Update: Activision has responded to our request for more information on what's happening with timed content. A representative shared some info about Bungie's plans moving forward.
"All existing strikes and maps are still accessible. Specific activities like nightfall will periodically feature expansion 1 content on the week the newest content is live," we were told via email. "New public events, updated weapons and gear, new bounties, and of course the steady stream of updates are all available without additional cost to all players."
Original Story:
Part of the Destiny endgame involves daily and weekly missions to earn additional loot and currency. These are selections from already available content, and The Dark Below missions and strikes are now in rotation.
This week’s heroic strike, which yields one of the most important currencies in the game, is culled from the new material. In order to earn your nine strange coins (accepted by Xur, the weekend vendor), you’ll need to pony up.
We’ve reached out to Bungie and Activision for clarification and additional details on this. We’ll update should we receive a response.
For more on The Dark Below, check out this morning's news about presents from Bungie. If you want more about the content, check out our extensive preview.
Our Take
While some users are inevitably going to be unhappy about this turn of events, this is part and parcel of an online, evolving game. If you want to keep up with Destiny, you’re likely going to need to pay for the expansions as they are released.