Destiny 2 Sentinel Subclass
Welcome back, Guardians! We have had a great time so far exploring the Beta during this week. Bungie finally allowed us to take a longer look inside the Sentinel subclass during the Beta action. So, let’s go ahead and break it down piece by piece.
Grenades
Magnetic Grenade – A grenade that attaches to enemies and explodes twice.
Suppressor Grenade – An explosive grenade that prevents enemies from using abilities for a short time.
Voidwall Grenade – A grenade that creates a horizontal wall of burning Void Light.
Looks like the Titan is picking up a few tricks from the old Nightstalker hunter of Destiny 1. Voidwall used to be in the Hunter’s Nightstalker selection tree and is making its return in the Sentinel Titan’s loadout.
Titan Class Abilities
These remain the same throughout all the skill trees. So, don’t forget to select between Towering Barricade and Rally Barricade.
Towering Barricade – Press and Hold (O for PS, B for Xbox) to create a large barrier that can be used to reinforce a position with cover from enemy fire.
Rally Barricade – Press and Hold (O for PS, B for Xbox) to create a small barrier that allows you to peek over it while aiming down sights, and which instantly reloads your equipped weapon when you take cover.
During the Beta, I have seen great practical uses of both barricades. The Towering Barricade has been used well by some Titans to deny shooting lanes while in the Crucible. I have also seen the Rally Barricade used very practically during both PvE and PvP environments. The ability to grant an instant reload after taking cover is very beneficial. Although I will say that I have had an easy time countering the Rally Barricade since after coming up from the cover it leaves your Guardian very vulnerable to headshots. The fact that you can see the character movements through the shield also gives you a good read on where your enemy may move from behind the barricade. Be wise, be tactful, and always remember to watch each other’s back in the Crucible.
Jumps
These also remain the same between the Striker and Sentinel subclasses.
High Lift – Jump while airborne to activate lift and launch into the air at greater heights.
Strafe Lift – Jump while airborne to activate life and launch into the air with strong directional control.
Catapult lift – Jump while airborne to activate lift and launch into the air with a strong initial burst of momentum.
Although many people are stating that Titan Skating has been removed from Destiny 2 I have still run into a couple of Titans who are very mobile. So don’t count them out and think they are completely sluggish. Their jumps all have different practical uses so pick and choose the one that helps in your play style.
Super Ability
Sentinel Shield – Press L1 + R1 to summon a shield of Void Light. While Sentinel Shield is active, press R1 to attack. Hold R2 to guard. Press L1 to perform a Shield Throw.
Subclass Nodes
Just like all the other Subclasses, we are given two different node options. Each one provides great benefit to your preferred playstyle. During the Beta, we only got to test the Code of the Protector to see how it felt. My analysis of the Code of the Aggressor will all be speculation based given what I know from playing the Beta thus far.
Code of the Protector
Turn the Tide – Your Overshield from Defensive Strike lasts longer and increases melee damage and reload speed.
Rallying Force – Melee Kills restore Health for you and nearby allies.
Defensive Strike – Kill an enemy with this Melee Ability to create and over-shield around you and nearby allies.
Ward of Dawn – When Super energy is full, press and hold L1 +R1 to create a shielding dome to protect you and your allies.
Playing with the Code of the Protector I did find that when it came to using the super I had to be very deliberate on my super activation. If you hold them down longer than the initial tap you have a greater chance to accidentally casting the Ward of Dawn bubble instead of the Sentinel Shield. The Sentinel Shield felt very versatile. You have the ability to throw the shield to reach out and hit enemies, or shield bash on close up enemies. The momentum with the Super feels good, it had similar principles to running the relic from Vault of Glass. One thing that I didn’t realize what that you only get one shield to throw during the super so use and aim it wisely. Teammates get a lot of benefits from your melee kills, so if there is a good chance go for the up close and personal finish your nearby teammates will thank you.
Code of the Aggressor
Shield Bash – After sprinting for a short time, use this Melee Ability to unleash a devastating Shield Bash that disorients enemies.
Superior Arsenal – Grenade kills recharge your Grenade energy
In the Trenches – Kills while surrounded by enemies reduce the cooldown of your Super.
Second Shield – Gain an additional Shield Throw charge while Sentinel Shield is active.
Now again I haven’t had the chance to play this subclass, but just looking through the passive abilities I feel that I will be enjoying the Aggressor node a lot. I feel that I will be using this a lot during PvE combat. I feel that “In the Trenches” and “Superior Arsenal” will work very well in conjunction with being surrounded by enemies. Tie this in tandem with “Sheild Bash” to get into the middle of things will work pretty well with the other abilities in this Node. The “Second Shield” perk is very useful as well since sometimes you wish you had a second one in case you miss with the first.
Overall I really like this new subclass, it feels powerful during the Super, it has the abilities and requirements to be a great addition to the Destiny universe.