Subjugator

Subjugator
Information

Subjugators are powerful Dread commanders that serve The Witness in Destiny 2: The Final Shape. They are the first enemies in the franchise capable of wielding Darkness powers against Guardians, utilizing either Stasis or Strand abilities.

Overview

Subjugators are tall, imposing humanoid beings that serve as field commanders for the Witness's forces. Created using the Traveler's Light twisted by the Witness, they represent a new tier of enemy that can match Guardians' paracausal abilities. They are first encountered within the Traveler's Pale Heart and play a significant role in The Final Shape's campaign.

Variants

Omen (Stasis)

Omens are Subjugators that wield Stasis powers. They are identified by their blue-tinted energy and ice-based attacks. These units focus on battlefield control and support, creating hazardous environments for Guardians while empowering their allies.

Harbinger (Strand)

Harbingers are Subjugators that command Strand abilities. They glow with green energy and specialize in aggressive attacks and enemy enhancement. Their abilities focus on suspending targets and amplifying the lethality of nearby Dread forces.

Appearance

Subjugators share several distinctive physical characteristics:

• Tall, lean frames with black skin similar to Rhulk, Disciple of the Witness
• Metallic, faceless heads with a small yellow light emanating from within
• A golden left hand resembling Eramis, Kell of Darkness's Stasis gauntlet
• Ornate armor with geometric patterns consistent with Witness aesthetics
• Massive glaive-like weapons channeling their respective Darkness powers

Combat Abilities

Omen Abilities

• Resonant Harrier: Deploys Pyramid-like drones similar to Arc Souls to themselves and allies
• Stasis Crystal Waves: Sends out waves of Stasis crystals to control battlefield movement
• Support Role: Typically positions at the back line, using crowd control to enable allied forces
• Damage Resistance: More powerful variants resist non-Stasis damage sources

Harbinger Abilities

• Unit Enhancement: Empowers nearby Dread units upon entering combat
• Strand Shotgun: Fires spread patterns of Strand projectiles that widen at 60% health
• Suspend Attack: Casts crescent-shaped tracking projectiles that suspend caught targets
• Damage Resistance: Stronger variants resist non-Strand damage sources

Elemental Weaknesses

Subjugators exhibit a unique vulnerability system:

• Omens take increased damage from Stasis sources
• Harbingers are weak to Strand damage
• This creates a tactical element where matching damage types is crucial

Creation and Origins

The first Subjugator, Keit'Ehr, was created by the Witness from memories preserved in Resonance. Subsequent Subjugators were formed through various methods:

• Splitting and reshaping Tormentors using the Light
• Imbuing pieces with location-specific memories (Europa for Omens, Neomuna for Harbingers)
• Direct creation from Resonance patterns

Notable Subjugators

• Keit'Ehr - The first Subjugator created
• Selin - An Omen created from a Tormentor half with Europa memories
• Yemiq - A Harbinger formed from a Tormentor half with Neomuna memories

Gender

According to developer statements and in-game dialogue, most if not all Subjugators are female. This is evidenced by:

• Feminine voice lines during combat
• Savathûn referencing "girl talk" with Subjugators
• Confirmation from former Bungie employee Jeff Robison

Strategy

Fighting Omens

• Use Stasis weapons and abilities for increased damage
• Destroy Resonant Harriers quickly to reduce enemy support
• Maintain distance to avoid crystal wave attacks
• Priority target due to their support capabilities

Fighting Harbingers

• Equip Strand weapons for damage bonus
• Avoid suspend projectiles by staying mobile
• Eliminate quickly before they enhance other enemies
• Watch for shotgun spread pattern changes at low health

Role in The Final Shape

Subjugators serve as:

• Field commanders for Dread forces
• Mid-boss encounters in campaign missions
• Elite enemies in endgame activities
• Obstacles in the Witness's final confrontation

Lore Significance

Subjugators represent the Witness's ability to corrupt and repurpose Light into servants of Darkness. Their creation demonstrates the thin line between Light and Dark, showing how paracausal forces can be twisted to serve any purpose.

Trivia

• Subjugators are the first enemy type to use player abilities against them
• Their design draws inspiration from previous Disciples like Rhulk
• The name "Subjugator" reflects their role in subjugating reality to the Witness's will
• They speak during combat, unlike many other enemy types

References

• Destinypedia - Subjugator
• Game Rant - Destiny 2 Reveals New Enemy Type
• Mobalytics - The Dread Enemy Faction Guide
• Destiny 2: The Final Shape Template:1st