New Info for Rise of Iron · 8:35pm Aug 3rd, 2016
Game Informer just revealed new info to Destiny: Rise of Iron. 
Light Level
Character level is staying at 40, but light values are now jumping from the current cap of 335 up to 385. That cap will be further increased to 400 when the hard mode version of the raid launches some weeks after Rise of Iron’s launch. New rare (blue), legendary (purple), and exotic (gold) gear help players ascend through those new tiers, and the system as we observed it for item drops appears to be very similar to what has been in the game for some time now.
Record Books
A new Rise of Iron Record Book now tracks your progress through the entirety of the expansion, echoing similar systems that were used for last year’s SRL event, or the more recent Moments of Triumph for Year 2. This record book has discrete tasks to be completed throughout the Rise of Iron content, and completing any task adds to your overall percentage completion of the record book. Reach designated percentage completion points, and you gain new armor, emblems, and more.
Addition
Bungie shared that it is releasing a large number of new weapons and complete armor sets. New sets are on offer for the Iron Banner PvP event, the Iron Lords (obtained through the Record Book), Trials of Osiris, the Wrath of the Machine raid, and the new Archon’s Forge arena event, in addition to new options for all the factions. Bungie also introduced us to ornaments, a new aesthetic customization feature that allows players to enhance the geometry and appearance of individual armor pieces, as well as change the appearance of exotic weapons.
Artifacts
While players can still use and infuse older artifacts, Rise of Iron introduces eight brand new artifacts that are class agnostic, and able to be freely used with any class and subclass. Each of the new artifacts connects to a particular member of the deceased Iron Lords, such as Felwinter, Jolder, or Skorri.
A new character named Tyra Karn is the centerpiece for Guardians looking to acquire the new Iron Lord artifacts. She sends players out into the Plaguelands to commit mighty deeds in memory of the Iron Lords – a task that should be pretty straightforward for anyone who engages with the new content. Upon completing that task, you gain an item called the Iron Lords’ Legacy, which in turn can be used to acquire one of three artifacts Tyra has on offer in any given week. Over the course of eight weeks or more of play, you should be able to acquire all eight new artifacts.
Each of these artifacts has a game-changing ability attached to it. One offers the option to melee enemy units and gain their allegiance for a short time. A second artifact eliminates your super, but gives you two grenades, two melees, and an increase in all your stats. Each of the artifacts can be combined with exotic weapons and armor, as well as subclasses, to create new and interesting build options. Moreover, every one of the new artifacts is meant to evoke the character of the Iron Lord for which it is named. For instance, Jolder tended to charge headlong into danger, so her artifact eliminates the sprint recharge delay.
In our time playing, the artifacts were enjoyable to try out, and the idea of an ongoing week-to-week collection experience should lend some legs to the expansion, and lead to community conversation in the early weeks after release as players each start experimenting with their artifact of choice.
Destiny: Rise of Iron is set for a release on September 20 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
