Armor Charge
Armor Charge is a buildcrafting system in Destiny 2 introduced with the Lightfall expansion that streamlines and replaces the previous Charged with Light and Elemental Wells systems. Players collect Orbs of Power to gain stacks of Armor Charge, which can be consumed for various combat benefits.
Contents
Overview
The Armor Charge system represents a major overhaul of Destiny 2's mod and buildcrafting mechanics. By simplifying the previous systems into a unified framework centered on Orbs of Power, it provides both accessibility for new players and depth for veterans creating powerful builds.
Core Mechanics
Gaining Armor Charge
- Each Orb of Power grants 1 Armor Charge
- Default maximum: 3 stacks
- Intrinsic "Taking Charge" effect
- No mod required to gain charges from orbs
Stack Limits
- Base capacity: 3 charges
- Charge Up mods increase capacity
- 1 mod = 4 charges max
- 2 mods = 5 charges max
- 3 mods = 6 charges max
Decay Mechanics
- Without blue mods: No decay
- With blue mods: -1 charge every 10 seconds
- Timer resets on gaining charge
- All charges can decay to zero
Mod Categories
Green Mods (Generation)
Function: Grant Armor Charge stacks
Examples:
- Orb pickup effects
- Ability kill bonuses
- Finisher generation
- Multi-kill rewards
Yellow Mods (Consumption)
Function: Consume charges for benefits
Examples:
- Damage boosts
- Ability regeneration
- Instant effects
- Emergency healing
Blue Mods (Passive)
Function: Provide benefits while charged
Trade-off: Cause charge decay
Examples:
- Stat bonuses
- Damage resistance
- Improved handling
- Constant benefits
Orb Generation
Primary Sources
Helmet Mods
- Siphon Mods: Weapon type specific
- Rapid precision kills
- Multikills with matching weapons
- Low energy cost
Other Sources
- Super multikills
- Masterwork weapons (limited)
- Certain exotic perks
- Teammate orb generation
Generation Tips
- Match siphon mod to primary weapon
- Use weapons with high kill potential
- Coordinate with fireteam
- Chain abilities for orbs
Notable Mods
Essential Mods
Powerful Friends
- Orb pickup grants charge to allies
- Enables team support builds
- Stacks with personal gains
Kickstart Mods
- Enhanced ability regeneration
- Consumes charges for bonus energy
- Works with all ability types
Weapon Surge Mods
- Damage increases for weapon types
- Replaced individual damage mods
- Leg armor exclusive
Build Synergies
Font Mods (Converted)
- Now work with Armor Charge
- Temporary stat boosts
- Element matching benefits
Finisher Mods
- Generate orbs on finisher
- Team-wide benefits
- Super energy costs
System Changes
From Previous Systems
Removed Elements
- No armor element requirements
- No mod element matching
- Combat Style slots eliminated
- Energy types simplified
Retired Systems
- Warmind Cells completely removed
- Charged with Light integrated
- Elemental Wells merged
- Streamlined mod counts
Armor Changes
- 4 mod slots standard
- 1 stat mod slot
- 3 general mod slots
- No combat style slots
Building Strategies
Basic Build Structure
1. Generation: Helmet siphon mod 2. Storage: Charge Up mods (optional) 3. Usage: Yellow/Blue mods for benefits 4. Support: Team-oriented mods
Advanced Techniques
Charge Cycling
- Generate faster than decay
- Use before max stacks
- Chain abilities with charges
- Optimize mod combinations
Team Synergy
- Coordinate orb generation
- Share charges via mods
- Stack team benefits
- Role specialization
Mod Acquisition
Veteran Players
- All mods unlocked automatically
- Immediate access post-Lightfall
- No purchase required
- Legacy mods converted
New Players
- Limited starting selection
- Unlock via Guardian Ranks
- Progressive access system
- Core mods available early
PvE Applications
Add Clear Builds
- Rapid orb generation
- Ability spam focus
- Weapon damage boosts
- Survivability options
Boss DPS Builds
- Surge mod stacking
- Sustained charge generation
- Team damage coordination
- Font of Might synergy
PvP Considerations
Limitations
- Fewer orb sources
- Decay more impactful
- Build around peaks
- Quick consumption focus
Effective Strategies
- Powerful Friends value
- Instant effect mods
- Stat boost emphasis
- Emergency options
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting siphon mods
- Over-investing in storage
- Ignoring decay timers
- Poor mod distribution
Build Examples
Ability Spam
- 3x Kickstart mods
- Siphon matching weapons
- Orb generation focus
- Quick charge cycling
Tank Build
- Blue resistance mods
- Charge Up for duration
- Healing on orb pickup
- Sustained combat focus
Future Considerations
- System refinements expected
- New mod additions likely
- Balance adjustments ongoing
- Community feedback integration
Tips for Success
- Start simple, add complexity
- Test in low-stakes content
- Adjust for activity type
- Monitor charge status
- Coordinate with team
See Also
References
- TheGamer - Armor Charge Explained
- Dexerto - Every Armor Charge Mod
- Fanbyte - Armor Charge Guide
- Windows Central - Mod System
- Dot Esports - Armor Charge Overview