Destiny: Rising Review: NetEase’s Gacha Spin on the Destiny franchise

Destiny: Rising is a thrilling mobile sci-fi RPG shooter developed by NetEase Games, which launched globally last month on both Android and iOS. Set in an alternate timeline from the events of the original Destiny series, the game unfolds during humanity’s recovery from the catastrophic Collapse and Dark Age, when the Light has only just begun to return.

But does it deliver the Destiny magic on mobile, or is it just another flashy gacha cash-grab? In this Destiny: Rising Review, I’ll dive into its core gameplay, story, monetization, and whether it was actually worth my time. I tested the game on iOS (iPhone 12), logging over 20 hours across story chapters, Strikes, PvP, Shifting Gates, and guild missions.

Also, feel free to check out our Weapons Tier List and Guardian Tier List to help you pick what Guardians you should aim for. And our Customer Support guide is also here if you need any help. Our Beginners Guide and Reroll Guide are also available for a great start in Destiny: Rising. And check out our Redeem Codes article for freebies.

Experience the iconic gameplay and flashy combat on your mobile

What I was looking forward to the most with Destiny: Rising was the combat. Thankfully, the game threw me right into the action, and it didn’t take long to see how much punch its combat packs. First thing I noticed was that every Lightbearer comes with two weapon slots, a go-to Primary and a heavier Power weapon, plus Relic abilities and mind-blowing Ultimate.

And without doubt, unleashing the power of these Relics, which light up the battlefield in ways that I haven’t seen any shooter game do, was my favorite part. The abilities feel both powerful and satisfying, whether I’m blasting through hordes of enemies or turning the tide of a tough boss fight.

And thanks to the variety Destiny: Rising brings, each character brings something different, so swapping between Wolf, Ikora Rey, Jolder, and others genuinely changes how I approach combat. Also, the controls are snappy and responsive, with movement that feels smooth and a slide mechanic that quickly becomes addictive.

Sliding into cover or rushing down enemies gives the fights an extra layer of energy, and when I started chaining it with weapon swaps and abilities, the game’s rhythm really clicks. But movement isn’t just about running and sliding, though. Cause Destiny: Rising gives every Lightbearer a jump and double jump, and it completely changes how fights play out.

Just being able to leap into the air to dodge a Fallen’s attack or double-jump over a wave of enemies feels incredible. And the double jumps let me reach higher platforms for better angles, escape when enemies close in, or even rain abilities and bullets down from above. It’s a small control detail, but it makes combat feel less like a standard mobile shooter and more refreshing.

Experience multiple game modes and an original storyline set in the Destiny universe

The missions in Destiny: Rising aren’t completely random, and they build a connected world that mixes the game’s narrative with gameplay variety. The story is set in humanity’s fragile recovery after the Collapse, and I quickly found myself swept into conflicts that span war-torn cities, alien-infested zones, and mysterious ruins.

As I progressed through each chapter, I discovered new threats, but also new heroes, and a new game mode that ties directly into my growth as a Lightbearer. And while the narrative might not be “book-level” writing, coupled with the dull voice acting, it did enough to keep me invested, especially when paired with cinematic cutscenes that give weight to the battles ahead.

Beyond the main campaign, Destiny: Rising offers multiple game modes to keep things fresh. Like the Character Quests, which let me learn about my favorite Lightbearers. Then there’s the PvE modes, where I fought my way through waves of enemies and bosses that tested both my reflexes and skills.

And when I wanted competition, the PvP modes like Shifting Gates and Iron Bar brought the heat on. Here, my squad didn’t just fight AI enemies, but also other players who have been honing their own builds and strategies. The matches are fast-paced, tense, and a real treat for those who like teamwork. But what’s most impressive is that none of these modes felt tacked on.

Whether I was progressing through story arcs, battling real players, or farming resources in side missions, the game ensured my time spent contributed meaningfully to my Lightbearer’s growth. And it’s that mix of storytelling and game mode variety that keeps Destiny: Rising from becoming just another repetitive mobile shooter.

Destiny Rising puts you straight in a Space Opera with its visuals and music

One of the first things that I loved about Destiny: Rising is just how polished it looks for a mobile title. And NetEase clearly didn’t cut corners here, cause the game is alive with detail. The landscapes are beautifully designed and just made me want to stop and just take in the view for a moment.

The special effects deserve a mention too. Shots crack with satisfying bursts of light, explosions bloom with just the right amount of chaos, and elemental skills burst across the battlefield. And the characters are equally impressive, with each Lightbearer’s armor, weapons, and ultimate abilities designed to pop off the screen.

Backing all of this is a soundtrack that feels straight out of a sci-fi film. With epic orchestral music during boss fights, ambient themes hum as I explored quieter zones, and battle themes pump up the adrenaline without being overwhelming. Together, the graphics and music give Destiny: Rising a cinematic quality that makes every encounter feel significant.

The game offers a seamless UI and simple, well-laid-out controls

If there’s one thing that can make or break a mobile shooter, it’s the controls, and thankfully, Destiny: Rising nails this part. The game uses a familiar setup: your left thumb controls movement while your right thumb handles aiming and shooting.

And if I wanted more, I could customize the controls to my satisfaction. And as for the UI, it strikes a good balance between style and practicality. The menus are sleek, with clean icons that are easy to understand, and the in-game HUD gives you everything you need at a glance without cluttering the screen.

The notifications also guided me towards important daily tasks or rewards without being too pushy, which helps the game stay engaging rather than overwhelming. And these small detail shows NetEase knew this game would live or die on how comfortable it is to play, and they delivered.

IAPs do exist, but they don’t spoil your experience

Destiny: Rising strikes a careful balance between being accessible to free players and offering enough incentives for those who want to spend. From the start, I was showered with a variety of rewards just for showing up. From pre-registration bonuses, daily and weekly missions, story completions, and event participation, to feed me with the core currency for the gacha summons.

And even without pulling out my wallet, the game makes sure I was steadily earning chances at new Lightbearers, gear, and upgrades simply by playing. The gacha system itself is straightforward, with Bon Voyage Charms being used on the standard banners, while Limited Edition Charms unlock access to time-limited heroes. For free-to-play players, the system feels generous enough to stay engaging.

But on the flip side, premium tracks and shops clearly give paying players an edge. The Limited banners often feature the most desirable Lightbearers, and unless I saving and grind religiously, hitting pity on those can be tough without spending.

Ultimately, Destiny: Rising’s free-to-play model feels more welcoming than exploitative. And while it’s still a gacha at its core, it respected my time enough that, with patience and smart choices, I could build a strong roster without breaking the bank.

Final Verdict

After spending hours with Destiny: Rising, I came away impressed. It’s more than just another mobile RPG shooter, and it successfully blends fast-paced combat, creative subclasses, and an average storyline into an experience that feels both accessible and rewarding.

As a sci-fi RPG fan, I loved how Destiny: Rising captured that mix of action and progression in a way that kept pulling me back in. And even though I usually tread carefully around gacha games, I was surprised at how fair this one felt, especially since it gave me enough chances to build a strong roster without forcing me to pay.

That’s all from us for the Destiny: Rising Review! Did you find my Destiny: Rising Review helpful? Let me know in the comments below!

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