Strandis the newest subclass in theDestiny 2universe, introduced with the Lightfall expansion. Strand, despite its color, is not a poison subclass, but rather one that deals with controlling the threads binding the universe together. Strand is characterized by high mobility and high actions per second gameplay.
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Warlocks have a particular role in Strand.The Broodweaver, as the name implies, is the master ofThreadlings, which are small green creatures that can be summoned to deal damage to enemies. They are somewhat similar in concept to Arc Soul and Void Soul, but also drastically different. Here’s a breakdownof Strand Warlock inDestiny 2, and a few recommendations on how to build a strongBroodweaver.
Strand Abilities, Aspects & Fragments
It will come as no surprise that Strand (and likely any future subclasses) works like any other 3.0 subclassand Stasis. While Strand comes with a ton of new content to Warlocks, class abilities, and jumps are untouched, which is why they haven’t been addressed in this guide. This may change in the future as Strand gets expanded.
Strand Melees
Arcane Needleis the Warlock Strand melee and the only available option. Arcane Needle has three charges, which can be cast quickly to create a visually impressive combination or to hit multiple targets in a row. Targets hit by Arcane Needle become Unraveled, meaning they create more Strand projectiles that hit other targets. Unraveled enemies will drop a Tangle (a ball of Strand that can be shot or grabbed, or grappled to) when they are killed.
Strand comes withthree grenade options.
Strand Aspects
Strand Warlocks have access to a maximum of two Strand aspects for now.
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Strand Fragments
Bungie has made all Strand fragments available for purchase followingthe firstLightfallTWAB. Players will need to collect Strand meditation to afford them all, aseach Strand fragment costs 200in currency. ForStrand Warlocks, here’s which fragments should be a top priority(note that this does not include every Strand fragment available, only those recommended for Warlocks):
Other fragments worthy of note but which might be a bit more niche or limiting in terms of gameplay:
Strand Super
The Strand Warlock Super is Needlestorm. Players will conjure and send out several wisps of needle-like Strand which will track nearby targets. On impact, they will hatch into Threadlings that will further seek out enemies, or perch on the player if there are no targets to go to. Overall, a fantastic Super with a likenessto Nova Bomb.
Mods & Artifact Mods
Season of Defiance, or season 20 ofDestiny 2, is the birth season of Strand, which means that many of the seasonal artifact mods will favor Strand-centric gameplay. It’s to be expected that this won’t be the case in the future, but for now, here’s whatto choose from the artifactwhen makinga Strand Warlock build:
From the regular selection of mods,Strand Warlocksshould focus on mods that let them cycle their class ability and their grenade, especially if they focus heavily on Threadlings in their build. For Threadling-centric builds, pick:
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Weapons & Gear
Strand Warlocks will absolutely needthe Swarmers Exotic bootsto bring their build to the next level. Swarmers can be acquired after completing the campaign or from Legend/Master Lost Sector chests if players didn’t choose Swarmers at the end oftheLightfallcampaign.
Swarmers give two key effects: destroying Tangles will now spawn Threadlings and targets damaged by the player’s Threadlings will now Unravel. This is fantastic for ad-clearing, which is evidently whatStrand Warlockswill be most useful for.
In terms of weapons, any weapon that deals Strand damage will pair well withStrand Warlock. The best option isQuicksilver Storm, which turns into a Strand weapon when the Catalyst is fully applied, but someSeason of Defiance weapons with the Hatchling perkor Neomuna weapons that are also Strand will work. Overall, Strand builds have a lot of leeway thanks to the artifact mod that combines both Strand and Solar/Void Siphon this season.
If players don’t have Swarmers just yet but want to have a decent Broodweaver build, there are a few generalistWarlock Exoticsthat can help elevate Strand.
Destiny 2: Lightfallis available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
