Fishing mini-games are a common feature in the video game industry, appearing in various forms that range from fitting the game world naturally to being a significant part of the gameplay. However, sometimes fishing shows up in unexpected places, such as in Call of Duty Zombies’ Outbreak mode. Destiny 2’s fishing is one such example of an unexpected addition, but it is surprisingly well-executed and enjoyable. Despite being introduced as part of Season of the Deep, which focuses on exploring the oceans on Titan, the fishing mechanic has been added to a few different Patrol Zones and offers a wide variety of fish to catch. While it is uncertain whether fishing will remain a permanent feature in Destiny 2, it would be great to see it stick around for the long haul.
Fishing Can Continue Growing Beyond Season of the Deep
The fishing mechanics in Destiny 2 are relatively simple, with players earning a perfect, nice, or missed catch based on their reaction time. While the mini-game itself may not be particularly complex, the communal aspect of fishing is what truly sets it apart. Watching groups of players gather together to fish is always entertaining, and celebrating the capture of an exotic fish with a random player is a joyful experience.
Removing this mini-game would be a mistake, as it provides players with a reason to engage with mechanics they may have otherwise lost interest in. For example, collecting resources and participating in public events may no longer be relevant to players with hundreds of hours of gameplay under their belts and an abundance of glimmer. However, the ability to acquire bait while doing so breathes new life into old content, making it feel more meaningful. Additionally, the presence of fishing ponds in zones like the EDZ and Nessus gives players a reason to return to places they may have abandoned long ago.
Expanding the fishing feature in Destiny 2 could be a wise move for Bungie, rather than retiring it at the end of the current story arc or the Season of the Deep. The Dreaming City, with its vast water sources, presents an ideal location for new ponds to be added. Additionally, a digital pond on Neomuna or fishing through cracked ice on Europa could also provide exciting experiences for players.
To make each new pond unique, Bungie could introduce a few legendary fish and an exclusive Exotic. These additions could motivate players to explore and fish at every location. The exotic fish designs could be particularly distinct, with the Dreaming City fish resembling Awoken or being covered in Taken corruption. A Neomuna exotic could be robotic, perfectly matching the futuristic feel of Neptune.
To keep players engaged with Destiny 2's HELM fishing, Bungie could offer new decorative items for players to unlock and personalize their fish tanks. Customization options such as choosing which fish to display could also be added, allowing players to showcase their favorite fish while hiding others they find less appealing. Bungie could also add additional fishing Triumphs and exclusive rewards such as shaders, weapon ornaments with fish-themed designs, and emblems. By making fishing a worthwhile activity in its own right, Bungie has given players a refreshing break from the usual shooting and looting, making it a feature that deserves to remain a permanent fixture in the game. Destiny 2 is currently available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.