Destiny 2 Edge of Fate Raid: Name, Release, Loot and More
The highly anticipated raid for Destiny 2’s Edge of Fate expansion has officially been revealed — and it’s bringing players into the unforgiving sands of The Desert Perpetual. With a unique aesthetic, intense mechanics, and some of the most coveted loot in recent memory, this new activity is already shaping up to be one of the most challenging additions to the game in 2025.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the raid, including its official name, launch details, rewards, and competitive elements like The Desert Perpetual Contest Mode and The Desert Perpetual Day One race. We’ll also go over the Destiny 2 Edge of Fate raid requirements so you know how to prepare before stepping into battle.
Whether you’re aiming to complete the raid during The Desert Perpetual World First Race or just want to explore its secrets at your own pace, this overview will help you get started.
Raid Release Date and Start Time
Guardians can officially mark their calendars — The Desert Perpetual raid launches in Destiny 2 on Saturday, July 19, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM PT. As with past expansions, this global event will roll out simultaneously across time zones, ensuring a level playing field for those racing to be first.
Here’s when the raid goes live in key regions:
- 1:00 PM ET (Eastern Time)
- 5:00 PM GMT (UK)
- 6:00 PM CET (Central Europe)
- 8:00 PM GST (UAE)
- 9:30 PM IST (India)
- 2:00 AM JST (Japan) on July 20
This highly anticipated activity may be one of the most story-relevant raids in recent memory, with lore hints pointing toward a deeper connection with the mysterious Nine. As always, launch day will be a celebration of competition, coordination, and chaos — especially for fireteams hoping to conquer The Desert Perpetual Contest Mode during the opening window.
The Desert Perpetual Contest Mode Explained
When the raid launches on July 19, it will enter the most competitive state possible: Contest Mode. This special modifier will be active for the first 48 hours, creating a level playing field where all Guardians face the same challenges — no matter how high their gear score is.
During this time, player Power will be capped below the enemy level, meaning even the most optimized builds won’t have an advantage in terms of raw stats. This makes The Desert Perpetual Contest Mode the ultimate test of teamwork, strategy, and execution.
The Contest Mode window will officially end at 9:59 AM PT on July 21, at which point the raid will switch over to its standard difficulty. From then on, players will be able to tackle encounters using their full Power, making it a much more forgiving experience for casual fireteams and loot hunters.
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Destiny 2 Edge of Fate Raid Requirements
Before diving into The Desert Perpetual raid, players will need to meet a few essential prerequisites. You won’t be able to join a fireteam on day one unless you’ve completed specific steps tied to the Edge of Fate expansion.
- Finish the Edge of Fate campaign — this is a mandatory step to unlock access to the raid itself.
- Legendary difficulty clears will automatically qualify you for The Desert Perpetual Contest Mode, as they bring your Guardian to the required Power level instantly.
- Normal difficulty clears still grant access, but you’ll need to grind additional Power levels to be raid-ready.
At this time, Bungie has not announced the exact Power Level requirement for the raid, but it’s expected that more details will be shared just before launch. If you’re planning to participate in The Desert Perpetual Day One run, it’s highly recommended to complete the campaign on Legendary to save valuable prep time.
The Desert Perpetual World First Race
The The Desert Perpetual World First Race will once again challenge Destiny 2’s most elite fireteams to battle through every raid encounter faster than anyone else — without leaving orbit. The first team to complete the raid from start to finish and open the final chest will earn the prestigious World First title.
Bungie has confirmed that, just like with previous raids, they’ll be closely monitoring all completions through internal tools and security protocols. Their goal is to ensure that the results are legitimate and that no exploits or disconnections affect the outcome. Only after internal verification will the official winning team be announced.
And yes, the iconic World First raid belts are returning. For this race, the belts will feature a custom design themed around The Desert Perpetual, making them not just a trophy — but a symbol of ultimate PvE dominance for those who claim victory.
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How to Watch the Desert Perpetual Raid & Earn Twitch Drops
For those who enjoy watching high-stakes Destiny 2 content, the Desert Perpetual World First Race isn’t just about the pros — it’s also a chance for viewers to earn exclusive loot. Bungie is offering the Power Hues emblem as a Twitch Drop. To claim it, simply link your Bungie and Twitch accounts, then tune in to a partnered stream during the raid event.
There’s also a second emblem, Golden Relief, which can be unlocked by gifting a subscription to any eligible streamer playing the raid. This reward will be available between July 19 at 6:00 PM PT and July 29 at 10:00 AM PT.
Bungie has also revealed some of the featured streamers you can watch:
- Bungie Pre-Show: 6:45 AM – 10:00 AM PT
- Evanf1997: 6:45 AM – 6:00 PM PT
- WiseThug & Merj1 (FR), Nexxoss & EllyKnalltRein (DE), Masseo (IT), El Tío Toland (LATAM MX): 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PT
Tips for Conquering The Desert Perpetual Raid
- Form a Coordinated Fireteam Early: Contest Mode requires tight coordination and flawless execution. Team up with trusted players who communicate well and know raid mechanics.
- Complete the Campaign on Legendary: Doing so will make you instantly Contest-ready, skipping the need for Power grinding before the raid unlocks.
- Prepare Builds Ahead of Time: Use weapons and subclasses that offer utility — like crowd control, damage resistance, and quick revives. Mods that boost survivability and reload speeds are a must.
- Master Mobility: With the new Kepler environments and possible portal-based traversal, movement skills may be vital. Practice mobility-focused jumps and positioning.
- Watch for Mechanic Patterns: Bungie’s raid design often features visual or sound cues for encounter phases. Assign roles early and learn when to rotate, damage, or support.
- Bring a Variety of Elemental Damage: Destiny 2 often uses mixed shield types in raids. Have at least one weapon of each elemental type in your loadout.
- Use Twitch Drops as a Bonus: Even if you’re not raiding, you can earn exclusive emblems by watching featured streamers during launch weekend.
Conclusion
The The Desert Perpetual raid in Destiny 2: Edge of Fate is shaping up to be one of the most challenging and exciting activities of the expansion. With Contest Mode enabled for the first 48 hours, a fierce World First Race, new loot to chase, and Twitch-exclusive emblems, this event is packed with opportunities for both hardcore raiders and casual fans. Make sure to finish the campaign early, gather your team, and prepare for one of Destiny’s most intense PvE experiences yet.
Whether you're in it for the The Desert Perpetual Contest Mode, aiming for a Day One clear, or simply curious about raid requirements and watching the race unfold, this raid has something for everyone.
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FAQ
It's a special 48-hour period where player Power is capped to ensure equal challenge across teams.
You must finish the Edge of Fate campaign. Legendary difficulty grants immediate access; Normal mode requires Power grinding.
Yes. The first fireteam to clear the raid without leaving orbit wins special belts and official recognition from Bungie.
Change Log
- 12.07.2025 - Destiny 2 Edge of Fate Raid: Name, Release, Loot and More published.