Destiny 2: The Final Shape fulfills a missing power fantasy for Titans | GAME3A
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Destiny 2: The Final Shape fulfills a missing power fantasy for Titans

The Strand expansion of Destiny 2 is seen as a lifeline for the game after receiving poor reviews upon its release. It offers new tools for all class...

Josh West Aug 27, 2023
Destiny 2: The Final Shape fulfills a missing power fantasy for Titans

The Strand expansion of Destiny 2 is seen as a lifeline for the game after receiving poor reviews upon its release. It offers new tools for all classes and addresses issues regarding class balance and design.

The Final Shape introduces new Light Supers for Titans, including the Twilight Arsenal, which allows for both a supportive playstyle and a long-range option for those who prefer distance combat.

The introduction of the Twilight Arsenal fills a gap in the Titans' toolkit and provides more options for group play and endgame viability while simultaneously solidifying their power fantasy as a class.

Since its inception, Destiny 2 has undergone dramatic changes, transitioning from offering players nearly no options to customize their gameplay experience to providing a wide array of possibilities. These range from weapon perks and elemental attributes to subclasses with aspects and fragments. As part of the efforts to make build crafting more accessible and unique, Destiny 2: Strand has often been seen as a lifeline for Lightfall, after the expansion received poor reviews upon its release. While The Final Shape does not introduce a new Darkness subclass to Destiny 2, the final expansion of the Light and Darkness saga will bring new tools for all classes, allowing Titan players to finally enjoy a new power fantasy that has been long overdue.

One of the main criticisms of Titan builds in Destiny 2: Strand was that they tended to be more of the same in terms of themes and playstyles, as each class has its own niches that can also become clichés over time. For example, many exotic gear pieces and abilities of Hunters are more focused on PvP content rather than PvE, and even with the new additions from The Final Shape, this trend doesn't change much. However, Titans could be getting one of the best tools they have ever had, which challenges the existing narrative about class balance and design.

Why Destiny 2's Titans Needed The Final Shape's New Void Super

Destiny 2\

One could argue that Destiny 2 Titans have a close-quarters combat problem, as many of their exotic gear, aspects, and fragments are exclusively focused on melee damage. This can limit the diversity for those who enjoy experimenting with different playstyles. Strand was the ultimate embodiment of this, as players have long been yearning for a non-melee and non-roaming super, especially with regards to Stasis. However, Lightfall offered exactly that instead.

However, the new Light Supers from The Final Shape were recently announced during the Bungie Showcase, and it's clear that the studio has taken player feedback regarding Titan tools into account. Void Titans will receive a new aspect and super, with the latter allowing players to throw three massive Void-infused axes at their enemies from a distance, with the ability activating instantly. These axes pulsate and draw nearby enemies towards them, and players or their allies can pick them up to wield another destructive tool.

Thus, Destiny 2: The Final Shape will finally provide Titans with both a long-range and non-roaming super called Twilight Arsenal, which offers greater utility in group play thanks to the ability to draw in enemies and the fact that allies can pick up the axes. Essentially, the super fulfills two needs for Titans at once by providing an option for supportive playstyles as well as a long-range option for those who prefer playing from a distance. Both aspects are power fantasies that are currently not adequately explored by the class. Especially after the nerfs to Ward of Dawn, Titans lack proper support options to compete with the offerings of Warlocks, and they lag behind in terms of endgame viability.

With Destiny 2's recent collaboration with PlayStation, which brought several crossover skins for players, including an armor set inspired by Kratos for Titans, the ability to throw axes further reinforces the need for this new power fantasy. The current options for long-range combat supers are not only limited but also below average compared to the otherwise fantastic tools Titans have for damage, such as Synthoceps or Heart of Inmost Light for Exotics. This means that the Twilight Arsenal fits perfectly with the current class and holds promise for the upcoming saga of Destiny 2 and the potential gameplay revolutions they may bring.

Destiny 2 is now available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.