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Are There More Than 3 Subclasses in Destiny 2? A Deep Dive into Guardian Powers

Yes, absolutely! While the original Destiny 2 game launched with three core Light subclasses for each class – Arc, Solar, and Void – the game has significantly expanded its arsenal of Guardian powers over time. Destiny 2 currently features five subclasses: the original three Light subclasses and two Darkness subclasses: Stasis and Strand. This expansion not only adds depth to gameplay but also provides players with more options for character customization and combat strategies. Let’s break down each subclass and explore the intricacies of Guardian power in Destiny 2.

The Core Light Subclasses

Arc: Harnessing the Power of Lightning

The Arc subclass channels raw, electrifying energy. Guardians wielding Arc powers can unleash devastating lightning attacks, chain lightning between enemies, and move with incredible speed. Think of it as becoming a living conduit for pure electrical force. This subclass excels at quick, aggressive engagements and clearing groups of enemies.

Hunter (Arcstrider): The Arcstrider is all about agility and close-quarters combat. Their Super, Arc Staff, allows them to quickly close the gap and deliver powerful melee attacks.
Titan (Striker): Strikers are masters of explosive force, slamming into the ground to create devastating shockwaves. Their Super, Fists of Havoc, turns them into a walking earthquake.
Warlock (Stormcaller): Stormcallers summon the power of the storm to electrify their foes. Their Super, Stormtrance, allows them to unleash a torrent of lightning from their hands.

Solar: Igniting the Battlefield with Fire

Solar subclasses focus on harnessing the power of the sun, dealing burn damage, and providing healing and support. Guardians wielding Solar can incinerate their enemies, create healing flames, and empower their allies with radiant energy. This subclass is versatile, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities.

Hunter (Gunslinger): Gunslingers are marksmen with a fiery touch, wielding golden guns that can eliminate targets with pinpoint accuracy. Their Super, Golden Gun, provides a short period of intense firepower.
Titan (Sunbreaker): Sunbreakers are forge masters, wielding hammers of burning solar energy. Their Super, Hammer of Sol, allows them to hurl flaming hammers that explode on impact.
Warlock (Dawnblade): Dawnblades are aerial combatants, soaring through the sky and raining down fiery blades. Their Super, Daybreak, allows them to unleash waves of solar projectiles.

Void: Manipulating the Fabric of Space

The Void subclass allows Guardians to manipulate the fundamental forces of space and gravity. Void powers can suppress enemies, create volatile explosions, and provide powerful overshields. This subclass offers strong crowd control and survivability options.

Hunter (Nightstalker): Nightstalkers are masters of stealth and suppression, using Void energy to weaken and disorient their enemies. Their Super, Shadowshot, tethers enemies and makes them vulnerable.
Titan (Sentinel): Sentinels are protectors, wielding Void shields to defend themselves and their allies. Their Super, Sentinel Shield, allows them to create a mobile barrier or unleash a powerful melee attack.
Warlock (Voidwalker): Voidwalkers are conduits of dark energy, unleashing destructive Void blasts and warping through space. Their Super, Nova Bomb, is a devastating projectile that explodes on impact.

The Darkness Subclasses

Stasis: The Power of Frozen Control

Introduced with the Beyond Light expansion, Stasis allows Guardians to manipulate ice and cold, freezing enemies in place and shattering them into pieces. This subclass focuses on crowd control and strategic positioning. Stasis is all about controlling the flow of battle through freezing and slowing enemies.

Hunter (Revenant): Revenants are agile assassins, wielding Stasis kama blades to freeze and shatter their foes. Their Super, Silence and Squall, unleashes two Stasis projectiles that freeze enemies and create a devastating blizzard.
Titan (Behemoth): Behemoths are titans of ice, creating Stasis crystals to control the battlefield. Their Super, Glacial Quake, allows them to slam into the ground, creating Stasis crystals and shattering nearby enemies.
Warlock (Shadebinder): Shadebinders are ice mages, summoning Stasis shards to freeze and manipulate their enemies. Their Super, Winter’s Wrath, allows them to summon a Stasis staff and unleash waves of freezing energy.

Strand: Weaving the Threads of Reality

Added with the Lightfall expansion, Strand allows Guardians to manipulate the threads of reality, creating grappling hooks, suspending enemies in the air, and unleashing swarms of deadly Threadlings. This subclass emphasizes mobility, manipulation, and synergistic combat. Strand is about disrupting the battlefield and using its flexibility to outmaneuver enemies.

Hunter (Threadrunner): Threadrunners are acrobatic fighters, using Strand grappling hooks to swing through the air and deliver swift attacks. Their Super, Silkstrike, transforms them into a whirling vortex of Strand energy.
Titan (Berserker): Berserkers are furious warriors, wielding Strand blades to unleash devastating melee attacks and shred their enemies. Their Super, Bladefury, transforms them into a whirlwind of blades, dealing massive damage.
Warlock (Broodweaver): Broodweavers are summoners, creating Strand Threadlings to overwhelm their enemies. Their Super, Needle Storm, launches a barrage of Threadlings that seek out and attack nearby targets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Destiny 2 Subclasses

1. How do I unlock the different subclasses in Destiny 2?

Unlocking subclasses in Destiny 2 typically involves completing specific quests or objectives associated with the corresponding expansion. For the original Light subclasses, players will unlock them as they progress through the introductory story missions. Stasis requires the Beyond Light expansion and completion of its campaign. Strand requires the Lightfall expansion and campaign completion.

2. Can I switch between subclasses freely?

Yes, you can switch between subclasses freely outside of active combat. Simply open your character menu, select the subclass you wish to equip, and confirm your choice.

3. Are some subclasses better than others?

The effectiveness of a subclass often depends on the specific activity and your playstyle. Some subclasses excel in PvE (Player vs. Environment) content, while others are more suited for PvP (Player vs. Player) combat. The “best” subclass is subjective and varies based on the player’s preference and the current meta. However, the Destiny community is a very large and active group that is constantly creating tier lists and subclass guides on YouTube and other platforms.

4. What are Fragments and Aspects?

Aspects and Fragments are customizable modules that allow you to further tailor your subclass to your playstyle. Aspects provide significant gameplay changes, while Fragments offer smaller stat boosts and effects. These are typically unlocked through quests and activities.

5. How do I get new Aspects and Fragments?

New Aspects and Fragments are usually acquired through completing specific quests, purchasing them from vendors (such as Ikora Rey for Light subclasses or the Pouka Pond for Strand), or earning them through seasonal activities.

6. Do all classes have the same subclasses?

While each class (Hunter, Titan, Warlock) has access to Arc, Solar, Void, Stasis, and Strand, the specific abilities, Supers, and playstyles within each subclass are unique to each class. For example, the Solar subclass plays very differently depending on whether you are playing a Gunslinger Hunter or a Dawnblade Warlock.

7. What is the difference between Light and Darkness subclasses?

The Light subclasses (Arc, Solar, Void) have been present since the beginning of Destiny and emphasize traditional Guardian powers. The Darkness subclasses (Stasis, Strand) offer more disruptive and controlling abilities, often focusing on manipulating the battlefield.

8. Can I customize the appearance of my subclass abilities?

While you cannot fundamentally alter the appearance of subclass abilities, certain armor ornaments and shaders can change the color and visual effects of your powers.

9. How often are subclasses updated or changed?

Bungie regularly updates and balances subclasses through patches and seasonal updates. These changes may include adjustments to damage output, ability cooldowns, and even rework entire aspects or fragments to maintain a balanced playing field. It’s important to stay informed about the current meta to optimize your subclass build.

10. What is the most popular subclass in Destiny 2?

Subclass popularity fluctuates based on updates, content releases, and player preferences. However, some subclasses like Dawnblade (Solar Warlock) and certain Hunter subclasses are consistently popular due to their strong utility and damage potential.

11. Is it worth playing all three classes in Destiny 2?

Absolutely! Playing all three classes provides a more comprehensive experience of Destiny 2. Each class offers unique gameplay styles and perspectives. Understanding how each class functions also makes you a better player overall.

12. What is the role of subclasses in end-game content?

Subclasses play a crucial role in end-game activities such as Raids and Grandmaster Nightfalls. Specific subclasses and builds are often favored for their ability to deal high damage, provide support, or offer crowd control, which can be essential for success.

13. Are there any subclasses specifically designed for solo play?

While all subclasses can be viable for solo play, some are better suited for it than others. For example, Warlock’s Voidwalker (with Devour) and Titan’s Sunbreaker (with Solar 3.0) are often recommended due to their strong survivability and self-healing capabilities.

14. How does armor affect my subclass abilities?

Armor stats and mods can significantly enhance your subclass abilities. Stats such as Discipline (grenade cooldown), Strength (melee cooldown), and Intellect (Super cooldown) directly impact your ability usage. Armor mods can further enhance specific aspects of your subclass, such as increasing grenade damage or reducing melee cooldown on kills.

15. Will there be new subclasses added to Destiny 2 in the future?

Bungie has not officially announced any plans for new subclasses beyond the current five. However, given the evolving nature of Destiny 2, it is certainly possible that new subclasses or expansions to existing ones may be introduced in the future. Only time will tell what further evolutions await the Guardians of Destiny!

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In conclusion, Destiny 2 offers a rich and diverse array of subclasses, providing players with countless options for customizing their Guardian and mastering the art of combat. The game has evolved from offering just the three core subclasses, to now including two incredible Darkness subclasses: Stasis and Strand. Whether you prefer unleashing the power of lightning, wielding the flames of the sun, manipulating space, freezing enemies in time, or weaving the threads of reality, there’s a subclass for every playstyle and preference. Dive in, experiment, and discover the Guardian within you!

Are there more than 3 subclasses in Destiny 2?