What is Checkmate in Destiny 2? New PvP modifier explained

First added in Season of the Witch, Checkmate is a new update to The Crucible in Destiny 2 that aims to revolutionize PvP but how does it work and does it live up to the hype? Here’s everything you need to know about the new game mode modifier.

Destiny’s PvP community has been through a lot with Bungie historically shifting resources away from the Crucible in favor of other projects and PvE activities.

While it still has its own meta and passionate community, PvP has been struggling but the looter shooter’s developer has started making amends and has even implemented a dedicated strike team for PvP.

Bigger changes are to come but it all starts with the introduction of Checkmate, a new PvP game mode modifier that looks to fundamentally change Crucible once and for all.

Destiny 2: How does Checkmate work?

Checkmate is not a new Crucible game mode but rather a Crucible game mode modifier. It is applied to existing modes like Control and Survival radically changing how players interact with them.

These are the main differences between Checkmate and Destiny 2’s regular game modes:

• Guardians have more health raising the TTK
• Passive Grenade, Melee, and Class ability generation reduced by 50%
• Passive Super generation reduced by 40%
• Guardians never spawn with Special ammo. Instead, it is earned by securing final blows, playing the objective, and gathering Heavy ammo.

These adjustments change how Guardians approach PvP and aim to create an environment that rewards and prioritizes decision-making and gunplay above all else.

Bungie

How to play Checkmate in Destiny 2

Checkmate game modes rotate into the weekly Crucible playlist regularly. These unique takes on classic Destiny modes can be accessed through The Crucible Destination tab like how you would usually search for a PvP game.

Alternatively, the new gameplay modifier is also still being tested in 3v3 Labs as Bungie continues to fine-tune it to create the best gameplay experience possible. Those with a competitive streak can even experience Checkmate in Trials of Osiris as of Season 23.

That’s everything you need to know about Checkmate in Destiny 2. For more information on Bungie’s looter shooter check out some of our other guides:

Deepsight Harmonizers: How to farm, use, and what weapons to convert | Destiny 2 Season of the Wish: Release date, dungeon, ritual weapon, more | Exotic Mission Rotator | Best PvP Weapons | Best PvE Weapons | Best Titan Builds | Best Warlock Builds | Best Hunter Builds | Trials of Osiris map & rewards this week | Xur location today | How to claim Destiny 2 Prime Gaming rewards | Destiny 2 promo codes