Destiny 2 offers a dynamic and diverse combat experience through its elemental subclasses: Arc, Solar, and Void. Each subclass represents a different playstyle, with distinct abilities, strengths, and synergies that can be tailored to your preferred role in combat. Whether you’re seeking to dominate in PvP, clear waves of enemies in PvE, or bring utility and support to your fireteam, choosing the right elemental subclass is essential. In this article, we will explore the strengths of each elemental power, how they fit into Destiny 2’s gameplay, and how you can choose wisely for the challenges you face.
Arc: Mastering Speed and Agility
Arc is the element of speed, agility, and electric destruction. If you’re someone who enjoys fast-paced combat with a focus on mobility and burst damage, Arc may be the perfect fit. Known for its lightning-themed abilities, Arc subclasses are designed to keep you moving, making them ideal for aggressive players who want to stay on the offensive.
Best Used For: Arc excels in scenarios where quick engagements, fast movement, and high burst damage are critical. This makes it perfect for both PvP and PvE content where clearing adds and positioning are key. The *Stormcaller* Warlock, *Striker* Titan, and *Arcstrider* Hunter each have abilities that help players move quickly and deal substantial area-of-effect (AoE) damage.
Strengths: In PvE, Arc is great for clearing waves of enemies quickly, thanks to its crowd control abilities. In PvP, it excels in fast movement and can overwhelm opponents with its high mobility and constant damage output. Arc’s supers like *Stormtrance* and *Fist of Havoc* allow players to close in on enemies or eliminate them in seconds, making it an ideal choice for aggressive playstyles.
Example Setup: For Arc Warlocks, using *Stormcaller* with the *Attunement of Control* is excellent for adding AoE damage. Titans should focus on the *Striker* subclass with *Fist of Havoc* to stun and deal huge damage to enemies, while *Arcstrider* Hunters use *Arc Staff* for fluid, quick melee attacks and dodging abilities that can confuse and outmaneuver enemies.
Solar: Harnessing Fire and Damage Over Time
Solar represents fiery destruction, radiant healing, and sustained damage. If you enjoy a balance of raw damage and survivability, Solar is your go-to subclass. It excels in both dealing significant single-target damage and offering support to your fireteam by healing and providing buffs. The Solar subclasses in Destiny 2 are highly versatile, able to adapt to a variety of situations, from high-damage encounters to team-based support.
Best Used For: Solar is particularly effective in scenarios where sustained damage and team support are essential. PvE activities like Raids and Nightfalls benefit from Solar’s ability to provide healing rifts and empowering teammates. For PvP, Solar subclasses like *Gunslinger* Hunter and *Sunbreaker* Titan provide excellent single-target damage, while *Dawnblade* Warlocks can turn the tide with their powerful aerial supers.
Strengths: Solar is perfect for solo and team-based activities alike. In PvE, Solar excels at taking down powerful bosses and providing healing support with *Well of Radiance* (Warlock). *Sunbreaker* Titans can lay waste to enemies with the *Hammer of Sol*, and *Gunslinger* Hunters can deal massive precision damage with *Golden Gun*. The Solar subclasses also have excellent synergy with high-damage mods, making them highly effective for both solo and team play.
Example Setup: Warlocks can use *Dawnblade* with *Icarus Dash* to maintain mobility and aerial superiority, while *Well of Radiance* can provide team-wide healing. Titans should focus on *Sunbreaker* with *Hammer of Sol* for large AoE damage and healing options. *Gunslinger* Hunters should use *Golden Gun* to eliminate enemy threats with powerful precision shots that can melt bosses and rival Guardians.
Void: Control, Utility, and Strategic Power
Void is the element of control, disruption, and high utility. If you prefer a more tactical and strategic approach to combat, Void might be your preferred subclass. Void abilities often focus on debuffing enemies, controlling the battlefield, and providing support for your team. The Void subclasses offer some of the most dynamic and game-changing powers in Destiny 2.
Best Used For: Void is great for those who prefer to control the flow of combat. It works well in both PvP and PvE activities where strategy, suppression, and crowd control are needed. In PvE, *Voidwalker* Warlocks and *Void Titan* subclasses provide debuffs to weaken enemies, while *Nightstalker* Hunters can prevent enemies from escaping or reviving. In PvP, Void provides great utility by disrupting enemy abilities and ensuring control of objectives.
Strengths: Void shines in strategic combat situations. In PvE, the *Nova Bomb* and *Devour* abilities allow for powerful bursts of damage and the ability to sustain yourself during intense fights. In PvP, Void excels at disrupting enemy movement and special abilities, making it perfect for controlling objectives in Crucible and Gambit. The *Voidwalker* and *Nightstalker* subclasses can negate enemy supers, offering great counters to aggressive opponents.
Example Setup: Warlocks should consider *Voidwalker* with the *Attunement of Hunger* for self-sustain and *Nova Bomb* for high burst damage. Titans can opt for *Sentinel* with *Shield Bash* for support and defensive play. *Nightstalker* Hunters are ideal for controlling zones in PvP, using *Shadowshot* to lock down enemies and support the team with debuffs.
Choosing the Right Element for Your Playstyle
While each elemental subclass offers unique strengths, choosing the right one ultimately depends on your preferred playstyle and the activities you’re engaging in. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
| Element | Best For | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Arc | Aggressive PvP, quick add-clear PvE | High mobility, burst damage, AoE control |
| Solar | Sustained damage, team support | Healing, high damage output, buffs |
| Void | Strategic control, disruption | Debuffing, crowd control, utility |
For players who enjoy a fast-paced and aggressive combat style, Arc is likely the best choice. Solar is ideal for those who prefer a balanced approach with the ability to deal significant damage while also supporting the team. Void, on the other hand, excels in more tactical and strategic situations, perfect for players who enjoy disrupting enemies and controlling the flow of battle.
Conclusion: Harness Your Elemental Power
Choosing the right elemental subclass in Destiny 2 is a crucial part of developing your Guardian’s playstyle. Whether you focus on the speed and agility of Arc, the damage and utility of Solar, or the strategic control of Void, each element offers unique advantages. By understanding your preferred playstyle and the strengths of each element, you can optimize your loadout and become a formidable force in any activity. So, whether you’re battling through PvE, engaging in intense PvP, or completing endgame challenges, harness your elemental powers wisely and dominate the battlefield.
