Destiny 2 gets wave-based Onslaught mode for Into the Light

Today, Bungie took some time to talk about the upcoming Into the Light update coming to Destiny 2. In the first of three livestreams, the studio confirmed that Into the Light would feature a new wave-based “Tower” defense mode called Onslaught.

Onslaught marks the first true horde-esque activity for Destiny 2. However, Bungie has experimented before through activities like Escalation Protocol stretching back to Warmind content. As those attempts never quite scratched the itch, players never ceased their calls for a horde mode in Destiny 2. Now, that dream is finally becoming a reality.

What is Onslaught?

Bungie used much of the first livestream to get players familiar with the concepts Onslaught introduces. The activity sets players loose in the Last City, defending against a siege by the forces of the Witness. To that end, a Guardian’s main objective is to protect the ADU, a device that keeps the City’s defenses running.

There are 50 waves of enemies in Onslaught, with purchase phases, bosses, and more punctuating the activity in between. Guardians can build up defenses during the purchase phase, adding or upgrading trip mines, turrets, or decoys on the battlefield. These defenses are built by spending Scrap, earned by defeating enemies. Bungie noted that whenever a player earns Scrap, it is earned for every player on the Fireteam. That said, it’s not a shared currency, meaning players can spend their Scrap however they’d like.

After ten waves, players face off against a boss and have a chance to earn loot. If Guardians prevail, they’ll be able to advance their position and set up a new ADU in a new zone. While some bonus objectives or wily foes might try to pull players away from the ADU, it can be easily damaged by enemies. Thankfully, some foes drop heal batteries that can be tossed at the ADU to recover health. On top of managing ADU health, Guardians also have to watch out for themselves, as a team wipe sends the Fireteam back to orbit after wave 30.

Bungie confirmed that Onslaught will feature multiple difficulties and hinted at some kind of a “challenge mode” for the bravest of Guardians. Of course, we’ll just have to wait and see what other surprises Bungie has planned for players with the next two upcoming Into the Light streams. Both are set for 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) on March 26 and April 2. Onslaught will be available for free to all players starting April 9.