Summary

  • Solar builds can still compete with Prismatic builds in Destiny 2's current meta.
  • Seasonal Artifact perks enhance Solar Subclasses, making them ideal to use now.
  • The Hunter Celestial Nighthawk Still Hunt builds remain powerful as DPS options post-nerf.

Destiny 2’s new Final Shape DLC has introduced several new, game-changing buildcrafting tools, mainly via the new Prismatic Subclasses. Yet while these new Prismatic Subclasses have stolen the spotlight, some of the older Subclasses can still keep up with Destiny 2’s current meta.

More specifically, Solar builds are still able to compete with some of the best Prismatic builds in Destiny 2. Especially during the current Episode: Echoes in Destiny 2, right now is arguably a great time for players to consider putting together a new Solar build with some of the latest buildcrafting tools.

Why Episode: Echoes Is a Great Time to Use Solar Subclass Builds in Destiny 2

Solar Subclasses are great because they naturally have access to Restoration on all three character classes, which makes them useful for survivability. Also, the current Episode: Echoes Artifact perks have a few noteworthy options that apply to Solar Subclasses, which is why right now is the perfect time to use Solar builds for any of the three character classes.

Episode: Echoes Artifact Perks for Solar Builds

Echoes Artifact Perk:

Description:

Incendiary Rifle Rounds

Solar sniper rifle precision hits Scorch targets

Solar Fulmination

Ignitions do increased damage in an increased radius

Radiant Orbs

While players have a Solar or Prismatic Subclass equipped, picking up an Orb of Power makes the player Radiant

Sniper's Meditation

Sniper rifle hits grant stacking sniper rifle damage, stability, and reload bonuses for a short time. Heavy ammo sniper rifle hits count as more than one

In the case of the Seasonal Artifact perks related to sniper rifles, these aren’t inherently dependent on players using a Solar Subclass, but they still have great synergy with Solar builds. Especially for Hunters though, these sniper rifle perks will be useful for players running a Solar Hunter build with the new Still Hunt Exotic from the Final Shape DLC.

Hunter Celestial Nighthawk Still Hunt Builds Are Meta Even After the Nerfs

Before the Final Shape DLC came out, content creators who had early access to the DLC were quick to share that the new Still Hunt Exotic sniper rifle, which fires Golden Gun shots, benefits from the Hunter’s Celestial Nighthawk Exotic armor. More specifically, the Still Hunt can take full advantage of the Celestial Nighthawk, giving it a single, powerful Golden Gun shot that explodes defeated enemies and provides increased Super ability regen from kills.

Recently, this powerful build was hit with a nerf that reduced the Still Hunt’s damage benefit gained by the Celestial Nighthawk by a massive 33%. However, even after this nerf, Celestial Nighthawk Still Hunt builds are still one of the best options for DPS in Destiny 2.

Warlock’s Song of Flame Super is the New Well of Radiance

Unlike how Hunter’s Still Hunt builds are still thriving after a big nerf, Warlock’s Well of Radiance nerfs were a lot more devastating. While Well of Radiance Super may not be the meta anymore, Warlock’s new Song of Flame Super provides a lot of the utility that Well of Radiance used to provide, and it doesn’t lock players into a stationary position. This Super makes the user extremely resistant to damage while granting Radiant to their weapons and enhancing their abilities. It also provides these buffs to nearby teammates, making it a powerful mix of offensive and defensive buffs.

Solar Titans Have the Perfect Blend of Add Clear and Boss DPS

Two Titan builds that still shine through as the PvE meta in Destiny 2 are Pyrogale Mantle builds and Throwing ‘bonk’ Hammer builds. Throwing Hammer can have the fastest cooldown among the Titan’s melee abilities, and considering that melee builds are the Titan’s specialty, Throwing Hammers are a strong foundation for any build. Otherwise, with the Pyrogale Mantles, Consecration melee abilities and the Burning Maul Super combine a powerful blend of add clear and boss DPS.

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Destiny 2
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 84 /100 Critics Rec: 88%
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Released
August 28, 2017
ESRB
T For TEEN for Blood, Language, and Violence
Developer(s)
Bungie
Publisher(s)
Bungie
Engine
Tiger Engine
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
Cross-Platform Play
PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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Dive into the world of Destiny 2 to explore the mysteries of the solar system and experience responsive first-person shooter combat. Unlock powerful elemental abilities and collect unique gear to customize your Guardian's look and playstyle. Enjoy Destiny 2’s cinematic story, challenging co-op missions, and a variety of PvP modes alone or with friends. Download for free today and write your legend in the stars.

An Immersive Story
You are a Guardian, defender of the Last City of humanity in a solar system under siege by infamous villains. Look to the stars and stand against the darkness. Your legend begins now.

Guardian Classes
Choose from the armored Titan, mystic Warlock, or swift Hunter.

Cross Save
yes
Expansions
Destiny 2: Forsaken, Destiny 2: Shadowkeep, Destiny 2: Beyond Light, Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, Destiny 2: Lightfall
Franchise
Destiny
Number of Players
1-6 (Co-Op)
Steam Deck Compatibility
no
Genre(s)
FPS
How Long To Beat
100+
PS Plus Availability
Essential, Extra, & Premium (The Witch Queen)