In Destiny 2, the cool swords have been revamped and are now quite powerful, plus they bring a lot of fun.
The quote from the Vagabond “Take a sword” has reached cult status in Destiny. However, in Season 10, it is no longer a funny saying but a really good piece of advice. Because after their overhaul, swords play very differently, have a completely new mechanic, and are just fun to use.
The most important change is: The most fundamental change is the newly introduced sword energy. Where your melee ability was previously displayed, the sword energy meter is now shown. As long as you have at least 1 ammo unit, the bar will automatically recharge.
Along with the energy, there is also a new stat on your melee weapons that determines how long the charging process takes. Keep in mind that the energy only replenishes if you have your sword equipped.
What do you need sword energy for? The new energy resource is important for your attacks but also for defense. Sword energy affects:
- Heavy attacks
- Blocking with the sword
The fuller your energy bar is, the harder your heavy attacks hit. If you strike at full charge, you will receive between 100 – 200% bonus damage (depending on the sword type). The best part is that the energy also charges during your light attacks.
Blocking now costs no power ammunition but only the self-replenishing sword energy. So you no longer have to weigh whether to use rare ammunition for attacks or for defense. You can block nearly all attacks, including annoying stomp attacks from bosses. Your stats on the sword determine how much energy a block costs.
These adaptations have also been made to swords:
- You can now chain light attacks endlessly. Previously, after a 3-hit combo, you had to take a forced break. Now you can keep slicing until you run out of ammo or there are no enemies left.
- Your sword strikes now hit not just 1 enemy but can injure all foes within the blade’s radius.
- Swords now intrinsically have a type of shield piercing, dealing damage even to protected enemies.
- Many perks and stats have been adapted to the new mechanics.
This is how well swords play now: Melee weapons bring variety to Destiny and make using them incredibly fun. The gameplay feels reminiscent of the popular “Dark Souls” games. You dance across the battlefield, alternating between light strikes, blocking or parrying attacks, and unleashing devastating counters.
Even in Destiny 1, the break with the first-person perspective created a fresh feeling, which hasn’t changed today. New to Season 10 is that gameplay also provides variety. Because finally, the many stats on your swords play a role and give the sabers, katanas, and two-handed swords their own character.
Appropriately, the seasonal artifact supports you with mods, making you even stronger when using swords. For example, you can enjoy more ammo or damage reduction.
This raid boss has no chance against swords: Whoever calls themselves a true knight must also slay a dragon with their sword. This fantasy can also be lived out in Destiny 2.
Raid boss Riven can be defeated with swords in just one phase. This is made possible by the clever use of the perk Whirlwind Blade in combination with fast light and charged heavy attacks. The wish dragon Riven, from the “Last Wish” raid, is defeated by nearly every raid team using the so-called “Riven Cheese”. Even Bungie states that this is a legitimate method and not reprehensible.
The best swords in Season 10
Are you looking for a good sword? These weapons are currently recommended:
- Worldline Zero – The exotic offers a unique teleport function and allows a powerful spinning attack.
- Black Blade – This exotic sword has ranged attacks and impresses with its elegant design.
- The 3 legendary class swords – In the Menagerie, you can earn very powerful melee weapons for all classes.
- Stryker’s Reliability – The legendary sword can be farmed reliably in the forge and is still a good choice.
Other legendary swords can also score with strong perks and stats after the changes and invite experimentation. In your overflowing vault, there might be a real gem.
If you’re looking for a suitable build for your melee weapon, you should check out this article: Powerful build makes all your characters immortal tanks.
