For new players in Destiny 2, the first important step is choosing a class. There are 3 of them in the game.
- Titans are perfect for players who like being in the center of all PvP and PvE battles, taking and giving a lot of damage. They can shield teammates with the Barricade ability. Titans is a super-versatile class because it can deliver powerful attacks and at the same time defend and help their fire team.
- Warlocks are ideal for players who prefer to stay back from direct combat. They can summon various aids like stasis turrets, arc/void souls, and threadlings to help in battle. Warlocks also have abilities that heal teammates or boost their weapon power. It makes them great for support roles.
- Hunters are perfect for players who love stealth gameplay and fast attacks with huge damage. This class can become invisible or immobilize opponents. Hunter’s abilities allow quick melee attacks and fast weapon reloading.
All Destiny 2 classes have their combat style and role, so choose the one that fits best for you.
Next, we’ll take a closer look at each class to help you make the best choice.
Destiny 2 Titan
In Destiny 2, the Titan class is often recommended for beginners due to its balanced nature in PvP and PvE settings. Contrary to the stereotype that Titans are only about brute strength, they excel in both offense and defense.
Titan Subclasses
- Sunbreaker: Ideal for those who wish to dominate the battlefield. The Throwing Hammer becomes your primary weapon, enhanced further by Aspects. Creating healing Sunspots while annihilating foes, this subclass lets you experience the might of a Paladin.
- Striker: This subclass transforms your Titan
into a powerhouse akin to Zeus. Known for rapid ability regeneration and powerful grenades, the Striker excels with the Thundercrash Super. Its Touch of Thunder aspect makes it indispensable in Endgame content. - Sentinel: Focused on team support, the Sentinel can bolster DPS phases in Raids or Dungeons with the Ward of Dawn. Enhanced survivability comes from the Bastion aspect, improving your Barricade to provide a Void Overshield. This subclass allows for varied gameplay, emphasizing enemy debuffs.
- Behemoth: Centers on creating Stasis crystals for freezing and shattering enemies or defense. It’s excellent for crowd control and self-protection.
- Berserker: Strikes a balance between control and offense. It lets you keep enemies in a constant state of Suspend, easing engagement with enemies.
Destiny 2 Warlock
Warlocks are often favored in PvE activities for their versatile and powerful subclasses, each altering the gameplay experience uniquely.
Warlock Subclasses
- Voidwalker: A popular choice for its enjoyable gameplay, the Voidwalker excels in various activities. This subclass specializes in debuffing enemies with grenades and Void Soul, allowing players to dispatch groups of enemies effectively. The Devour buff is especially accessible for Warlocks, enhancing their gaming experience. Coupled with powerful Exotics, Voidwalker offers a versatile and enjoyable playstyle.
- Dawnblade: Often hailed as the pinnacle of PvE performance, Dawnblade Warlocks provide substantial support to allies. This subclass is particularly formidable in endgame content like Raids and Grandmaster Nightfalls, where its Well of Radiance Super is celebrated for its effectiveness. A unique feature of Dawnblade is the ability to create a Restoration x2 buff, enabling rapid healing. For Warlocks seeking to excel in PvE, focusing on the Solar subclass is highly recommended.
- Stormcaller: This subclass stands out for its straightforward approach to ability usage and crowd control. Ideal for players who prefer to rely on elemental abilities rather than weapons, Stormcaller allows for effortless dispatching of mobs with its lightning-based powers.
Darkness Subclasses:
- Shadebinder: In PvP, Shadebinder excels with Stasis powers, capable of continually freezing the battlefield, a tactic more potent than the Hunter and Titan.
- Broodweaver: With Strand abilities, Broodweaver Warlocks can summon a myriad of minions to overpower enemies. This subclass’s capabilities can be further enhanced with the right build and the Swarmers boots Exotic, expanding the army of Threadlings.
Each subclass under the Warlock banner offers distinctive approaches to combat, whether through debuffing enemies, supporting allies, controlling crowds with elemental forces, or overwhelming foes with summoned minions. Warlocks provide a multifaceted experience, making them a class worth exploring in Destiny 2.
Destiny 2 Hunter
The Hunter class in Destiny 2 is often misperceived as the top PvP class. It’s important to note that each class in Destiny 2 has its strengths and weaknesses in The Crucible. The effectiveness of any class depends on your skill and understanding of the game mechanics. The Hunter’s subclasses offer various playstyles, from aggressive close-quarter combat to stealthy evasion.
Subclasses of Hunter
- Nightstalker: This subclass stands out for its stealth gameplay, resembling a character from a stealth-focused game. Nightstalker’s ability to become invisible is a key feature obtained through various unique aspects. It’s particularly useful for players who want to support their team, as the Shadowshot ability provides a powerful debuff, making it a game-changer in team battles.
- Arcstrider: If you prefer to engage enemies directly, Arcstrider is your go-to subclass. With the Combination Blow melee ability, Arcstriders can inflict substantial damage. Enhancements from Exotics like Assassin’s Cowl and Liar’s Handshake bolster their prowess. The Super, “Gathering Storm,” can unleash devastating damage, especially with the right build.
- Gunslinger: For those seeking a balance between damage output and survivability, Gunslinger is an ideal choice. The subclass offers easy access to the Restoration buff for healing, aiding in escaping tough situations. Gunslinger’s Knives and Supers are excellent for damage dealing, with the added spectacle of enemies exploding spectacularly.
Dark Subclasses:
- Revenant: Often seen as the weaker option among the Hunter subclasses, mainly due to a lack of strong Exotics and less effectiveness in Endgame activities.
- Threadrunner: In contrast to Revenant, Threadrunner stands out with its ability to suspend enemies, deal significant damage with its Super, and the additional advantage of nearly endless Grapple use.
Each Hunter subclass offers a distinct way to play in Destiny 2, whether you’re new to the game or not. Understanding them helps you harness their full potential, shaping your experience in PvP and PvE.
Destiny 2 PvP and PvE Tier List
For PVE, Titans stand out for their ability to play both supportive and aggressive roles. Solar Titans excel with their “Bonk Hammer” and can survive challenging situations, even soloing dungeons. They also have healing abilities and, with the new Pyrogale Gauntlets, can significantly increase their damage output. Strand Titans are great for keeping teams alive and boosting their abilities.
Warlocks, especially Solar Warlocks, are great at clearing enemies and boosting damage with their gear choices. They can also provide crucial healing support. Hunters are versatile, offering support with Void abilities or dealing high damage with Arc and Solar setups. They have gear that enhances their invisibility and damage capabilities.
In PVP, Titans are dominant, particularly Arc Titans, who have powerful abilities and can rapidly attack or retreat. Void Titans are also strong, especially with their ability to quickly create protective bubbles.
Warlocks excel in PVP with Solar and Stasis subclasses. They can create advantageous situations with their abilities and have strong counters against other classes. Void Warlocks have unique tools that make them formidable in combat.
Though not the strongest in PVP, Hunters can still be formidable with the right skills. Strand Hunters have abilities that can disrupt opponents, and their gear offers additional benefits. Solar Hunters can control areas effectively with their traps, and Stasis Hunters are adept at slowing down enemies, giving them and their teammates an advantage.
Lastly, if you’re unsure about gear choices, the ST0MP-EE5 legs remain reliable despite recent adjustments.
Destiny 2 PvP Class Tier List: From Best to Least Effective
- Solar Hunter (Rank 1)
- Dominates endgame PvP with versatile builds.
- Abilities like one-shot Weighted Throwing Knives and Trip-mine Grenades.
- Supers Golden Gun and Blade Barrage excel in PvP.
- Stasis Warlock (Rank 2)
- Outstanding with Shadebinder Super and Stasis Turret.
- Osmiomancy Exotic Gauntlets enhance freezing capabilities.
- A top choice for high-stakes PvP like Trials of Osiris.
- Void Warlock (Rank 3)
- Specializes in debuffing enemies, crucial in Crucible.
- Abilities and Void-buddy aspect weaken opponents effectively.
- Ideal for debuff strategies in PvP.
- Strand Hunter (Rank 4)
- Quickly rose in the tier list due to versatile killing capabilities.
- Grapple provides damage reduction and mobility.
- Suspend dive is highly effective at controlling enemies.
- Arc Titan (Rank 5)
- Remains powerful despite nerfs, especially in close-range combat.
- Thundercrash Super is excellent for quick eliminations.
- Knockout aspect provides significant melee damage and healing.
- Void Hunter (Rank 6)
- Known for stealth and trap-setting abilities.
- Invisibility and Tether Super make them hard to counter.
- Ideal for controlling and immobilizing opponents.
- Solar Warlock (Rank 7)
- Strong in both PvE and PvP with Solar 3.0 changes.
- Exceptional healing capabilities and mobility with Icarus Dash.
- Well of Radiance Super offers significant survivability.
- Void Titan (Rank 8)
- Highly defensive, providing barricades and overshields.
- Bubble Super boosts damage and offers protection.
- Effective in defensive playstyles, especially in Trials of Osiris.
- Strand Warlock (Rank 9)
- Specializes in generating and utilizing Threadlings.
- Can dominate under specific conditions with Threadling swarms.
- Effective in team setups with multiple Strand Warlocks.
- Arc Hunter (Rank 10)
- Arc 3.0 changes moderately affect their abilities.
- Arc Strider Super, particularly with blocking, offers high survivability.
- Can deflect even the most powerful attacks and Supers.
- Stasis Titan (Rank 11)
- Excels in defensive strategies with Stasis Crystal walls.
- Behemoth Super is slow-charging but offers strategic advantages.
- Ideal for defensive and territorial control.
- Arc Warlock (Rank 12)
- Strong but overshadowed by other subclasses in PvP.
- Lightning Surge melee allows teleportation and area damage.
- Effective against groups but lacks in consistent PvP performance.
- Stasis Hunter (Rank 13)
- Once top-tier, now less effective due to nerfs.
- Still useful in quick, decisive gameplay.
- Silence and Squall Super charges fast, suitable for modes like Trials of Osiris.
- Strand Titan (Rank 14)
- Better suited for PvE; lacks in PvP effectiveness.
- Abilities like Shackle Grenade and Barricade wave are inconsistent.
- Berserker Super is powerful but doesn’t compensate for other weaknesses.
- Solar Titan (Rank 15)
- More effective in PvE than PvP.
- Received fewer benefits from Solar 3.0 changes.
- Peregrine Greaves can enhance Shoulder Charge, but overall lacks in PvP.
Destiny 2 PvE Class Tier List: From Best to Least Effective
- Dawnblade, Solar Warlock (S+ Tier)
- Unparalleled in damage potential and support abilities.
- Versatile, suitable for beginners and veterans alike.
- Exotic gear enhances effectiveness but isn’t mandatory for top-tier performance.
- Nightstalker, Void Hunter (S Tier)
- Excels in burst damage and support.
- Invisibility offers tactical advantages in various situations.
- Exotic gear like Gyrfalcon’s Hauberk significantly boosts abilities.
- Sunbreaker, Solar Titan (A+ Tier)
- Exceptional survivability with moderate damage output.
- Effective in solo and group content.
- Benefits from Exotics like Loreley Spendor and Synthocepts.
- Berserker, Strand Titan (A+ Tier)
- High damage output with effective suspension abilities.
- Strong class identity and significant Strand synergy.
- Particularly effective with the Abeyant Leap exotic boots.
- Gunslinger, Solar Hunter (A Tier)
- Offers excellent burst damage.
- Adaptable but requires specific gear for peak performance.
- Exotic gear choices can significantly alter playstyle and effectiveness.
- Striker, Arc Titan (A- Tier)
- High burst damage with nearly infinite ability uptime.
- Exotic gear swapping can maximize damage output.
- Slightly complex to master but very effective in endgame.
- Voidwalker, Void Warlock (B+ Tier)
- Strong neutral game with decent burst damage.
- High survivability when mastered.
- Nezerac’s Sin and Collective Obligation are key exotic choices.
- Arcstrider, Arc Hunter (B Tier)
- Solid in mob clearing and burst damage.
- Melee-focused playstyle with dependency on abilities.
- Effective with Liar’s Handshake and One-Two Punch shotgun build.
- Sentinel, Void Titan (B Tier)
- Excellent in support roles with great survivability.
- Exotic gear choices can enhance both offensive and defensive play.
- Slightly overshadowed by Dawnblade in support capabilities.
- Threadrunner, Strand Hunter (B- Tier)
- Highly mobile with great suspension and burst damage.
- Requires melee range for effectiveness.
- Best playstyle sometimes counters class identity.
- Shadebinder, Stasis Warlock (C+ Tier)
- Good at controlling champions, but lacks in damage.
- Best Stasis build for Warlocks, yet overshadowed by
- Strand and Light subclasses.
- Osmiomancy Gloves and Bleak Watcher Aspect are key to maximizing potential.
- Revenant, Stasis Hunter (C Tier)
- Decent in boss damage and crowd control.
- Lacks a strong class identity and is overshadowed by Strand Hunter.
- Reliant on specific exotics for optimal performance.
- Broodweaver, Strand Warlock (C Tier)
- High burst damage potential and excellent Threadling generation.
- Locked into a specific playstyle with limited build diversity.
- Swarmers exotic legs are an ideal gear choice.
- Stormcaller, Arc Warlock (D+ Tier)
- Excellent at clearing minor combatants.
- Lacks burst damage or DPS options for high-end content.
- Crown of Tempests and Fallen Sunstar are among the best exotic options.
- Behemoth, Stasis Titan (D- Tier)
- Good at crowd control but ineffective in high-end content.
- Few synergistic exotic armor pieces.
- Generally outperformed by Light subclass builds.
