In the cosmos-spanning world of Destiny 2, where Guardians face off against the darkest threats from beyond the stars, Strikes represent a critical facet of the PvE (Player versus Environment) landscape. These cooperative missions, designed for fireteams of three, blend intense combat scenarios with intricate mechanics, requiring not only a strong grasp of the game’s fundamentals but also an understanding of the specific nuances each Strike presents. Whether you’re a novice star-walker or a seasoned defender of the Light, this guide intends to equip you with the knowledge needed to excel in these challenging encounters.

Understanding Strike Mechanics#

At their core, Strikes in Destiny 2 are narrative-driven, cooperative missions that culminate in a boss fight, weaving the rich tapestry of the game’s universe into the player experience. However, beneath this straightforward explanation lies a complex array of mechanics that vary significantly from one Strike to the next. By mastering these, a Guardian ensures they’re a step closer to claiming victory against the forces of Darkness.

The Fundamentals#

Every Strike is structured around several key phases, typically starting with a trek through enemy-infested territories. Guardians will encounter a mixture of low-tier fodder enemies alongside more formidable foes, requiring a balanced approach to combat. The use of environmental elements and understanding enemy spawn patterns are essential here.

As the fireteam progresses, they will encounter a series of objectives. These can range from hacking terminals and defending points to navigating obstacles and solving puzzles. Success in these endeavors often requires effective communication and role allocation among team members.

The culmination of each Strike is the boss encounter, where Guardians face off against a formidable adversary. These fights often feature multiple stages or phases, each with distinct mechanics. Understanding these patterns and adapting strategies accordingly is key to triumph.

Class Synergy#

A critical aspect of navigating Strikes successfully is realizing the potential of class synergy within your fireteam. Whether it’s a Titan’s barricade, a Warlock’s healing rift, or a Hunter’s ability to quickly dispatch priority targets, understanding and utilizing the strengths of each class makes your team more than just the sum of its parts.

Strike Loadouts#

Equipping the right gear and weapons for the task at hand is half the battle in Destiny 2. Strikes, with their varied challenges and enemies, demand a thoughtful approach to loadouts.

Weapon Choices#

Your armament should offer versatility to tackle different kinds of foes. A well-rounded loadout typically includes:

• Primary Weapon: Ideal for dispatching weaker enemies quickly. Auto rifles and hand cannons are popular choices.
• Secondary Weapon: This slot should counter tougher enemies or those shielded by elemental barriers. Sniper rifles, fusion rifles, and shotguns are excellent picks depending on the Strike.
• Heavy Weapon: Reserved for boss damage or clearing densely packed foes. Rocket launchers, grenade launchers, and swords are particularly effective.

Armor and Mods#

Your armor isn’t just a protective shell; it’s a platform for enhancing your Guardian’s abilities. Armor mods can significantly affect your performance, offering everything from improved ability recharge rates to enhanced weapon performance. Tailoring your armor mods to complement your weapon choices and play style is crucial.

Strike-Specific Strategies#

Each Strike in Destiny 2 is a unique beast, demanding bespoke strategies. While a comprehensive guide to every Strike would be monumental, highlighting strategies for a few can shed light on the general approach.

The Inverted Spire#

This Vex-themed Strike on Nessus showcases the importance of environmental awareness. During the final boss encounter, the floor disappears in phases, necessitating constant movement. Adapting to this mechanic by staying mobile and keeping an eye on the changing arena is vital.

The Arms Dealer#

Set in the Cabal-infested EDZ, this Strike emphasizes the significance of prioritizing targets. During the boss fight, focusing on adds (additional enemies) when they spawn is crucial to avoiding being overwhelmed. Similarly, taking down shielded enemies quickly using appropriate elemental weapons is key.

Nightfall Strikes#

Nightfall Strikes are the pinnacle of the Strike experience in Destiny 2, offering a significantly more challenging version of existing Strikes with added modifiers that change weekly. Success in Nightfalls demands not only mastery of the Strike’s mechanics but also an understanding of how modifiers alter the playfield.

Modifiers and Adaptation#

Modifiers can range from empowering certain weapon types to limiting abilities, necessitating adaptive strategies. For example, if a modifier strengthens solar damage for both enemies and players, incorporating solar weapons and subclasses into your fireteam’s loadout becomes advantageous.

Champions#

Nightfalls introduce Champion enemies, requiring specific mods to counter effectively. These mods (Anti-Barrier, Overload, and Unstoppable) are essential for breaking through Champions’ defenses, highlighting the importance of a well-considered loadout.

Strike Rewards and Loot#

The loot pursuit is a core driving force in Destiny 2, and Strikes offer their fair share of treasures. Understanding the reward mechanics is key to maximizing your gains.

Strike-Specific Loot#

Certain Strikes drop unique weapons or gear, making them particularly lucrative targets for those chasing specific items. For instance, farming the Nightfall version of a Strike increases the chances of obtaining these coveted pieces.

Vanguard Tokens and Ranks#

Completing Strikes awards Vanguard Tokens, which can be turned in to Commander Zavala at the Tower for rewards. Accumulating these tokens not only yields immediate gear but also contributes to your Vanguard Rank, unlocking additional rewards as you progress.

Nightfall The Ordeal and Score#

Nightfall Strikes, especially the Ordeal variant, offer a scoring system. Achieving higher scores increases the likelihood of rare loot drops, including Exotics and Enhancement materials. Pushing for high scores often involves completing the Strike quickly and efficiently while tackling optional objectives for additional points.

In Conclusion#

Strikes in Destiny 2 offer a rich vein of content, blending narrative, team-based challenges, and the pursuit of loot into thrilling cooperative experiences. Whether you’re strategizing to overcome the latest Nightfall or farming for a specific piece of Strike-exclusive gear, success is built on a foundation of understanding Strike mechanics, judicious loadout choices, and effective team play.

As the universe of Destiny 2 continues to expand, Strikes remain a testament to the enduring appeal of joining forces with fellow Guardians to face down the encroaching Darkness. With this comprehensive guide at your disposal, the path to becoming a legendary Guardian, championing the Light against all odds, is clearer than ever.