When it comes to expansive, futuristic space epics in the world of video gaming, few titles capture the imagination like Destiny and the much-anticipated Starfield. Developed by Bungie, Destiny is a first-person shooter with role-playing elements that was released in 2014. On the other hand, Starfield is the latest venture by Bethesda Game Studios, promising an open-world role-playing game (RPG) set in the vast expanse of space. While both games aim to captivate players with their sprawling universes and intricate lore, they offer different experiences.
The Setting
Destiny
In Destiny, the game is set in a mythic science fiction world featuring an immersive multiplayer shared environment with elements of role-playing games. Earth has been nearly destroyed, and humanity's last safe city is protected by a celestial being known as the Traveler. You play as a Guardian, with the aim to explore various planets, moons, and other celestial bodies to fight various enemies and partake in epic quests.
Starfield
According to the official Starfield Wiki and developer's description, the game is set in the year 2330. Humanity has spread across the cosmos, colonizing new worlds and living as a spacefaring civilization. Players will join Constellation, the last group of space explorers, navigating a multitude of planets—over a thousand, to be precise.
Gameplay Mechanics
Destiny
Destiny focuses more on the first-person shooter aspects with RPG elements such as character classes, leveling up, and skill trees. Cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes are heavily emphasized, including Raids and Strikes which require a group of players to complete.
Starfield
Starfield promises an unparalleled freedom of exploration. The game encourages you to "tell your story," allowing you to customize your character's background and traits extensively. Players can pilot and personalize spaceships, explore numerous planets, and engage in high-stakes dogfights. It aims to be a true RPG, offering choices that shape the universe around you.
The Storyline
Destiny
Destiny offers a linear storyline that unfolds as you complete missions and engage in cooperative and competitive play. Although the main storyline is preset, the lore is rich and can be uncovered through various collectibles and side missions.
Starfield
In contrast, Starfield emphasizes that "the most important story is the one you tell with your character." The game offers a non-linear narrative that adapts to your choices, akin to Bethesda's other titles like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout series.
Crafting and Building
Destiny
Destiny features crafting elements to a certain extent, allowing players to upgrade their gear and weapons, but it doesn't offer the ability to build structures or outposts.
Starfield
According to the information available on the Starfield Wiki, players can explore planets to collect resources, which can be invested in crafting medicines, food, weapons, and more. Players can even build outposts and establish cargo links between them.
