Destiny 2 Edge of Fate release time, date, downtime and Desert Perpetual Raid details

Destiny 2 developer Bungie is getting ready to release a brand new expansion for PlayStation, Xbox and PC (via Steam).

The new Destiny 2 Edge of Fate expansion has a July 15 release date and a 6pm BST UK release time. However, prior to the release of The Edge of Fate, Destiny 2 will undergo extended server maintenance.

Destiny 2 server maintenance will begin at 1.45pm BST, and will run all the way until the launch of Edge of Fate at 6pm BST. Of course, it's not unusual for servers to experience issues at launch, so don't be surprised if you struggle to get online in the immediate aftermath of the expansion's launch.

Even if you haven't purchased the Edge of Fate expansion, Destiny 2 players will be required to download and install update 9.0.0.1 before jumping back into the game.

Fortunately, the update will be available to pre-load before maintenance comes to an end. If you pre-load the update, then you can jump back into the action the moment Destiny 2 is back online.

According to Bungie, some PlayStation and Xbox users are able to pre-load the Destiny 2 update now. The early access period is the developer's attempt to limit the strain on the servers.

If you aren't able to pre-load the Destiny 2 update now, then you can pre-load it from 2pm BST on June 15 for PlayStation users, and "shortly after Destiny 2 is taken offline for maintenance" on Xbox. The same is true for Steam and Epic Games Store users. That's roughly 2pm BST for everybody.

Available to pre-order for £34.99, Destiny 2 Edge of Fate introduces a new planet to the game, transporting players outside of the Solar System for the first time.

Bungie explains more: "Hidden deep within the Reef, a new destination awaits: the mysterious planetoid of Kepler.

"Explore a lost human settlement and forgotten Fallen houses, and encounter new characters, all affected by a mysterious Anomaly that has twisted the destination into something menacing."

Needless to say, the Destiny 2 expansion also adds new destination abilities, which are said to be powered by The Nine.

That's on top of two new enemy types, as Fallen Corsairs and Kobold Vex Drones join the game.

But the real highlight is the release of Destiny 2's next major Raid, which is titled The Desert Perpetual.

The Desert Perpetual has a July 19 release date and a 6pm BST UK start time. Players will need to finish The Edge of Fate campaign in order to access the Raid.

Fans can also compete to become the World's First to finish the Raid, something that will earn the winning team a wrestling-style championship belt.