Best Destiny 2 Alternatives for Co-Op Loot and Builds
If you want the same co-op loot-and-build loop as Destiny 2 but with a different flavor, the top pick is Warframe. It’s free, has deep build customization, and its co-op missions reward you with new weapons and frames constantly. No other game matches its combination of build depth, co-op focus, and sheer content volume.
What to Look For
When choosing a Destiny 2 alternative, focus on these four things:
- Co-op structure: Does the game support 3-player fireteams (like Destiny) or larger squads? Can you play the whole campaign with friends, or only specific modes?
- Build depth: Look for games where your character’s power comes from gear synergies, skill trees, and mods—not just a single weapon. The more variables you can tweak, the longer the game stays interesting.
- Loot chase: A good looter gives you a reason to replay missions. Check if there are unique drops, random rolls, or crafting that keeps you grinding.
- Endgame loop: What do you do after the story? Look for raids, dungeons, endless modes, or seasonal content that gives you a reason to log in weekly.
Warframe
Strengths: Free-to-play with a fair economy. Hundreds of weapons and 50+ Warframes, each with four abilities that you can mod heavily. Co-op is 4-player and covers everything from stealth to horde defense. The movement system (bullet jumping, wall running) makes combat feel fast and fluid.
Trade-offs: The new-player experience is overwhelming—there are dozens of systems, currencies, and planets to unlock. The story is thin until you reach certain quests. Many missions are short and repetitive, and the grind for certain resources can be steep.
Who it suits: Players who want a free, long-term co-op looter with deep build crafting and don’t mind a steep learning curve. Perfect if you love min-maxing mods and trying weird combinations.
The Division 2
Strengths: A cover-based shooter with a strong 3-player co-op campaign and endgame. The build system is gear-based: you collect armor pieces with different stats, talents, and brand sets. The world is detailed and the gunplay feels punchy. The endgame includes raids, a 100-floor tower (The Summit), and seasonal leagues.
Trade-offs: The setting is more grounded (Washington DC) and lacks the sci-fi fantasy of Destiny. The endgame can feel repetitive, and the player base has shrunk. Some builds require specific gear that only drops in certain modes, which can be frustrating.
Who it suits: Players who prefer realistic gunplay and tactical cover shooting. Great if you want a looter that’s not sci-fi and has a strong 3-player co-op experience.
Borderlands 3
Strengths: Up to 4-player co-op with a chaotic, fun shooter feel. Builds are based on skill trees and anointments (special effects on gear). The loot is plentiful—guns have random parts and elemental damage, so you can chase perfect rolls. The humor is over-the-top, and the endgame includes True Vault Hunter Mode, Mayhem levels, and raids.
Trade-offs: The story and villains are widely considered weak. The game is not a live service, so there’s no evolving world—once you’ve done everything, you’re done. The endgame can be grindy, and some boss fights are bullet sponges.
Who it suits: Players who want a pure co-op loot shooter with a lot of humor and no FOMO. Great for groups that want to play at their own pace without seasonal pressure.
Outriders
Strengths: A 3-player co-op shooter with a focused campaign and a strong build system. Each class has a skill tree, and gear has mods that can drastically change your abilities. The World Tier system scales difficulty and rewards. The game is designed as a complete package—no live service, just a long campaign and expeditions.
Trade-offs: The endgame is limited to a few expedition missions that get repetitive. The game had a rough launch with server issues (though now fixed). The story is mediocre, and the loot drops can feel stingy at higher tiers.
Who it suits: Players who want a shorter, self-contained co-op looter with a strong build system and don’t care about endless content. Good if you prefer a campaign that you can finish in 30-40 hours.
Remnant 2
Strengths: A 3-player co-op souls-like shooter with a unique twist: procedurally generated worlds and bosses. Builds come from your archetype (class), weapons, and a deep mod system. The game encourages replay because each world has different bosses and secrets. The combat is challenging and rewarding.
Trade-offs: The loot is less about random rolls and more about specific drops from bosses and secrets. The difficulty can be punishing for casual players. The co-op is drop-in/drop-out, but there’s no matchmaking for harder difficulties.
Who it suits: Players who want a challenging, atmospheric co-op shooter with build variety and a sense of discovery. Perfect if you loved Destiny’s dungeons but want a more cohesive, handcrafted world.
Deep Rock Galactic
Strengths: A 4-player co-op shooter where you play as dwarven miners on alien planets. The build system is based on weapon modifications and perk choices, but the real depth is in team coordination. Each mission type is different, and the game has a strong sense of camaraderie. The loot is cosmetics and weapon overclocks, which are fun to chase.
Trade-offs: The build variety is narrower than Destiny—you have a few weapons per class, not an arsenal. The game is more about teamwork than individual power fantasy. The progression is linear, not a loot grind.
Who it suits: Players who want a co-op shooter that’s more about teamwork and fun than min-maxing. Great for groups that like to chat and work together, and who enjoy a less serious tone.
How to Choose
First, decide your budget. If you want a free game, Warframe is the obvious choice. If you’re willing to pay, The Division 2 and Borderlands 3 are often on sale and give you a lot of content for the price.
Next, think about your group size. If you usually play with 2-3 friends, The Division 2 and Outriders are perfect. If you have 4 players, Warframe, Borderlands 3, and Deep Rock Galactic are better.
Consider the feel of combat. Do you want fast movement and abilities? Warframe and Outriders are more ability-driven. Do you prefer realistic gunplay? The Division 2. Do you want a challenge? Remnant 2.
Finally, think about time commitment. If you want a game you can play for hundreds of hours, Warframe and The Division 2 have the most content. If you want a finite experience, Outriders or Borderlands 3 are good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any of these games free?
Only Warframe is completely free. The others are paid, but they often go on sale for under $20.
Can I play these games solo?
Yes, all of them can be played solo, but the difficulty scales. Warframe and Borderlands 3 are easier solo; Remnant 2 and The Division 2 are more challenging.
Which game has the most build variety?
Warframe has the most, with 50+ frames and hundreds of weapons. Borderlands 3 is close, with four characters and tons of gear.
Do these games have raids?
Warframe has raids (called Trials, though they’re being reworked), The Division 2 has 8-player raids, and Borderlands 3 has raid bosses.
Which game is closest to Destiny 2’s feel?
The Division 2 is closest in terms of gunplay and co-op structure, but it’s not sci-fi. Warframe is closest in terms of abilities and space fantasy.
Bottom Line
If you want a free, deep, and long-lasting co-op looter, start with Warframe. If you prefer a more grounded shooter, The Division 2 is excellent. For a fun, chaotic time with friends, Borderlands 3 is hard to beat. And if you want a challenge, Remnant 2 is a hidden gem. Try the free one first, and if it clicks, you’ve saved your money.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.