A Strategic Start to the 2026 Roadmap
NetEase and Bungie are taking a refreshing approach to the holiday season with Destiny: Rising Season 3 Act 1. Rather than overwhelming players with a single massive content drop, the developers are spacing out major milestones across the New Year window. This cadence allows Guardians to enjoy the festivities while still having significant endgame goals to chase.
From the return of a legendary Hive god to an entirely new way to play tactical shooter missions, Season 3 Act 1 is setting a high bar for the mobile sci-fi shooter’s future.
What is New in Destiny: Rising Season 3 Act 1?
This update balances nostalgia with innovation, offering something for veteran raid leaders and casual solo players alike.
The Return of Crota’s End
The headline event for many will be the return of Crota’s End. Arriving on January 3rd, 2026, this iconic raid brings the Hive God of the Moon back into the spotlight.
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The Challenge: Expect the familiar lunar setting and high-stakes sword mechanics that defined the original experience.
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The Reward: Players who successfully clear the raid during the launch window will receive an exclusive clearance reward, a prestigious badge of honor for the new season.
Bulwark Ops: A Tactical Twist
Before the raid arrives, players can dive into Bulwark Ops on December 30th. This mode introduces a tower defense-style mechanic to the Destiny universe.
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The Gameplay: While the core gunplay remains, players must now manage resource points mid-fight to place defensive structures.
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Solo or Co-op: You can take on up to 30 waves of enemies alone or team up with two friends in three-player co-op. The environment changes as waves progress, forcing teams to adapt their strategy on the fly.
Guaranteed Rewards: Unlock Kabr, the Resolute
In a surprising move of seasonal generosity, Season 3 Act 1 removes the “gacha” guesswork for one of its most anticipated characters. By completing specific seasonal activities during the Act 1 window, players can earn a guaranteed free unlock of Kabr, the Resolute.
As a Mythic Arc character, Kabr brings massive utility to any fireteam. This “play-to-earn” approach is a welcome change for players who prefer direct progression over RNG-based summoning.
Tips to Master Season 3 Act 1
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Prep for Arc Shields: With Kabr entering the fray and Hive wizards likely dominating Crota’s End, ensure your loadouts are optimized for Arc damage to shred through shields efficiently.
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Spend Points Early in Bulwark Ops: Don’t hoard your resources in the early waves of Bulwark Ops. Setting up a solid defensive perimeter early is key to surviving the final, chaotic wave 30.
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Check the Meta: Before committing your upgrade materials to Kabr or your raid gear, consult a current Destiny: Rising tier list to see how the new balance changes have affected the endgame meta.
Why This Update is Worth Playing
Destiny: Rising Season 3 Act 1 proves that the mobile spin-off is carving out its own unique identity. By blending the hardcore raiding traditions of the franchise with experimental modes like Bulwark Ops, the game offers a variety of playstyles that keep the loop feeling fresh. With a full roadmap promising new destinations and story arcs throughout 2026, there has never been a better time to jump back into the fight for the Light.
FAQ: Destiny: Rising Season 3
When does Crota’s End officially launch? The raid becomes available on January 3rd, 2026. Make sure your Power Level is optimized before the reset!
Is Bulwark Ops a limited-time mode? While launching as part of the Season 3 festivities on December 30th, Bulwark Ops is expected to remain a core part of the activity rotation for the duration of the season.
How do I get Kabr, the Resolute for free? You must complete the specific “Act 1 Seasonal Challenges” found in the event menu. Once all required nodes are finished, Kabr will be added to your roster automatically.
