Destiny 2 has evolved significantly since its launch, introducing a wealth of content, mechanics, and character customization options. Among the three character classes—Titan, Warlock, and Hunter—the Hunter class stands out for its agility, versatility, and unique playstyle. In this review, we will explore various Hunter builds that cater to different playstyles, whether you prefer PvP, PvE, or a hybrid approach. We will also discuss how to optimize your loadout, gear, and strategies to make the most of your Hunter experience in Destiny 2.
Table of Contents
1. Understanding the Hunter Class
The Hunter class is known for its swift movement, high mobility, and finesse. Hunters excel in both close-quarters combat and long-range engagements, making them adaptable to various scenarios. With three subclasses—Gunslinger, Arcstrider, and Nightstalker—Hunters can choose different paths, each offering unique abilities and gameplay mechanics.
1.1. Subclasses Overview
- Gunslinger: The Gunslinger subclass focuses on precision shooting and lethal abilities. Its Super, Golden Gun, allows Hunters to unleash devastating damage on enemies. The subclass is ideal for players who prefer a sniper-like role, capitalizing on accuracy and quick kills.
- Arcstrider: The Arcstrider subclass emphasizes agility and melee combat. With its Super, Arc Staff, players can engage in swift melee attacks and chain together powerful moves. This subclass suits players who enjoy close-quarters combat and quick repositioning.
- Nightstalker: The Nightstalker subclass is all about stealth and support. With abilities that include Smoke Bombs and Shadowshot, Nightstalkers can provide crowd control and utility to their fireteam. This subclass is great for players who prefer a more tactical approach.
2. Hunter Builds for PvE
In PvE, players face a variety of enemies and challenges, making effective builds crucial for success. Here are some standout Hunter builds tailored for PvE content, including strikes, raids, and Nightfall activities.
2.1. The Precision Gunslinger Build
Subclass: Gunslinger
Grenade: Tripmine Grenade
Melee: Knife Trick
Class Ability: Gambler’s Dodge
Key Aspects:
- Exotic Armor: Celestial Nighthawk – This helmet enhances Golden Gun, allowing you to fire a single shot that deals massive damage. Perfect for boss encounters.
- Mods: Focus on perks that increase reload speed and weapon handling, as well as damage resistance.
- Weapons:
- Primary: Any hand cannon with high precision, like the Fatebringer.
- Special: A sniper rifle, such as the Succession, for long-range engagements.
- Heavy: A rocket launcher with cluster bombs to maximize damage on bosses.
Playstyle: Position yourself at a distance, using your sniper rifle to weaken enemies. Activate Golden Gun when facing bosses, and use your Tripmine Grenade to control adds. This build maximizes damage output while keeping you at a safe distance.
2.2. The Agile Arcstrider Build
Subclass: Arcstrider
Grenade: Arcbolt Grenade
Melee: Disorienting Blow
Class Ability: Marksman’s Dodge
Key Aspects:
- Exotic Armor: Raiden Flux – This chest piece boosts the damage of your Arc Staff Super and increases the duration of your attacks.
- Mods: Equip mods that enhance melee damage and ability regeneration.
- Weapons:
- Primary: A fast-firing auto rifle, such as the Graviton Lance.
- Special: A shotgun for close encounters, like the Felwinter’s Lie.
- Heavy: A linear fusion rifle for sustained damage, such as the Threaded Needle.
Playstyle: Engage enemies up close, utilizing your mobility to dodge attacks. Use your Arc Staff to chain together powerful melee strikes, and rely on your Arcbolt Grenade to control groups of enemies. This build emphasizes speed and aggression.
2.3. The Supportive Nightstalker Build
Subclass: Nightstalker
Grenade: Voidwall Grenade
Melee: Grim Harvest
Class Ability: Marksman’s Dodge
Key Aspects:
- Exotic Armor: Orpheus Rig – This leg armor enhances your ability to generate Super energy while tethering enemies with Shadowshot.
- Mods: Focus on perks that increase ability regeneration and resilience.
- Weapons:
- Primary: A hand cannon for precision, like the Ace of Spades.
- Special: A fusion rifle for burst damage, such as the Plan C.
- Heavy: A grenade launcher for crowd control, like the Truth.
Playstyle: Utilize your stealth abilities to navigate the battlefield and support your fireteam. Use Shadowshot to tether enemies, making them vulnerable to damage. Your Voidwall Grenade can also control space and damage enemies over time.
3. Hunter Builds for PvP
In the competitive landscape of PvP, builds are essential for securing victories. Here are some powerful Hunter builds tailored for Crucible matches.
3.1. The One-Shot Gunslinger Build
Subclass: Gunslinger
Grenade: Incendiary Grenade
Melee: Knife Trick
Class Ability: Gambler’s Dodge
Key Aspects:
- Exotic Armor: Celestial Nighthawk – Maximizes damage with a single Golden Gun shot, perfect for eliminating opponents quickly.
- Mods: Equip perks that enhance weapon handling and aim assist.
- Weapons:
- Primary: A precision hand cannon, such as Lumina for healing or Thorn for damage over time.
- Special: A sniper rifle for long-range kills, like the Beloved.
- Heavy: A rocket launcher for area denial, such as the Galahrhorn.
Playstyle: Position yourself at high vantage points to snipe opponents, and use your Golden Gun strategically to secure key eliminations. This build focuses on precision and lethality.
3.2. The Tactical Arcstrider Build
Subclass: Arcstrider
Grenade: Skip Grenade
Melee: Disorienting Blow
Class Ability: Marksman’s Dodge
Key Aspects:
- Exotic Armor: St0mp-EE5 – Increases your sprint speed and jump height, allowing for superior mobility.
- Mods: Focus on perks that increase melee range and cooldown reduction.
- Weapons:
- Primary: A fast-firing submachine gun, like the Riskrunner.
- Special: A shotgun for close combat, such as the Astral Horizon.
- Heavy: A machine gun for sustained damage output, such as the Thunderlord.
Playstyle: Use your mobility to dodge incoming fire and engage enemies up close. Your Skip Grenade can disrupt enemy formations, and your Arc Staff will allow you to outmaneuver opponents.
3.3. The Stealthy Nightstalker Build
Subclass: Nightstalker
Grenade: Smoke Bomb
Melee: Grim Harvest
Class Ability: Marksman’s Dodge
Key Aspects:
- Exotic Armor: Orpheus Rig – Allows you to generate Super energy while tethering enemies, creating opportunities for your team.
- Mods: Equip perks that enhance cooldown reduction and weapon stability.
- Weapons:
- Primary: A scout rifle for precision, such as the Hung Jury SR4.
- Special: A hand cannon for burst damage, like the Bottom Dollar.
- Heavy: A rocket launcher for quick area denial, such as the Breachlight.
Playstyle: Utilize your invisibility and Smoke Bomb to disrupt opponents and create opportunities for flanking. Your Shadowshot can control objectives and secure key eliminations.
4. Optimizing Your Hunter Build
Regardless of the build you choose, optimizing your loadout and gear is essential for maximizing your effectiveness in Destiny 2. Here are some general tips for enhancing your Hunter builds:
4.1. Gear and Mods
- Stat Prioritization: Focus on gear that enhances your preferred stats, such as Mobility, Resilience, and Recovery. For Hunters, Mobility is often the most critical stat to improve agility and evasiveness.
- Mod Choices: Select mods that complement your playstyle. For example, if you favor melee attacks, equip mods that increase melee damage or reduce cooldowns.
- Elemental Affinities: Be mindful of the elemental affinities of your gear and weapons. Choose combinations that synergize well with your subclass and abilities.
4.2. Weapons Synergy
- Complementary Weapons: Ensure your weapon choices complement your build. If you’re using a sniper rifle, consider pairing it with a shotgun for close-range encounters.
- Ability and Weapon Interaction: Some abilities synergize well with specific weapons. For instance, using a weapon that creates orbs of light can enhance your Super generation, allowing you to use your abilities more frequently.
5. Advanced Strategies and Tips
To truly excel with your Hunter builds in Destiny 2, it’s essential to implement advanced strategies and maintain a keen understanding of the game’s mechanics. Here are some advanced tips to enhance your gameplay experience and effectiveness in both PvE and PvP.
5.1. Map Knowledge and Positioning
Understanding Map Layouts
Knowledge of map layouts is crucial in Destiny 2, especially in PvP. Familiarize yourself with the maps used in Crucible, strikes, and raids. Key points to focus on include:
- Choke Points: Identify areas where enemies are likely to converge. These locations can be advantageous for ambushes or using area denial tactics with grenades.
- High Ground: Elevation provides an advantage in visibility and aiming. Position yourself on ledges or elevated areas to survey the battlefield and engage enemies from a distance.
- Cover Points: Use natural cover to avoid enemy fire. Hunters can utilize their mobility to dodge shots and reposition quickly, giving them an edge during firefights.
Positioning Strategies
Your positioning will vary depending on your build:
- Gunslinger: Use your range advantage to stay at the outskirts of battles, taking down enemies before they even reach you. Maintain distance when possible.
- Arcstrider: Engage in close-quarters combat and utilize your agility to maneuver around opponents. Use your dodges to quickly reposition and avoid incoming damage.
- Nightstalker: Position yourself to provide support to your team, using your stealth abilities to flank enemies and control key areas.
5.2. Ability Usage and Cooldown Management
Understanding Abilities
Your subclass abilities play a crucial role in how you approach combat. Learning to use them effectively can turn the tide of a battle:
- Grenades: Different grenades have unique effects. For example, Tripmine Grenades can secure kills, while Arcbolt Grenades can disorient enemies. Choose grenades based on the type of engagement you anticipate.
- Melee Attacks: Melee abilities can not only deal damage but also disorient enemies or apply debuffs. Use them strategically to gain an advantage in combat.
Cooldown Reduction
Managing your abilities’ cooldowns is vital:
- Dodge Usage: Use your dodge ability wisely. Dodging not only reloads your weapon but also grants a temporary speed boost, allowing for quick repositioning.
- Ability Mods: Equip mods that reduce ability cooldowns, allowing you to use your abilities more frequently. This is particularly effective for builds centered around aggressive gameplay.
5.3. Team Coordination and Communication
In Destiny 2, teamwork can significantly enhance your chances of success, especially in PvE activities and Crucible matches:
Communicating with Your Fireteam
- Callouts: Make sure to communicate enemy locations, special ammo pickups, and other vital information to your team. Proper callouts can help coordinate attacks and defenses.
- Objective Focus: In team-based modes, prioritize objectives. Hunters can excel at securing zones, capturing flags, or reviving teammates. Use your mobility to navigate the map quickly.
Role Assignment
- Diverse Roles: While Hunters are versatile, assigning specific roles based on class and build can lead to better team dynamics. For example, if you have a Hunter focused on crowd control with Shadowshot, pairing them with a damage-focused Titan or Warlock can create a balanced team.
5.4. Adapting to the Meta
The Destiny 2 meta is constantly changing, influenced by new expansions, patches, and weapon balances. Staying informed about the current state of the game is crucial for optimizing your Hunter builds:
Following Patch Notes
- Keep an eye on patch notes and community updates to understand how weapon balances or ability adjustments may affect your chosen builds.
- Experiment with new weapons and armor as they become available. The sandbox nature of Destiny 2 means that players can discover new synergies and powerful combinations.
Community Resources
- Engage with the Destiny 2 community through forums, Reddit, or social media platforms to exchange build ideas and strategies.
- Watch streamers or content creators who specialize in Hunter gameplay to learn about advanced techniques and strategies.
6. Conclusion: Mastering Your Hunter Builds
Mastering Hunter builds in Destiny 2 involves understanding your class’s strengths and weaknesses, optimizing your gear and loadout, and adapting to the dynamic gameplay environment. Whether you prefer precision shooting with the Gunslinger, agile melee combat with the Arcstrider, or tactical support with the Nightstalker, each build offers unique advantages.
As you dive into the world of Destiny 2, remember to:
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different combinations of subclasses, weapons, and gear. Find what feels right for your playstyle and refine it over time.
- Practice: Regularly engage in both PvE and PvP content to hone your skills and learn from each experience.
- Stay Engaged: Keep up with community discussions, events, and updates to ensure you’re making the most of your Hunter gameplay.
By embracing the agility, versatility, and tactical potential of the Hunter class, you can carve your path through the universe of Destiny 2 and make your mark as a formidable Guardian. Whether you’re leading a fireteam in a raid or battling it out in the Crucible, your Hunter build can be the key to unlocking new heights of success and enjoyment in the game.