Can a slow or unstable internet connection directly lead to the Destiny 2 Centipede error on PS4, and how can I verify my connection quality?

Yes, a slow or unstable internet connection is a primary cause of the Centipede error. Destiny 2 requires a stable connection to maintain communication with its servers. To verify your connection quality on PS4, go to 'Settings' > 'Network' > 'Test Internet Connection'. Pay attention to download/upload speeds and, crucially, the NAT type. For a more in-depth test, use a wired connection to a PC and run a speed test and a ping test to gaming servers to check for packet loss or high latency, which are often indicative of an unstable connection.