The beta is based off a build that's now "months old".
Bungie has issued a statement that “PVE game tuning has changed pretty significantly since the Beta build was deployed.”
Beta design lead Rob Engeln shared his insight on Bungie’s official blog, reassuring players that their feedback is being taken on board, before quelling fan concerns surrounding the nature of the beta’s focus on PVP balance. It’s clear that changes are being made to make the PVE experience more rewarding and exciting to play.
“Aside from testing our processes and services, the Beta is also an opportunity for us to collect feedback and data to help us close out the final tuning for the game,” he wrote. “We’re watching and playing with you. Thank you for sharing your experiences and helping make the launch version of Destiny 2 that much better.
A lack of power ammo means far less time using some of the most fun weapons in PVE, and lengthy ability cooldowns marr the punchy combat the series is renowned for. Many players who’ve had a chance to sample the beta believe the game feels too limited as a result, and that PVP balance changes shouldn’t effect PVE so heavily – especially as they’re two very different experiences.
It seems Bungie feels the same, and has already addressed these issues in its internal tests. The beta is actually an older build of Destiny 2, and a way for Bungie to evaluate tweaks made in the past, so it can get the game just right for release day.
“The PVE game tuning has changed pretty significantly since the Beta build was deployed,” Engeln wrote. “The nature of a Beta of this scale requires that it’s based off a build of the game that is now months old. So, in many cases, your feedback is helping us validate changes that were previously made based on internal feedback and playtesting.
“For example, we too felt that ammo (especially power ammo) was too scarce in PvE. In addition to retuning the drop rates, we built a system that guarantees power ammo drops for you and your Fireteam from certain enemies, giving power weapons a more reliable and predictable role in your arsenal. Other areas where we’ve made significant tuning changes include grenade effectiveness in PvE, Boss vitality, and weapon damage against non-player combatants.
We’re pleased to hear that Bungie is listening to player feedback and that it shares some of the same concerns we’ve had. By relaxing ability cooldowns and increasing our overall damage, we’re confident that the final version of Destiny 2 will be more than worth the wait.
