Mastering the Void: Choosing the Best Void Warlock Subclass in Destiny 2
The Voidwalker, one of the original Warlock subclasses in Destiny, has seen numerous iterations and reworks. With the introduction of Void 3.0, it has cemented itself as a potent and versatile option for both PvE and PvP activities. However, determining the “best” Void Warlock subclass depends heavily on your playstyle, desired role within a fireteam, and the specific content you’re tackling. Broadly, Voidwalker (specifically utilizing aspects like Child of the Old Gods or Feed the Void alongside specific Exotic armor) reigns supreme for its balance of survivability, ad clear, and boss damage.
Diving Deeper: A Look at Voidwalker’s Strengths
Voidwalker excels due to its diverse toolkit. Let’s break down why it’s a top contender:
- Ad Clear Prowess: Nova Bomb, particularly the Cataclysm variant, offers unparalleled ad clear, obliterating waves of enemies in a single blast. Vortex Grenades, enhanced by aspects, can also control areas and deal sustained damage.
- Boss Damage Potential: While not the absolute top-tier DPS choice, Voidwalker can contribute significantly to boss damage through consistent grenade uptime and the strategic use of abilities that weaken enemies.
- Survivability: The Devour buff, triggered by killing enemies with Void abilities, provides instant health regeneration upon each kill, making you incredibly resilient in challenging encounters.
- Flexibility: Void 3.0’s Aspects and Fragments allow for extensive customization, enabling you to tailor your build to your specific needs. You can focus on maximizing grenade uptime, buffing allies, or enhancing your own survivability.
- Exotic Synergies: Several Exotics, such as Contraverse Hold and Nezarec’s Sin, drastically amplify Voidwalker’s effectiveness, further solidifying its place as a top-tier choice.
However, the effectiveness of Voidwalker also depends on the right build and understanding of the Void 3.0 keywords like Volatile, Suppression, and Weaken. Experimentation is key to finding what works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Void Warlock Subclasses
1. What are the core abilities of Voidwalker?
Voidwalker’s core abilities revolve around the manipulation of Void energy. This includes grenades like Vortex, Axion Bolt, and Scatter Grenades, a powerful Super in the form of Nova Bomb (with Cataclysm and Vortex variations), and a melee ability that varies based on selected Aspects.
2. What are the key Aspects for Voidwalker in Destiny 2?
Popular Aspects include Feed the Void (triggering Devour on Void ability kills), Chaos Accelerant (overcharging grenades), and Child of the Old Gods (creating a Void Soul that weakens enemies and grants ability energy). The best Aspect depends on the specific build and playstyle.
3. Which Fragments synergize well with Voidwalker?
Effective Fragments include Echo of Undermining (grenades Weaken enemies), Echo of Expulsion (Void ability final blows cause enemies to explode), Echo of Remnants (grenade duration is increased), and Echo of Persistence (Void buffs have increased duration).
4. How do I trigger Devour consistently on Voidwalker?
Feed the Void Aspect is the easiest way to consistently trigger Devour. Killing enemies with Void abilities, such as grenades or Nova Bomb, will activate the Devour buff. Some Exotic armor pieces, like Verity’s Brow, can also help trigger or extend Devour.
5. What is the best Exotic armor for a Voidwalker focusing on grenade uptime?
Contraverse Hold is arguably the best for grenade uptime. These gauntlets grant damage resistance while charging Void grenades and refund grenade energy upon a hit. This allows for near-constant grenade usage.
6. How does Nezarec’s Sin benefit Voidwalker?
Nezarec’s Sin increases ability energy recharge rate when you get Void damage kills. This includes weapon kills, making it a very versatile option for builds that combine weapons and abilities. It’s especially effective in activities with high enemy density.
7. Can Voidwalker be effective in PvP?
Yes, Voidwalker can be very effective in PvP. The Nova Warp Super, while requiring skillful usage, can quickly clear zones. Axion Bolt grenades are excellent for tracking and dealing damage. The Chaos Accelerant aspect and Vortex Grenades can also be used to lock down areas.
8. What weapons synergize well with a Voidwalker build?
Void weapons are generally preferred. Weapons with the Volatile Rounds perk, like Retrofit Escapade, are excellent. Also, consider weapons that can quickly generate ability energy through perks like Demolitionist or Wellspring.
9. How does the Weaken debuff benefit a Voidwalker fireteam?
The Weaken debuff increases the damage enemies take from all sources. By applying Weaken with grenades (using the Echo of Undermining Fragment) or the Child of the Old Gods Aspect, a Voidwalker can significantly boost the damage output of the entire fireteam.
10. What is the difference between the Cataclysm and Vortex Nova Bomb?
Cataclysm Nova Bomb tracks enemies and spawns smaller tracking bombs upon impact, making it ideal for ad clear. Vortex Nova Bomb creates a lingering Vortex that deals sustained damage over time, making it more effective against stationary targets or groups of enemies in a confined space.
11. How does the Volatile Rounds perk work with Voidwalker?
When you have Volatile Rounds active (often triggered by a Void subclass ability), your weapons gain the ability to make enemies Volatile. Volatile enemies explode after taking additional damage, dealing Void damage to nearby enemies. This significantly enhances ad clear.
12. What are the best strategies for using Child of the Old Gods?
Use Child of the Old Gods strategically in areas with high enemy density or against tougher enemies. The Void Soul created by this Aspect will Weaken enemies and return ability energy to you, allowing for even more frequent ability usage.
13. How can I maximize my Super energy recharge rate as a Voidwalker?
Use armor mods like Intellect mods (increasing Super regeneration), and focus on getting Void damage kills. Also, consider using Exotics like Nezarec’s Sin to further boost your ability and Super recharge rates.
14. Is Voidwalker a good choice for solo play?
Yes, Voidwalker is a strong choice for solo play due to its excellent survivability and ad clear. The Devour buff provides continuous healing, and Nova Bomb can quickly eliminate threats.
15. Where can I learn more about Destiny 2 strategies and builds?
There are many excellent resources online for learning more about Destiny 2 builds and strategies, including YouTube channels, dedicated websites, and community forums. Furthermore, understanding the theories behind how people learn through games can enhance your own gameplay and appreciation for game design. Explore the research and discussions at the Games Learning Society, available at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Final Verdict: Embracing the Void
While individual preferences and playstyles will ultimately determine which subclass is “best” for you, the Voidwalker subclass stands out for its well-roundedness, potent abilities, and adaptability. By carefully selecting Aspects, Fragments, and Exotics, you can craft a Voidwalker build that excels in virtually any activity Destiny 2 has to offer. So, embrace the Void, experiment with different configurations, and discover the power that lies within.