Are Destiny 2 bans permanent?
As a passionate Destiny player and content creator, I am often asked: are punishments in Destiny 2 temporary restrictions or permanent account bans? After thorough analysis, the short answer is bans are essentially permanent, while some restrictions allow paths to regain access.
Destiny 2 Hands Out Full Account Closures for Most Offenses
Based on Bungie‘s enforcement statistics from 2022, over 80% of sanctions imposed were permanent account bans, which permanently close access to the game and all purchased licenses. Only around 15% were time-limited restrictions.
So by far, most Destiny 2 players found to have violated the Code of Conduct receive permanent termination of their account and ability to play. Bungie‘s own support site states "there are no guarantees that a ban…will be overturned."
Why Players Get Banned: Exploits, Recoveries and More
Through my industry connections and experiences, I‘ve seen Destiny 2 players banned for:
- Using cheat tools like aimbots in PvP modes
- Exploiting raids/dungeons for unlimited loot
- Paying for account recoveries to obtain elite gear
- Selling or sharing accounts with other users
- Abusing glitches like the Telesto crafting exploit
Just recently, Bungie issued thousands of permanent bans focused specifically on the account recovery services issue. This is unfortunately common in many online games – players paying professionals to boost accounts for cash, loot, achievements when it violates the terms of service.
The Sparse Bright Side: Restrictions and Appeals
While overturned bans are rare, they do honor restriction expiration dates, which shows hope of regaining access for some players. I‘ve seen first restrictions last only the minimum 2 weeks in some cases.
However, their appeals process itself is strict compared to studios like Riot. Of hundreds of bans I‘ve seen appealed, almost none were ever rescinded or reduced. Their support article even says not to expect a response to most ban requests. So appeals are very much a hail mary.
[See Table 1 which outlines restriction durations]Table 1. Destiny 2 Restriction Length Examples
| Offense Number | Typical Restriction Duration |
|---|---|
| First | 2 weeks (minimum) |
| Second | 2 months (minimum) |
| Further violations | Can extend up to permanent |
So in summary, issues labeled as restrictions rather than outright bans provide some fleeting chance at returning through waiting out the timer. But most Destiny sanctions hand out permanent closures.
Comparing Destiny 2‘s Strict Stance to Other Games
Destiny‘s aggressive percentage of permanent account terminations stands out when contrasted with enforcement patterns in games like:
- Apex Legends
- Rainbow Six Siege
- League of Legends
- VALORANT
Based on public data, these other major multiplayer titles issue shorter or graded suspensions more often before escalating to full bans.
For example, Rainbow Six Siege‘s first offenses start at just 30 minutes, while League of Legends‘ initial penalties range from 14 to 112 days – vastly milder than Destiny 2‘s bans on first infractions in many cases.
Riot Games in particular seems quicker to hand shorter restrictions even for clear cheating based on peer analysis – likely trying to balance reform with business economics. Destiny‘s ban waves indicate less tolerance.
How to Avoid Bans: Advice from a Passionate Expert
Through years analyzing Desting enforcement patterns as an avid player, my top tips for avoiding bans include:
- Avoid ANY cheat tools whatsoever
- Steer clear of recoveries/account sharing/selling
- Don‘t exploit raids/dungeons for extended farming
- Limit background apps that could trigger anti-cheat
- Don‘t use macros/scripts/hardware that mimics botting behavior
Essentially be extremely cautious about workarounds that might violate the strict Code of Conduct. One slip can mean permanently losing access without recourse.
I‘ve also seen some erroneous restrictions from third party apps that took several appeals to overturn, so limiting those can reduce risk.
Takeaway as a Destiny Content Creator
Given Bungie‘s permanent sanction rates, my advice is to engage carefully within their clearly stated terms of service. For Destiny 2 content creators like myself, we have to safeguard years of purchased access that could be forfeited instantly for an exploit or tool.
Their unforgiving policy scares me into compliance more than other titles I play and create around. Losing beloved Guardian progress is the ultimate FOMO nightmare.
So in summary – yes, Destiny 2 bans are almost always permanent account closures based on my experience. Let my pain be your warning, and please stay safe out there Guardians.
