Summary
Warlocks inDestiny 2have always been quite powerful. This is largely thanks to their remarkable subclasses and the balance changes they receive. Players can wield both the Light and Dark with each subclass inDestiny 2, with each of them providing players with unique strengths and weaknesses, regardless of whether it’s Solar, Arc, Void, Strand, or Stasis.
With the vast number of potential options, it can be pretty overwhelming for novice Warlocks and New Lights to know which subclass to lean into and use the most due to the number of Aspects, Fragments, and Exotics that complement them. Thankfully, ranking each subclass and discussing their strengths and weaknesses while mentioning the best features of the subclass, will help players know what subclass to run on a Warlock.
5Voidwalker
Consistent, But The Weakest Super
Voidwalker is not what it used to be. The subclass has slowly beenlosing identity since the release of Void 3.0due to every Void class gaining access to Devour, and the overall kit is not as powerful as it used to be. This isn’t to say that Voidwalker is weak, but it is near to the weakest of the list.
Void Warlocks can utilize severalbuilds for some powerful effects, but they feel pretty limited in their potential, and the subclass is honestly not as enjoyable as some other options. While this may be down to personal preference, it isn’t easy to repeatedly enjoy the single gameplay loop ofChild of the Old Godsand Devour. All this, combined with the general lack of unique supporting potential, puts Voidwalker in fourth.
4Stormcaller
Chaining Lightning Has Never Been So Strong
Stormcaller has seen glow-up after glow-up, the biggest beingArc 3.0’s rework in Season of the Plunder. Arc Warlock has always been seen as a niche class, but it now has more widespread viability thanks to the strength of Arc Souls and Ionic Traces. The build potential with these two subclass traits is incredible, especially with Exotics likeFallen Sunstar.
Stormcaller isn’t perfect, though. It lacks a powerful Super and some survivability.Chaos ReachandStormtrancearen’t strong Super options, and only being able to blind enemies for surviving isn’t as consistent as other forms of defense. However, using a Special Weapon like Forbearance orColdheartand combining them with eitherSpark of Beaconsor Brilliance can make surviving a bit easier.
3Shadebinder
Freeze Anything & Everything
Despite thepotential builds a Stasis Warlock lover can make, the subclass pales compared to the competition. While Aspects likeBleak WatcherandIceflare Boltsare potent in their own right, the subclass is a tad dangerous for the current meta inDestiny 2.Certain Aspect choices are also far too weak; options likeGlacial Harvestare useless, as Stasis Shards have little to no practical use inside challenging content.
Stasis has been weak overall for quite some time, and unfortunately,the recent buffsto Stasis haven’t changed that for Shadebinder. The Super feels sluggish to use, and the kit does not have enough damage or survivability to warrant use. However, combined with the right Exotics, players are going to be able to utilise a freeze turret that will keep the competition stunned and frozen, which is great for Nightfalls.
2Broodweaver
A Legions Of Threadlings Overwhelm Enemies
Broodweaver is the go-to subclass for damage on Warlock. Withpowerful builds available, Strand Warlocks have a ton of solid options. Broodweavers can either opt for a setup that looks to Suspend as many enemies as humanly possible, or they can look to build their Warlock to do damage by using Exotics likeApotheosis VeilandGrappleGrenades withThread of Ascentto maximize damage from their Rocket Launchers.
There is not anything trulyweakabout Broodweaver. It has damage resistance thanks to Woven Mail, excellent boss damage because ofNeedlestormand Threadling Grenades, and excellent add-clear potential due to the Weaver’s Trance Aspect. However, compared to other classes, Broodweaver will do less damage than a perfectly set-up Hunter withCelestial Nighthawkor a Titan usingBanner of WarandSynthoceps.
1Dawnblade
Constant Healing, Ignitions, And Amazing Support
Dawnblade is arguably the best subclass in all ofDestiny 2right now. What truly makes Dawnblade tick is the selection of Aspects available. Each option is as strong as the next, and Solar Warlocks are completely spoiled for choice, as each option is entirely viable. Withincredible builds for Dawnblade, it’s hard to recommend this subclass enough; it’s that strong.
Of course, there is the elephant in the room, too.Well of Radiance. Practically a must-have inall raid settings, fireteams will actively complain if there isn’t a Warlock onWell of Radiance. Making anyone inside the Well near unkillable while providing a 25% damage buff is quite absurd compared to some of the other options on Warlock, and it’s entirely recommended that players take advantage of this subclass from its ad-clearing builds to the infinite survivability ofWell of Radiance.
