Destiny 2: PC, PS4 or Xbox One?

For some Destiny 2 fans, the biggest challenge won't be taking down Ghaul and his Red Legion; it'll be deciding which platform to play the game on.

Bungie's online space shooter is finally available on PC after hitting PS4 and Xbox One in September. If you've yet to jump in on consoles, you might be wondering how the PC version stacks up. And even if you've already taken down the Red Legion on PS4 or Xbox One, you might be wondering if the PC version's performance perks make the game worth buying a second time.

To help you figure out where to best spend your time shooting up squishy aliens in Bungie's rich sci-fi universe, here's a quick breakdown of how the three versions of Destiny 2 compare.

PS4 and Xbox One

If you want access to as much Destiny 2 content as possible, go with the PS4 version if you can.

Like the original game, Destiny 2 will have a variety of PS4-exclusive content, including a special Strike mission, an exclusive Crucible map and various pieces of gear. These items likely won't hit Xbox One until late next year. Destiny 2 is also confirmed to get 4K support on the PS4 Pro; Bungie has been silent on whether the game will get a similar treatment on the Xbox One X.

That said, the Xbox One version is no slouch. You still get the same core game (which includes a campaign mode, co-op Strikes and tons of competitive multiplayer options), just without some of the bells and whistles of the PS4 edition. Both the PS4 and Xbox One versions run at a locked 30 frames per second.

PC

If you have a powerful gaming PC, you'll be treated to the best-looking and best-performing version of Destiny 2 out there. The PC version of Destiny 2 has no framerate cap and can be cranked to whatever resolution your system and monitor can handle. You can totally enjoy the game at 4K and 60 fps (or more) if you've got the right specs.

Destiny 2 also reaps the benefits of most modern PC games, including highly adjustable graphics settings and 21:9 monitor support for folks with crazy ultrawide displays. Naturally, PC is the only place you can play Destiny 2 with a mouse and keyboard.

MORE: I Played Destiny 2 on PC, and It Was Magnificent

Having played the Destiny 2 beta on both console and PC, the jump from 30 to 60 fps alone is truly significant — everything just looks and plays so much smoother. On the other hand, buying or building a PC that can run Destiny 2 at its optimal settings could end up running you close to $1,500, so you're paying for the extra performance.

Bottom Line

Regardless of where you'll be playing Destiny 2, you'll enjoy the same epic cinematic story, wealth of co-op and competitive modes and troves of sweet, sweet loot. The PS4 version has some exclusive extras and the PC version offers the best potential performance, but at the end of the day, Desriny 2 is the same great space shooter no matter where you play it.

Destiny 2 is ultimately a game meant to be enjoyed with other people, and no bonus content or graphical benefits are more important than picking the platform your friends are on. Those co-op missions and intense multiplayer matches will be a lot more fun if you're doing them with your crew, regardless of whether the game is cranked up to 4K or not.

Image Credit: Bungie

Michael Andronico

Mike Andronico is Senior Writer at CNNUnderscored. He was formerly Managing Editor at Tom's Guide, where he wrote extensively on gaming, as well as running the show on the news front. When not at work, you can usually catch him playing Street Fighter, devouring Twitch streams and trying to convince people that Hawkeye is the best Avenger.

Latest in Gaming
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Tuesday, March 25 (#653)
half-life alyx
Latest Half-Life 3 rumors point to a 2025 release — and maybe pigs will fly
NYT Strands on a cellphone
NYT Strands today — hints, spangram and answers for game #387 (Tuesday, March 25 2025)
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date just tipped — here's when you might be able to buy
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Monday, March 24 (#652)
NYT Strands on a cellphone
NYT Strands today — hints, spangram and answers for game #386 (Monday, March 24 2025)
Latest in References
Attractive heavy woman sitting on a bed smiling at the camera
Your mattress' weight limit might be the reason you can't sleep — here's why
Zoma Boost mattress
What is graphite in a mattress and does your cooling mattress need it?
The Saatva Classic mattress photographed in a stylish white pool room with an indoor river
Do you need a discount code to get the cheapest prices on Saatva mattresses? No and here's why
A mattress placed on a wooden floor with a Tom's Guide Sleep Week 2025 logo in the top left corner
Ditching the bed this World Sleep Day? 3 things you need before putting your mattress on the floor
A woman lies in bed with her hands covering her face, looking upset due to sleep deprivation. A Tom's Guide Sleep Week 2025 graphic, bottom left
Long-term sleep deprivation has serious health risks — but they can be reversed, says expert
Project Astra AI agent
Project Astra — everything you need to know about Google's next-gen smart glasses and new AI assistant