Heavy Exotic Weapons With Darkness Affinity Is Something Which Destiny 2 Desperately Needs For Build Diversity

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Heavy Exotic Weapons With Darkness Affinity Is Something Which Destiny 2 Desperately Needs For Build Diversity

The introduction of Darkness subclasses in Destiny 2, namely Stasis and Strand, was a big deal for the game. The game has a big arsenal of heavy exotic weapons but lacks depth when it comes to Darkness subclasses. While Light weapons have many options in the heavy category, players who prefer Darkness subclasses, such as Stasis and Strand don’t.

The game could definitely do with more variety. | Image Credit: Bungie

With only Winterbite and Salvation’s Grip representing Stasis and no heavy Strand weapons at all, the gap is noticeable. For a game that prides itself on build diversity, this oversight significantly limits the creative potential of players, especially those leaning into Darkness-focused builds.

Destiny 2 Is Ignoring Its Darkness Subclasses

Give these two forgotten subclasses some love. | Image Credit: Bungie

The Light subclasses Arc, Solar, and Void currently dominate Destiny 2’s weapon lineup, particularly in the Heavy Exotic category. In comparison, Darkness subclasses have only two options: Winterbite and Salvation’s Grip, both for Stasis. Strand has no Heavy Exotics at all.

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The disparity between Light and Darkness weapons can partly be attributed to history. Solar, Void, and Arc subclasses have been a part of Destiny since its launch, while Stasis was introduced in 2020’s Beyond Light, and Strand followed in 2023’s Lightfall.

But considering that both Strand and Stasis have been part of the game for several seasons, the lack of matching Heavy Exotics is both surprising and frustrating. The limited selection of Heavy Exotics in general has been pointed out by players as an issue in game design.

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Heavy weapons are typically reserved for boss damage and emergency crowd control, making them inherently more challenging to balance. Adding a new Heavy Exotic that feels powerful without overshadowing existing weapons won’t be easy. But if Exotic armor can make a comeback, why not weapons?

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Bungie also faces the challenge of ensuring new heavy Exotics aren’t overpowered, a delicate balance that has led to fewer new additions in this category overall. Since the Shadowkeep expansion in 2019, only 15 heavy Exotics have been added compared to 31 Energy weapons and 24 Kinetics.

Why Build Diversity Matters in Destiny 2

Variety is a big part of the game, lets even the playing field. | Image Credit: Bungie

Build diversity is a cornerstone of Destiny 2‘s gameplay experience. It lets players make loadouts and builds that fit their playstyle, activities, and team composition. The absence of more heavy Exotics for Stasis and Strand are a part of this problem.

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For example, a Strand Hunter might use the Quicksilver Storm auto rifle but wouldn’t have a good Heavy Exotic to fit their subclass abilities. Bungie has missed the mark lately regarding weapons. But it’s nothing that can’t be fixed by listening to players and implementing changes.

Having more Darkness-affiliated Heavy Exotics would open up exciting possibilities, making these subclasses more viable in high-level activities like Grandmaster Nightfalls or Raids. With The Final Shape failing to add to this, it’s time for Bungie to give players the diversity they need.

Players have proposed various ideas for new Darkness heavies. Popular suggestions include a Strand machine gun that weaves webs to suspend enemies or a Stasis rocket launcher that creates ice explosions. These are just ideas but they go to show just how badly players want more options.

With the community voicing its desire for new Strand and Stasis heavy Exotic options, Bungie has a clear sign of what players want.

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#Heavy #Exotic #Weapons #Darkness #Affinity #Destiny #Desperately #Build #Diversity

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