After years of anticipation, Destiny fans are finally getting the beloved Sparrow Racing mode back, but not in Destiny 2.
For long-time Destiny players, the Sparrow Racing League (SRL) holds a special place in their hearts. First introduced in Destiny 1, this limited-time mode transformed the fast-paced shooter into a racing game, with players tearing through race tracks on their Sparrows.
SRL offered custom tracks, armor, and other cosmetics (sparrow horns!) for players. When Destiny 2 launched, fans eagerly awaited SRL’s return. But, seven years later, the beloved mode has yet to make a comeback in Bungie’s looter shooter.
Interestingly, SRL has found a new home—but not where fans expected. Destiny: Rising, a mobile game developed by the Chinese gaming giant NetEase and licensed by Bungie, recently launched its first closed alpha test.
As players progressed through the content in the alpha, they discovered a special surprise: the return of Sparrow Racing.
Sparrow Racing Mode in Destiny: Rising
Yes, NetEase’s Destiny: Rising mobile game appears to be getting a new mode called “Sparrow Racing.” This was first shared by X (Twitter) user JpDeathBlade, who posted a screenshot showing the in-game event.
According to the image, Sparrow Racing will be available each day during specific hours. So, players will have to log in during that short window to experience this mode.
The official description for the mode reads: “Pilot your sparrow through the Fallen Outpost in Jiangshi Metro.” The activity description also confirms that Sparrow Racing will allow up to six players per race.
As for the chances of Sparrow Racing League returning to Destiny 2, Bungie recently dashed fans’ hopes. In response to speculation that a Destiny 1-inspired activity might make a comeback in Episode: Revenant Act 2, the developer clarified, saying, “SRL ain’t coming back in Revenant.”
Whether SRL will ever return to Destiny 2 remains uncertain, leaving players wondering if they’ll ever see this fan-favorite mode again in the main game.
In other news about Destiny: Rising, NetEase recently addressed concerns surrounding the AI-generated voice lines found in the closed alpha test. The company clarified that these voice lines are only “placeholders” and assured players they “will be changed in the final build of the game.”
