Destiny 2’sLightfall expansion is highly anticipated by fans of the franchise, with many players eager to see what new content and changes it will bring to the game. However, one particular aspect ofDestiny 2’s expansion could make Bungie’s new content a bit lackluster - the Lightfall Hunter Exotic shown in the recent Lightfall weapons and armor trailer.
The new Hunter Exotic, Cyrtarachne’s Facade, is anExotic armor inDestiny 2’s Lightfall expansion that takes up the helmet slot and gives Hunters a defensive buff that reduces flinch while being shot at. While this may seem useful for Hunters in the heat of battle, a simple flinch resistance will only carry the Exotic so far in PvE and is only useful in PvP, instead. This is a frustrating trend for Hunters in general, and that sentiment can be attributed to Hunters already having too many PvP Exotics compared to other classes.
RELATED:Destiny 2 Lightfall’s New Weapons Are From Shadowkeep
The Titan’s and Warlock’s Strand Exotics Seem To Play Directly Into The Subclass’s Abilities
On the other hand, Titans and Warlocks are gettingStrand-based Exotics inDestiny 2’s Lightfallthat function with the Strand subclass on a deeper level. These Exotics seem designed to be used in bothDestiny 2’s PvP and PvE because they offer crowd control and synergy with aspects of the Strand subclass, making them much more versatile and useful to players regardless of their playstyles. Meanwhile, the Hunter Exotic doesn’t seem to synergize with the Strand subclass at all beyond the anti-flinch buff given through the grapple mechanic, and it’s important to remember that players can’t use grenades if they’re using the grapple. This simply makes such an armor choice for Hunters much more situational.
Additionally, Hunters already have a sizable number of Exotics that thrive in PvP, like the Wormhusk Crown, The Dragon’s Shadow, and Mask of Bakris. The addition of another Exotic armor with a PvP focus seems like a waste of both resources and potential when players have wanted moreHunter Exotics inDestiny 2that synergize with individual subclasses better or all subclasses. At this time, PvE players can only hope there is more than just one new Exotic armor per class in the expansion.
Why Destiny 2’s Hunters Are in a Rough Spot in PvE Content
Moreover, the Lightfall Hunter Exotic also reinforces a larger problem within the game, the marginalization of Hunters in PvE content. The trend of focusing on developing PvP-specific Exotics more than other classes only marginalizes the Hunter class, potentially making them less sought after in PvE. Some players feel that Hunters are underrepresented and underserved, and the Lightfall Hunter Exotic only reinforces this feeling. Another aspect that adds to the frustration is that PvP is not the most popular mode among Destiny 2 players. WhilePvP is a staple of theDestinyfranchise, PvE remains a major aspect of the game, and some feel that focusing on PvP-specific Exotics takes opportunities away from Hunter players who main PvE content.
Ultimately, while it’s interesting that the Strand subclass’s Grapple gives the Hunter anti-flinch, players are likely hoping that there is more to the defensive buff overall. One way the new Hunter Exotic would be viable is if the defensive buff blocks a few shots up to a certain amount of damage taken on top of the flinch resistance, much like Void 3.0 Overshields. That would arguably make Cyrtarachne’s Facade more useful in PvE content and allow Strand Hunters the chance at a more aggressive and mobile playstyle against the game’s NPC enemies. Players will surely discover more of the nuance behind these Exotics onceDestiny 2’s Lightfall expansionreleases.
Destiny 2is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
MORE:What to Expect From Destiny 2 in 2023
