Destiny 2 Arcstrider: Best Builds, Exotics & Fragments

Arcstrider is one of the four Hunter subclasses available in Destiny 2. As of Season of the Wish (S23), Arcstrider is one of the strongest subclasses in the entire game.

This guide covers the best Arcstrider Hunter builds, Fragments, and Exotics that make Arcstrider such an exceptionally powerful subclass.

What is Arcstriderin Destiny 2?

Arcstrideris the name of the Arc-based subclass available to Hunters in Destiny 2. 

Best Arcstrider Fragments & Exotics

Arcstrider (Arc 3.0)

• Ranking: ❘ S Best

Arcstrider went from arguably the worst subclass in the game to a brilliant ad-clearing and damage-dealing subclass with an engaging combat loop. Out of all of the Arc subclasses, Arcstrider has some of the easiest paths to Jolting enemies and becoming Amplified. The synergy of Combination Blow, Lethal Current, and Flow State makes Arcstrider ridiculously potent if you get a nice build going.  Arcstrider is so strong that some players have even been able to speedrun Grandmaster Nightfalls solo.

What makes Arcstrider truly remarkable is its survivability with an exotic like Assassin’s Cowl with its Invisibility and healing, or even Liar’s Handshake with its health restore on Cross Counter melee. On top of this, Combination Blow also heals you on powered melee kill, making Arcstrider one of the tankiest subclasses in the game.

Gathering Storm is also an excellent burst damage super, and when paired with Star-Eater Scales, there is little that can beat it except a Celestial Nighthawk Golden Gun.

Preferred Exotic: Liar’s Handshake for more damage (better for easier content), Assassin’s Cowl for more survivability (better for harder content), Star-Eater Scales as a swap Exotic (best for DPS phases in Raids).

Armor	Class	Type	Requirements	Source	Released	Requires	Exotic Perk
Assassin's Cowl	Hunter	Helm	Shadowkeep	Exotic Engrams	Season 8	Shadowkeep	Exotic Perk: "Powered melee final blows grant invisibility and restore a portion of health and shields. Finishers and final blows against more powerful targets increase the duration of the invisibility and the amount of health and shields."
Liar's Handshake	Hunter	Arms	Forsaken Pack	Exotic Engrams	Season 6	Forsaken Pack	Exotic Perk: "Using your Arc melee ability or being hit by a melee attack will allow you to follow up with an extremely powerful melee counterpunch that will heal you."
Star-Eater Scales	Hunter	Legs	Beyond Light	Lost Sectors	Season 14	Beyond Light	Exotic Perk: "You gain additional Super energy from Orbs of Power you pick up. While your Super energy is full, picking up an Orb of Power overcharges your Super, causing you to gain a burst of healing when cast and a bonus to your Super damage. At maximum overcharge, you also gain an overshield."

Preferred Aspects and Fragments:

• Aspects: Flow State and Lethal Current.
• Fragments: Spark of Resistence, Spark of Shock, Spark of Ions, and Spark of Feedback

Preferred Abilities and Stats:

• Stats: 100 Resilience and 100 Mobility are highly recommended
• Abilities: Gathering Storm Super, Pulse Grenade or Storm Grenade, Combination Blow, and Gambler's Dodge.

Arcstrider Hunter builds for PvE

These are some of the best Destiny 2 Arcstrider builds right now; you can find more excellent Hunter builds here:

Combination Gambler

Excels in: Endgame (Dungeons, Raids, Legend content)

Goal of the Build: Stack up Combination Blow and slay with your Arc abilities while striking from the shadows.

Mandatory  Gear: Assassin’s Cowl. A One-Two Punch shotgun is recommended.

Name: Assassin's Cowl

Class: Hunter Slot: Helm

Source: Exotic Engrams Requires: Shadowkeep

Exotic Perk: Powered melee final blows grant invisibility and restore a portion of health and shields. Finishers and final blows against more powerful targets increase the duration of the invisibility and the amount of health and shields.

Dead Weight

Shotgun

Special

Arc

Playlist: Gambit

• Aspects: Lethal Current and Flow State.
• Fragments: Spark of Resistance, Spark of Feedback, and Spark of Shock.
• Abilities: Gathering Storm, Gambler’s Dodge, and Combination Blow. Storm Grenades and Pulse Grenades are both strong.
• Stats Priority: Max Resilience 🡒 Discipline.
• Mods:
  • Helmet: Hands-On, Heavy Ammo Finder, Dynamo.
  • Arms: x2 Heavy Handed and Impact Induction.
  • Chest: Resistance Mods based on your enemies.
  • Legs: Weapon Surge Mods matching your equipped weapons.
  • Class Item: Powerful Attraction, Bomber, Distribution.

Gameplay Loop

This gameplay loop is relatively simple on the surface. However, as you weave more techniques and abilities into the Melee>Dodge>Melee combo, it becomes slightly more complex.

Stacking Combination Blow to x3 is your main goal. Once you do this, you will be able to 1-punch all squishy enemies and will be able to 1-2 Punch Shotgun all other enemies besides bosses.

Due to the insane number of Orbs of Power you will be making, equipping the Hands On mod will help you generate your Super very quickly, allowing you to rip through minor and major enemies alike.

This build is quite tricky to use, especially for a less experienced player in higher-level content. However, mastering it will allow you to take on practically all types of content, regardless of the difficulty.

Arcstrider Subclass in PvP (Arc 3.0)

Arcstrider (Arc 3.0)

• Ranking: ❘ C Weak

Arcstrider is a solid subclass that can be devastating in skilled hands. Its tools like Amplified, Disorienting, and Arc Staff can be incredibly powerful. However, compared to other Hunter subclasses that offer abilities such as invisibility, freezing, or damage buffing, Arcstrider is lacking in that special "X factor."

Nevertheless, skilled players can still take advantage of Arcstrider's neutral game and powerful melee abilities. It's worth noting that there are no exotics that have massive synergies with Arcstrider, unlike other subclasses. As a result, it may not be the most popular choice for PvP players right now. However, don't be discouraged - with practice, dedication, and a willingness to learn, any subclass can be a viable option.

Preferred Exotic: St0mp-EE5 for higher movement potential.

Armor	Class	Type	Requirements	Source	Released	Requires	Exotic Perk
St0mp-EE5	Hunter	Legs	Free-to-Play	Exotic Engrams	Season 1	Free-to-Play	Exotic Perk: "Increases sprint speed and slide distance while your dodge energy is full and improves High Jump, Strafe Jump, and Triple Jump."

Preferred Aspects and Fragments:

• Aspects: All are viable.
• Fragments: Spark of Resistance, Spark of Shock, Spark of Recharge, Spark of Magnitude, and Spark of Momentum (if not using Lightning, Pulse, or Storm Grenades).

Preferred Abilities and Stats:

• Stats: 100 Mobility and 100 Recovery are highly recommended
• Abilities: Arc Staff Super, Arcbolt Grenade/Lightning Grenade/Storm Grenade, Disorienting Blow, Gambler’s Dodge.

Before you go…

We cover all the best Arc builds here. If you’re interested in exploring other Hunter Subclasses, don’t miss our Destiny 2 Gunslinger Subclass guide.