The Strand

Strand
Information

Strand is a Darkness-based subclass introduced in Destiny 2: Lightfall. It represents the psychic energy and cosmic threads that connect all living beings and matter in the universe, granting Guardians the ability to manipulate these connections for combat and traversal.

Overview

Strand is the second Darkness subclass available to Guardians, following Stasis. Unlike other subclasses that manipulate fundamental forces or elements, Strand taps into the underlying psychic matrix of reality itself. This green-hued power emphasizes movement, crowd control, and the creation of autonomous entities to fight alongside the wielder.

Core Concept

The philosophy of Strand revolves around:

• Connection: All things are connected by invisible threads
• Manipulation: Weaving these threads to affect reality
• Flow: Moving through the world like a spider on its web
• Creation: Manifesting objects and creatures from psychic energy

Strand Keywords

Debuffs

• Sever: Reduces target's damage output by 30%
• Suspend: Lifts enemies helplessly into the air
• Unravel: Causes defeated enemies to create Tangles

Objects

• Tangle: Woven objects that explode or can be thrown
• Threadling: Sentient Strand creatures that seek enemies

Buffs

• Woven Mail: Damage resistance while in motion
• Grapple: Universal movement ability across all classes

Class Identities

Hunter: Threadrunner

Masters of movement and deception:

• Super - Silkstrike: Dual rope darts for devastating attacks
• Focus on speed, evasion, and creating afterimages
• Enhanced grappling capabilities
• Invisibility integration

Titan: Berserker

Frontline brawlers using Strand:

• Super - Flechette Storm: Bladefury state with claw attacks
• Emphasis on melee combat and severing
• Creates protective barriers with Strand
• Suspends enemies through slams

Warlock: Broodweaver

Weavers of minions and destruction:

• Super - Needlestorm: Launches seeking projectiles
• Summons armies of Threadlings
• Manipulates Tangles for area control
• Masters of Strand object creation

Acquisition and Progression

Unlocking Strand

1. Complete Lightfall campaign (any difficulty) 2. Visit Strand Sources in Neomuna 3. Purchase Aspects and Fragments with Strand Meditations

Currency System

• Strand Meditations: Earned from Neomuna activities
• Aspect Cost: 150 Meditations each
• Fragment Cost: 200 Meditations each
• Grenade Cost: 50 Meditations each

Abilities

Grenades

• Grapple Grenade: Movement tool and weapon
• Threadling Grenade: Spawns seeking minions
• Shackle Grenade: Suspends targets in place

Movement

The Grapple system revolutionized movement:

• Create anchor points anywhere
• Maintain momentum through swings
• Combine with class abilities for unique traversal
• No cooldown when grappling to Tangles

Combat Applications

PvE Strengths

• Exceptional crowd control through Suspend
• High mobility for positioning
• Threadlings provide autonomous damage
• Tangles create chain reactions

PvP Considerations

• Grapple enables unpredictable movement
• Suspend briefly disables opponents
• Woven Mail provides crucial damage resistance
• High skill ceiling for mastery

Lore Significance

Strand represents:

• The Web of Life connecting all beings
• Neomuna's discovery before Guardians
• Power found within rather than granted
• The Weave as perceived by different species

The Witness never discovered Strand, making it uniquely suited to combat Darkness forces.

Visual Design

• Green energy with silver accents
• Thread and rope motifs
• Geometric patterns suggesting connections
• Ethereal, flowing animations

Synergies

Exotic Armor

• Navigator: Enhanced grappling
• Final Warning: Strand sidearm synergy
• Class-specific exotics enhancing abilities

Weapon Perks

• Hatchling: Kills spawn Threadlings
• Unraveling Rounds: Bullets apply Unravel
• Strand weapons gain bonus effects

Development

• First subclass with universal mobility tool
• Designed around "urban ninja" fantasy
• Emphasized flow state in combat
• Built for Neomuna's verticality

Reception

• Praised for innovative movement system
• Grapple became instant community favorite
• High skill expression appreciated
• Some concerns about PvP balance

Tips for Mastery

1. Master grapple point selection 2. Chain abilities for maximum uptime 3. Use Tangles for free grapples 4. Coordinate Threadlings with weapons 5. Practice movement in patrol zones

Trivia

• Originally codenamed "Vapor"
• Grapple was almost class-exclusive
• First subclass revealed through gameplay
• Inspired by spider silk and neural networks
• Features unique dialogue when first learning

List of appearances

• Destiny 2
  • Lightfall Template:1st
  • Season of Defiance
  • Season of the Deep
  • Season of the Witch
  • Season of the Wish
  • The Final Shape

References

• Lightfall campaign
• Strand subclass quests
• Developer interviews
• In-game ability descriptions