Destiny 2 has seen Guardian players utilize the power of Light granted by the Traveler through three subclasses: Arc, Void, and Solar. Then Destiny 2's Beyond Light expansion in 2020 brought with it the first of the Darkness subclasses called Stasis, related to cold and its ability to restrict movement. Stasis came with a 3.0 version, the first subclass to use Aspects and Fragments, and soon enough a new Darkness subclass called Strand will also have its time in the limelight.
Destiny 2 used the release of The Witch Queen expansion to provide the 3.0 update to Void, Solar, and Arc so that they can match up with Stasis, even though it belongs to the Dark. With the release of Lightfall in 2023, Destiny 2 players will see the release of Strand, which will add more powers, abilities, and attacks to the Guardians' repertoire. More important for fans, each class will utilize Strand in different ways.
Strand's Addition in Destiny 2
Strand is a manifestation of the Darkness in another elemental form, visually appearing as more of a green-colored energy. Guardians will have to master its use of Aspects and Fragments just as they have with previous subclasses to take Strand to the battlefield. During its showcase last month, Destiny 2 developers mentioned how using Strand was akin to seeing The Matrix, as it manipulates the very fabric of reality.
One of the unique features that players will have access to through Strand is a grappling hook. Players can use the power of Darkness for traversal and combat, and since Strand uses the very fabric of the universe itself, the addition of a grappling hook means that it can attach to any surface - or even activate when there isn't a surface to adhere to, using thin air as an anchor point.
How Titans, Hunters, and Warlocks Use Strand Differently
While all three primary classes have access to the grappling hook, the hook itself will monopolize an optional grenade slot. Initially, the grappling hook will be identical across classes unless altered by Aspects and Fragments. Furthermore, the way players choose to use the hook will vary, as being about both offense and maneuverability means the hook has a versatility.
Bungie claims there will be players who wish to grapple hook into combat, while others will use it as an escape method or to claim the high ground. This allows the upcoming Darkness subclass to adapt for different builds and play styles, though being tied to a grenade slot means the hook will have a cooldown. There are sure to be Exotics and other gear that modify the cooldown overall.
Each class will be able to use the Strand subclass differently for their primary attacks. Titans can use Strand to summon massive claws that spin and slash at targets surrounding them via their Super. Hunters use Strand to create Rope Darts that presumably can be thrown at nearby enemies for damage. Meanwhile, Warlocks will utilize telekinesis through Strand, pulling apart matter and forming it into projectiles.
Destiny 2: Lightfall will change the game all over again when the new Darkness subclass Strand enters the fray in 2023 called Strand, letting Guardians weave the very fabric of the universe to form useful tools like grappling hook that can help explore locales such as the new cyberpunk city of Neomuna on Neptune. How much each individual class will be able to vary their use of Strand in combat remains to be seen, but fans are certainly looking forward to figuring it out as Lightfall approaches.
Destiny 2 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.