In autumn, players can expect the first new element ever in Destiny 2. With Stasis, we harness the darkness and gain brand new subclasses with more freedom for customization.
This new element is coming: When Bungie revealed the future of the Destiny franchise, they also introduced a completely new element. With the Stasis element, our Guardians will be able to actively use the darkness for the first time – Warlocks, Hunters, and Titans will even receive entirely new, dark Stasis subclasses.
Despite some leaks, few players expected that a completely new element and fresh subclasses would actually be coming soon. Thus, Destiny will have, with “Beyond Light“, the first new element in its six-year history.
These are the three existing elements:
- Arc: Essentially the Destiny version of electricity – damage often jumps between enemies and creates sparks
- Void: Is what has come closest to a dark element so far – disintegrates enemies, renders invisible, absorbs health points, or weakens enemies
- Solar: Essentially the fire element from other games. Deals damage over time or buffs the team with cleansing flames
MeinMMO takes a look at the new abilities of the dark Stasis element in this article and tells you why the new subclasses are supposed to be more customizable than ever.
Where does the info come from? All information is based on the official trailer, or clips from the reveal stream. Additionally, we reference an interview that Destiny head Luke Smith had with streamer DrLupo.
Check out the new Stasis element in action here in the official trailer:
This is known about the new Stasis subclasses
From the short gameplay clips, you can already get a first impression of our new power:
- The abilities resemble the ice element from other games
- You can see enemies freezing or weapons made of ice crystals
- The ice theme also fits with the new location Europe – the icy moon of Jupiter
- We can probably create Stasis traps that slow down enemies – with this, we finally pay the Fallen back in their own coin
- The enemies seem to break apart or shatter under fire – you can also see flying shards throughout the trailer
Bungie (via Bungie.net) describes the new ability this way:
As the new threat emerges, a new, mysterious power – Stasis – arises. […] Titans, Warlocks, and Hunters utilize Stasis in different ways by slowing down enemies with Stasis fields, encasing them in destructive power, and shattering them.
The Stasis Hunter
This is what we know about the new Hunter class: We see in the trailer how the Hunter summons two axe or sickle-like weapons made of ice. The character throws one of the weapons into a group of enemies after some cool swirling animations, causing an ice explosion.
With their weapons, the new subclass resembles typical Hunter classes like the Blade Dancer or the Spectral Blade. However, whether it is indeed a roaming super is uncertain. It is also not known whether both weapons can be thrown and if this ends the super prematurely.
The Stasis Warlock
This is what we know about the new Warlock class: The new Warlock focus also relies on an ice weapon. We see that he carries a scepter or spear and performs a ranged attack with it. The spell seems to freeze enemies, subsequent attacks cause them to shatter.
Again, it is unknown whether the spear can only be used once or how the Dawnblade can fire multiple projectiles until the super expires.
It is speculated that the Warlock might regain his self-revive. He is shot down right before the introduction of the Stasis element and then clenches his fists and prepares for the new ice attack.
The Stasis Titan
This is what we know about the new Titan class: The Titan is not showcased as prominently as the other two classes. We see him briefly with an icy shield or a frozen claw (see right in the title image).
Some players believe (via reddit) that the Titan might be granted a feature from another Bungie game: the Armor Lock from Halo. At minute 1:10 in the trailer, you can see a figure kneeling and apparently freezing, with a crystal sphere surrounding the area.
This is how we will receive the new Stasis ability: The Stasis element will be the first super that is not granted to us by the Traveler. We can see that a Fallen leader named Eramis has created the new element from ancient darkness. And she presents it to us with the words “I give the Guardians the destruction they love so much.”
The new subclasses are supposed to offer more freedom
This is known about the Stasis skill trees: Luke Smith revealed that an experiment is to be conducted with the ability trees of the new subclasses. Skills are supposed to not follow the strict order of the other 9 focuses.
Additionally, the system is supposed to differ from the skill nodes of Destiny 1. However, it has not yet been shown how the new flexibility will look in detail. It remains questionable whether the Stasis element will differ in 3 skill trees per class or offer one highly customizable path each.
Smith was also asked whether they would like to give the existing focuses a new design or more freedom. He responded: “We want to see where it goes” but stated that the system is currently planned only as an experiment for the Stasis abilities.
What do you think of the first new element in the Destiny universe? Is a dream coming true for you because you have always wanted to play with darkness?
By the way, we already know which famous weapon is returning with the Beyond Light expansion: The Hawkmoon is returning – Destiny 2 brings back one of the most popular exotics in autumn
