In Destiny 2, the new expansion finally brings a new element – Stasis. MeinMMO author Philipp Hansen sees good things for PvE, but a lot of bad for PvP.
This new feature is finally here: Destiny players are looking forward to autumn, as the next big chapter is about to start. On November 10, Destiny 2: Beyond Light will be released. Not only will there be new gear to hunt or new locations to explore, but the add-on also comes with a completely new element: Stasis.
The new Ice powers will be fueled for the first time by Darkness rather than Light. This is also a novelty as this is the first new damage type in the 6-year history of Destiny.
Stasis finally brings a hefty portion of RPG to Destiny 2…
That’s why it’s a blessing for PvE: The Stasis power is much more than just familiar Arc bolts or Solar explosions with new color effects. As we can see in the “Beyond Light” trailers , the Guardians have so much influence on the game world with Ice abilities like never before.
- With the push of a button, you can create ice barricades that provide cover from fire
- The ice wall can also serve as a bridge, acting as a “Jump n’ Run” platform to help you overcome chasms or reach higher ground
- As you can slow down enemies (Stasis field) or freeze them completely, new tactical maneuvers open up
- For the first time, real Crowd Control, as we know it from many MMORPGs, is available in Destiny 2 – on a smaller scale you can already blind enemies briefly, but Stasis plays in a different league
Moreover, I am immensely pleased that the Stasis classes finally offer more freedom in customization. They do not rely on the rigid 3 paths known so far from which you choose. Rather, they are intended to remind you of the “Node System” from Destiny 1, while still taking an experimental route.
Very interesting seems to be a mechanic that could have been borrowed from Bioware’s Anthem. Some attacks freeze the enemies, others cause the snowmen to shatter – which looks cool and causes damage over a large area. This already resembles the Primer-Detonator gameplay and enables exciting combos.
Check out the frosty and effect-rich gameplay in the new trailer here:
… the Ice powers will be the nail in the coffin for PvP
That’s why I worry about PvP: As cool and refreshing as the Ice abilities are in PvE, I think they will turn PvP upside down or even freeze it completely.
Why do I say that? Although ice walls as a springboard or barrier are exciting toys that bring fresh spice and tactics to the dusty Crucible – which is urgently needed. But (and that’s a big but) the Stasis field and especially freezing are a definite no-go for PvP.
Sometimes however, the Crucible grabs him for an entire season, and he has painstakingly earned every top weapon there. He likes to play “Off Meta” weapons and tactics and enjoys casual Quickplay as much as tactical Comp.
Here’s how I envision it (terribly): Slowing down is already annoying in PvE. But you know that the effect is just a minor slowdown and the enemies will drop a second later – but every second counts in PvP. Just because Guardian XY happens to cast a slow effect, I have to wait and can do absolutely nothing about it? Keep in mind, if you encounter a Stasis field in a strike, you might run into 6 enemies who can activate such a field every minute.
Even worse for me is the freezing. Being completely motionless and then watching a Guardian leisurely aim with his sniper at me and naturally place a headshot in complete peace sends chills down my spine. And you can’t even shoot back.
Should I then watch how I shatter into 1,000 pieces, or will I be saved by respawning before I end up like one of the fatalities by “Mortal Combat” character Sub-Zero?
The trailers have also shown that the Stasis abilities have suppressive effects. So if you thought: “Yay, my super is finally charged after minutes, now I’m turning the game around and making Shaxx proud”, you should prepare yourself. Instead of racking up kills, you’ll turn into an ice pillar. Although one must say, that brings a bit of fairness. So far, only one Titan subclass has access to such nasty suppressors.
In short: Let’s be honest, who likes to be frozen and then watches the enemy smash them? Not me! But I’m open to surprises. Perhaps freezing (my biggest criticism) only works if the ice ability would have finished you off anyway.
In general, I am for more madness in PvP and long for variety. Who knows, maybe I will someday praise Stasis power as the salvation of PvP – but for that, I will have to get to grips with the new element starting November 10th. For now, that’s my opinion.
Most of you stay cooler than I
This is what the readers think: Not all Guardians see the new Stasis powers and their impact on the game as I do. Since the topic is being hotly debated, we have started a survey and want to hear your opinions on it.
Currently (8 AM on August 29) only 13% of the voting MeinMMO readers see Stasis as the nail in the coffin for PvP. However, a respectable 29% say that while the abilities bring fresh wind to PvE, they will pose problems in PvP – currently the most popular opinion.
On the contrary, nobody currently thinks that there are “problems in PvE and cool in PvP.” Many of you find the ice power is the coolest addition in a long time (22%) and opens up exciting new possibilities in both PvE and PvP (28%).
This is not an analysis of the survey, but just a snapshot.
You are also actively discussing in the comments under the survey. I read there that some think the trailers exaggerate.
No seriously, Destiny has always been known that things that look OP, broken, or similar in trailers quickly fade into obscurity or have no significant impact on the game.
Kotstulle7 via MeinMMO
So you’re saying I should wait and drink some tea before getting all riled up? Most commentators feel the same – you all stay cool and wait until you play it yourself or have more information.
If you want to know more about my view on Destiny, you can read here how I stubbornly held on to my weak favorite weapon despite being laughed at:
Destiny 2: Even if I’m laughed at, I stand by my favorite Exotic
