Destiny 2 Guardian Games 2021 Countdown: Start Time, Rewards, and Everything We Know

Update: Been having issues with Guardian Games Bounties? Looks like Bungie has fixed it with a new hotfix. Find out more here.

Destiny 2's Season of the Chosen is here, and along its roadmap is the return of the Guardian Games.

A chance for us Titan mains to lord it over our Warlock and Hunter peers, it's essentially Destiny 2's Olympic Games, and it sounds as though there are some fresh changes coming with 2021's version.

Here's what you need to know. But first, here's a trailer, where Zavala is giving it large following the Titan's landslide of a victory in 2020.

Read More: Destiny 2 Season of the Chosen LEAKS: Release Date, Armor, Roadmap, Trailer, Weapons, Season Pass, Exotics, Quests And Everything We Know About Season 13

CONFIRMED START TIME

Guardian Games returns to Destiny 2 on April 20 following the weekly reset at 6 pm BST.

The Closing Ceremonies will take place from May 7th to May 9th.

During a cease-fire with the Cabal Empress Caiatl, Vanguard leader Zavala raises class banners and the spirits of Guardians as he calls for the class competition to commence once more.

Confirmed Details

Hunters, Warlocks and Titans will go head-to-head in challenges that will test their bravery, skill, and resolve.

These challenges will award laurels from Eva Levante as the Guardians complete Contender Cards and Triumphs during the Guardian Games.

Each week is a new chance to be recognized as the top class.

Guardians can earn several rewards through the course of Guardian Games, such as the Heir Apparent Exotic Machine Gun and catalyst, an Exotic Sparrow, Legendary class items, two emblems and two shaders.

You can find out how to earn the catalyst here.

Eververse will have a new Guardian Games Universal Ornament Set with glowing class items, a new weapon ornament for Heir Apparent, sporting Exotic emotes, and more on offer.

At the end of each week, podium ceremonies will grant gold, silver and bronze auras to each class that will last for the following week.

The winning class will be recognized at the Guardian Games Closing Ceremonies May 7-9, along with a trophy displayed in the Tower to showcase the winning class for the next year.

What To Expect This Year

A new Guardian Games Playlist will group Guardians by class.

Players will earn modifiers based on the standing of their class, too, and don't expect to hop between all three – you'll pledge your allegiance to one.

• Gold: Health, shields, and recovery are increased. Kinetic weapons deal more damage.
• Silver: Melee abilities recharge faster. Elemental damage increased from Guardian sources. More Heavy ammo available.
• Bronze: Grenade abilities deal more damage and recharge much faster. Elemental damage increased from Guardian sources.

There are negative modifiers, too, to stop any team running away with things.

According to Bungie, "The gold class gets two modifiers, and the silver class gets one. These modifiers are themed around the classes that finished lower on the podium."

Titan:

• Bronze: Combatant melee attacks deal more damage.
• Silver: Combatant melee attacks deal significantly more damage.
  

Warlock:

• Bronze: Incoming damage increased while airborne.
• Silver: Incoming damage significantly increased while airborne.
  

Hunter:

• Bronze: Radar is disabled.
• Silver: Radar is disabled and combatants don't flinch when damaged.

"Silver classes only get the modifier from the bronze class below them. Gold classes get a combination of both silver and bronze," Bungie explains.

What Are The Guardian Games?

Guardian Games pit each of the game's three classes against one another, with players earning points for completing activities and special Bounties from Eva Levante known as Medals.

Once the event starts, you'll need to grab a specific Class Item from Eva which needs to be equipped to earn points, so be ready to add it to your Guardian!

The class with the most points at the end of the next three weeks will be named champion – and they'll get a "permanent reminder" in the Tower to prove that they're the dominant class.

These stick around for the year, so expect another Guardian Games for 2022.

When Are The Guardian Games?

According to the Season of the Chosen roadmap, the Guardian Games will kick off on April 20 and run until May 9.

That means if you want to dominate, you'll want to ensure you're logging in daily for those three weeks.

What Are The Rewards?

Players earn medals and will be able to swap them for rewards. Your "Medal Case" will have a set number of spaces per activity, so you'll want to turn them in regularly.

You'll also be able to buy Contender Cards which will allow a bonus Gold Medal opportunity in Strikes, Gambit or Crucible.

You'll also be able to earn a Platinum Medal through a Contender Card focused on Nightfalls, Survival, and Trials, which will also unlock an "All-Star" status for that week.

Every weekend, a Podium Ceremony will give your class a glow, be it bronze, silver, or gold, while All-Stars get a platinum glow to really show off.

As for loot, there's a new exotic sparrow, emblems and shaders, and the Heir Apparent is back - along with a catalyst.

Eververse will also offer premium items including ships, Ghost Shells, and ornaments, while Bungie Rewards cold net you a gold pin or track jacket IRL.