I’ve been sitting on this idea for a while. I think there’s a fundamental disconnect between what should constitute a “build.” For example, it appears to occupy a contradictory state wherein it is used as a way to explore new, niche approaches to combat (i.e. CwL, Airborne Accuracy) but also core functionality (i.e. Flinch, Weapon Perks). Take the shoulder charge nerf way back when. Bungie made the one shot SC only available on Peregrine Greaves, requiring one to, using the loosest definition of the word, “build” into it. We see this often. Want flinch reduction? Want orb generation? “Build” into it. But what does this entail? Surely if it’s a decision on the part of the player, doesn’t that constitute some degree of specialization? I would argue the contrary. The above listed examples, while they provide new benefits, do not offer NEW benefits, they merely provide functionality that had once been present or should have been present to begin with. SC not a one hit? Now it is with greaves. That decision didn’t provide any new approach to combat but rather constricted it to one in particular. Before, the Greaves COULD have been implemented in a build proper, the player building around them to achieve a particular goal. But now they are a required piece to have SC work at all. Again, they only offers functionality rather than innovation. Same goes for CwL and flinch. They don’t achieve anything beyond the bare minimum of functionality; they aren’t builds because there is nothing to build AROUND or ATOP. They provide the foundation alone, a foundation that asks you to sacrifice other options just for that bare functionality via particular armor pieces or weapons. Guardians will naturally gravitate toward the same builds come the new update, mark my words. In fact, this goes beyond discussions of armor and abilities. We see the same thing happening with certain weapon archetypes, mainly shotguns and fusions. Why do people use the same rolls on their weapons? Because they offer functionality where there is otherwise inconsistency (pellet/bolt spread rng). Of course people are going to ALWAYS choose Firmly Planted, TTT, Under Pressure, Shot package, etc. because to do otherwise would be to put yourself at a disadvantage on account of intrinsic unreliability. It’s not a choice at all. Time and again we see how this game naturally funnels guardians into these generalist roles without room to explore lest they sacrifice something in exchange for little more than a novelty lacking applicable advantages.