Destiny 2 will launch its newest story expansion, Lightfall, at the end of February, featuring an all-new Darkness subclass called Strand. Each of the three Destiny 2 classes will gain access to this subclass with a unique name for each assigned type, just as they are for other Light and Darkness subclasses. However, the Lightfall website page at Bungie recently changed the name for the Strand subclass for Warlocks and Titans, creating speculation about what this could mean for those two classes and their use of Strand.
Strand is another elemental manifestation of the Darkness consisting of psychic energy in the form of a matrix, which developers liken using the power to The Matrix. Strand manipulates the very threads of reality, connecting all minds and things in the universe. Each class will have access to the grappling hook, which can anchor threads of Strand to any surface, including thin air, to allow players to zip through the new neon, cyberpunk city of Neomuna on Neptune.
What Destiny 2 Changing Strand Subclasses' Names Could Mean
Recently, the Bungie Lightfall page, where players can pre-order and get information about the forthcoming expansion, changed the Strand subclass names for Warlocks and Titans. Where they previously had been Warlock Architects and Titan Tyrants, the titles now read Broodweaver and Berserker, respectively. The descriptions for each have not been changed, still referencing their previous identities, and Hunter Threadrunner has remained the same.
Even though the descriptions haven't changed, they may in the following days or be included in TWAB. Regardless, what this can mean for Destiny 2's Warlock and Titan classes remains to be seen, leaving players only to speculate if this name change indicates an entire overhaul of Strand for these two classes or if it entails more balancing features respective of their class type. Balancing their damage and effect makes the most sense with the release date so close.
It is worth noting that this name change could be relative to factors of Strand that not just distinguish one from the other; it could also be a different way to tie it to the lore of Destiny 2. The term brood is often associated with Destiny 2's powerful Hive enemies, and with a title like Broodweaver, it isn't far to envision Hive connotations. This is amplified by the fact that Strand is presented as green energy, with the color green often associated with the Hive and their magics. Perhaps fans will learn that Strand has connections to the Hive, which may work as a great bridge between Lightfall and The Witch Queen.
Destiny 2 Changes to Subclass Names For Warlocks and Titans Could Reflect on Damage
It's been previously posited that Strand could be better for AoE than boss damage or sustained DPS in general. Both trailers have shown Strand being used as an effective tool for crowd control, with the more recent one from The Game Awards also displaying the Titan class running through larger foes and stabbing them, such as Minotaurs and more prominent Cabal leaders. This could mean its Aspects and Fragments are more geared for higher DPS to use against more challenging enemies and bosses.
The trailer from The Game Awards shows enemies held in place by green magic, with every Destiny 2 class using Strand differently and engaging in combat against them. This supports handling crowds and AoE damage, but if Warlocks can still summon Strand into sentient creatures as was described when they still were Warlock Architects, this could represent a way to let Warlocks use their skill to summon creatures for both ads and bosses. This could perhaps be a practical way to help Warlocks who play solo. Similarly, Titans in the recent trailer were seen not only using their claws to stab but also seemingly running through enemies, which could balance AoE and DPS damage for solo Titans.
Destiny 2 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.