In the world of Destiny 2, Warlocks stand as a bridge between arcane knowledge and raw power, bringing unmatched versatility and devastating abilities to the battlefield. With several subclasses available, each offering unique builds and playstyles, many players find themselves asking: what is the best Warlock subclass? While each subclass can shine in different scenarios PvP, PvE, raids, or solo play some clearly rise above the rest when considering overall utility, synergy, and performance. This guide breaks down the top Warlock subclasses and ultimately helps you determine which is the best Warlock subclass for your needs.
Understanding Warlock Subclasses
Warlocks in Destiny 2 can wield Solar, Arc, Void, Stasis, and Strand abilities, with each subclass tree delivering distinct strengths. Warlocks are known for their ability to deal consistent damage, support allies, and control the battlefield. Picking the best Warlock subclass depends on whether you’re playing competitive Crucible matches, high-level endgame PvE content, or simply exploring the galaxy solo.
Factors in Choosing a Warlock Subclass
- Damage output: Can the subclass deliver sustained or burst damage effectively?
- Survivability: Does it offer self-healing or defensive tools?
- Utility: Does it provide support, crowd control, or synergize with armor mods and weapons?
- Versatility: Is it effective in multiple game modes?
Let’s explore the best subclasses based on these core categories.
Top Warlock Subclasses Ranked
1. Solar Warlock – Well of Radiance (Dawnblade)
Arguably the most important Warlock subclass in Destiny 2’s endgame meta, Well of Radiance excels in nearly every PvE activity. With high survivability and unmatched team support, this subclass often becomes a must-have for Nightfalls, raids, and dungeons.
Why It’s Great
- Well of Radiance: Provides a healing and damage buff aura for all allies within it.
- Self-healing: Through Phoenix Dive and Healing Grenades.
- Synergy with Solar 3.0: Scorch, Ignite, and Restoration effects offer powerful combinations.
It may not be the flashiest subclass for raw damage output, but its utility makes it essential for coordinated team activities.
2. Void Warlock – Voidwalker (Cataclysm Nova Bomb)
The Voidwalker subclass delivers powerful crowd control and burst damage, especially with the Cataclysm Nova Bomb variant. It shines in both PvE and PvP, with Devour granting excellent survivability.
Why It’s Great
- Devour: Regains health on kill, ideal for aggressive playstyles.
- Nova Bomb: High burst damage, especially against bosses or grouped enemies.
- Vortex Grenade: Effective at area denial and add clear.
Voidwalker combines offense and defense well, making it a reliable choice across all content.
3. Arc Warlock – Stormcaller (Chaos Reach)
Arc Warlocks received a big boost with the Arc 3.0 update. The Chaos Reach super allows players to deliver a long-range beam of energy capable of melting bosses, while aspects like Electrostatic Mind generate Ionic Traces that boost ability regen.
Why It’s Great
- Chaos Reach: High-damage beam ideal for boss damage.
- Ionic Traces: Improve ability uptime, especially when using chain-lightning effects.
- Arc Soul: Provides allies with a damaging companion, great for support.
This subclass is fast-paced and rewards aggressive movement and ability chaining.
4. Stasis Warlock – Shadebinder
Shadebinder Warlocks wield the cold power of Stasis, offering exceptional crowd control through Freezing and Shattering enemies. While nerfed since its initial release, it remains a strong choice in both PvE and PvP.
Why It’s Great
- Bleak Watcher: Turns your grenade into a freezing turret, slowing enemy advances.
- Freezing and Shattering: Offers natural crowd control and zone denial.
- Glacial Harvest: Creates Stasis shards for energy regen.
Stasis excels in neutralizing enemies before they even attack, especially in solo play and certain endgame activities.
5. Strand Warlock – Broodweaver
The most recent addition to the Warlock subclass roster, Broodweaver brings the power of Strand to Destiny 2. While still developing its place in the meta, it offers unique playstyle opportunities based on Threadlings and suspend mechanics.
Why It’s Great
- Threadling generation: Summon minions that track and damage enemies.
- Mindspun Invocation: Boosts grenades with potent side effects like suspending targets.
- Needlestorm: Launches a barrage of Strand projectiles that cause area damage.
Broodweaver feels different from other subclasses, and while it may lack the top-tier dominance of Solar or Void, it can be highly fun and creative.
The Best Warlock Subclass: Final Verdict
After analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each Warlock subclass,Well of Radiance(Solar Warlock) stands out as the best overall subclass in Destiny 2.
Why Well of Radiance Wins
- Endgame utility: Essential for most raids and Grandmaster content.
- Team support: Offers healing and offensive boosts at the same time.
- Survivability: Restoration effects and healing grenades keep you and your team alive.
- Ease of use: New players and veterans alike can easily benefit from its strengths.
While others like Voidwalker and Stormcaller bring powerful offensive tools, no other subclass matches the all-around value of Well of Radiance for PvE. For PvP, Voidwalker with Devour or Stasis Shadebinder might be more appropriate, but for players looking for the most impactful and widely applicable subclass, Solar Warlock’s Well of Radiance remains king.
Honorable Mentions for PvP
Although Well of Radiance is king in PvE, in Crucible or Trials of Osiris, other subclasses shine:
- Voidwalker with Devour: Chain kills and stay alive longer.
- Shadebinder: Freeze enemies and control lanes with Bleak Watcher.
- Stormcaller: Fast and mobile, Arc Souls add pressure in 1v1 duels.
In PvP, survivability, map control, and ability uptime make these subclasses strong choices based on your playstyle.
The best Warlock subclass is ultimately tied to your playstyle and the content you’re playing, but if you’re aiming for maximum impact in Destiny 2’s toughest PvE content, Solar Warlock’s Well of Radiance remains the top choice. With the power to support, survive, and synergize with countless builds, it stands tall as the most reliable and universally valuable subclass. Whether you’re diving into Nightfalls, facing raid bosses, or simply keeping your fireteam alive in a tight spot, Well of Radiance is the subclass to trust.