Destiny’s first expansion ‘The Dark Below’ detailed; coming Dec. 9

Bungie has detailed Destiny's first expansion, "The Dark Below," which is set for release on December 9, 2014. The new expansion, which is available for $19.99 or as part of the Destiny Expansion Pass for $34.99, features all-new weapons and gear to earn through new story, cooperative and multiplayer activities — all of which are detailed below.

The Dark Below's new story quests and missions involves a new character, Eris, who after years of hiding amongst the Hive shadows has come forth bearing an ominous warning that the The Hive seek to summon a god, Crota, to destroy the Earth. In the Dark Below, you must find Eris in the Tower to take on special quests that include three new missions where you will increase your Light and earn new rewards.

In addition to the regular story missions, a new cooperative strike, The Will of Crota, will pit you and your Fireteam against Omnigul as she works to expand the Hive army at the command of her master, Crota. There's also a six-player raid, Crota's End, which is set deep within the depths of the Hellmouth. We don't know what the minimum requirements to enter this raid will be, but I'm assuming 29-30 to start off.

Thankfully, new gear will help raise the Light Level cap to 32, and five additional Bounty slots will be added. There will also be new Legendary and Exotic weapons.

Guardians playing on PlayStation platforms will also get access to an exclusive cooperative Strike, The Undying Mind, "and more." This will be a timed exclusive until "at least" Fall 2015.

For those that prever PvP, three new competitive multiplayer arenas will be added to the Crucible: Pantheon; an arena set deep within the Black Garden in an ancient Vex temple that features Vex-designed landscapes and tight corridors; Skyshock, an old interplanetary defense array that offers both vehicle and infantry engagements; and The Cauldron, an abandoned Hive ritual sight perfect for close-quarter combat.

"Destiny was created as a living universe, which has allowed us to improve the experience post launch in real-time," said Bungie President Harold Ryan. "It also gives us insight into the things players are looking for in new content. We've seen from feedback that people want new activities, gear and weapons, and of course the immensely popular Raid. The community helps shape our development decisions and that's really important to us."