The Warlock class in Destiny 2 is definitely the most difficult to master as either a new or returning player. Despite the learning curve, though, the Warlock can be a dominant class if used correctly. Gamers that want to get the best out of the class need to focus on using the character's rift ability combined with advanced movement techniques. It is also paramount that Destiny 2 players have the correct exotics and class setups to ensure success in PVP.
Destiny 2's Warlock class is certainly a fun class to use, but it may take players just a little more time to get a feel for how to maximize the Warlock's abilities. Gamers of all skill levels should try to incorporate the following Warlock tips to improve their performance in PVP with the Warlock.
Updated March 14, 2022, by Anastasia Maillot: It's a new season in Destiny 2, with a new meta. While weapons tend to change quite fast, with hand cannons and shotguns holding strong, subclasses have seen some of the most drastic changes in the last few months. Stasis has become far less relevant in PVP, while Void 3.0 has emerged as a meta subclass for all three classes, especially Hunters. For Warlocks, the Solar subclass continues to be the most powerful, but only because of Daybreak's long duration. With the new Void changes in mind, this Crucible guide for Warlock mains has been updated, with the best tips for PVP for Warlocks in season 16 and The Witch Queen expansion.
15 Void PVP Exotics For Warlocks
With the new Voidwalker system, some Exotics have become even more relevant in PVP. Though Exotics largely depend on the player's personal taste and playstyle, Warlock mains should give these items a shot at least once now that Void 3.0 is out.
- Secant Filaments: A new set of Exotic legs that grant Devour buff to the player whenever they cast their Rift.
- Astrocyte Verse: Players can Blink further and more often. Radar is kept up during Blink, and weapons can be drawn faster when coming out of Blink. Perfect for players who pair Blink with shotgun builds.
- Nezarec's Sin: Kills with Void damage increase the player's ability regeneration rate.
- Contraverse Hold: Gain damage resistance when charging Void grenades. When charged grenades hit a target, they return grenade energy to the player.
14 Void 3.0 Warlock PVP Tips
The new Void 3.0 changes have made Voidwalkers a force to be reckoned with in the Crucible. Just like with Stasis, players can tailor their own Void build perfectly to their needs, with a few fragments and aspects sticking out as highlights for PVP. Here's which ones players should try for Voidwalker 3.0 builds.
Super:
- Nova Bomb - Warp: Allows players to teleport a short distance and create Void explosions, good roaming Super.
- Nova Bomb - Cataclysm: The classic Nova Bomb, but it tracks enemies and explodes into smaller particles that also tracks close-by enemies.
Abilities:
- Rift: Healing or Empowering are both good options, depending on playstyle.
- Jump: Burst Glide or Blink. If Blink is chosen, pair it with the Astrocyte Verse helmet.
- Pocket Singularity: Default Void melee. Great for finishing low targets as it slightly tracks.
- Grenade: Vortex Grenade has the most reliable damage.
Aspects:
- Child of the Old Gods: Summons a Void Soul when using rift abilities. The Void Soul drains and damages targets the player shoots at and can even score kills after the player's death if it latches on to an enemy.
- Feed the Void: Activates the Devour buff when players kill an enemy with a Void ability. Devour heals the player with every final blow.
Fragments:
- Echo of Provision: Damaging targets with grenades grants melee energy. (-10 Strength)
- Echo of Exchange: Melee final blows grant grenade energy.
- Echo of Leeching: Melee final blows grant health regeneration for the player and their allies nearby. (+10 Resilience)
- Echo of Persistence: Void buffs such as Devour, Invisibility, and Void Overshield have increased duration. (-10 Recovery)
13 Use Ophidian Aspects
Another general Exotic that fits almost any Warlock PVP build is the Ophidian Aspect gauntlets. When worn, players will enjoy a better reload and readying speed. Warlocks also receive an increased melee range, which is fantastic given the Warlock melee is the second best after the Titan melee.
This Exotic best suits players who are still experimenting with the Warlock class and are focused more heavily on gunplay and close combat. It pairs perfectly with a classic shotgun and hand cannon build where players might want to finish their opponents with a melee hit.
12 Burst Glide
PVP players should always have burst glide equipped. Unlike Hunter and Titan jumps, Warlocks can use the burst glide to skate across the map by pressing the jump button while descending. However, Warlocks will not be able to glide upwards after the character is descending. Players must jump first before the glide can be initiated.
By using the burst glide correctly, gamers can keep their jumps horizontal and avoid being exposed to open areas of a map. Additionally, the Warlock skating technique allows players to move much faster than while sprinting. Skating is also faster than an ordinary glide. Warlocks should only suspend themselves in the air when near a door or as an escape mechanism.
Using Burst Glide while in a duel or combat against multiple enemies can be a terrible idea since Warlocks remain suspended in the air and can become easy targets. Always use Burst Glide strategically and behind a cover.
11 Use Karnstein Armlets
Sustain is one of the most important parts of Crucible in the game, and staying alive relies on good gameplay and any additional abilities that let the player generate health. Top tree Dawnblade Warlocks should use the Karnstein Armlets in the Crucible. The armlets will make the Dawnblade Celestial Fire melee even more overpowered.
With these, Warlocks will receive instant health regen thanks to their Vampire's Caress intrinsic perk, and players can take on up to three opponents at one time. Warlock mains will be surprised how much of a difference the armlets make in both 3V3 and 6V6.
10 Find The Rights Stats
Stats can help make a player's character more powerful even outside of PVE builds, in the Crucible. While Hunters might want to specialize in mobility, Warlocks should not stack mobility when using the top tree Dawnblade subclass. As mentioned above, Warlock skating is one of the most effective traits of the class. By increasing mobility, players will also be increasing the jump height of the character.
Players should focus on stacking other traits, as the Warlock is more effective when jumping horizontally. Resilience, Recovery, and Discipline are the three most important stats a PVP Warlock main can specialize in, with Discipline being the most recommended one.
9 Angle Slide
Again in regards to mobility, players need to utilize a tactic called angle sliding. By sliding after jumping at an angle, the Warlock's body appears to move unpredictably. During the animation, it is essentially impossible to hit the player.
This tactic works the best when rounding a corner or entering a contested space. Mixing these angle slides with Warlock skating and jumps will trick opponents and help gamers dodge gunfire.
8 Using The Rift Correctly
Warlocks should always place the rift near cover. The rift will allow players to peek at enemies without being killed immediately. Destiny gamers should use the map to proactively utilize the rift ability and prepare themselves for a gunfight.
Additionally, players can use third-person animation to identify enemies behind a cover. Good Warlocks will always drop rifts near corners and cover to scout opposing teams in third person. Using a more niche Exotic like The Stag can also be great for rift-based builds, as players can wait while their overshield builds before peeking around a corner and tanking damage.
7 Top Tree Stormcaller And Discipline
Stormcaller is most effective when players are chaining arc web. Players should invest in the discipline stat to decrease the grenade cooldown. Warlocks with high discipline can throw more grenades and chain more enemies.
Depending on the subclass, players should always be asking themselves what the strengths and weaknesses of the subclass are when choosing weapons and abilities.
6 Sliding Rift
Warlocks cannot perform the rift while sliding. Sometimes, it's possible players will hear the rift deployment sound, but the animation and cooldown are never used if they're sliding too quickly. However, if players initiate the rift while sprinting, the character will perform a brief slide before deploying the rift.
This tactic is especially effective when seeking cover. Warlocks taking enemy fire will be able to locate cover and use the rift to recover before re-engaging an opponent.
5 Top Tree Dawnblade & Icarus Dash
Top tree Dawnblade is one of the more popular Warlock trees in Destiny 2, due to its high airborne mobility. Consuming a grenade with this tree unlocks the Heat Rises perk, which allows players to float in the air even while aiming down sights. Pair this with the Wings of Sacred Dawn chest piece, and players gain better accuracy, damage resistance, and flinch less.
While airborne, Warlocks can use the Icarus Dash to avoid enemy gunfire and peek at common sightlines. Similar to the advanced Hunter technique, Warlocks can take shots in popular lanes and dodge to avoid being hit.
However, keep in mind that players should only use the dodge toward the direction of their momentum. Warlocks will not dodge well if the dodge is performed in the opposite direction of the character's movement.
4 Sword Skating
When using any of the game's available swords, players can activate a glide right after swinging the sword to initiate a perfectly flat skating technique. Players can continue to use the skating technique and glide even faster than with burst glide alone.
By combining the method with the Warlock's heavy attack, players can decimate enemy teams with ease. It's one of the best ways to increase DPS. The best weapon for this is the 30th Anniversary sword, Half-Truths or The Other Half, with the Eager Edge perk that propels players forward when first switching to their Heavy weapon.
3 Use Transversive Steps
The Transversive Steps exotic will give Warlocks increased speed and sliding distance. The exotic will also automatically reload the Warlock's equipped weapon after a short period of time. Transversive Steps is one of the best exotics for any Warlock subclass and it will give new players a slight advantage in PVP.
Unfortunately, Warlocks can only stack two speed modifications in their class setups. Warlock mains should consider pairing Transversive Steps with a lightweight frame weapon. The combination will give gamers maximum sprint speed and slide distance. Transversive Steps are a very general and flexible Exotic that fits a variety of builds, so any Warlock PVP main should give them a try once and build a dedicated PVP loadout around them.
2 Middle Tree Stormcaller
Middle Tree Stormcaller is just as effective as top tree, and in many ways, it is even better. The Pulse Wave ability provides guardians with a speed boost, as well as a reload speed boost. Destiny 2 veterans know all too well how important reload speed can be.
This particular subclass also has a synergy with hand cannons. It is no surprise that hand cannons are still the weapon of choice for Warlocks in PVP. With every kill, enemies drop ions, which recharge abilities. Gamers will want to get their intellect up to make the most out of these benefits. It must be mentioned that middle tree's Chaos Reach is still one of the most overpowered supers in the game.
1 Glide To Unexpected Positions
One of the upsides to using the Warlock class is the ability to float to any playable position on the map. High ground is almost always an advantage in Destiny 2, and Warlocks are the best at getting to vertical positions on the map.
In skilled lobbies, players should be using every tactic possible to gain a slight advantage. There are too many advantageous sightlines to cover in this list, but players should always be looking for a new clever position to outwit opponents.
Destiny 2: The Witch Queen is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S.