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Destiny: The Dark Below

Review · Action · PlayStation 3 · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One

Destiny: The Dark Below

Reviewed: 03 May 2026

PlayStation 3 · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One · Xbox 360

Bungie · 2014

Ludograph rating

C

Mixed

49 /100

Automated review

Destiny: The Dark Below is an action shooter that encourages teamwork and problem solving, but can lead to extended play sessions.

06010030Benefit →Low risk →B 38 · R 29
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

38

Risk (RIS)

29

Daily limit

–

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.42
B2Social-emotional
0.33
B3Motor
0.35

Destiny: The Dark Below offers engaging cooperative and competitive multiplayer experiences that can foster teamwork and communication. The action-oriented gameplay requires strategic thinking and problem-solving to overcome challenges. Players can develop hand-eye coordination and reaction time through its fast-paced combat.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.50
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.28

The game incorporates several compulsion-loop design techniques, such as variable rewards and infinite play loops, which could lead to extended play sessions. While there are no direct monetization pressures, the expansion model encourages continued investment in the game. The content features frequent violence and some fear-inducing elements. There is also a risk of social comparison and identity self-worth issues within the competitive multiplayer environment.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.33
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.67

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSA — Assessed: meets criteria·GDPR-K — Not yet assessed·ODDS — Assessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

ReviewedMay 2026Report a data error →How scores are calculated →

Parents ask…

Is Destiny: The Dark Below safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Destiny: The Dark Below a rating of 49/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It delivers genuine benefits but carries design risks that deserve a close look.

What age is Destiny: The Dark Below appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for Destiny: The Dark Below, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Destiny: The Dark Below?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Destiny: The Dark Below: its design-risk score sits in our highest band, where limiting time alone doesn't address the risks. For children we suggest choosing an alternative instead.

What are the main risks of Destiny: The Dark Below?

The game incorporates several compulsion-loop design techniques, such as variable rewards and infinite play loops, which could lead to extended play sessions. While there are no direct monetization pressures, the expansion model encourages continued investment in the game. The content features frequent violence and some fear-inducing elements. There is also a risk of social comparison and identity