The Stasis subclass in Destiny 2 has fundamentally reshaped the way Guardians approach combat and strategy, introducing a chilling new dimension to the game’s diverse arsenal. Released as part of the Beyond Light expansion, Stasis brings the power of darkness to the light side, allowing players to wield cold-based abilities that freeze, shatter, and control enemies in dynamic ways. Unlike previous subclasses focused on elemental light powers, Stasis revolves around slowing down and immobilizing foes, offering a unique playstyle that combines crowd control with devastating burst damage.
Origins of the Stasis Subclass
Stasis is the first Darkness subclass introduced in Destiny 2, signifying a major narrative and gameplay shift. With Beyond Light, Guardians gain access to the dark powers formerly wielded only by enemies, such as the Fallen and Hive. This subclass harnesses raw void energy but focuses on manipulation of ice and cold, allowing players to freeze enemies solid and then shatter them into fragments. This new power adds complexity and depth to combat scenarios across PvE and PvP modes.
Thematic Impact
The introduction of Stasis also reflects the evolving story in Destiny 2, highlighting the Guardians’ willingness to embrace Darkness to defeat greater threats. This subclass symbolizes the balance between light and dark forces, adding lore-rich context to gameplay mechanics. Stasis is not just a new power; it represents the tension and fusion of opposing energies that define Destiny 2’s narrative universe.
Core Mechanics of the Stasis Subclass
The Stasis subclass centers on freezing enemies and using ice constructs to control the battlefield. It consists of three main skill trees, each offering unique abilities that cater to different playstyles. Guardians can choose from Hunter, Warlock, or Titan classes, with each having its own variation of Stasis powers, but the core theme of cold control remains consistent.
Freezing and Shattering Enemies
At the heart of Stasis lies the ability to slow down and freeze opponents. This mechanic works by applying a debuff called Frozen, which temporarily immobilizes enemies. Once frozen, players can shatter them with melee attacks or grenades, resulting in high burst damage and crowd clearing. This chain of freezing and shattering makes Stasis ideal for controlling groups of enemies or turning the tide in PvP encounters.
Unique Abilities by Class
- Hunter – Revenant: This subclass offers fast-paced movement combined with ice-based knives that freeze targets. Abilities include the ‘Silence & Squall’ super, where players throw dual spectral blades that freeze enemies on impact.
- Warlock – Shadebinder: Focused on spellcasting, this subclass features the ‘Winter’s Wrath’ super, which summons a staff to unleash freezing blasts. Warlocks can freeze multiple enemies and benefit from enhanced support and crowd control.
- Titan – Behemoth: Titans wield raw power with their ‘Glacier Grenade’ and ‘Howl of the Storm’ super, creating crushing ice walls and causing area denial through freezing explosions.
Abilities Breakdown
Each Stasis subclass comes equipped with specific grenades, melee, and supers, making them versatile and customizable. Below is a detailed look at the key abilities players can expect.
Grenades
- Shard Grenade: Explodes into ice shards, slowing and damaging enemies.
- Darkness Spike: A precision grenade that pierces targets and creates a freezing effect.
- Frostblast Grenade: Slows enemies and detonates with a freezing pulse.
- Glacier Grenade: Creates a wall of ice that blocks enemy movement and vision.
Melee Attacks
Stasis melee abilities focus on shattering frozen enemies or creating ice spikes to damage foes. Melee skills often provide defensive buffs or recharge grenades, encouraging aggressive engagement and tactical positioning.
Supers
The Stasis supers are dramatic and visually striking, often creating large zones of control where enemies are frozen or slowed. Using these supers strategically can shut down entire enemy squads or provide critical support to allies.
Gameplay Strategies with Stasis
Mastering Stasis requires understanding how to chain freezing effects and control the flow of battle. Its crowd control capabilities excel in both PvE and PvP environments, but the approach differs slightly depending on the mode.
In PvE
- Use freezing abilities to slow down waves of enemies, making it easier for your fireteam to pick them off.
- Combine melee shatters with grenades for maximum damage and quick crowd clearing.
- Deploy supers in choke points or during boss fights to create safe zones and manage adds effectively.
In PvP
- Leverage freeze effects to control enemy movement and force opponents into unfavorable positions.
- Utilize the invisibility granted by certain perks after melee kills to reposition or escape.
- Coordinate supers with teammates to lock down objectives or control areas during matches.
Customization and Perks
Stasis subclasses offer a variety of perks and mods that enhance freezing, increase damage, or reduce cooldowns. Players can tailor their builds to suit aggressive or defensive playstyles, making the subclass highly flexible.
- Bleak Watcher: Grants invisibility after shattering frozen targets, ideal for hit-and-run tactics.
- Frostpulse: Freezes nearby combatants upon melee hit, useful for crowd control.
- Whisper of Fissures: Improves grenade recharge rates, encouraging frequent use of abilities.
- Grasp of the Frozen: Freezing effects last longer, enhancing crowd control potential.
Challenges and Considerations
While Stasis offers powerful tools, it requires skill and timing to maximize its potential. Poor use of freezing abilities can leave players vulnerable or waste valuable energy. Additionally, some PvP players find Stasis frustrating due to its control aspects, making it a polarizing subclass in competitive scenes.
Cooldown Management
Balancing cooldowns between grenades, melee, and super is crucial. Efficient chaining of abilities keeps your enemies controlled and your damage output high. Players must be mindful of their resource management to maintain pressure during fights.
Team Synergy
Stasis shines when used in coordination with teammates who can capitalize on frozen enemies or area denial. Communication and strategic use of abilities can turn difficult encounters into manageable battles.
The Stasis subclass has undeniably added a fresh and exhilarating dimension to Destiny 2’s gameplay. Its unique blend of freezing mechanics, crowd control, and burst damage challenges players to think tactically and adapt to new combat rhythms. Whether you prefer the swift and lethal Revenant, the mystical power of the Shadebinder, or the brute strength of the Behemoth, mastering Stasis rewards you with one of the most satisfying and versatile subclasses available. By incorporating Stasis into your loadout, you can reshape battles, dominate enemies, and experience Destiny 2 in an entirely new light one that’s icy, strategic, and full of chilling potential.