Destiny's November update coming next week, Iron Banner switching to Clash (update)

Destiny's next major update is set to be released next week, and we'll be seeing something else new next week: For the first time, the Iron Banner Crucible event will be played with the Clash gametype, developer Bungie announced today.

As previously announced, update 2.0.2 will ameliorate the weapon parts shortage that has plagued Guardians for a month now, and make Crucible quests and bounties less annoying. In addition, Bungie said today, the patch will actually fix the bug with the Nightstalker subclass' Shadowshot super. After the update, Hunters will once again be able to use the Quiver perk, which has been disabled since the release of hotfix 2.0.1.2 more than three weeks ago. The November patch will also make it possible for players to purchase all three legendary swords from Lord Shaxx, as long as they've completed the "Blademaster" quest to obtain an exotic sword.

Destiny players data-mine every update to the game in an effort to discover Bungie's future plans, and the studio got out ahead of them this time, announcing a new in-game initiative called Refer-a-Friend. Set to debut "just in time for the holiday season," the Refer-a-Friend program will provide rewards for players who guide new Guardians through the early going of Destiny.

If everything goes well with the release of update 2.0.2 next week, Bungie will bring back its semi-regular Iron Banner event in the Crucible. Instead of the standard Control mode, this Iron Banner event will feature Clash, Destiny's team deathmatch gametype. Perhaps even more important is Bungie's "overhaul" of the Iron Banner rewards system, since the first Iron Banner after The Taken King's launch was such a bust last month:

• Iron Banner reputation from winning matches increased by 20%
• Activity completion rewards increased at all ranks, with even more significant increases at Rank 2 and above
• Packages from Lord Saladin upon reaching Rank 3 and Rank 5
• Iron Banner Artifacts can be obtained from the Rank 3 package
• Iron Banner Ghost Shells can be obtained from the Rank 5 package or activity completion rewards

"Lord Saladin understands that the best Guardians deserve rewards equal to the challenge they face," said Bungie.

For more on The Taken King, check out our review.

Update: The Iron Banner will return Nov. 17, tweeted senior designer Derek Carroll on Nov. 13.