Destiny 2 - Hunter Gunslinger Subclass Build

Everything you need to know about the Destiny 2 updated Hunter Gunslinger subclass.

The Hunter’s Gunslinger subclass from Destiny 1 will carry across into Destiny 2, with a few changes to freshen it up, make perks more appealing, and overall make it more interesting to play. Destiny 2’s subclasses will have fewer options and customization, in favour of more streamlined gameplay experience.

Though it can sometimes sound bad to hear the words “fewer options”, in the case of the Destiny 2 Hunter Gunslinger, this is actually excellent as it gives you more reason to pick a different setup. The Gunslinger is the Hunter's Solar Subclass, much like how the Dawnblade is the Warlock Solar Subclass. While the Titan featured in the reveal was the new Sentinel Void subclass, the Arc-based Striker Titan was the one players got their hands on.

Hunter Gunslinger Subclass

The Hunter’s Gunslinger subclass takes what it had in Destiny 1 but revamps the perks, borrows some from other classes, and scraps the abilities you didn’t use. What you have now are two options, one that makes the Gunslinger a pure DPS machine and the other making you a support role who can generate Orbs of Light for your allies.

Gunslinger Super – Golden Gun

Summon a flaming pistol that disintegrates enemies with Solar Light.

This is the iconic Gunslinger Super that has been around since the beginning of Destiny. This is a high-damage dealing subclass designed to damage bosses, generate Orbs of Light, reward Precision kills, and help you generate Grenade and Melee energy. Both perk groups allow you to fulfil a specific role without worrying about using the "wrong" perks.

Grenades

  • Tripmine Grenade – An explosive grenade that sticks to surfaces and detonates when enemies pass through its laser trigger.
  • Swarm Grenade – A grenade that detonates on impact, releasing multiple drones that seek out nearby enemies.
  • Incendiary Grenade – An explosive grenade that catches enemies on fire, causing additional damage over time.

Class Ability – Dodge

The Subclasses in Destiny 2 all receive an updated skill tree, with the Hunter's Gunslinger offering two unique playstyles that seek to focus the Golden Gun.
The Subclasses in Destiny 2 all receive an updated skill tree, with the Hunter's Gunslinger offering two unique playstyles that seek to focus the Golden Gun.

The Gunslinger now has the old Nightstalker Dodge ability, pressing B+B or Circle+Circle makes the Hunter dodge in the direction the thumbstick is pressed. This can now have one of two effects tied to it.

  • Marksman’s Dodge – Automatically reload your equipped weapon when Dodging.
  • Gambler’s Dodge – Dodging near enemies generates Melee energy.

Jump – Double Jump

  • High Jump – Upgrades Double Jump with even greater height
  • Strafe Jump – Upgrades Double Jump with better directional control while in the air.
  • Triple Jump – Upgrades Double Jump with a third jump.

Abilities/Perks

The Perks and Abilities are now grouped into two different sections, both consisting of four perks and abilities, each with their own Melee effect. The perks within these groups must be selected all together; you cannot select one perk from one group and three from the other.

While this may seem limiting at first, it actually allows for two extremely strong builds. One problem Subclasses faced in Destiny 1 was that once a meta was found, players were unlikely to ever switch out from a set of perks. Now, the perks work so well together, that the lack of options creates a better experience.

Way of the Outlaw

  • Explosive Knife – Throw a knife from a distance that explodes shortly after impact with this Melee Ability.
  • Chaints of Woe – Precision kills increase weapon reload speed for you and nearby allies.
  • Deadshot – Significantly improves your ability to hit with Golden Gun.
  • Six-Shooter – Golden Gun can be fired quickly up to 6 times, but has a shorter duration.

Way of the Sharpshooter

  • Knife-Juggler – Throw a knife from a distance. Precision knife kills with this Melee Ability immediately recharge it.
  • Practice Makes Perfect – Enter a trance with each precision hit, reducing the cooldown of your Super.
  • Crowd-Pleaser – Enables precision damage with Golden Gun. Precision hits with Golden Gun generate Orbs of Light.
  • Line 'Em Up – Precision hits with Golden Gun increases its damage and extend its duration.

Both perk groups for the Hunter Gunslinger focus on Precision kills and hits while offering a few key differences. Way of the Outlaw has a few PvP and PvE perks, offering uses in both territories. Six-Shooter has a lot of wave-clear potential while the Explosive Knife is excellent at laying traps for enemies in the Crucible.

The same applies for the other, currently unknown, group of perks. This one has the advantage of allowing you to deal damage to a boss without the fear of missing out on Orb of Light generation if you don’t get the kill. The mere fact that Golden Gun Precision hits generate Orbs is enough to help your teammates.

Destiny 2 is still being polished, so Hunter Gunslinger subclass could potentially see some changes between now and September 8th. Thankfully, players will have the opportunity to try it out right now in the beta! What Hunter doesn't love a good try hard Crucible session? If you want to try hard in the beta, you'll need to know the best weapons in the Destiny 2 beta! After you are done, show your lame Titan and Warlock friends how to kill in style with the Inverted Spire strike guide.

Sam Chandler is the Australian piece of the AllGamers puzzle. Out of all his gaming-related passions, collecting N64 games, speedrunning, and Souls games rank among the most important. You can reach Sam through Twitter, @SamuelChandler, or through his email, sam.chandler@allgamers.com, at any time of the day or night on either side of the globe.

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