Skip to main content
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ The Games, Movies, TV & Comics You Love
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
flag of UK
UK
flag of US
US
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of Australia
Australia
  • Games
  • TV
  • Movies
  • Hardware
  • Video
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Guides
  • Deals
  • More
    • PS5
    • Xbox Series X
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Nintendo Switch 2
    • PC
    • Platforms
    • Tabletop Gaming
    • Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • SFX
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Newsletters
    • About us
    • Features
Total Film
Trending
  • Summer Game Fest
  • New games for 2025
  • Upcoming Switch 2 games
  • Switch 2 stock

Recommended reading

Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate reveal
Destiny Bungie reveals what's next for Destiny 2: "Multiyear" Fate Saga starts with Edge of Fate expansion in July, "Star Wars-inspired" Renegades expansion with LucasFilm in December
A close up of a blue woman Runner during the Marathon game PS5 reveal.
FPS Games Bungie's Marathon alpha includes designs lifted from an indie artist without pay: "Clearly my work was good enough to pillage for ideas"
Destiny 2
Destiny Hot off the Marathon reveal, Bungie's already back to Destiny 2 and its Metroidvania expansion, promising to "reveal The Edge of Fate and the upcoming year" for the MMO FPS
Destiny 2 Guardians in new Star Wars armor
Destiny Destiny 2 lead insists divisive Star Wars-inspired expansion Renegades "is in-canon for the Destiny universe" as players worry the MMO is pulling a Fortnite
Marathon: A Runner reaching out two hands towards a red glowing object during key art for the upcoming game, Marathon.
FPS Games Morale at Bungie reportedly at an all-time low as the iconic FPS dev investigates stolen assets in Marathon: "The vibes have never been worse"
Death Stranding 2
Action Games Legendary Metal Gear Solid artist Yoji Shinkawa pens exclusive Death Stranding 2 art for the latest issue of Edge Magazine
Sciel, Marielle, Gustave, Lune, and Monoco approach the Paintress in the Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 key art, cropped for our thumbnail
RPGs A vital piece of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's story literally came to the RPG's lead writer in a dream: "I realized, 'Oh actually, this story might work'"
  1. Games
  2. FPS
  3. Destiny

Destiny - Concept art analysis

Features
By Lorenzo Veloria published 17 February 2013

Concept art is worth a thousand words

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

A beautiful world

A beautiful world

We visited Bungie Studios earlier this week to find out the first confirmed details on Destiny, the studio's first game not titled Halo in over a decade. You'll want to go check out everything we know about Destiny and watch us reacting to the announcement, but there's a lot that Bungie still hasn't said.

Namely, not much has been shown in the way of actual gameplay footage. In engine, we saw a sprawling vista here, and a character model there, but right now we're mostly going on Destiny's concept art. That's why we've decided to take a closer look at the beautiful art from Bungie's design team and pull a few more details about the characters and world of the upcoming, open-world shooter.

Page 1 of 15
Page 1 of 15
The Traveler's Rest

The Traveler's Rest

At the end of mankind's Golden Age, in which human civilization spanned the entire solar system, Earth and the other human settlements were attacked by an unknown enemy. The Human race was almost entirely stamped out of existence. But the Traveler intervened, sacrificing himself to save earth. He left the sphere floating above the surface, marking the location where the remaining humans would build a city. That's what you're looking at here.

This is the starting point of your adventure as a Guardian of The City. From the look of this image, the city appears to be massive and surrounded by several protective walls. If the Traveler's Sphere can be seen from orbit, the city could be a hundred miles in diameter. That could turn into a lot of travel time.

Page 2 of 15
Page 2 of 15
Cassini Derelict

Cassini Derelict

We don't know what a Cassini is yet, but these massive heaps of scrap metal float among the rings of Saturn. That is pretty much the only thing we are sure about. Bungie also mentioned that players will be able to explore the ancient wreckage, which could mean you get out of your spaceship and float around Dead Space-style or there might be some way of salvaging treasure from the derelict fleets while inside your ship. Either way, we can't wait to see more.

Page 3 of 15
Page 3 of 15
Garden

Garden

Many of the environments shown from Destiny were relatively familiar. We all can imagine what the surface of Mars looks like, and we've all run through a war-torn, post-apocalyptic Earth in one game or another. But then, Bungie introduced some locations that were completely alien, like the garden above. This could possibly be ruins on Earth that have been reclaimed by nature, or a serene location on some other planet. Since Earth was said to have been almost entirely destroyed, we're guessing it's the latter. Unless, of course, that destruction happened so long ago that Nature has begun to recover. One thing's for sure, it's probably the most beautiful maze we've ever seen.

Page 4 of 15
Page 4 of 15
Citadel

Citadel

This mass of floating rectangles and lightning bolts is one of the enemy strongholds players can raid, usually resulting in getting a few pieces of unique gear. In the image we can see some of the time-traveling robots called the Vex in the background defending their base against a fireteam of Guardians. If you look close, there appear to be two types of enemies. There's the standard, cone-headed grunts and a larger, more threatening robot further back in the group.

One thing to note about the player characters in the front is both Guardians are carrying two primary weapons. They are both holding assault rifles, with another large rifle on their backs--emulating the two weapon rule of the Halo games.

Page 5 of 15
Page 5 of 15
Hellmouth

Hellmouth

Another enemy base located on Earth's moon. The Hellmouth is another example of the striking visual design of the environments. It looks to drop deep into the moon's surface and seems to have some activity with all that molten lava gushing out of the walls. We don't know much else about this location, but we can't wait to explore this bottomless pit.

Page 6 of 15
Page 6 of 15
Ocean of Storms

Ocean of Storms

At first glance you might think that this is just another look at the surface of the moon. But giant floating boulders generally aren't a characteristic of the our moon's terrain and there aren't any identifiable continents on the blue planet in the background. Maybe we're not looking at the earth and moon at all. Could this be an asteroid passing by an unknown planet that ancient humans decided to build a space station on? Perhaps Destiny extends outside our solar system. Your guess is as good as ours.

Page 7 of 15
Page 7 of 15
Guardians

Guardians

These are the three revealed character classes: the Hunter, the Warlock, and the Vanguard (from left to right). You'll notice that each class has very different looking armor and from what they're wearing we can make a few assumptions on the part they'll play in combat.

The Hunter on the left is wearing lighter armor which may make her more agile or faster on her feet. She is also wearing a cloak, which generally indicates that the Hunter will be more of a stealth-type character which is also evidenced by the silencer on her rifle. We already know that the Warlock will have access to supernatural abilities, but his flowing cloak definitely screams spellcaster. In this concept, the Warlock is carrying a short rifle, possibly a close-ranged SMG. Even more, there is a small, spherical drone of some type floating over the right shoulder. Some kind of pet perhaps? Finally, the Vanguard is obviously wearing the heaviest armor set and toting a significantly larger rifle than the other two classes. Judging by the size of the gun and the monstrous clip, he's most likely carrying a light machine gun.

Page 8 of 15
Page 8 of 15
Fireteam

Fireteam

This action-packed concept most notably highlights the three-man team co-op concept, as well as the magic abilities of the Warlock on the far right. Though we don't know much about the three-eyed insectoid enemies the heroes are combating, further support for the Hunter being a stealth class can be seen in the camouflage cloak and silenced, carbine-like rifle. The Hunter also looks to be wearing a gas mask, which may suggest that he might use gas or poison-based attacks.

Page 9 of 15
Page 9 of 15
Dark patrol

Dark patrol

Here is an up-close look at a female Hunter on the left carrying a sniper rifle. The long-range weapon looks to have multiple attachments, including a sight, bipod stand, and a Barret .50 cal-style compensator at the end of the barrel, all possible permutations of weapon customization.

The enemies in the background include the heavily armored war-rhinos called the Cabal and the four armed spider pirates called The Fallen. This is the first indication that the separate enemy factions will work together, suggesting the two groups have formed some sort of human-eradicating alliance, or simply share the same leader.

Page 10 of 15
Page 10 of 15
Cabal Exclusion Zone

Cabal Exclusion Zone

This is another fortified enemy location players will be able to raid. Located in the red deserts of Mars, the massive, Sandcrawler-shaped buildings seem to be projecting some sort of energy shield into the sky. Also, in the bottom right corner of the image, you can see what looks like a Vanguard and Hunter getting ready to enter the Cabal compound.

Page 11 of 15
Page 11 of 15
The Fallen

The Fallen

Here is a close look at a squad of the spider-like Fallen. This image makes it difficult to see their two additional arms, but you can see a glimpse of their weapons and technology. Their giant, rusted-out walking tank suggests that battles in Destiny won't just be simple foot-soldier skirmishes, but will involve taking down armored behemoths. You'll also notice that The Fallen's weapons look unique to their race, though they also have a floating spherical drone like the Warlock class.

This also shows another example of environment and weather varieties that will be in Destiny. In addition to changing weather, a dynamic day-night cycle can alter the environment.

Page 12 of 15
Page 12 of 15
Vex

Vex

This image shows another look at the Vex. But more interesting than the actual characters in the image is the environment they are in. The orange ocean the robots are trudging through doesn't seem to be a location on Earth--or at least, any Earth we know. Bungie mentioned that players would be able to explore the acid lake of Venus, so maybe that is what we're looking at.

Page 13 of 15
Page 13 of 15
Pike bike

Pike bike

Vehicles appear to play a large part in Destiny, and here is our first glimpse at what the personal mounts look like. This image shows a Vanguard character riding a vehicle called a Pike. The hover bike is armed with forward facing cannons and looks like it's going pretty fast. Bungie described the Pike as being able to strafe around its targets, so perhaps it will control like the Covenant's Ghosts in Halo.

It's unclear how these vehicles will be acquired in game, but Bungie mentioned a player had stolen one when describing a player-to-player interaction in a public area.

Page 14 of 15
Page 14 of 15
Did we miss anything?

Did we miss anything?

Those are all of the details we could pull out of the concept art. Did you notice anything you think we missed? Have any theories of your own? Let us know in the comments below.

For more information on Destiny, be sure to check out our article Destiny - All the information on Bungie's next shooter and our Radar Reacts video on Destiny.

Page 15 of 15
Page 15 of 15
TOPICS
Bungie
CATEGORIES
PlayStation Xbox Platforms
Lorenzo Veloria
Lorenzo Veloria
Social Links Navigation

Many years ago, Lorenzo Veloria was a Senior Editor here at GamesRadar+ helping to shape content strategy. Since then, Lorenzo has shifted his attention to Future Plc's broader video game portfolio, working as a Senior Brand Marketing Manager to oversee the development of advertising pitches and marketing strategies for the department. He might not have all that much time to write about games anymore, but he's still focused on making sure the latest and greatest end up in front of your eyes one way or another.

See more Playstation Features
Read more
Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate reveal
Bungie reveals what's next for Destiny 2: "Multiyear" Fate Saga starts with Edge of Fate expansion in July, "Star Wars-inspired" Renegades expansion with LucasFilm in December
A close up of a blue woman Runner during the Marathon game PS5 reveal.
Bungie's Marathon alpha includes designs lifted from an indie artist without pay: "Clearly my work was good enough to pillage for ideas"
Destiny 2
Hot off the Marathon reveal, Bungie's already back to Destiny 2 and its Metroidvania expansion, promising to "reveal The Edge of Fate and the upcoming year" for the MMO FPS
Destiny 2 Guardians in new Star Wars armor
Destiny 2 lead insists divisive Star Wars-inspired expansion Renegades "is in-canon for the Destiny universe" as players worry the MMO is pulling a Fortnite
Marathon: A Runner reaching out two hands towards a red glowing object during key art for the upcoming game, Marathon.
Morale at Bungie reportedly at an all-time low as the iconic FPS dev investigates stolen assets in Marathon: "The vibes have never been worse"
Death Stranding 2
Legendary Metal Gear Solid artist Yoji Shinkawa pens exclusive Death Stranding 2 art for the latest issue of Edge Magazine
Latest in Destiny
Destiny 2 Guardians in new Star Wars armor
Destiny 2 lead insists divisive Star Wars-inspired expansion Renegades "is in-canon for the Destiny universe" as players worry the MMO is pulling a Fortnite
Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate reveal
Bungie reveals what's next for Destiny 2: "Multiyear" Fate Saga starts with Edge of Fate expansion in July, "Star Wars-inspired" Renegades expansion with LucasFilm in December
Destiny 2
Hot off the Marathon reveal, Bungie's already back to Destiny 2 and its Metroidvania expansion, promising to "reveal The Edge of Fate and the upcoming year" for the MMO FPS
Destiny 2 Lightfall
When Destiny 2 "weekly active users dropped lower and faster than we'd seen since 2018," Bungie assembled an A-Team to put out some fires: "We needed to do something"
Key art for Destiny 2's Heresy Episode.
"A fun example of a bug becoming a feature": Destiny 2 accidentally made Exotic Glaives free to all classes, and Bungie says "we're going to let this ride"
Destiny 2 Episode 3 Heresy screenshot of Eris Morn
Destiny 2's new Episode suggested the upcoming Apollo expansion will launch on July 15, but that date has mysteriously been scrubbed from the game
Latest in Features
Toothless, Miles Morales' Mask, Battle Droid with STAP, and Nike Dunk sets divided from each other by white lines, with a 'GamesRadar+ New Lego' badge in the middle
New Lego sets for July 2025, including the perfect gift I think fans will go nuts for
Jan sadly presses a hand on a screen that says 'deceased' in The Alters
The Alters has changed the way I play games for the better, and after 18 years I can finally finish Mass Effect
Sam balances across a ladder high up in the mountains in Death Stranding 2
Death Stranding 2 is my favorite online game this year, even though you never directly see any other players
Lee Jung-jae as Gi-hun in Squid Game season 3
The Squid Game season 3 finale is a crushing but ultimately hopeful conclusion – and I wouldn't have it any other way
Resident Evil Requiem
I don't care what Capcom says, Leon not being in Resident Evil Requiem makes no sense
One-Punch Man season 3: Saitama punching while in mid-air during the anime One-Punch Man.
Anime Expo 2025: dates, announcements, and why One-Punch Man fans should be excited
  1. Sam fires at the ghost mech squid boss in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
    1
    Death Stranding 2: On the Beach review: "This tarpunk delivery epic is more Metal Gear Solid than ever, for better and worse"
  2. 2
    Rematch review: "As with Rocket League, the just-one-more-game pull is magnetic"
  3. 3
    Tron: Catalyst review: "Disc slinging is a thrill in this gorgeous rendition of the series, but I'm let down by a time-loop story that falls flat"
  4. 4
    FBC: Firebreak review: "A disappointingly bland multiplayer FPS that's missing far too much of what made Control special"
  5. 5
    Dune: Awakening review: "Both extremely compelling and extraordinarily boring, sometimes at the same time – yet still a true Dune love letter"
  1. M3GAN doll in M3GAN 2.0
    1
    M3GAN 2.0 review: "A bold sequel with a slightly underwhelming conclusion"
  2. 2
    28 Years Later Review: "Enough terror, splatter and suspense to satisfy”
  3. 3
    Predator: Killer of Killers review: "Great characters, thrilling action, and gorgeous Arcane-esque animation"
  4. 4
    From the World of John Wick: Ballerina review: "Brilliant action, even if the plot gives you a sense of déjà vu"
  5. 5
    Karate Kid: Legends review: "Better than Karate Kid (2010), nothing on Karate Kid (1984)"
  1. Lee Jung-jae as Gi-hun in Squid Game season 3
    1
    Squid Game season 3 review: "A staggeringly excellent final season wraps up one of the greatest Netflix shows ever"
  2. 2
    Ironheart review: "A relic of Marvel's content-at-all-costs era"
  3. 3
    Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3 review: "The show's most assured run of episodes to date"
  4. 4
    Doctor Who season 2, episode 8 spoiler review: 'The Reality War' is "a mix of the good, the bad, and the truly baffling"
  5. 5
    Doctor Who season 2, episode 7 spoiler review: 'Wish World' is "an exciting and ambitious" start to the season finale, with hints of WandaVision

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...