Armor Charge

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Template:Game Mechanic Infobox

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.

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