Destiny: Warlock Class Guide – Voidwalker Subclass

The Warlock class focuses more on its grenades and special in combat. In an intense battle, the Warlock is designed to do massive AoE damage to the enemy from well thrown grenades and effective use of its special. I find the Scout Rifle, Shotgun, Rocket Launcher build is the most effective for this class.

Voidwalker Specifics:

Each subclass has its own unique style, meaning that when you play different subclasses the feel of the character will change. This guide is set to focus on the Warlock’s Voidwalker subclass. The Voidwalker’s primary theme is heavy Void based damage. Make sure you get the most out of your skills by aiming them at larger groups of enemies.

 Attribute Points:

Like most RPGs, Destiny also has attribute points, but they work slightly different. Attribute points are only acquired through equipping gear that has points on it. Below are the attribute points and how they affect the Voidwalker.

• Intellect: Reduces the cooldown time of Nova Bomb, allowing you to use it more often.
• Discipline: Reduces the cooldown of grenades, allowing you to use them more often.
• Strength: reduces the cooldown of Energy Drain, allowing you to use it more often.

Grenades:

Here I’ll cover all three grenade tiers available to the Voidwalker. To unlock higher tiers, you have to actively use your grenades. Whether it levels up based on kills with a grenade or just by use, I haven’t figured out yet. To use your grenades, push L1 or the left shoulder button depending on which system you’re using.

Vortex Grenade:

A grenade that creates a Vortex which continually damages enemies trapped inside.

Scatter Grenade:

A grenade that splits into many submunitions and covers a large area with explosions. This is really good for large groups of enemies.

Axion Bolt:

A bolt of Void Light which forks into smaller bolts on impact which seek towards enemies. Good for scattered enemies.

Jump:

The Warlock’s Jump modifier is Glide. This is the same for both Voidwalker and Sunsinger, where they differentiate is the upgrades. To jump, push X or A depending on the system you use. Jump modifiers are really more about personal preference than anything else.

Glide:

Jump and then press X again while in the air to activate Glide.

Focused Control:

Upgrades Glide for better directional control while in the air. This allows you to better control where you wish to land.

Focused Burst:

Upgrades Glide to provide an initial boost of speed. Good for moving faster while trying to avoid big blasts.

Blink: 

A short distance teleport which replaces Glide. Good for making yourself a harder target to hit in combat.

Special:

The Voidwalker’s special is Nova Bomb. The upgrades are preference based for this option. To use your special, press L1 and R1 or the Xbox equivalent at the same time. 

Nova Bomb: 

Hurl an explosive bolt of Void Light at the enemy, disintegrating those caught in its blast. This ability is good for taking down strong enemies and large groups of enemies.

Vortex:

Nova Bomb creates a Vortex which continually damages enemies trapped inside.

Shatter:

Nova Bomb splits into three projectiles. Useful for scattered enemies in missions where they don’t gather up frequently.

Lance:

Nova Bomb travels farther and faster. This allows you to essentially hit more enemies with a single use.

Melee Skill:

The Voidwalker’s melee skill is Energy Drain. To use this skill, press R1 or the Xbox equivalent just like you would for a basic melee attack when the icon is full.

Energy Drain:

A powerful melee attack which drains energy from enemies and uses it to reduce the cooldown of your grenades. Very useful in allowing you to utilize your grenades more frequently.

Surge:

Killing an enemy with Energy Drain increases movement speed for a short time. Useful for avoiding melee enemies during combat.

Life Steal:

Killing an enemy with Energy Drain immediately restores a significant portion of your health. Only really useful if you play out in the open in the middle of the enemy.

Soul Rip:

Killing an enemy with Energy Drain reduces the cooldown of Nova Bomb. Very handy if you’re consistently using Nova Bomb.

Bonuses:

There are four bonus trees with different options for different playstyles. It seems you’re only allowed to have one bonus in each tree. Below I’ve listed the bonuses based on their tree.

Arcane:

The first tree is your Arcane tree, each option increases your base stats differently. 

• Arcane Wisdom: Raises base Recovery and Agility.
• Arcane Spirit: Raises base Armor and Recovery.
• Arcane Force: Raises base Armor and Agility.

Boosts:

This tree doesn’t have a specific title or theme. Each option is completely different.

• Vortex Mastery: Increases the range of Axion Bolt seekers and the duration of the Vortex effect of Nova Bomb and Vortex Grenade.
• Bent Gravity: Increases the range of grenades and Nova Bomb. Also slightly increases the base Agility stat.
• The Hunger: Increases the duration of the Energy Drain effect.

Orders:

The third tree is the Order tree, these are more specific stat specification boosts.

• Ancestral Order: Minor increases to Armor, Recovery, and Agility.
• Chaos Order: Massive increase to Agility.
• Divine Order: Massive increase to Armor, with a minor increase to Recovery.

Miscellaneous:

These bonuses all seem to be independent of each other. Unlike the other three trees, this tree isn’t started by obtaining a certain level. This tree appears to be unlocked by using Nova Bomb.

• Angry Magic: Nova Bomb tracks enemies. Also gives a slight increase to Armor.
• Embrace the Void: Damaging enemies with Nova Bomb or any grenade triggers the Energy Drain effect.
• Bloom: Enemies killed by any of your abilities explode.

That wraps up the Voidwalker specific details and recommendations guide. Please look forward to the Bladedancer, Defender, and Sunsinger breakdowns coming soon.