Is There a Stasis Energy Weapon in Destiny 2? A Comprehensive Guide

The answer to the question of whether there is a Stasis energy weapon in Destiny 2 is no. Stasis weapons, introduced with the Beyond Light expansion, primarily reside in the Kinetic weapon slot or, in some cases, the Heavy weapon slot. This distinction is crucial because Stasis is a Darkness element, and its implementation within the game mechanics deviates from the traditional elemental energy types (Solar, Arc, and Void). While Stasis abilities are a core component of subclasses available to each Guardian class, the weapons themselves do not occupy the Energy weapon slot.

Understanding Weapon Slots and Elemental Types

To fully grasp this concept, let’s briefly review how weapon slots and elemental types interact in Destiny 2:

• Kinetic Weapons: These weapons deal primarily physical damage. They historically benefited from a damage bonus against unshielded enemies. In the Lightfall expansion, Kinetic primary weapons received a 1.1x damage multiplier against unshielded targets, solidifying their role as effective general-purpose options.
• Energy Weapons: Energy weapons are elemental (Solar, Arc, Void). They are designed to effectively deal with enemy shields of the corresponding element. Matching an energy weapon’s element to an enemy’s shield will cause an explosion when the shield breaks, damaging nearby enemies.
• Power Weapons (Heavy Weapons): These weapons deal high damage and generally require special ammunition. Power weapons can be either kinetic or elemental, offering flexibility in loadout choices.

Stasis weapons, as a Darkness element, are exclusively found in the Kinetic and Heavy weapon slots. This placement influences how you build your loadout and approach combat encounters. The absence of Stasis in the Energy slot is a deliberate design choice, impacting build diversity and strategic considerations within the game.

Notable Stasis Weapons

Despite the absence of Stasis energy weapons, Destiny 2 offers a diverse selection of potent Stasis options across the Kinetic and Heavy weapon slots:

• Ager’s Scepter (Exotic Trace Rifle): This Exotic Trace Rifle stands out as a top-tier weapon for clearing groups of enemies. It fires a beam of Stasis energy that, upon killing an enemy, releases a wave of slowing energy. The Exotic Catalyst amplifies this effect, transforming Ager’s Scepter into a formidable tool for crowd control.
• Krait (Auto Rifle): If you’re seeking a Stasis auto rifle, Krait is an excellent choice. Despite adjustments to the Veist Stinger perk, Krait remains a bullet hose with perks like Subsistence and Overflow, ensuring sustained fire and efficient ad clear.
• Wicked Implement (Exotic Scout Rifle): Introduced during the Season of the Deep, the Wicked Implement is a Stasis scout rifle designed to slow targets, providing a tactical advantage in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
• Verglas Curve (Exotic Bow): This Stasis bow, accessible through the Season of Defiance season pass, allows players to freeze and control enemies, further emphasizing Stasis’s crowd control capabilities.
• Riptide (Fusion Rifle): A popular choice in the Kinetic slot, Riptide offers a solid Stasis option for close-to-mid-range engagements, particularly useful for freezing and disrupting enemy formations.
• Winterbite (Exotic Glaive): This Stasis Glaive can stun Overload Champions, making it an invaluable tool in high-difficulty activities where Champion mods are necessary.
• Bump in the Night (Rocket Launcher): A formidable Stasis Rocket Launcher, this weapon offers high damage output coupled with the utility of the Stasis element.

The Role of Stasis Subclasses and Exotics

While Stasis weapons do not occupy the energy slot, Stasis subclasses are central to gameplay, providing unique abilities and playstyles. Furthermore, certain Exotics synergize exceptionally well with Stasis subclasses, amplifying their power and utility.

• Osmiomancy Gloves (Warlock Exotic): These gloves enhance the Coldsnap Grenade, increasing its travel distance and providing an extra charge, making Warlocks exceptionally effective at freezing and controlling the battlefield.
• Secant Filaments (Warlock Exotic): This Exotic allows almost any weapon to stun Overload Champions, providing unparalleled flexibility in dealing with these challenging enemies.

The Impact of Stasis in PvE and PvP

Stasis’s impact on both PvE and PvP is significant, primarily due to its crowd control abilities:

• PvE: Stasis is invaluable in difficult PvE content, such as Master raids and Grandmaster Nightfalls. The ability to slow and freeze enemies provides a tactical advantage, allowing players to control engagements and mitigate incoming damage.
• PvP: A Stasis Hunter, for example, can be incredibly effective in PvP. The freezing and slowing effects from grenades, melees, and Supers make it difficult for opponents to effectively retaliate.

However, the game developers are continuously monitoring and adjusting the balance of Stasis to maintain fair gameplay.

Balancing Stasis: Challenges and Adjustments

Building around Stasis weapons can be challenging due to ongoing balance adjustments. Stasis weapons initially benefited from a 5% damage boost against unshielded targets, but this was later removed, making Kinetic weapons more attractive. In Lightfall, Kinetic primary weapons received a 10% damage buff against unshielded targets, further incentivizing their use.

Despite these changes, the utility and crowd control provided by Stasis make it a valuable tool in Destiny 2.

Conclusion

While there are no Stasis weapons that occupy the Energy weapon slot in Destiny 2, the abundance of Stasis weapons in the Kinetic and Heavy slots, coupled with potent Stasis subclasses and synergistic Exotics, ensures that Stasis remains a powerful and versatile element in the game. Its unparalleled crowd control capabilities make it a valuable asset in both PvE and PvP, shaping build diversity and strategic considerations.

To learn more about the intersection of gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are Stasis weapons kinetic or energy?

Stasis weapons are primarily kinetic. Some Stasis weapons are also found in the Heavy weapon slot.

2. Are there any stasis exotics?

Yes, there are several Stasis Exotics, including Ager’s Scepter, Verglas Curve, and Winterbite. These weapons often have unique perks and effects that synergize with the Stasis element.

3. Is there a stasis auto rifle Destiny 2?

Yes, Krait is a notable Stasis auto rifle in Destiny 2. While the Veist Stinger perk has been adjusted, it remains a potent option for sustained fire.

4. What is the best energy weapon for stasis?

There isn’t a ‘best’ energy weapon for stasis since energy weapons are Solar, Arc, or Void. However, using an energy weapon with a perk that synergizes with Stasis, such as creating elemental wells, could enhance your build.

5. What is the best stasis exotic?

The “best” Stasis Exotic depends on your playstyle and the activity you’re undertaking. Ager’s Scepter excels in PvE for mobbing, while Verglas Curve provides excellent crowd control.

6. What is stasis energy Destiny 2?

Stasis is a Darkness element introduced in Destiny 2: Beyond Light. It focuses on slowing and freezing enemies, providing crowd control. Stasis is distinct from the traditional energy types (Solar, Arc, and Void) and primarily appears in weapons found in the Kinetic slot.

7. Is stasis still good in PvP?

Yes, Stasis remains strong in PvP, particularly due to its ability to slow and freeze enemies, disrupting their movement and combat effectiveness.

8. Is stasis good in PvE?

Yes, Stasis is highly effective in PvE, offering unparalleled crowd control. Its ability to slow and freeze enemies makes it invaluable in challenging content.

9. Does stasis stun champions?

The Winterbite exotic stasis glaive can stun Overload Champions with its slow effect. The Secant Filaments exotic allows almost any weapon to stun Overload Champions.

10. Is the stasis gun good?

In the context of the wider gaming landscape, the effectiveness of the Stasis Rifle (presumably a reference within a specific game) is dependent on its utility for stunning creatures and scanning them, serving both defensive and hunting purposes.

11. Is there a stasis bow?

Yes, the Verglas Curve is a notable Stasis bow available in Destiny 2.

12. How powerful is stasis?

Stasis is a powerful Darkness subclass specializing in crowd control. It allows players to slow, freeze, and shatter enemies, making it a versatile tool in various combat scenarios.

13. Is stasis better than kinetic?

Whether Stasis is “better” than Kinetic depends on the context. Kinetic weapons deal increased damage to unshielded targets, while Stasis excels at crowd control. The choice depends on your playstyle and the activity you’re undertaking.

14. Do stasis weapons slow?

Stasis weapons themselves do not inherently slow or freeze. However, they often have perks that apply these effects, allowing players to control enemy movement and disrupt combat.

15. Is stasis worth it warlock?

Yes, Stasis Warlocks are incredibly powerful, capable of tackling endgame PvE content like Master raids and Grandmaster Nightfalls. Their crowd control and utility make them a valuable asset to any fireteam.