Super Augmentation

Super Augmentation refers to special modifications and enhancements that alter how Super abilities function in Destiny 2. These augmentations are part of the broader subclass customization system, allowing Guardians to modify their Light-based abilities for different combat scenarios.

Overview

Super Augmentations were originally distinct ability modifications that changed how Supers behaved. With the introduction of the 3.0 subclass updates (Void 3.0, Solar 3.0, Arc 3.0, and Stasis), many of these augmentations were converted into Aspects or integrated into the base functionality of abilities.

Types of Augmentation

Direct Super Modifications

• Ward of Dawn (Titan Sentinel): Hold Super activation to create a defensive dome instead of Sentinel Shield
• Well of Radiance (Warlock Dawnblade): Hold Super to place a healing/empowering well instead of wielding Daybreak
• Moebius Quiver (Hunter Nightstalker): Fire multiple tethering arrows instead of a single anchor

Converted Augmentations

Many original Super Augmentation abilities were redesigned as Aspects:

• Lethal Current: Former Arcstrider augmentation, now an Arc Aspect
  • Grants lightning aftershocks to Arc Staff hits
  • Duration: 5 seconds after activation
  • Enhances melee combat effectiveness

Passive Enhancements

• Damage Resistance: All roaming Supers receive 20% damage reduction in PvE
• Super Armor: Variable damage resistance in PvP (reduced by 5-7% for balance)
• Duration Extensions: Various mods and exotics extend Super duration

Customization Methods

Subclass System

• Aspects: Major ability modifications affecting Supers
• Fragments: Minor modifications providing stat boosts
• Class Ability Interactions: Some augmentations affect multiple abilities

External Augmentations

• Exotic Armor: Pieces like Raiju's Harness or Phoenix Protocol modify Super behavior
• Armor Mods: Mods can reduce cooldowns or enhance Super generation
• Weapon Perks: Perks like Thresh accelerate Super energy gain

Gameplay Impact

PvE Benefits

• Increased survivability during Super activation
• Enhanced crowd control capabilities
• Synergy with fireteam strategies
• Boss damage optimization

PvP Considerations

• Balanced damage resistance for competitive play
• Counter-play opportunities against augmented Supers
• Strategic timing requirements
• Risk-reward mechanics

Historical Evolution

Pre-3.0 System

• Augmentations were locked to specific subclass trees
• Limited customization options
• Fixed combinations of abilities

Post-3.0 Implementation

• Modular system allowing mix-and-match builds
• Greater player agency in ability selection
• Integration with seasonal artifact mods
• Continuous balance updates

Notable Examples

Titan Augmentations

• Burning Maul spin attack variations
• Thundercrash trajectory modifications
• Glacial Quake crystal generation patterns

Hunter Augmentations

• Golden Gun precision vs. combustion modes
• Spectral Blades invisibility duration
• Gathering Storm targeting systems

Warlock Augmentations

• Nova Bomb tracking vs. vortex variants
• Stormtrance chain lightning efficiency
• Winter's Wrath projectile behavior

Strategy Tips

• Match augmentations to activity requirements
• Consider team composition when selecting modifications
• Balance offensive and defensive capabilities
• Experiment with exotic armor synergies

Technical Details

• Base Super cooldown: ~5-7 minutes (varies by tier)
• Augmentation does not affect base cooldown
• Some augmentations trade damage for utility
• Server-side validation prevents exploitation

Related Systems

• Aspects and Fragments
• Exotic Armor
• Armor 2.0 mod system
• Artifact seasonal mods
• Orbs of Power generation

Trivia

• The term "Super Augmentation" was more commonly used before the 3.0 updates
• Some augmentations completely change the Super's function
• Community often refers to augmented Supers by nicknames
• Balance patches frequently adjust augmentation effectiveness

References

• Destiny 2 subclass updates
• Bungie TWAB posts on ability changes
• In-game ability descriptions
• Community testing documentation