Unveiling Destiny 2's Season of the Witch: A Dazzling Tapestry of Dark Future Narrative

Highlights

Destiny 2's Season of the Witch explores the effects of Sword Logic on Eris Morn's transformation into a Hive God of Vengeance.

In the Dark Future storyline, Eris Morn emerges as the Witch Queen, commanding a force of Guardians corrupted by Darkness.

Although the current events deviate from the Dark Future narrative, there is still apprehension surrounding Eris's possible slide into darkness and its ramifications for the main characters. Should Season 22 present a favorable resolution to this, it may eliminate the need for the Dark Future storyline.

Destiny 2's Season of the Witch diverges slightly from the Lightfall era. While Season of Defiance examines the war's impact on The Last City's citizens and Season of the Deep reintroduces Commander Sloane and her Titan stronghold, Season 22 maintains the overall dark tone of Year 6. However, it returns to a familiar theme: the Hive and its Sword Logic. These concepts have long been central to the Destiny 2 Light and Darkness saga, and Season of the Witch delves into the consequences of the Sword Logic on Eris Morn's transformation into a Hive God of Vengeance, echoing the Dark Future storyline.

Destiny 2 doesn't always follow conventional storytelling methods. The game often uses lore books to create branching narratives and explore new directions for each character, moving away from traditional quests and cutscenes. The Dark Future, in particular, follows this approach, recounting the story of Elsie Bray and her ability to experience different timelines, all of which end in humanity's defeat at the hands of the Darkness. Throughout these narratives, Eris Morn plays a central role.

Destiny 2's Eris Morn in Season of the Witch and The Dark Future

Eris Morn's story dates back to the time of Crota, who has recently regained attention with the return of Destiny 2's Crota's End Raid in Season 22. Eris was the only survivor of her fireteam, and since then, she has vowed revenge against the Hive. Season of the Witch delves deeper into her quest as she persuades the Guardian to offer tributes, enhancing her power and potentially confronting Xivu Arath. This is part of a plan to resurrect Savathun and discover how to access the portal within The Traveler.

However, the situation becomes much more intricate when examining the Dark Future storyline, in which Elsie Bray was trapped and forced to experience repeatedly from beginning to end. In this version, Eris Morn is not the familiar ally players know; instead, she is the Witch Queen, a title usually associated with Savathun. Eris leads her own army of Guardians corrupted by Darkness. In Destiny 2's Dark Future, both Ikora and the Drifter have perished, and Elsie seeks assistance from an older Zavala, Mara Sov, Rasputin, and her sister, Ana Bray.

In the current events, there are substantial divergences from the Dark Future timeline. Notably, characters like Ikora and Drifter are still alive, Rasputin sacrificed himself for humanity, and Eris is surrounded by friends and loved ones. However, the transformation of Eris into a Hive is a cause for concern, particularly for Elsie. In a new lore book entry, Elsie confronts Ikora, expressing her worry that this could lead to a repeat of the Dark Future. Elsie is especially anxious because her sister, Ana, succumbs to the corruption of Destiny 2's Darkness, and Elsie is forced to kill her.

The direction Eris is taking, seeking vengeance and retribution, and her adherence to the principles of the Sword Logic, raises concerns about the future. The actions and influence of characters like Ikora, Drifter, and others may play a significant role in preventing Eris from becoming the Witch Queen of the Dark Future. It's possible that this could be depicted in a future cutscene or story moment. As Destiny 2's The Final Shape approaches, it's difficult to imagine players facing The Witness with Eris embracing the Darkness and betraying the main characters. However, if Eris overcomes this struggle, it will be challenging to revive the Dark Future storyline.

Destiny 2 is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.