How to Get Amplified as a Hunter in Destiny 2: A Comprehensive Guide
The electrifying feeling of being Amplified in Destiny 2 is a powerful sensation, especially for Hunters. This Arc buff grants a significant boost to movement, handling, and overall combat prowess. For Hunters, the key to achieving this amplified state is understanding the core mechanics and leveraging specific abilities and gear. Simply put, Hunters primarily become amplified by achieving four rapid Arc kills against red bar enemies, tougher enemies provide more progress towards this goal. This isn’t the only method, certain subclass aspects and fragments can greatly influence how you enter this buff. This article delves deep into these mechanics, providing a complete understanding of how to reliably become amplified as a Hunter in Destiny 2.
How Hunters Trigger Amplified
The fundamental way Hunters trigger Amplified is through rapid Arc kills. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Four Rapid Arc Kills: This is the most straightforward method. Quickly eliminate four red bar combatants with Arc abilities, weapons, or melee attacks. The kills need to be in quick succession; a slight pause might reset the count.
- Tougher Foes: Killing more significant enemies like yellow bar elites and mini-bosses provides a significant boost towards amplification, sometimes even triggering it with just one kill.
Understanding the Amplified Buff: Once amplified, your Hunter receives:
- +50 Mobility: Noticeably increased movement speed and agility.
- Increased Sprint Speed: Run faster, making it easier to reposition and engage.
- Increased Slide Distance: Slide further, allowing for more evasive maneuvers and quicker repositioning.
- Increased Jump Height: Jump higher for better traversal and to gain an advantage in combat.
- Improved Weapon Handling: Weapons feel snappier and more responsive.
This buff lasts for 15 seconds, so you must make the most of it before it wears off.
Enhancing Amplification with Subclass Aspects and Fragments
While the core method remains the same, certain Hunter subclass aspects and fragments can significantly enhance your ability to become amplified and how you use the buff:
Aspects:
- Flow State: One of the most effective Arc Hunter aspects is Flow State. This aspect allows you to become amplified by defeating a jolted enemy, and while amplified, you benefit from faster reloads, increased damage resistance while dodging, and a shorter Dodge cooldown. This creates a fantastic loop where you chain jolted enemies, amplification, and your powerful dodge.
Fragments:
- Spark of Shock: This is a crucial Arc fragment for Hunters as it imbues your Arc abilities with the Jolt effect. Jolting enemies makes them vulnerable and easier to eliminate, accelerating your path to becoming amplified and making Flow State even more potent.
- Spark of Discharge: Another useful option, the Spark of Discharge gives your Arc weapons a chance to jolt targets, meaning your guns can help get you closer to amplification as well.
Gear Synergies
Certain gear and Exotics also play a role in maximizing your amplified potential:
- Exotic Armor: Exotics like ST0MP-EE5 (increased mobility) and The Dragon’s Shadow (faster reloads and movement) can enhance the benefits of being amplified, enabling you to move even faster and more effectively.
Strategic Amplification
Mastering amplification requires a combination of skill and strategy. Here are some tips for Hunters:
- Aggressive Playstyle: Engage in fast-paced combat to quickly secure those four kills. Use Arc weapons and abilities frequently.
- Group Enemies: Cluster groups of enemies together to maximize the efficiency of your Arc abilities for those fast kills.
- Utilize Jolt: Jolt enemies to make them easier to kill, speeding up the process to amplification.
- Maintain Momentum: Once amplified, keep moving and eliminate enemies to refresh the timer or re-apply the buff.
- Dodge Often: Use your class ability frequently. Especially with the Flow State aspect, your dodge gains resistance and speed for even more amplified goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some additional questions that can help you get a better grasp on Hunters and Amplification in Destiny 2:
1. What exactly does ‘Jolt’ do?
Jolted enemies are marked with an Arc effect. When they take more damage, they unleash an arc of electricity, dealing damage to nearby enemies. This makes them easier to eliminate and great for chaining amplification through Flow State.
2. Can non-Arc weapons trigger Amplified if they have Arc damage on them?
Yes, weapons with Arc damage, including those with the Arc damage type or perks like chain lightning, contribute towards the kills required to become amplified, provided they are in quick succession.
3. Does my Hunter’s Super ability contribute to becoming amplified?
Yes, kills with your Arc Super do count toward the kills needed to activate amplified, and often can activate it outright with just one super kill.
4. Is there a cooldown on how often I can become amplified?
There is no specific cooldown, meaning you can repeatedly become amplified as long as you maintain the required kill cadence.
5. Does my fireteam also benefit when I become amplified?
No, the Amplified buff is specific to the individual player; your fireteam will not receive the benefits you do.
6. What is the difference between amplified and overshield?
Amplified is a movement and handling buff that focuses on speed and weapon responsiveness, while an overshield is a layer of extra health protection that is a damage absorber. They are different and do not interact in any particular way.
7. Can I get Amplified outside of combat encounters?
While Amplification is primarily tied to combat, some fragments allow you to activate it with certain abilities. So yes, but not through normal red bar enemies.
8. How does the Flow State Aspect exactly work?
Flow State allows you to become amplified when defeating a jolted enemy. It further enhances the amplified state with increased reload speed, damage resistance when dodging, and a shorter dodge cooldown, creating a powerful loop.
9. Is the Hunter’s Arc subclass the best for Amplification?
While it is specifically geared around the amplification mechanic, the other subclasses can be used effectively too. It all depends on your playstyle and desired outcome. The Hunter’s Arc subclass is the easiest to get Amplified.
10. Are there specific Hunter builds that synergize well with Amplified?
Yes, many Arc Hunter builds focus on maintaining the amplified buff for as long as possible. These builds often include using the Flow State Aspect, Spark of Shock Fragment, and weapons with Arc perks.
11. Does gear affect the duration of the amplified buff?
The 15 second duration of the base buff is standard, but certain gear can indirectly enhance it through more frequent kills or improved movement speed.
12. Can I use the benefits of Amplified in PvP?
Absolutely! The amplified buff can provide a significant advantage in PvP, making you faster, more agile, and more deadly.
13. Can all 3 Hunter subclasses get Amplified?
Yes, but not all 3 subclasses have aspects and fragments that explicitly lean towards this mechanic like the Arc subclass does.
14. Can I be both Amplified and Radiant at the same time?
Yes, different buffs can overlap with one another.
15. Is it worth building my Hunter around the Amplified buff?
Yes, if you enjoy a fast-paced, high-mobility playstyle, building your Hunter around amplification can be incredibly effective and fun. The speed, handling, and maneuverability improvements make for an aggressive, enjoyable gameplay experience.
Conclusion
Understanding how to get Amplified as a Hunter is crucial to mastering the Arc subclass in Destiny 2. Through a combination of rapid Arc kills, strategic use of subclass aspects and fragments, and thoughtful gear choices, you can consistently harness the power of amplification to dominate any encounter. Whether you’re diving into PvE or competing in PvP, learning these mechanics will elevate your Hunter’s performance and add a thrilling dimension to your gameplay.