The new Strand aspects Destiny 2 added this season have been uh, interesting, to say the least. Warlock’s Weavewalker is already disabled, causing too much chaos in PvE with glaive stabbing and arc buddy assassination. Hunter’s Whirling Maelstrom hasn’t broken the game yet but is hilarious to watch unfold.
As for Titan? Bungie just created an entirely new melee/sword/glaive based build with Banner of War, that is now officially the best banner-related thing in the game, dethroning Rally Banners, Banner Shield and even Iron Banner. Best Banner.
I was waiting for loadouts to come back before I tried this build, but curiosity got the better of me and it is great. I’ve always been a fan of glaive stabbing and I’m always happen to see swords getting even more love, as this joins additional buffs swords got this season.
Here’s what Banner of War does:
“Defeat a target with a finisher, melee attack or sword to raise a Banner of War that pulses with energy, periodically healing allies and increasing melee and sword damage. Targets defeated by you and nearby allies charge the banner, increasing the frequency of its pulses.”
Infinite ammo glaive stabs count as melee attacks, so they are great to use with this. Swords have become monsters both in terms of damage reduction while guarding and dishing out damage with recent changes to how often you can heavy attack. This also works with things like One-Two Punch Shotguns for normal big melee damage. And of course Strands native Frenzied Blade slashes. And the new Monte Carlo catalyst!
The three main exotic pieces of armor most people are using with this are all arms:
- Stronghold, the sword-buffing arms to become immortal with damage reduction and restoration.
- Synthoceps, where this melee buffs gets you back up to the pre-nerf glaive damage craziness we used to see from these.
- ACD/O Feedback Fence, which was recently buffed to work with armor charge and can AOE clear mobs when you’re meleed yourself.
I’ve personally been using my old favorite, Synthoceps for this. I’m not sure if I have this perfect yet, but once you get it rolling and stack Banner of War to x4, you are just getting healed constantly, and carving through things with increased melee damage on either your glaive or sword. Or both.
It’s one of the most fun builds I’ve seen Destiny 2 introduce in a very long time, really leaning into the Titan Smash! philosophy and I love it. You should give it a shot with your favorite glaive, sword and exotic arms, and see what all the fuss is about.
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