Introduction
Destiny 2, the beloved online multiplayer first-person shooter, has taken the gaming world by storm since its release. With its immersive universe, captivating storyline, and challenging gameplay, Destiny 2 has garnered a massive player base on platforms like Steam. As a Guardian in this ever-evolving world, it’s crucial to optimize your character’s build for maximum efficiency and enjoyment. In this guide, we’ll explore the best Destiny 2 builds available on Steam, helping you become a formidable force in the game.
Destiny 2 has garnered a massive player base on platforms like Steam
Exploring Year 1: The Early Days of Destiny 2
When Destiny 2 was first released on Steam, it marked a new beginning for Guardians. The game underwent significant changes in Year 1, including the shift from Battle.net to Steam as the primary platform for PC players. During this period, players witnessed the transition from the Red War campaign to the Forsaken expansion, bringing substantial changes to the game’s mechanics and metagame.
One of the standout builds during Year 1 was the “Dawnblade Warlock.” This subclass emphasized aerial combat and fiery abilities. Combining the Attunement of Sky with exotic armor pieces like the Sunbracers allowed players to rain down devastating Solar grenades on their foes. This build was particularly effective in PvE activities, such as Strikes and Raids, where crowd control and area damage were essential.
However, the Destiny 2 landscape was ever-changing, and new content continued to roll out. With the introduction of the Forsaken expansion, Year 1 builds gradually fell out of favor, making way for more powerful and nuanced options.
The Forsaken Era: Unleashing the Power of the Dreaming City
Year 2 brought forth the Forsaken expansion, which revitalized Destiny 2 with exciting content, including the Dreaming City. With this expansion came new subclasses, weapons, and activities, all of which played a crucial role in shaping the meta and the best builds in Destiny 2.
One of the standout subclasses introduced in Forsaken was the “Gunslinger Hunter” with the Way of a Thousand Cuts. This subclass centered around throwing explosive knives, offering both precision and area damage capabilities. Pairing this with exotic armor like the Shards of Galanor allowed Hunters to generate their super energy rapidly, making them formidable in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
The Dreaming City, a stunning new destination introduced in Forsaken, brought powerful gear and weapons. The “Raiden Flux Arcstrider” build became a favorite among Guardians. Combining the Arcstrider subclass with Raiden Flux exotic armor enabled players to deal massive damage with their super ability, making them indispensable in Raid encounters.
Year 3: The Arrival of Shadowkeep
Year 3 of Destiny 2 marked the release of the Shadowkeep expansion, bringing players back to the Moon and introducing the Seasonal Artifact system. With this expansion, Bungie aimed to introduce greater build diversity by allowing players to customize their playstyle with seasonal mods.
One of the standout builds during this period was the “Void Warlock” utilizing the Attunement of Hunger subclass path. Paired with the Contraverse Hold exotic gauntlets, this build allowed Warlocks to become incredibly tanky while maintaining high damage output. The ability to tank damage while continuously healing made this build invaluable in high-stakes activities like Grandmaster Nightfalls.
Shadowkeep also introduced the concept of Champion Mods, which required players to use specific weapons and abilities to counter certain enemy abilities. This led to the rise of “Anti-Champion Builds,” which focused on countering Champions efficiently in Nightfall: The Ordeal activities. These builds emphasized weapon loadouts and subclass abilities that could stagger, disrupt, and eliminate Champions effectively.
Beyond Year 3: Adapting to the Evolving Meta
As Destiny 2 continued to evolve with the release of new expansions, seasons, and balance changes, so did the best builds and strategies. The introduction of Stasis subclasses in Beyond Light and subsequent seasonal content brought new dimensions to character customization and gameplay.
For PvE enthusiasts, the “Duskfield Warlock” build emerged as a formidable choice. Leveraging the Stasis subclass, this build utilized the Duskfield Grenade to control crowds of enemies with freezing abilities, while exotic armor pieces like the Iceflare Bolts provided additional crowd control and damage amplification.
In PvP, the “Behemoth Titan” build became a force to be reckoned with. The Behemoth subclass introduced devastating melee abilities and a formidable Super that could turn the tide of any match. Pairing this with exotic armor like the Cryoclasm allowed Titans to be aggressive and unyielding on the battlefield.
The Power of Exotic Weapons and Armor
Throughout Destiny 2’s journey, exotic weapons and armor have played a significant role in shaping the game’s best builds. These rare and unique items provide game-changing abilities and perks that can enhance your Guardian’s performance in various activities.
Exotic weapons like “Xenophage” and “Anarchy” have become staples in PvE builds, offering high damage output and crowd control capabilities. On the armor front, exotics like “Phoenix Protocol” for Warlocks and “One-Eyed Mask” for Titans have consistently been favored choices for their powerful abilities.
Seasonal Mods and Artifact Progression
With each new season in Destiny 2, Bungie introduces a set of seasonal mods that allow players to further customize their builds. These mods can be slotted into armor pieces and provide unique bonuses and effects. Players can mix and match these mods to create specialized builds tailored to their preferred playstyle.
In addition to seasonal mods, the Seasonal Artifact system plays a crucial role in character progression. As you level up your Artifact, you gain access to additional mods that can significantly impact your gameplay. These mods can be used to improve your abilities, weapons, and survivability, making the Artifact progression an essential part of optimizing your Destiny 2 build.
Conclusion: The Ever-Changing Destiny 2 Landscape
Destiny 2 on Steam continues to be a dynamic and evolving gaming experience. As the game receives regular updates, expansions, and balancing changes, the best builds and strategies will continue to shift. Staying informed about the latest changes and experimenting with different builds is essential to staying competitive and enjoying the game to its fullest.
Whether you’re a seasoned Guardian or a newcomer to the Destiny 2 universe, understanding the best builds for your chosen subclass and playstyle can make a world of difference in your gaming experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment, adapt, and evolve as Destiny 2 evolves. With the right build, you’ll be well-equipped to face any challenge that the game throws your way.
In Destiny 2, your destiny is in your hands, and with the right build, you can shape the future of the universe, one heroic battle at a time. So gear up, assemble your fireteam, and embark on an epic journey through the stars as a Guardian like no other. Your legend awaits in Destiny 2 on Steam.
