Destiny 2's Desert Perpetual Raid Race Begins: Which Team Is Out Front?

The Destiny 2 community is abuzz as the highly anticipated Desert Perpetual World First Raid race officially kicked off on July 19, 2025, at 10 AM Pacific Time, marking a new chapter in the franchise's eighth year. This inaugural raid event under the newly launched expansion, The Edge of Fate, has introduced a fresh narrative arc, the Fate saga, and significant changes to gameplay systems. As the elite raiding community embarks on this challenging journey, the stakes are high, with the first team to clear the raid earning the coveted World First title and exclusive in-game rewards. The Desert Perpetual raid, set within the enigmatic realm of the Nine, demands coordination, strategy, and swift adaptability from participating teams, making it a true test of skill and teamwork. The first 48 hours of the raid are governed by Contest Mode, a special setting designed to level the playing field by capping player Power and disabling specific gear, mods, and perks. This restriction has been put in place to ensure competitive integrity, with Bungie publishing a comprehensive list of disabled gear, including notable weapons like Outbreak Perfected and Hierarchy of Needs. The community has been actively engaged, with Bungie hosting an official pre-show broadcast and notable community streamers like CBGray and Evanf1997 providing live commentary throughout the race. Moreover, Twitch viewers can earn exclusive drops, such as Power Hues and Golden Relief, by watching participating streamers, adding to the excitement and fostering a sense of community around the event. As the competition heats up, initial reports suggest that well-known teams, including aTides, Datto, Koregos, and Tyraxe, have made significant progress in the early stages. However, it's "Team Nuts" that has taken the lead, with members Dabs, Enskeria, Ham, Milito, mitcH, and Silken completing the raid in an impressive 15 hours and 35 minutes. aTides is the second team to complete the raid, and Bungie has confirmed that the raid has indeed been completed. This World First race marks a critical moment for Destiny 2, as it transitions into a new era following the conclusion of the Light and Darkness saga, and the dynamics of the raid competition are being influenced by the sweeping changes introduced in The Edge of Fate expansion. The impact of this event extends beyond the Destiny 2 community, as it highlights the growing significance of esports and competitive gaming in the entertainment industry. The World First raid race has become a major spectacle, with thousands of viewers tuning in to watch the action unfold. The event's success is a testament to the dedication and passion of the Destiny 2 community, and it will be interesting to see how the game's new expansion and gameplay changes shape the future of competitive play. As the dust settles, and the World First completion is verified by Bungie, the standard version of The Desert Perpetual raid will become available to all owners of The Edge of Fate expansion, allowing the wider player base to experience the challenges and thrills of this epic raid. The Edge of Fate expansion has introduced significant changes to gameplay systems, gear management, and overall balance factors, which are now directly influencing the dynamics of the raid competition. The raid's completion also marks a significant milestone in the Destiny 2 calendar, as it paves the way for future updates and expansions. As the community continues to adapt to the new changes, it will be exciting to see how the game's competitive landscape evolves. With its engaging gameplay, rich narrative, and dedicated community, Destiny 2 remains one of the most popular and enduring games in the entertainment industry, and events like the Desert Perpetual World First Raid race are a major factor in its continued success. In conclusion, the Desert Perpetual World First Raid race has been an exhilarating event, showcasing the skill, strategy, and teamwork of the Destiny 2 community. As the game continues to evolve and expand, it's clear that the franchise has a bright future ahead, with a dedicated fan base and a constant stream of new content and challenges. With the World First title claimed, and the standard version of the raid set to become available to all players, the Destiny 2 community is poised for an exciting new chapter, filled with action, adventure, and competition. The Edge of Fate expansion has set the stage for a thrilling new era in the Destiny 2 universe, and fans around the world are eagerly anticipating what's to come.