How to Identify a Void Weapon in Destiny 2: A Comprehensive Guide
Determining whether a weapon in Destiny 2 deals Void damage is crucial for maximizing your effectiveness, especially against enemies with Void shields and for builds that synergize with Void subclasses. The good news is, it’s quite straightforward once you know what to look for.
The most direct way to identify a Void weapon is by looking for its visual cues and characteristics. Void weapons are easily recognizable by:
- Purple Spiral Icon: Next to the weapon’s attack value or damage number you’ll find a distinctive purple spiral symbol. This symbol is the universal identifier for Void damage within Destiny 2.
- Purple Text: The damage numbers and sometimes the overall weapon icon will also have a purple hue or color, further indicating its Void element.
These two visual elements work together to provide a quick and reliable way to identify a Void weapon at a glance. Now, let’s explore more about Void damage and weaponry through a series of frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Void Weapons and Damage in Destiny 2
What is Void Damage in Destiny 2?
Void damage is one of the elemental damage types in Destiny 2, alongside Solar and Arc. It’s associated with the Light and manifests as a purple energy that embodies gravity and the distortion of spacetime. Void damage is particularly effective against enemies with purple Void shields, causing extra damage until the shield is depleted, at which point it will pop, dealing damage to nearby enemies. Void weapons also synergize well with Void subclasses, granting various benefits and effects when used in conjunction.
What Types of Weapons Can Deal Void Damage?
Void damage isn’t confined to one specific weapon type. You can find Void weapons across the board, including:
- Primary Weapons: Typically your kinetic slot.
- Special Weapons: Occupying the energy slot.
- Heavy Weapons: The most powerful category, also able to deal Void damage.
This versatility allows players to build diverse loadouts around Void builds.
What Does Void Damage Do?
Beyond damaging enemies, Void damage also offers several synergistic effects:
- Bonus Damage vs. Void Shields: As previously mentioned, Void weapons deal increased damage to Void-shielded enemies.
- Subclass Synergies: Certain Void subclass abilities, Aspects, and Fragments can enhance Void weapon damage or provide additional effects when using a Void weapon.
- Devour Synergy: Void weapons often work well with Devour, a Void ability that allows you to instantly heal and gain additional benefits upon killing enemies.
Understanding these synergies is key to maximizing your Void build’s effectiveness.
Does Void Damage Affect All Enemies?
While Void damage is particularly effective against Void shields, it still deals damage to all enemy types. However, it doesn’t have a direct advantage against non-shielded enemies or enemies with Arc or Solar shields. Its general effectiveness is that, unless specified for elemental resistances/immunities, the damage from a void weapon, like any other, will still harm. It’s this utility along with the synergies of a void build that makes the weapons desirable.
How Does Void 3.0 Impact Void Weapons?
Void 3.0 is a major rework of Void subclasses in Destiny 2, introducing the Aspects and Fragments system. This change has significantly enhanced the synergy between Void weapons and Void subclasses, allowing for a more flexible, powerful, and customizable gameplay experience. The introduction of these aspects and fragments has given more reason to use a void weapon, as they offer buffs to the user and can be customized to specific playstyles.
How Do I Unlock the Void Subclass?
To unlock the Void subclass, you must complete the mission “Gazing into the Abyss” given to you by Ikora Ray, as instructed by Commander Zavala. This unlocks the Void subclass for your character and enables you to further explore and unlock its perks and powers. This is one of three missions given, each focusing on one subclass, and each will give you the option to change between your currently unlocked subclasses.
What is Void Weak Against?
In Destiny 2, Void isn’t directly weak to the other Light based elements (Arc or Solar). The Light elements are not like rock paper scissors, and more that the strengths can vary based on the scenario. However, the game’s lore suggests that Void is, in a way, weak against Light. In the gameplay however, there are no specific damage type advantages or disadvantages between the Light subclasses.
Is Void Damage Good in Destiny 2?
Yes, Void damage and Void subclasses are very strong and popular in Destiny 2. The ability to trigger Devour with Void abilities and weapons makes it incredibly powerful for survivability and damage output. The subclass is a consistent choice and has remained popular for a long time. The synergy that the weapons and the subclass offer makes Void builds both versatile and powerful.
Is There an Opposite to Void?
While not directly opposed in the same way as elements in a rock-paper-scissors type relationship, Strand is considered the opposite of Void in Destiny 2. The reason for this is because in terms of their lore, Void is seen as being gravity based, and Strand is seen as anti-gravity based. This is because Void is associated with gravity and the distortion of space-time, while Strand is associated with a nether realm based on the connection of everything in existence.
Are Void Weapons Class-Specific?
No, Void weapons are not exclusive to any class. Any class can equip and use Void weapons. This allows for diverse team compositions and strategies, as all characters can benefit from Void damage. This goes for all weapon types that are available in Destiny 2, not just those which are void-based.
Can a Kinetic Weapon Be a Void Weapon?
While it might seem counterintuitive given how the weapon slots are arranged, a Kinetic weapon can deal Void damage. The classification of Kinetic, Energy, and Heavy refers to ammo type, not elemental affinity. Stasis weapons are a special case and always fit into the Kinetic slot. So, it is completely possible for a Kinetic weapon to be a Void weapon.
Do Artifact Mods Impact Void Weapons?
Yes, Artifact mods can significantly impact the effectiveness of Void weapons. Many seasons feature mods that boost specific damage types or offer additional benefits when using certain elemental weapons, meaning that Void weapons can be enhanced by these mods. Always check the current season’s artifact mods to see if any apply to Void weapons before making loadout decisions.
How Do I Get Le Monarque, a Void Exotic Weapon?
Le Monarque, an Exotic Void bow, can be obtained from the Monument of Lost Lights in The Tower. This is the central kiosk that holds older content that’s been removed from the game, and as such it’s easily accessed, and allows the purchasing of many weapons that were formerly more difficult to obtain. It is a popular weapon for Void builds due to its unique poison effect.
What are Some Powerful Void Weapons?
Some of the most powerful Void weapons include:
- Le Monarque: Exotic Bow with a powerful poison effect
- Funnelweb: Legendary submachine gun that pairs well with the Devour subclass
- Void Exotic Trace Rifle: A powerful weapon when used in the right situations.
- The Enigma: Legendary glaive known for its versatility in gameplay.
- Collective Obligation Exotic Pulse Rifle that is very effective in a team build
These are some of the best Void weapons to look out for. However, many others are just as viable.
Can Void Weapons Benefit from Non-Void Damage Increase?
Yes, a Void weapon’s damage is affected by generic damage increases, external buffs from allies, and buffs from a player’s build. While Void damage boosts specifically will boost the weapon, it doesn’t mean that other buffs won’t apply. A Void weapon’s damage can benefit from any source of damage increase, not only those which are specific to Void.
By understanding these visual cues and how Void damage works, you’ll be well-equipped to select the best Void weapons for your Destiny 2 builds, ensuring you’re ready for anything the game throws your way. Remember to experiment with different Void weapons and subclass synergies to find the playstyle that suits you best. Good luck, Guardian!