In a surprising move Bungie updated Destiny 2‘s Restriction and Ban policy to include Macro Loot Farming.
The updated terms mentions idle detection, and automated activities to earn loot are now restricted, or banned.
Players detected using automation to circumvent idle detection or perform automated activities to earn loot may be restricted or banned. Loot includes, but is not limited to, XP, materials, or drops (e.g. Exotic class items). Automation or circumvention includes, but is not limited to, the use of programmable controllers, keyboard/mouse adapters, advanced macros, or artificial intelligence.
This move was likely another response to content creators suggesting macro farms for Exotic class items.
Previously players were told to use a wide variety of macros to farm a chests in the Pale Heart. Shortly after Bungie responded by changing how drops work, effectively killing the farm.
Following the announcement players were worried about what specifically would be banned, with the most concerning being Checkpoint bots. For those unfamiliar, these bots allow players to quickly join a room, and obtain a specific checkpoint. Not only did it make grinding specific encounters a lot easier, it reduced the number of players who would LFG with the intent of getting the checkpoint, and leaving.
Destiny 2 Team was quick to response on X (formerly Twitter) that there are “no plans to issue restrictions, or bans to checkpoint bots under this policy change.”
Time will tell where Bungie draws the line, but at first glance this looks to be a positive change. Ideally the upcoming patch that adds Exotic class items to Xur, along with Bungie looking into farming specific traits will eliminate most players desire to use them in the first place.
Update: Destiny 2 Team shared a look at the upcoming Exotic class item Attunement system. Based off the post the system is currently on track for release on with Episode 2 in Oct.
