Destiny 2's Lightfall expansion is set to bring some exciting changes and improvements to the game, particularly for Warlocks. With the introduction of Strand, Warlocks are poised to become the most versatile and powerful subclass with a unique playstyle not yet explored within Destiny 2. Lightfall's Strand subclasses look like they will fulfill a new style of gameplay fantasy across all classes and Guardians.
Strand's various new effects offer Warlocks, Titans, and Hunters the ability to control the battlefield in Destiny 2's PvP and PvE in ways that previous subclasses couldn't. Players will use Strand and the term "weaving" to create three new subclass-specific verbs related to Strand debuffs—Suspend, Unravel, and Sever—that Guardians can use to defeat their enemies. Suspend lifts the enemy off the ground and disables them. At the same time, Unravel causes threads to burst out of the enemy and attack nearby targets. Meanwhile, Sever reduces the enemy's damage output, making them less of a threat.
Strand's Threadlings Have Warlock Players Very Excited for Destiny 2's Minions in Lightfall
One of the most exciting things about Warlocks in Destiny 2's Lightfall is the ability to summon Threadlings. These are explosive minions woven from Strand matter that will run forward, jump on enemies, and explode. Warlocks have a unique relationship with Threadlings, as they are more in tune with these minions than other classes. If a Warlock doesn't need all of their Threadlings to defeat an enemy, the remaining ones will return to the Warlock, perch around them, and be ready for the next attack. This gives Warlocks a sense of having minions doing their bidding, adding a new level of control to their gameplay.
In addition to summoning Threadlings, Warlocks have the Arcane Needle, a deadly projectile that tracks targets and unravels them upon impact. Warlocks can quickly chain three Arcane Needle attacks in a row, making them a formidable force in combat. Destiny 2 Warlocks in Lightfall also have two Strand Aspects to utilize - Weaver's Call and Mindspun Invocation. Weaver's Call allows Warlocks to weave three Threadling eggs, which hatch into the minions when they hit a surface, while any perched Threadlings can also be converted into additional eggs. The other Aspect, Mindspun Invocation, improves the Warlock's abilities, such as Destiny 2's Strand grapple mechanic, Threadling Grenade, and Shackle Grenade. The Shackle Grenade allows Warlocks to gain a buff, creating a suspending detonation on every kill.
Warlocks Have The Only Non-Roaming Strand Super in Lightfall
Finally, Strand Warlocks have their Super, Needlestorm, which is a deadly combination of burst damage and area denial. On cast, the Warlock conjures Strand matter into a barrage of hardened spikes, launching them forward with a wave of their hand. The missiles will stick into enemies and the environment before detonating and reweaving themselves into an army of Threadlings that will hunt down any survivors.
Ultimately, Warlocks are set to be the star of the show in Destiny 2's Lightfall expansion. With their ability to control the battlefield, summon Threadlings, chain Arcane Needle attacks, and utilize an impressive fire-and-forget Super, Warlocks will be a force to be reckoned with in both PvP and PvE. Warlock players have reacted positively to the class' Strand gameplay, with the reception for Hunters and Titans being more on the lukewarm side, especially for Berserkers due to their melee focus. All in all, Destiny 2's Lightfall expansion is the closest thing to Destiny 3 between the new subclasses, mod systems, and overhaul to community and party finding, and it's the best time for Warlocks to thirve.
Destiny 2 is currently available for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Lightfall launches on February 28.