Destiny Show The New Subclasses Explained

Bungie has revealed details on the three new subclasses that will flesh out the suite of elemental options for each of Destiny’s three guardian classes, as well as info on the grenades and other features that define each new style of play.

The Nightstalker Hunter

Hunters now have a Void elemental super option when they choose to play as a Nightstalker. The Nightstalker’s super is the Shadowshot, a bow-and-arrow blast that flings down a Void Anchor, slowing and suppressing anyone caught in the blast area. It’s an interesting choice, finally offering a large area-of-effect option for a class that has previously focused on precision strike-oriented supers. 

It will be interesting to see if subsequent adjustments to the Shadowshot add damage effects in addition to slowing and suppressing options. Nightstalkers also get the Voidwall Grenade, which throws up a horizontal wall of burning light. The grenade has some powerful implications for PvP play. A Void Hunter can also throw smoke to disorient and slow targets, as well as gain a Shadestep used to evade damage. Taken together, the Hunter will now have more ability to control the battlefield and move around it with ease.

The Sunbreaker Titan

Solar-powered Sunbreaker Titans are described as “incendiary siege engines of war.” The Hammer of Sol super summons a flaming hammer with which the titan can rain down fiery devastation on fortified enemy positions. The thermite grenade fires a line of fire towards enemies, and the Sunstrike melee ignites struck targets to do burning damage. 

Finally, the Fire Keeper effect allows Hammer of Sol to last long (and thus allow more enemy blasting) and also provides an overshield while near a Sunspot – although Bungie hasn’t offered a lot of detail about what a Sunspot actually is. While the solar blasts of the Sunbreaker seem to offer a distance damage option for Titans, I'm sure many Titan players will be interested to learn how the solar build further distinguishes itself from the existing Arc Striker build.

The Stormcaller Warlock

Sith Lords, I mean, Stormcallers, can tap into the power of Arc energy to blast foes with lightning. The super called Stormtrance summons these chain-lightning blasts out of your guardian's hands in a wide area around you, while the storm grenade calls down a localized lightning storm.

 Thunderstrike is an interesting new melee option that can hit targets at an extended range – sure to infuriate Hunters and Titans in the Crucible who are caught in the electrocuting effect. Finally, the Stormcaller Warlocks get an awesome feedback loop with the Perpetual Charge ability, in which a melee kill recharges your grenade, and a grenade kill recharges your melee. Talented players will be able to do some serious damage with that one. 

Which new subclass will you level first? Share your thoughts in the comments below.