Bungie has givenDestiny 2players a unique behind-the-scenes look into how the studio created the brand-new Strand subclass through a Developer Insight video. The second Darkness-based elemental subclass to be introduced toDestiny 2, Strand is one of the prime features of Lightfall and is based on manipulating enemies and the environment to give players an edge.
Destiny 2is a diverse game, and this is reflected in the unique flavors each of the elemental subclasses bring to the game through visual and audio cues and other minute details. Players can easily identify the Light subclass abilities at a glance or by hearing, as Solar abilities visibly burn away enemies and Arc abilities produce a distinctly audible crackle when disintegrating combatants. While the Light-based subclasses are much simpler and elemental in design and functionality,Darkness subclasses inDestiny 2feature a substantial shiftfrom the standard design pattern.
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The Developer Insight video released by Bungie showcases how the studio designed and developed every aspect of Strand. The developers start by outlining the general concept of Strand as a metaphysical, invisible web called The Weave that connects everything and everyone, with Guardians being the first ones to manipulate this unique power. The video shows concept art of Strand, as the developers elaborate on how the natural Strand is organic, flowing, and envelops the world in a curtain that flickers in and out of reality. The developers wanted to make Strand function around rapid movements and skillful traversal, which will benecessary to explore Neomuna inDestiny 2’sLightfallexpansion.
The developers provide commentary on the importance of each ability communicating visually, using Hunter Threadrunner’s melee ability as an example. The video reveals that the ability to Suspend enemies was developed as a feature to aid the Titan Berserker, but it opened up new avenues of gameplay. What players may find much more interesting is the audio design of Strand, as the developers used props like a toy car rolling inside a balloon or running their hands over a sheet of clean film to create the necessary sound cues. The video goes into further detail on how the ability to grapple onto a thrown Tangle was originally an unplanned interaction but has now becomesynonymous with Strand’s identity inDestiny 2.
The developers at Bungie emphasize how the development process is very malleable as ideas and concepts are regularly tested and improved upon, and even bugs can become a feature. But most importantly, the studio is excited to see how players utilize andweave Strand into builds onceDestiny 2’s Lightfall launches.
Destiny 2is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. The Lightfall expansion launches on all platforms on February 28.
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