Destiny 2 enables classic PvP mode after new experiment flunks

As Destiny 2‘s Season of the Wish rages on, it’s becoming increasingly more curious how agreeable Bungie is with its community following its recent troubles. The latest example of this being the case is the new Crucible PvP update, providing an alternative to the widely disliked Checkmate Control mode.

Following the introduction of an in-game LFG system and the adoption of a beloved bug-turned-quality-of-life improvement, Bungie is now making it clear that it’s heard the PvP fans’ critique of Checkmate Control. To that end, Destiny 2 update 7.3.0.3, which is coming out later today, on December 12, will allow players to choose between Checkmate Control and Control proper, depending on how they feel about the mode.

Destiny 2 replaces Checkmate Control with Control in PvP

Even though Checkmate Control was one of the more interesting PvP changes jotted for release alongside the Lightfall DLC, the community did not take a liking to it all that much. “Based on player feedback,” says Bungie’s official post on Reddit, “we are enabling Control as a selectable activity while Checkmate Control is active.”

What this means is that, following the release of update 7.3.0.3, players will have access to a special PvP sub-menu where they’ll get to choose between Control and Checkmate Control modes, each featuring their own matchmaking and queue functionalities. However, Bungie isn’t giving up on the newer mode in lieu of the old classic: “Checkmate Control will remain at the forefront as the primary 6v6 Unranked activity while we continue to gather data and feedback on this modifier,” says the announcement. “In the meantime, we want to allow players to opt out of this experience as desired.”

Those who found themselves struggling with Checkmate Control’s worse ability uptime and more powerful weaponry will now have an alternative. The obvious downside, of course, is that the PvP playerbase may now split between those who enjoy Checkmate Control, and those who do not.

Regardless, Bungie’s willingness to compromise in Season 23 is a welcome change of pace and shows that the studio is trying to do all it can to win back its audiences, now that Destiny 2: The Final Shape has been pushed back.