Playing Destiny on PS3/Xbox 360? Here's How Things Are Changing for You Soon

Destiny's upcoming Rise of Iron expansion is not coming to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game. Bungie has already explained why, and now, the developer has published an in-depth post that covers what players on "legacy consoles" can expect in terms of ongoing support.

Starting in August 2016, all future Destiny updates and content drops will be available exclusively for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the game. "The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles will be considered Legacy Consoles and will no longer receive major updates and content releases," the developer said.

Previous expansions, The Dark Below, House of Wolves, and The Taken King will still be available, but players on last-gen systems will have "limited access to some Destiny events." (More on this below.)

Events and activities that will still be available on PS3 and Xbox 360 include heroic missions and strikes, as well as daily and weekly Crucible challenges. Additionally, raids and boss encounters--including Vault of Glass, Crota's End, King's Fall, and weekly King's Fall Boss challenges--will continue to be available.

Prison of Elders, Challenge of Elders, Armsday Orders, and Test Weapons will still be available on legacy systems. Additionally, players can expect rewards as normal.

In terms of what's changing, Xur will continue to show up in the tower or Reef on last-gen systems, but these changes are being made to Xur's inventory:

• Individual Exotic Weapons and Armor pieces will no longer be sold by Xur.
• Encrypted Exotic Engrams will be sold. These will decrypt into Year 2 Exotics.
• Encrypted Legacy Engrams will continue to be sold. These will decrypt into Year 1 Exotics.
• Heavy Ammo Synthesis, Three of Coins, Vehicle Upgrades, Motes of Light, and Glass Needles will continue to be sold.

As for Destiny events that will be removed from the game's PS3 and Xbox 360 versions come August 2016, one of these is the limited-time competitive event, Trials of Osiris. Additionally, Iron Banner will no longer be available, while "live events" such as some specific playlists, quests, bounties, and rewards, will no longer be available.

Some of Destiny's previous live events have included holiday-themed events such as Festival of the Lost and Crimson Days, as well as the Sparrow Racing League.

Bungie previously said around 90 percent of Destiny players are on PS4 and Xbox One. Additionally, leaving last-gen systems behind allows the developer to introduce "new bells and whistles" that might not be possible on older hardware.

Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto V is taking a similar approach. The game's multiplayer mode, GTA Online, no longer receives major, content-rich updates for its last-gen versions.

Destiny's Rise of Iron expansion launches on September 20.