Get Ready for Destiny 2’s Desert Perpetual Epic Raid: Release Date, Start Time, Contest Mode, Exciting Loot, and Race Information!

Destiny 2’s latest raid, **The Desert Perpetual**, is getting an **Epic** version soon. This update will include Contest Mode, a new gameplay rule called “Not Swap,” and exciting rewards. Players are gearing up for another intense experience!

The original raid launched on **July 19, 2025**, and Team Nuts claimed the World First title after a remarkable 15-hour race. Now, Bungie is enhancing this raid as part of the **Ash & Iron** content rollout, leading to **Destiny 2 Update 9.1.0**.

The upcoming Epic version will shake things up with new challenges, Legendary weapons, and improved armor bonuses. Players can also expect a fresh quest and a catalyst for the new Exotic weapon, **Whirling Ovation**.

Bungie explained, “The Epic version will introduce new mechanics that will challenge your fireteam’s coordination.” The goal is to elevate the gameplay experience for everyone involved.

The Epic Raid goes live on **September 20, at 10 AM PT** (that’s **1 PM ET / 5 PM UTC**). Get your fireteam ready!

For the first **48 hours**, Contest Mode will offer a fixed Power disadvantage. Players will earn **Tier 5 gear** on their first clear of each encounter. Completing all encounters unlocks exclusive rewards, including the raid’s Exotic weapon.

To embark on the Desert Perpetual Epic raid, players need:

• Completion of the **Edge of Fate** campaign.
• A six-player fireteam.
• A fireteam leader who has cleared the original Desert Perpetual.
• The normal Epic difficulty will open up after the first clear.

Bungie is also updating the **Not Swap** modifier to boost competitiveness. Changing weapons or armor will reset your Super and ability energy, so players should plan wisely. Notably, this applies throughout Contest Mode and in standard Epic when three or more feats are active.

During this contest weekend, bonuses connected to **Artifacts** will make Featured Gear even more powerful. Bungie’s Security team will monitor gameplay closely, ensuring fairness by looking out for cheaters. The goal is a clean and competitive environment for the World First race.

With the new update, Bungie will revamp loot mechanics, offering exciting opportunities for players. All Desert Perpetual gear will drop at tiers **2** or **3**, regardless of your current Power. Completing the raid can yield higher-tier drops, with specific challenges granting additional rewards.

Recent conversations in the community highlight excitement and speculation about raid strategies. Players are sharing tips and forming theories on social media platforms, discussing how the new mechanics might shape the gameplay experience.

The Desert Perpetual Epic raid is not just a test of skill; it’s an evolving challenge that promises to keep players engaged. With high stakes and new depths to explore, it’s a great time to jump back into the action!

For more details, check the official Bungie blog [here](https://www.bungie.net/7/en/News/Article/twid_08_21_2025).

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