Destiny 2: Choosing the Right Class for New Guardians

So, you’re about to jump into the sprawling universe of Destiny 2, eh? Excellent choice, Guardian! But first, you face the initial hurdle: choosing your class. While every class is viable and immensely fun in its own right, for a new player, the Titan tends to be the most forgiving and straightforward option. The Titan’s focus on armor, close-quarters combat, and powerful abilities makes it an excellent choice for learning the game’s mechanics and surviving its challenges. This isn’t to say the other classes are bad choices, just that the Titan’s inherent resilience provides a safety net that allows beginners to make mistakes and learn from them without constantly hitting a checkpoint screen.

Why the Titan is Great for Beginners

The Titan, in essence, is your space-faring tank. Think of them as the armored bruiser, wading into the thick of things and smashing enemies with incredible force. This translates directly to a simpler gameplay loop for beginners:

• High Survivability: Titans are naturally tougher thanks to their class ability, Barricade, which allows them to create a defensive wall for cover. This is invaluable for learning enemy attack patterns and positioning without getting constantly overwhelmed.
• Straightforward Abilities: Titan subclasses often focus on simple, impactful abilities. Think slamming into the ground to create shockwaves, or unleashing a barrage of missiles. These are easier to grasp and utilize effectively than some of the more nuanced abilities of the other classes.
• Forgiving Playstyle: As mentioned before, the Titan’s inherent tankiness means you can afford to make mistakes. This is crucial for learning enemy weaknesses, mastering weapon handling, and understanding the game’s overall flow. You won’t be punished as severely for pushing forward aggressively.
• Close-Range Focus: Destiny 2’s gunplay often comes down to closing the gap. The Titan’s design philosophy embraces this style, letting you focus on mastering close-quarters combat with shotguns, fusion rifles, and devastating melee attacks.
• Strong Supers: Titan Supers (their ultimate abilities) are typically impactful and easy to use. Whether it’s the roaming melee mayhem of Fists of Havoc or the protective dome of Ward of Dawn, Titans have supers that can turn the tide of battle with relative ease.

Beyond the Titan: A Quick Look at Warlock and Hunter

While the Titan is arguably the easiest class to pick up, don’t discount the other options entirely. Both the Warlock and Hunter offer unique gameplay experiences that may appeal to certain players.

Warlock

Warlocks are Destiny 2’s equivalent of space wizards, wielding powerful energy attacks and supporting their allies with healing and buffs. While a Warlock is arguably the strongest class in Destiny 2 because of its healing capabilities, their healing is generally much less of an immediate reaction than the Titan’s barricade. Key considerations:

• Strengths: Excellent healing capabilities through Rifts, strong area-of-effect damage, and the ability to empower allies.
• Weaknesses: Can be squishier than Titans, requiring better positioning and awareness. Abilities often require more precise aiming and timing.

Hunter

Hunters are the agile assassins of Destiny 2, excelling at stealth, mobility, and dealing burst damage. Key considerations:

• Strengths: High mobility, excellent damage output, and the ability to turn invisible for strategic advantage.
• Weaknesses: Can be vulnerable if caught in the open, requiring quick reflexes and tactical decision-making. Often relies on specific builds and gear to maximize effectiveness.

Ultimately, the best class for you depends on your playstyle. But if you’re truly starting from scratch, the Titan offers a solid foundation for learning the ropes and enjoying the game’s core mechanics. As you grow and gain experience, you can easily create other characters from the other classes to discover which best suits you.

Destiny 2 Beginner’s Guide: Essential Tips

No matter which class you choose, here are some crucial tips for new Destiny 2 players:

• Complete the Campaign: The campaign missions provide valuable context for the overall story.
• Don’t Get Distracted: New players can find it difficult to stay on the main story.
• Understand Leveling: Leveling is the foundation of getting through the game.
• Learn Weak Points: The fastest way to take down an enemy is to hit their weak points.
• Experiment with Exotics: Exotics can drastically change up gameplay.
• Complete the New Light Quest: This introductory questline will guide you through the game’s basic mechanics and reward you with useful gear.
• Find a Fireteam: Destiny 2 is designed to be played with others. Join a clan or use the in-game fireteam finder to connect with other players and tackle challenging activities.
• Understand Mods and Armor Stats: These are crucial for customizing your character and optimizing your build.
• Engage with the Community: Destiny 2 has a large and active community. Join forums, Discord servers, or Reddit communities to ask questions, share tips, and find other players to play with.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Destiny 2 is a game about discovery. Try out different weapons, abilities, and subclasses to find what works best for you.
• Pace Yourself: Destiny 2 is a massive game with a lot of content. Don’t feel like you need to do everything at once. Focus on enjoying the journey and gradually working your way through the game’s various activities.

Destiny 2 can be overwhelming at first, but with a little patience and guidance, you’ll be blasting enemies and collecting loot in no time. Remember to have fun, explore the world, and don’t be afraid to ask for help! Learning through gaming can also be extremely effective as mentioned by GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Titan really the easiest class?

While individual preferences vary, the Titan’s combination of survivability and straightforward abilities generally makes it the most beginner-friendly class. Its Barricade ability provides instant cover, and its subclass abilities are often focused on direct damage or area control. The Warlock and Hunter classes are also strong choices, but may require more understanding of game mechanics and positioning.

2. Which Titan subclass should I start with?

For beginners, the Striker subclass (Arc) is an excellent choice. Its Fists of Havoc super is incredibly powerful and easy to use, allowing you to clear out groups of enemies with ease. The Striker’s abilities also focus on melee combat and close-quarters engagement, which are great for learning the basics of the game.

3. Does race matter in Destiny 2?

No, the race you choose (Human, Awoken, or Exo) has no impact on gameplay. It’s purely cosmetic, so pick whichever you find most aesthetically pleasing.

4. What are “mods” and “armor stats,” and why are they important?

Mods are modifications that can be applied to your weapons and armor to enhance their performance. Armor stats (such as Resilience, Recovery, and Discipline) affect various aspects of your character, such as health, shield regeneration, and ability cooldowns. Understanding and optimizing your mods and armor stats is crucial for creating a powerful and effective build.

5. How do I find a good fireteam?

Destiny 2 has a built-in fireteam finder that allows you to search for and join groups of players for various activities. You can also use external resources such as Destiny 2 LFG (Looking For Group) websites and Discord servers to find fireteams. Joining a clan is another great way to connect with other players and find regular fireteam members.

6. What’s the difference between a “Nightfall Strike” and a “Raid?”

Nightfall Strikes are more difficult versions of regular Strikes, with added modifiers that increase the challenge. Raids are endgame activities that require a coordinated team of six players to complete. Raids typically involve complex mechanics, challenging encounters, and significant rewards.

7. What does “PvP” and “PvE” stand for?

PvP stands for Player versus Player, which refers to the game’s competitive multiplayer modes. PvE stands for Player versus Environment, which refers to the game’s cooperative modes, such as Strikes, Raids, and campaign missions.

8. Should I buy all the DLCs right away?

No, you don’t need to buy all the DLCs at once. Start with the base game and see if you enjoy it. If you do, consider purchasing the latest DLC for the most current content. Beyond Light is a great option as it introduces a new subclass. The Witch Queen is great for storyline.

9. Is Destiny 2 fun for solo players?

Destiny 2 has a lot of content that can be enjoyed solo, such as campaign missions, patrols, and some Strikes. However, the game is primarily designed to be played with others, and some of the most rewarding activities (such as Raids and high-level Nightfalls) require a fireteam.

10. What are “Exotics,” and why are they so special?

Exotics are rare and powerful weapons and armor pieces that have unique perks and abilities. They can drastically change your gameplay style and are highly sought after by players.

11. I’m feeling overwhelmed. Where do I start?

Focus on completing the New Light quest and the main campaign missions. Don’t worry about optimizing your build or doing endgame activities right away. Just focus on learning the basics of the game and having fun.

12. Which Destiny 2 Dungeon is best for beginners?

Shattered Throne is the easiest dungeon in Destiny 2.

13. Who is the most liked character in Destiny 2?

The Guardian is the most liked character in Destiny 2.

14. Is Destiny 2 hard for beginners?

Destiny 2 can be hard for beginners because it has a lot of features.

15. What is the most powerful class in Destiny 2 PvE?

Warlock is the overall best and most powerful class in Destiny 2 PvE.

Choosing your first class in Destiny 2 is a big decision, but remember that it’s not set in stone. You can always create additional characters and try out the other classes later. So, go forth, Guardian, choose your path, and embrace the adventure that awaits!