The Sunsinger, the Blade Dancer, and the Defender – that’s why they are no longer in Destiny 2.
In the meantime, we have certainty: Three subclasses are being removed in Destiny 2. After the gameplay premiere of Destiny 2 showcased three new focuses, many Guardians were confused: Are these replacing the respective subclasses of the corresponding elements or are they now added?
In an interview with PC Gamer, Game Director Luke Smith confirmed – to eliminate all doubts: Yes, the old focuses are being removed:
- The Sunsinger Warlock becomes the Dawnblade,
- the Blade Dancer Hunter becomes the Arcstrider
- and the Defender Titan becomes the Sentinel.
However, these subclasses are not being removed haphazardly. Smith explains why they are being replaced by new focuses with new super attacks.
No one should be sitting on their super
The Sunsinger Warlock can self-resurrect. This distinguishes him, so many Guardians play him. Once the super is filled, players wait until they die to use it. This gives a sense of security.
However, this is not fun, says Smith. He knows that many Guardians love the Sunsinger, but the idea behind a super is to use it. However, the Sunsinger encourages players not to use this super – and to forever sit on it. Thus, they wanted to overhaul this subclass.
In Destiny 2, the Warlock gets the Dawnblade as a solar focus. With the super, you get a sword that allows you to rain fire down on your enemies. This super is supposed to be used more often than the resurrection – and be more fun.
By the way: With the resurrection, players were able to trick several game mechanics, especially in raids, in Destiny 1. That should be a thing of the past with the Dawnblade.
Arcstrider gives up stealth capabilities
The Blade Dancer is not only able to wield a powerful Arc blade but can also become invisible in various ways. These stealth capabilities are being taken away from the Arc Hunter with the Arcstrider. This is an important difference, Smith says, as the Blade Dancer was particularly “difficult” in PvP because of this.
The Arcstrider, on the other hand, is “fairer” and feels more fun. Initial testers have already confirmed that the super of the Arcstrider in Destiny 2 is significantly more controllable than that of the Blade Dancer. It is easier to maneuver from one target to the next.
The Arcstrider summons an Arc staff with its super, which it can twirl around acrobatically, thus slaughtering opponents in close combat.
The Defender becomes more mobile
With the Sentinel Titan, the same picture emerges as with all other “new”, previously known subclasses: Even the Void focus of the Titan becomes more mobile. He now has a Void shield that he can use as protection or as a melee weapon – or as a ranged weapon by throwing it at enemies.
However, the Sentinel, like the Defender before it, can also create a stationary bubble. That the Titan is allowed to keep his bubble, we have already reported.
In addition to the Defender and the Sunsinger, the Gunslinger (up to 6 shots) and the Striker (multiple Chaos punches) will also become more mobile in Destiny 2. PC Gamer asked whether the Nova Bomb of the Warlock would also become a mobile super. Bungie’s response: One should not expect that all subclasses will be revised in the same direction.
How the remaining focuses in Destiny 2 will look is still to be seen. Also, the exact number of subclasses there will be in Destiny 2 is still kept secret by Bungie.
Interesting: Destiny 2 is not supposed to be a time sink, compatible with “real life”
