Overview
- Recent buffs to Arc subclasses in Destiny 2 have significantly influenced the game’s competitive landscape, especially with the addition of potent new Aspects.
- The combination of Le Monarque, Storm’s Keep Aspect, and specific Artifact mods has emerged as a formidable build for accumulating Bolt Charge stacks effectively.
- Given the overwhelming effectiveness of Le Monarque when paired with these Aspects and mods, a balance adjustment may soon be required.
The third Episode of Destiny 2 introduced numerous changes to the game’s sandbox, dramatically altering the competitive landscape. Among these changes were the introduction of three new Aspects for the Arc Titan, Arc Warlock, and Void Hunter subclasses. Consequently, there has been a marked shift in focus towards Arc subclasses, particularly with a notable uptick in the use of Prismatic and other revised tools. The newly implemented Bolt Charge mechanic has quickly proven to be an effective addition that is likely to dominate the meta unless adjustments are made. Although nerfs are not imminent, one Exotic weapon has gained remarkable strength and may require prompt modifications.
It is common for new updates and seasonal releases to revitalize older items or perks, sometimes even making them game-changing. Bungie regularly revises multiple Exotic weapons and armor pieces each season or Episode. For instance, Arc Warlocks now boast a powerful build with Geomag Stabilizers, and previously overlooked Exotics like Thunderlord and The Queenbreaker have become excellent choices for damage output. Within this context, the Exotic bow Le Monarque has ascended to a leading position in the meta, creating a scenario where timely adjustments might be necessary.
How Arc Buffs Have Elevated Le Monarque in PvE
The rise of Le Monarque as a top-tier weapon for DPS in Destiny 2 can be attributed to a confluence of factors. Central to this change is the Storm’s Keep Aspect designed for Striker Titans, which enables the generation of Bolt Charge stacks each time a Barricade class ability is deployed. This Aspect also allows players to unleash lightning from Bolt Charge not just through abilities but also via weapon fire, creating formidable synergy.
Although it may seem unconventional to integrate a Void weapon into an Arc-focused build, Le Monarque excels in this environment. Its unique ability allows Titans using the Storm’s Keep Aspect to passively generate Bolt Charge stacks through the poison inflicted by the bow’s precision shots when fully drawn. This synergy facilitates rapid accumulation of Bolt Charge, especially in team settings where multiple Titans can stack the effect, resulting in an impressive quick discharge of accumulated charges.
Additionally, the Artifact mod introduced in Episode Heresy, named Volatile Marksman, plays a crucial role in amplifying this build’s effectiveness. By rewarding rapid precision hits and final blows with Void weapons, Volatile Marksman grants Volatile Rounds, significantly increasing overall damage output. Furthermore, players can enhance this effect by activating a Ritual of Desire using Destiny 2’s Tome of Want, which causes Volatile explosions to generate class ability energy. This combination works seamlessly with Storm’s Keep, maximizing Bolt Charge generation while simultaneously providing more energy for Barricade recasts and further stack replenishment.
Potential for Nerfing Le Monarque’s Synergy with Storm’s Keep
The synergy between Le Monarque and Storm’s Keep has proven so effective that some players are experiencing remarkable success in soloing challenging content, completing encounters in just one or two phases. While this impressive performance highlights the current strength of this build, it raises concerns about balance within the game. Rather than nerfing Le Monarque directly, a more viable approach might be to adjust how it interacts with Storm’s Keep or Volatile Marksman. For instance, introducing an internal cooldown for the stacking effects could help mitigate its overwhelming strength without diminishing its unique capabilities.
As of now, Le Monarque stands as one of the most potent builds in Destiny 2, but given the feedback from the community, it’s clear that developers will need to keep a close eye on its ongoing performance to maintain a balanced gameplay experience.
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