The Ultimate Void Grenade Guide for Warlock Players in Destiny 2
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Choosing the right grenade can significantly impact your effectiveness in Destiny 2, especially for Warlocks wielding the power of the Void. While various Void grenades offer unique benefits, one stands out for its consistent performance and utility: the Vortex Grenade. This grenade isn’t just good; it’s arguably the best choice for Warlocks delving into the Void, providing superior damage output and crowd control capabilities.
Why Vortex Grenades Reign Supreme
The Vortex Grenade is a powerful area-of-effect (AoE) option that creates a lingering vortex of Void energy. This vortex continuously damages enemies caught within its radius, making it exceptionally effective for clearing out groups of weaker enemies, softening up tougher foes, and controlling engagement zones. Its consistent, reliable damage, combined with its ability to deny space to enemies, places it at the top of the Void grenade hierarchy for Warlocks.
Here’s why the Vortex Grenade is superior:
- High Sustained Damage: Unlike some grenades that deliver a quick burst, the Vortex Grenade’s damage is distributed over time. This allows it to deal significantly more damage overall, especially against targets that remain within its area of effect.
- Area Control: The lingering vortex creates a zone that enemies tend to avoid, effectively controlling their movement and forcing them to navigate through your controlled space.
- Crowd Control: The consistent damage of the vortex will quickly eliminate weaker enemies, while also wearing down tougher combatants, allowing your other abilities and weapons to deal with the remaining foes.
- Synergy with Abilities: Many Warlock Void abilities and subclass perks synergize extremely well with the Vortex Grenade’s lingering effect, allowing for powerful combos that can easily turn the tide of battle.
While other Void grenades, like Scatter Grenades, offer higher potential burst damage, their effectiveness often relies on precise timing and direct hits. The Vortex Grenade’s consistent AoE effect provides a much more reliable and versatile option, particularly when faced with dynamic situations and numerous targets.
Warlock Builds and Vortex Grenade Synergies
Maximizing the potential of the Vortex Grenade means understanding how it integrates with the Warlock’s kit. Here are key build aspects and synergies to consider:
- Devour: Pairing the Vortex Grenade with the Devour aspect is devastating. Each kill within the Vortex grenade zone will grant you full health and grenade energy, creating a loop of constant sustain and enhanced damage.
- Echo of Persistence: This Void fragment extends the duration of the Vortex Grenade, allowing it to deal damage for a longer time and control larger areas.
- Discipline Stat: Prioritize building into your Discipline stat to reduce the cooldown time of your grenades. The more you can use your Vortex Grenade, the more effective you’ll be.
- Void Weapons with Volatile Rounds: Using void weapons that have the volatile rounds perk, can cause explosions on defeat which can amplify damage output even further in combination with the Vortex Grenade.
- Ability-Focused Builds: Combine your Vortex Grenades with other Warlock abilities like the Nova Bomb or Void Souls for devastating area damage. This combination will melt enemies and keep you alive.
With this build in mind, the Vortex Grenade becomes more than just a grenade; it becomes a cornerstone of your Void Warlock strategy.
Situational Adaptability
While the Vortex Grenade performs consistently in most situations, it shines when dealing with specific enemy types and encounters:
- Groups of Thralls or Acolytes: The vortex will melt groups of weaker enemies quickly, allowing you to move onto tougher targets without being overwhelmed.
- Control Points: The Vortex Grenade allows you to create an area that enemies will avoid making control point capture much easier.
- Boss Encounters with Adds: The lingering vortex will damage the boss while also clearing out any smaller enemies, increasing your damage output and making boss fights more manageable.
- Corridor Defense: Throwing a Vortex Grenade into narrow corridors denies passage to enemies and can quickly eliminate oncoming hordes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Void Grenades for Warlocks
1. Are Vortex Grenades only good for PVE?
While Vortex Grenades are exceptionally effective in PVE due to their sustained damage and area control, they can also be useful in PVP, particularly when used to deny areas or flush opponents out of cover.
2. How does the Vortex Grenade’s damage compare to other Void grenades?
The Vortex Grenade typically has lower initial burst damage compared to grenades like Scatter Grenades, but it provides superior sustained damage over time, often resulting in higher overall damage output, especially if enemies stay inside its area of effect.
3. What are some ideal weapons to pair with a Vortex Grenade build?
Consider using weapons that benefit from the void subclass like the Funnelweb or Retrofit Escapade. Pairing the Vortex grenade with weapons that proc volatile rounds will increase your build’s effectiveness even more.
4. Can the Vortex Grenade be enhanced with any Fragments?
Yes, the Echo of Persistence Fragment increases the duration of the Vortex Grenade, and the Echo of Undermining weakens targets hit by your grenades, further enhancing its potential.
5. How do I best use Burst Glide with Void Warlock?
To use Burst Glide effectively, jump, then just as you reach the peak of your jump, activate Burst Glide. Repeat this sequence after touching the ground for quick and controlled movement.
6. What is the best stat to prioritize for a Void Warlock?
Discipline is the most crucial stat for a Void Warlock, as it reduces grenade cooldowns and allows you to utilize your Vortex Grenades more frequently.
7. Is the Le Monarque a good choice for a Void Warlock?
Le Monarque is a solid choice due to its poison damage and synergy with the Void subclass, making it effective for weakening enemies and controlling areas.
8. Are there any armor mods that improve Vortex Grenade usage?
Mods that increase grenade energy gain or reduce grenade cooldown, such as Grenade Kickstart and Ashes to Assets, greatly enhance the effectiveness of the Vortex Grenade.
9. Is the void overshield as good as a titan overshield?
While Void Overshields do provide valuable damage reduction, Titan Overshields tend to be stronger in terms of pure durability. However, Warlock overshields are still crucial for survival and maximizing void synergy.
10. What is the most effective build for Void Warlocks in PVE right now?
A build centered around Devour, high Discipline, and Vortex Grenades is one of the most potent for PVE, offering a great balance of damage, survivability, and crowd control.
11. How does the Warlock’s Nova Bomb synergize with Vortex Grenades?
The Nova Bomb is a powerful super ability that can clear a large area, setting up situations where a well-placed Vortex Grenade can pick off survivors and control chokepoints.
12. Can the Vortex Grenade’s damage be amplified?
Yes, weakening enemies with abilities like Echo of Undermining or volatile rounds from void weapons will greatly amplify the damage dealt by your Vortex Grenade.
13. Is it worth it to use multiple grenade charges with Vortex?
While multiple charges can be beneficial in specific situations, a single well-placed Vortex Grenade is often enough due to its lingering effect. You might consider having multiple charges if you are in a high traffic zone or if you intend to use them in quick succession.
14. What is the best way to take advantage of the Devour aspect with Vortex grenades?
Focus on getting final blows with the Vortex Grenade. Each kill grants full health and grenade energy, allowing you to repeatedly throw grenades and stay alive.
15. Does the Vortex Grenade do a lot of damage against bosses?
While the Vortex Grenade isn’t designed to deal high direct damage to bosses it can contribute to a sustained damage output and clear out weaker enemies. It’s best paired with other methods of damage such as heavy weapons or abilities.
Conclusion
For Void Warlock players in Destiny 2, the Vortex Grenade is the undisputed champion of void grenades. Its sustained damage, area denial capabilities, and synergy with Warlock abilities make it the most reliable choice in most situations. By understanding its strengths and how to optimize its use within your builds, you can unlock the true potential of your Void Warlock. So equip your Vortex Grenade, build your discipline, and dominate the battlefield with the power of the Void!