The Ultimate Templar DPS Guide: Mastering Vault of Glass in Destiny 2

What is the best weapon for the Templar in Destiny 2? The definitive answer lies in a combination of weapons and strategies optimized for maximum damage output. Currently, the best weapon loadout for DPS on the Templar in Destiny 2 typically revolves around utilizing a linear fusion rifle, like Stormchaser or Cataclysmic, paired with a strong heavy-hitting special weapon, such as a fusion rifle (e.g., Cartesian Coordinate, Null Composure) or a shotgun (e.g., Heritage Peril) for burst damage during the opening phase and to deal with pesky supplicants. But more importantly, you need a coordinating team that can cleanse the relic holder! The ideal setup also includes buffs like Well of Radiance and debuffs like Divinity to amplify the damage dealt to the Templar. The key is to leverage high burst damage and consistent sustained damage to take down the Templar efficiently.

Understanding the Templar Encounter

The Templar encounter in the Vault of Glass raid is a DPS check. Guardians must eliminate the Templar before it teleports, requiring a significant amount of coordinated damage in a relatively short window. The ability to prevent teleports by holding the Aegis relic is crucial, as it extends the DPS phase. Therefore, having the right weapons and knowing when and how to use them is paramount.

The Core DPS Strategy

The current meta favors a concentrated DPS phase immediately after the Templar is vulnerable. This often involves:

• Well of Radiance: A Warlock using the Well of Radiance super provides a significant damage buff and healing for the team. The Lumina is also an important consideration for maintaining damage buffs!
• Divinity: Another Guardian, typically a Titan or Hunter, uses Divinity to create a large critical hit spot on the Templar, making it easier for the team to land precision shots.
• Linear Fusion Rifles: These weapons provide high sustained damage, especially when combined with the aforementioned buffs. Stormchaser with the firing line perk remains a popular choice for sustained damage due to its burst firing option.
• Special Weapons for Burst: Using Fusion rifles like Cartesian Coordinate with perks like Overflow and Vorpal or a Shotgun such as Heritage Peril is very important. They will allow you to apply a lot of burst damage to the Templar in the small damage phase window.

Weapon Breakdown

Linear Fusion Rifles

• Stormchaser: Consistently strong due to its burst damage capabilities and ease of use.
• Cataclysmic: A solid alternative, especially with the Fourth Time’s the Charm and Bait and Switch perk combination.

Special Weapons

• Cartesian Coordinate: A void fusion rifle with Vorpal Weapon or High-Impact Reserves can deliver high burst damage.
• Null Composure: With the Reservoir Burst perk, Null Composure can deal significant damage to groups of enemies.
• Heritage Peril: A kinetic shotgun with Reconstruction and Recombination for consistent damage.

Exotics

• Divinity: Almost mandatory for ensuring consistent critical hits.
• Lumina: Is also an important consideration for maintaining damage buffs.
• Sleeper Simulant: Can be viable, but generally outclassed by legendary options.

Buffs and Debuffs

Maximizing damage requires the strategic use of buffs and debuffs:

• Well of Radiance (Warlock): Provides healing and a significant damage buff.
• Divinity (Trace Rifle): Creates a critical hit spot and applies a weakening debuff.
• Tractor Cannon (Shotgun): Applies a significant void debuff, increasing damage taken.
• Weaken Grenades (Void): Suppressor grenades that weakens enemies.
• High-Energy Fire (Armor Mod): Grants a damage bonus when charged with light.

Class Considerations

• Warlock: Well of Radiance is essential.
• Titan: Ward of Dawn, or Thundercrash with Cuirass of the Falling Star for burst damage on the opening phase.
• Hunter: Golden Gun with Celestial Nighthawk for burst damage, or tether for debuffing.

Tactical Tips for Templar

• Aegis Holder: The player with the Aegis relic must prevent the Templar from teleporting by standing in the designated circles.
• Supplicant Management: Prioritize eliminating Supplicants, as they can quickly overwhelm the team.
• Communication: Clear and concise communication is crucial for coordinating DPS phases and managing mechanics.
• Positioning: Staying close to the Well of Radiance and Divinity spot ensures maximum damage output.

Alternate Strategies

While the linear fusion rifle meta is dominant, alternative strategies can be effective:

• Rocket Launchers: While not as consistent as linear fusion rifles, rocket launchers like Gjallarhorn can provide high burst damage.
• Swords: A risky but potentially high-reward strategy involves using swords, particularly with the Whirlwind Blade perk.

FAQs: Templar Encounter

1. What is the best class for DPS on Templar?

Warlocks using Well of Radiance are essential for the damage buff and healing they provide. Titans with Thundercrash and Cuirass of the Falling Star can also provide burst damage, while Hunters with Golden Gun and Celestial Nighthawk can contribute with burst damage.

2. What should the Aegis holder do?

The Aegis holder must prioritize preventing the Templar from teleporting by standing in the glowing circles that appear during the damage phase. They should also cleanse the team when necessary.

3. How do you deal with Supplicants?

Use fusion rifles, shotguns, or grenades to quickly eliminate Supplicants, preventing them from reaching the team.

4. Is Divinity necessary for Templar?

While not strictly required, Divinity makes it significantly easier to land critical hits, increasing the team’s overall damage output.

5. Can you solo the Templar?

Soloing the Templar is extremely difficult and requires very specific builds and strategies. It is generally not recommended.

6. What is the best debuff to use on Templar?

Divinity is the most common and reliable debuff. Other options include Tractor Cannon (though it requires close-range engagement) and void grenades (suppressor/weakening).

7. How important is communication during the Templar encounter?

Communication is crucial for coordinating DPS phases, managing mechanics, and calling out Supplicant spawns.

8. What are the best mods to use for Templar DPS?

Consider using mods like High-Energy Fire, Font of Might, and Elemental Time Dilation to enhance damage output. Make sure you have the Particle Deconstruction fusion rifle mod as well.

9. Are there any specific subclasses that are particularly effective for the Templar encounter?

Voidwalker Warlocks for Well of Radiance, Striker Titans for Thundercrash, and Gunslinger Hunters for Golden Gun are all effective choices.

10. What roll should I be looking for on Cartesian Coordinate?

For Cartesian Coordinate, aim for perks like Vorpal Weapon, High-Impact Reserves, or Successful Warm-Up. A roll with a charge time masterwork is also valuable.

11. How do you maximize damage during the Templar encounter?

Combine powerful weapons with strategic use of buffs (like Well of Radiance) and debuffs (like Divinity) to maximize damage output.

12. What should I do if the Templar teleports?

If the Templar teleports, quickly locate its new location and reestablish DPS. Be prepared to deal with additional Supplicants.

13. Is Gjallarhorn a viable option for the Templar encounter?

Gjallarhorn can be a viable option for burst damage, but linear fusion rifles generally provide more consistent sustained damage.

14. Where does the Templar usually teleport to?

The Templar can teleport to different locations around the arena. Familiarize yourself with these locations to quickly reestablish DPS after a teleport.

15. What makes Vault of Glass difficult?

Vault of Glass boasts two difficulty settings, with the Master option being one of the toughest PVE challenges in the entire game, requiring significant coordination.

Conclusion

Defeating the Templar in Destiny 2’s Vault of Glass requires a coordinated team, effective communication, and the right weapons and strategies. Focusing on high burst damage followed by sustained damage is the key to victory. By understanding the encounter mechanics, leveraging buffs and debuffs, and optimizing weapon loadouts, Guardians can consistently conquer this challenging encounter. You can also look to the GamesLearningSociety.org for further engagement. The Games Learning Society is a community of professionals dedicated to advancing knowledge around games and learning.