Titans will need to think a little more about their buildcrafting for Episode: Heresy.
Next Destiny 2 update Episode: Heresy is on the horizon but Bungie has already unveiled the first round of changes coming with the Feb. 4 content launch. Of particular note is the subclass updates, with popular Destiny 2 Titan ability Consecration copping a massive 55% damage nerf.
Consecration rose to prominence following The Final Shape, where the ability became a mainstay in just about every Prismatic Titan build. With other Titan abilities so weak in comparison, Consecration builds took over PvE gameplay — but where will Titans turn now?
Bungie gives Titans several buffs to counteract Consecration nerf
The red carpet is being rolled out for Destiny 2's third post-The Final Shape episode, Heresy, with Bungie's weekly update outlining changes coming with the episode. Heresy will launch on Feb. 4, and with it comes new subclass Aspects, the Sundered Doctrine dungeon, and dozens of balance changes.
The new Hunter Aspect "On The Prowl" (Void), Titan Aspect Storm's Keep (Arc), and Warlock Aspect "Ionic Sentry" (Arc) utilize a few new keywords and abilities coming with Heresy.
However, they've been drowned out by a key balance change to the Titan's Consecration ability. The damage output from the scorch wave and slam wave will be reduced by a whopping 55%. While this doesn't destroy the ability's effectiveness — the ignition damage is still quite high — it likely won't be the chief ability Titans turn to for their Solar and Prismatic builds.
"It became clear that Consecration was doing too much for too little," Destiny 2 devs Bungie said. "We didn’t want to take away from the dramatic pop moment of landing both waves on a target though, so we kept its increased Ignition damage bonus and instead reduced the wave damage."
Destiny 2 devs added that Consecration ignition damage may need to be adjusted in the future, meaning they'll check to see how the ability is doing early on in Heresy before making further adjustments. It's the end of an era for Titans, particularly those on the Prismatic subclass who have felt shoehorned into using the ability due to a lack of viability with other options.
Bungie is buffing other subclass abilities to make up for it, though. The Unbreakable Aspect is undergoing more changes, including using less energy per shield and increasing its damage output and absorption.
Arc Titan is also getting a big buff; Juggernaut now blocks more damage while active, and Ballistic Slam is getting a damage boost and interaction with the new Bolt Charge mechanic.
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Past is Prologue event to close out Episode: Revenant
Before Heresy kicks off, Destiny 2 players will get one last hand-off for Episode: Revenant with the "Past is Prologue" event at the Drifter. Similar to Riven's Wishes, players will pick up some quests at the Drifter and earn Bento Tokens, which can be spent on several rewards.
Topping the list is a few god roll weapons, the Cloudstrike Exotic sniper rifle, pieces of high-stat Artifice armor, and enhancement materials. Players will also be able to earn the Chatterwhite shader — a classic Destiny 1 shader that is making a return in the sequel.
The event will bridge the gap between the conclusion of Revenant Act 3 and the start of Heresy and begins after the weekly reset on Jan. 21. Below we've included a full table of rewards and the number of Bento Tokens it'll cost you for each:
Reward | Token Cost |
|---|---|
| Ascendant Alloy (2) | 1 |
| Ascendant Shard (2) | 1 |
| Exotic Cipher (1) | 1 |
| Spoils of Conquest (25, max. 3 purchases) | 1 |
| Mementos (Gambit, Vanguard, Iron Banner, Festival of the Lost, Dawning, Guardian Games, Solstice) | 1 |
| Cloudstrike (Exotic sniper rifle) | 3 |
| Select Legendary Weapons | 1 |
| Artifice Armor (1 per class, high stat roll) | 2 |
There's plenty more coming with the Heresy update. For a full list of the first round of changes, check out Bungie's Jan. 16 post here.
That's all for now! Stay tuned to esports.gg for more Destiny 2 news and guides.
