanced graphics, higher frame rates, and precise controls of PC gaming elevate the gameplay to a new level. Whether you're a seasoned Guardian or a newcomer to the Destiny universe, The Taken King offers a compelling story, engaging gameplay, and a vibrant community. So grab your mouse and keyboard, gear up, and get ready to defend the solar system from the Taken King! You won't regret it, Guardians! See you starside!