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Are Hunters Bad in PvE? The Definitive Destiny 2 Guide

Absolutely not! While the perception of Hunters in Destiny 2 PvE has been a rollercoaster, the truth is far more nuanced. Hunters are not inherently bad, but rather require a specific understanding of their strengths and weaknesses to excel in Player versus Environment (PvE) content. Their effectiveness hinges heavily on build crafting, subclass selection, and a proactive playstyle. Where other classes might offer simpler, more passive benefits, Hunters demand an active engagement with their kits to unlock their full potential.

Hunter Strengths in PvE

Hunters bring a unique blend of qualities to the table that, when leveraged correctly, can make them invaluable assets to any fireteam. Let’s break down some key areas where Hunters shine:

High Burst Damage: Certain Hunter subclasses, most notably Nightstalker and Arcstrider, can deliver exceptional burst damage. Blade Barrage with Star-Eater Scales remains a top-tier super for single-target damage, capable of melting bosses quickly. Assassin’s Cowl synergizes incredibly well with Arcstrider’s Combination Blow, creating a powerful loop of damage and healing.
Exceptional Survivability Through Invisibility: The Nightstalker subclass is renowned for its invisibility. This isn’t just about sneaking past enemies; it’s a potent survivability tool. Invisibility allows for safe revives, strategic repositioning during challenging encounters, and even complete avoidance of certain sections in high-level activities like Grandmaster Nightfalls. The Graviton Forfeit and Sixth Coyote exotics further enhance the utility of invisibility builds.
Crowd Control and Debuffs: While Titans often take the spotlight for crowd control, Hunters have options here as well. The Void Hunter’s Shadowshot can weaken enemies, increasing damage taken by the entire fireteam. Trapper Hunter builds can also use various methods to Suppress, making enemies unable to attack or use abilities. This utility helps the team deal more damage and stay safe.
Mobility and Evasion: Hunters possess unparalleled mobility. Their unique dodge ability, combined with exotics like St0mp-EE5, allows for lightning-fast repositioning and makes them difficult targets to hit. This inherent mobility is beneficial for navigating complex encounters and avoiding deadly attacks.
Superior Super Damage: As mentioned earlier, Hunters possess some of the highest super damage potential in the game. The ability to burst down a boss in a single super rotation is extremely valuable in many PvE activities, particularly those with DPS checks.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Much of the negativity surrounding Hunters in PvE stems from outdated perceptions or a misunderstanding of their role. Let’s tackle some common misconceptions head-on:

“Hunters have no survivability”: This simply isn’t true. Invisibility builds offer exceptional survivability, allowing Hunters to consistently stay alive in even the most punishing content. Furthermore, skilled Hunters can use their mobility to effectively evade damage.
“Hunters are selfish”: This critique often arises from Hunters prioritizing damage over support. However, a well-built Hunter can contribute significant damage and utility simultaneously. Nightstalkers, in particular, offer both damage and debuffing capabilities.
“Hunters are only good for solo content”: While Hunters excel in solo activities due to their self-sufficiency, they can be incredibly effective in team-based content when played correctly. Their burst damage, crowd control, and survivability all contribute to the overall success of the fireteam.

Optimizing Hunter Builds for PvE

The key to unlocking a Hunter’s potential in PvE lies in crafting effective builds. Here are some general tips:

Focus on synergy: Choose exotics, mods, and subclass abilities that work together seamlessly.
Prioritize survivability: Don’t neglect survivability. Invisibility, healing, and damage resistance are all crucial for staying alive in challenging content.
Consider your role: Determine what you want to bring to the fireteam. Do you want to be a damage dealer, a support player, or a hybrid of both?
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new things. The best way to find a build that works for you is to experiment with different combinations of gear and abilities.

Subclass Recommendations

While all Hunter subclasses can be viable in PvE, some are generally more effective than others:

Nightstalker (Void): This subclass excels at providing invisibility, debuffing enemies, and clearing groups of weaker ads. Graviton Forfeit and Sixth Coyote are excellent exotic choices.
Arcstrider (Arc): Arcstrider is a powerful damage dealer, especially when paired with Assassin’s Cowl. This combination creates a potent loop of damage and healing, making Arcstrider highly survivable.
Gunslinger (Solar): The Gunslinger’s Golden Gun super can deal massive damage to bosses, especially when paired with Star-Eater Scales. The Celestial Nighthawk exotic further amplifies the super’s damage.
Revenant (Stasis): Stasis hunters can control groups of enemies with abilities that slow and freeze. This subclass can be particularly useful in activities with large numbers of enemies.

Final Verdict

Hunters are far from being the “worst” class in PvE. They are a highly versatile class with the potential to excel in a variety of roles. By understanding their strengths, addressing common misconceptions, and crafting effective builds, Hunters can be invaluable assets to any fireteam. Hunters require a proactive engagement with their kits to unlock their full potential.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the role of Hunters in Destiny 2 PvE:

Is Blade Barrage still the highest damage super in the game? While it fluctuates with updates, Blade Barrage with Star-Eater Scales remains a contender for top-tier super damage, especially against single targets.
What is the best Hunter exotic for survivability in PvE? Graviton Forfeit and Assassin’s Cowl are excellent choices for survivability. Graviton Forfeit extends the duration of invisibility, while Assassin’s Cowl provides healing and invisibility on powered melee kills.
How can Hunters contribute to team support in PvE? Void Hunters can debuff enemies with Shadowshot, increasing damage taken by the entire team. Invisibility also allows for safe revives and strategic repositioning.
Are there any Hunter builds that focus on crowd control? Stasis Hunters can effectively control crowds of enemies by slowing and freezing them with their abilities. Void Hunters with the Trapper aspect also contribute to Suppressing.
What are some good weapon pairings for Hunters in PvE? This depends on the build, but generally, weapons that synergize with subclass abilities are ideal. For example, void weapons with Gyrfalcon’s Hauberk on void hunter create an endless loop of damage and survivability.
Are Hunters viable in Grandmaster Nightfalls? Absolutely. Nightstalker Hunters, in particular, are highly sought after for their invisibility and crowd control capabilities.
How important is mobility for Hunters in PvE? Mobility is crucial. It allows Hunters to evade damage, reposition quickly, and navigate complex encounters.
What is the best Hunter subclass for soloing challenging content? Nightstalker is often considered the best subclass for soloing due to its high survivability and self-sufficiency.
Do Hunters have any unique advantages in raids? Hunters offer high super damage and survivability. The high burst damage can allow for quicker boss kills, and survivability lets them stay alive during damage phases.
How do Hunters compare to Titans and Warlocks in terms of PvE effectiveness? All three classes are viable in PvE, but they excel in different areas. Hunters bring high burst damage, survivability, and crowd control, while Titans offer strong team support and resilience, and Warlocks provide healing, damage buffs, and powerful supers. The choice often depends on playstyle and team composition.
Are there any specific mods that Hunters should prioritize in PvE? Mods that enhance survivability, such as Resilience mods, are always beneficial. Also, mods that boost ability uptime and damage are valuable.
How has the perception of Hunters in PvE changed over time? The perception of Hunters has fluctuated significantly over time, often influenced by balance changes and the meta. However, Hunters have consistently been viable in PvE when played correctly.
What are some common mistakes that Hunters make in PvE? Neglecting survivability, prioritizing damage over team support, and failing to synergize their build are common mistakes.
What is the most difficult Hunter subclass to master? Many consider the Void Hunter subclass to have a steep learning curve, requiring careful management of invisibility and debuffs.
Will Hunters receive any significant changes in future Destiny 2 updates that could impact their PvE viability? Destiny 2 is a constantly evolving game, and balance changes are frequent. It is impossible to predict the future with certainty, but Bungie is committed to ensuring that all classes are viable in PvE.

Are hunters bad in PvE?