Stalker
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Stalker refers to the stealth-focused gameplay style and mechanics available to Void Hunters in the Nightstalker subclass in Destiny 2. This playstyle revolves around invisibility, weakening enemies, and tactical repositioning.
Contents
Overview
The Stalker playstyle represents the quintessential fantasy of the Nightstalker - a rogue-like Hunter who vanishes into shadows, strikes from the darkness, and manipulates the battlefield through stealth and debuffs. With the introduction of Void 3.0 in The Witch Queen expansion, these mechanics were expanded and refined to create more synergistic invisibility loops.
Core Mechanics
Invisibility Sources
The Stalker playstyle utilizes multiple sources of invisibility:
Class Ability
- Marksman's Dodge - Dodge to perform an evasive maneuver while automatically reloading your weapon
- Gambler's Dodge - Dodge near enemies to fully recharge your melee ability
- Both dodges can trigger invisibility with proper Aspect selection
Aspects
- Vanishing Step - Dodging makes you invisible
- Stylish Executioner - Defeating a weakened, suppressed, or volatile target grants invisibility and Truesight
- Trapper's Ambush - Quickfall melee creates a smoke cloud that makes allies invisible
Melee Abilities
- Snare Bomb - Throws a smoke bomb that weakens and slows enemies
- Can be combined with aspects and fragments for invisibility synergy
Invisibility Benefits
While invisible, Hunters gain:
- Removed from enemy radar in PvP
- Reduced enemy aggression in PvE
- Enhanced movement and positioning options
- Synergies with various Exotics and Fragments
Build Synergies
Key Exotics
Graviton Forfeit
- Increases invisibility duration
- Faster melee regeneration while invisible
- Faster weapon reload while invisible
- Greatly increased Recovery while invisible
Gyrfalcon's Hauberk
- Gain weapon damage bonus after emerging from invisibility
- Finishing enemies while invisible grants reserve Overshield
- Improved class ability regeneration
- Volatile rounds after invisible finishers
Omnioculus
- Provides additional Smoke Bomb charges
- Damage resistance while invisible
- Making allies invisible grants melee energy
Essential Fragments
- Echo of Persistence - Void buffs (including invisibility) have increased duration
- Echo of Obscurity - Finisher final blows grant invisibility
- Echo of Starvation - Picking up Orbs grants Devour
- Echo of Undermining - Void grenades weaken targets
Infinite Invisibility Loop
A popular build strategy involves creating an "infinite invisibility" loop:
1. Use high Mobility (100) for fast dodge cooldown 2. Use high Strength (100) for fast melee cooldown 3. Equip Graviton Forfeit for enhanced invisibility benefits 4. Alternate between dodge invisibility and smoke bomb 5. Use Stylish Executioner to chain invisibility on weakened enemy kills
Gameplay Applications
PvE Usage
- Solo Content - Exceptional survivability for difficult solo activities
- Revive Support - Safe ally revives in Grandmaster Nightfalls
- Positioning - Reposition for optimal damage phases
- Add Control - Weaken priority targets while staying safe
PvP Usage
- Flanking - Approach enemies from unexpected angles
- Disengagement - Escape unfavorable encounters
- Information Gathering - Scout enemy positions safely
- Objective Play - Capture points or plant charges while hidden
Weakening Synergy
The Stalker playstyle excels at applying the Weaken debuff:
- Weakened enemies take 15% more damage
- Snare Bomb inherently weakens targets
- Echo of Undermining adds weakening to grenades
- Creates synergy with Stylish Executioner for more invisibility
Advanced Techniques
Smoke Bomb Management
- Use smoke bombs strategically for area denial
- Combine with Vortex Grenades for zone control
- Pre-weaken enemies before team damage phases
Invisibility Timing
- Break invisibility at optimal moments for damage
- Chain different invisibility sources to maintain uptime
- Use brief visibility windows to proc weapon perks
Team Support
- Make allies invisible with Trapper's Ambush
- Apply weakening debuffs for team DPS increases
- Provide safe revives and repositioning
Limitations
- Reduced offensive capabilities while maintaining invisibility
- Requires specific stat distributions (high Mobility/Strength)
- Less effective against enemies with tracking abilities
- In PvP, experienced players can still track invisible opponents
History
The Stalker playstyle has evolved significantly:
- Destiny - Original Nightstalker introduced with stealth mechanics
- Destiny 2 Launch - Simplified invisibility system
- Forsaken - Way of the Wraith added new invisibility options
- The Witch Queen - Void 3.0 unified and expanded stealth capabilities
Notable Lore
Nightstalkers draw their power from the Void, embracing the absence of Light to become one with shadow. This philosophy is embodied in the Stalker playstyle, where Hunters learn to walk the line between Light and Dark.
