The Dark Below: Destiny's first expansion dated, priced, detailed

The Dark Below is the title of the first of at least two major expansions planned for the popular online shooter, Destiny. Activision has just confirmed an official launch date for December 9, and studio Bungie has shared a comprehensive description of the new features coming in the expansion, along with first screenshots.

New weapons and gear are the main new hooks of this additional content, but users will be able to get those items via a new portion of Destiny's story and unseen competitive and co-op missions.

According to Harold Ryan, president of the studio, this expansion is based on players' feedback so far, for "people want new activities, gear and weapons and of course the immensely popular Raid".

Pricing for The Dark Below has also been confirmed for the UK: £19.99 individually or £34.99 as part of the Destiny Expansion Pass, which includes both this expansion and the second future expansion. This content will be available for all four versions of the game: PS4, Xbox One, PS3 and Xbox 360.

Destiny Expansion I: The Dark Below features and details

o New weapons, armour and gear to earn, including Legendary and Exotic items

o Light Level cap raised to 32 and five additional Bounty slots added

o New story quests and missions - after years hiding amongst the Hive shadows, a new character, Eris, has come forth bearing an ominous warning: The Hive seek to summon a god, Crota, to destroy the Earth. Find Eris in the Tower to take on special quests that include three new missions where you will increase your Light and earn new rewards

o New co-operative Strike, The Will of Crota, pits you and your Fireteam against Omnigul as she works to expand the Hive army at the command of her master, Crota

o Three new competitive multiplayer arenas

§ Pantheon - set deep within the Black Garden in an ancient Vex temple that features Vex-designed landscapes and tight corridors

§ Skyshock - an old interplanetary defence array that offers both vehicle and infantry engagements

§ The Cauldron - an abandoned Hive ritual site that offers close-quarter combat

o New six-player Raid, Crota's End, set deep within the depths of the Hellmouth

o PlayStation platforms will also get access to an exclusive co-operative Strike, The Undying Mind and an exotic weapon, and more (timed exclusive until at least Autumn 2015)