Trials of Osiris Reflects the Current PvP Meta
Trials of Osiris, the highly competitive PvP mode in Destiny 2, always serves as a litmus test for the current state of player-vs-player combat. This weekend was no different, as the recent Trials event during the Heresy expansion showcased some of the most dominant strategies and loadouts. Among the most prevalent were the Arc Titan with the new Storm’s Keep Aspect and the Redrix’s Estoc pulse rifle, both of which have quickly become favorites in the Crucible.
The Dominance of Arc Titan with Storm’s Keep
One of the most used Titan loadouts over the weekend was the Arc Titan equipped with the new Storm’s Keep Aspect. This Aspect significantly enhances the Titan’s barricade, granting Bolt Charge to everyone who stands behind it. Bolt Charge allows players to discharge arcs of lightning using their weapons rather than relying on their abilities for damage. This change has altered the typical playstyle of Titans, making the barricade not just a defensive tool but a potent offense-enabling mechanism. Many players have already noticed and commented on the overpowered nature of this Aspect in PvP. “Yeah saw this lately in my trials game. Every titan just hiding behind the barricade waiting for bolt charge,” noted a Reddit user on Feb. 16. This strategy allows Titans to build up Bolt Charge at the start of each round and then unleash a barrage of lightning arcs on the enemy team, often catching them off guard and dealing significant damage.
Interactions and Synergies with Other Abilities
The synergy of the Storm’s Keep Aspect doesn’t stop with just providing Bolt Charge. It also interacts well with other abilities, such as the Hunter’s Snare Bomb. When Hunters lay down Snare Bombs to immobilize enemies, the Titan team can use these opportunities to maximize the effectiveness of their Bolt Charge, creating a devastating combo. This makes it even more difficult for opponents to counter, as they must deal with both the immobilization and the lightning damage. The seasonal artifact further complicates the situation by offering mods that enhance Bolt Charge. For instance, the Flashover mod increases the damage of lightning bolts and amplifies the player’s abilities when they have a full Bolt Charge. These synergies have made Arc Titans with Storm’s Keep a formidable force, leading to calls for a potential nerf to balance the game.
The Rise of Redrix’s Estoc
Outside of the new Aspect, one weapon that quickly rose to prominence in Trials of Osiris is the Redrix’s Estoc pulse rifle. This new pulse rifle comes with the Legacy PR-55 Frame, which recently received the Lightweight Frame buffs at the end of the Revenant season. The Lightweight Frame makes the weapon quicker to handle and more versatile in combat, which is highly beneficial in the fast-paced environment of Trials. Redrix’s Estoc stands out not only because of its frame but also due to its potential for rolling excellent perks. Perks like Lone Wolf, Headseeker, and Sword Logic can make this pulse rifle not just accurate and deadly but also highly adaptable to various playstyles. Lone Wolf, for example, increases the weapon’s stability when used alone, while Headseeker makes headshots more likely, and Sword Logic provides a small amount of super energy with each kill.
The Future of the Crucible
While the issues with Radiant Dance Machines and The Last Word have been somewhat addressed, the Storm’s Keep Aspect and the Redrix’s Estoc are now at the forefront of the competitive scene. These tools have become so powerful that they are likely to dominate the Crucible for the foreseeable future. The meta has shifted, and players are quickly adapting to these new strategies. However, the balance of the game remains a concern, as these dominant strategies can lead to less diverse and more predictable gameplay. Bungie will need to carefully consider how to address these overpowered elements to ensure that Trials of Osiris remains a fair and engaging experience for all players.
Community Feedback and Potential Solutions
The Destiny 2 community is vocal about the need for balance, with many players and Reddit threads discussing potential solutions. Some suggest nerfing the Bolt Charge mechanic or reducing the effectiveness of the synergistic mods in the seasonal artifact. Others propose changes to the Lightweight Frame to make it less dominant in PvP. Bungie has a history of addressing balance issues, and it’s clear that the community expects a response to the current meta. Whether these changes will come in the form of patches, hotfixes, or broader updates remains to be seen, but the feedback is essential for maintaining the health and competitiveness of Trials of Osiris. As the community continues to provide insights and Bungie listens, the hope is that the game will see a more balanced and dynamic Crucible in the coming weeks.
