[quote][b]TITAN[/b] | [b]BERSERKER[/b]
The Untamable Force
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/inDsAQRZ03c[/quote]
[b]---- The Problem ----[/b]
The new subclass has not been available to players yet, but from what we've been shown, Berserker seems to lack a clear identity and unique purpose. I hope that this post will help bring attention to the issue and prevent the same from happening to any future Titan, Hunter, or Warlock subclasses.
The Berserker's identity we've been told has been something along the lines of [i]'Break through the enemy line and tear through waves of enemies.'[/i] It's very fitting for an expansion about jumping straight into a war zone, however, it's a similar identity to the existing Titan's Striker subclass.
To summarize the Striker subclass using a mesh of different flavor text throughout Destiny's history: [i]'The Striker is a close-quarters combat fighter that uses their body as a weapon, supercharging their fists and slamming into the ground with the force of a maelstrom, pushing the enemy line.'[/i] Both the Behemoth Stasis subclass and Berserker Strand subclass could be described similarly as that, but at least the Berserker doesn't feature a heavy slam attack.
I believe that the Berserker subclass is past reworking from the ground up, but it is still possible to make improvements to make the Berserker stand apart from the other Titan subclasses. As an example: The first impression of Warlock's Broodweaver subclass super was very close to Nova Bomb and Blade Barrage, but since the initial reveal, we see that Needlestorm now spawns threadlings that seek out targets, making the super much more unique just from that single addition. I think Berserker subclass would be more accepted if the general concept was improved upon.
[b]---- Suggestions ----[/b]
[b](1)[/b]
The gameplay of the Berserker should lean more heavily on recklessly throwing yourself at the enemy to stand apart from the Striker. If the Striker is the hit-and-run/one-hit-wonder, then the Berserker needs to be the no-mercy/over-kill beatdown. The subclass should encourage and empower Titans to rip and tear at the feet of the boss while other Guardians fight at a safe distance. To make this possible:
+ Damage resistance against enemy [u]melee[/u] attacks while in Bladefury super.
+ Chain consecutive Bladefury attacks to create a snowball effect of increased damage.
+ Immunity from boss stomp AoE effects while in Bladefury, so close-quarters is not interrupted.
[b](2)[/b]
The Berserker's heavy attack which sends out a suspending wave will be useful for stopping prey in their tracks but will render useless in a boss fight. The heavy attack could have a secondary effect on targets that cannot be suspended in the air, perhaps disabling bosses from stomping you away.
[b](3)[/b]
The Berserk's mobility during super is another element that needs attention in order to stand apart from the Striker subclass. In the [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VJWfrI5SPs]Destiny 2 Vidoc: As Light Falls[/url] video at [b]4:40[/b]-[b]4:56[/b], we get a glimpse of the subclass in action, which shows the Titan slowly roaming towards their suspended target. Fortunately, the grenade ability will feature a grapple, likely to be usable during Bladerush, but the super would feel vastly different if the grapple was could be used more than once during Bladerush.
+ Restore grenade energy when Bladerush is activated
+ [i](or)[/i] Restore grenade energy on Bladerush kill.
+ [i](or)[/i] Grapple continuously regenerates during Bladerush so the player can go full [i]'Attack on Titan'[/i]
In PvP scenarios, The Sentinel and Sunbreaker subclasses are going to perform much better as they have ranged attacks and offer more tools in their arsenal. We can assume that the Berserker will have the same problem as the Behemoth: players will need to get up close. The grapple/grenade-energy suggestions above would help this issue, allowing more opportunities for Berserkers to get up close during super before getting shut down.
[b](4)[/b]
In [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VJWfrI5SPs]Destiny 2 Vidoc: As Light Falls[/url] video at [b]11:55[/b]-[b]12:30[/b], we are introduced to Hunter & Titan Exotics that provide Woven Mail. The Titan's Exotic provides Woven Mail on suspension, hopefully, it also includes suspension caused by the Bladerush heavy attack and not just the barricade. However, Woven Mail doesn't seem to benefit the user much as it only provides body-shot damage resistance. I think it would be worth considering giving Woven Mail an additional effect, otherwise why gear for Woven Mail when you can gear for Overshield?
+ Flinch resistance while Woven Mail is active.
+ [i](or)[/i] Immunity to suppression effects, but instantly consumes Woven Mail.
+ [i](or)[/i] Splash-damage resistance while Woven Mail is active.
[b]---- Conclusion ----[/b]
The suggestions brought up aren't foolproof but I'm sure there are many ways Bungie could make Berserker stand apart from the Striker and Behemoth subclasses. I hope this post starts a discussion or at least inspires players to think and speak so Bungie doesn't make a similar mistake for another subclass in a future expansion.
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… Then don’t play it. There are plenty of other subclasses to play instead. You could always main a Hunter or Warlock for the new expansion if you don’t like the new Titan Subclass. Anyways, you should just wait and see until the new subclasses actually come out. Berserker will probably be OP as heck when it comes out.