Unveiling the Truth Behind Destiny 2's Nimbus Mask Uproar

Highlights

Destiny 2's Year 6 content, including the Lightfall expansion, has faced criticisms for its underwhelming delivery and focus on Strand.

Nimbus, the character, has caused some controversy because of their personality being seen as out-of-place and their non-binary identity. Additionally, the inclusion of the Nimbus mask in Destiny 2's Festival of the Lost event has triggered more debate. Some players have used it to mock, while others have seen it as a positive representation of LGBTQIA+.

Destiny 2's Year 6 of content has faced its fair share of problems and controversies right from the start. The Lightfall expansion, which promised an epic "Our end begins" experience, was met with disappointment due to its lackluster execution and excessive focus on Strand. The campaign itself was criticized for its unimpressive storyline, primarily because all the characters, including the protagonist, seemed to have knowledge about The Veil that the players did not. Additionally, many players found the Cloud Striders, Nimbus and Rohan, to be unlikable and undeveloped. And while Nimbus has been involved in various controversies before, a new one arose with the Festival of the Lost.

One significant issue with Nimbus as a character was their perceived mismatch with the dark and serious tone of the Lightfall narrative and its subsequent expansion. This could be attributed to their early initiation into the Cloud Striders and certain personality traits that players deemed as excessively exaggerated. Another point of contention was that Nimbus in Destiny 2 identifies as non-binary, which sparked a vocal backlash from some players who accused the game of being too politically correct.

Why Destiny 2's Nimbus Mask is a Controversial Festival of the Lost Item

The recent controversy surrounding Nimbus stems from Destiny 2's 2023 edition of Festival of the Lost. This annual Halloween event allows players to collect and wear masks representing various allies and enemies within the game's universe. One of these masks is the Nimbus mask, which has become a subject of ridicule and meme among players who dislike the character. This sentiment may have been fueled by the character's lack of prominence since the release of Lightfall and the anticipation surrounding The Final Shape.

A notable trend among players is the use of wearing the Nimbus mask as a form of "punishment" for failing in-game challenges, serving as a means to mock the character. On the other hand, some players appreciate the inclusion of Nimbus as a positive representation of the LGBTQIA+ community in gaming, which is a welcome sight in recent releases of Destiny 2. However, it is important to note that the criticism directed towards the Nimbus mask is predominantly aimed at attacking Nimbus' non-binary identity rather than the character themselves.

When Bungie introduced Nimbus in Destiny 2, they were portrayed as a non-binary character and referred to with they/them pronouns. Unfortunately, there are some players who react strongly to LGBTQIA+ content in games, sometimes even resorting to harassment towards developers and voice actors. While this is not a new issue in the industry, it is still surprising how a simple Halloween mask in the Festival of the Lost event can elicit such unwarranted responses.

It is important to remember that Nimbus may not have been a flawless character and could have benefited from further development, but that doesn't mean they cannot be appreciated and embraced by players. With the understanding that Cloud Striders have a limited lifespan of only 10 years after undergoing body-enhancing procedures, Nimbus' innocent and optimistic demeanor brings a refreshing contrast to the game's generally dark storyline. Given this context, the controversy surrounding Nimbus' Halloween mask seems particularly out of place, considering the festive spirit associated with the holiday.

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