Destiny 2 is constantly evolving, and one of the most talked-about additions in recent expansions is the introduction of new subclasses that reshape the way Guardians fight. Among these, the so-called ‘Red Subclass’ stands out not just for its visual intensity but also for how it alters gameplay strategy and team dynamics. With the Red Subclass, Bungie has introduced a subclass archetype that emphasizes raw aggression, battlefield control, and devastating area damage, making it a favorite among players who enjoy explosive, high-impact combat scenarios. Whether you are a Titan, Hunter, or Warlock, understanding the nuances of this subclass is essential for optimizing your build and dominating both PvE and PvP content.
What Is the Red Subclass?
Understanding the Color-Coding of Subclasses
In Destiny 2, each subclass is associated with an element and a visual color theme. Arc is blue, Solar is orange, Void is purple, Stasis is icy blue, and Strand is green. The Red Subclass often refers to the aggressive, damage-centric nature of the Solar subclass or more recently, speculative future subclasses that utilize red visual effects and fire-based abilities. While not officially labeled as Red, Solar is the most common interpretation of this nickname among players.
Red as an Elemental Identity
The Red Subclass represents more than just fire and heat it symbolizes fury, power, and unrelenting offense. Unlike the subtle control of Void or the chilling slow of Stasis, this subclass is built around dealing consistent damage and pushing forward. It rewards players who take risks, who charge into battle, and who value mobility and impact over stealth and defense.
Red Subclass for Each Guardian Class
Red Titan – Solar Code of the Siegebreaker
Titan players who embrace the Red Subclass gain access to a toolkit built for destruction and support. The Code of the Siegebreaker focuses on creating Sunspots, which not only damage enemies but also heal allies and recharge abilities. Key abilities include:
- Hammer of Sol: Throw flaming hammers that explode on contact and set enemies ablaze.
- Sunspots: Standing in Sunspots enhances regeneration and cooldowns.
- Burning Maul (alternate Super): Swing a giant flaming hammer to crush everything in your path.
The Titan Red Subclass is ideal for players who want to lead the charge and provide utility to their team simultaneously.
Red Hunter – Solar Gunslinger
Hunters wielding the Red Subclass focus on precision, agility, and burst damage. The Gunslinger subclass lets players become lethal sharpshooters capable of clearing out entire squads in seconds. Standout abilities include:
- Golden Gun: A high-damage Super with two modes: Deadshot for rapid shots and Marksman for precision kills.
- Proximity Explosive Knives: Throwable knives that explode on impact or after a delay.
- Lightweight Dodge: Grants instant reloads and repositioning capabilities.
Hunters with this subclass excel in both PvP and PvE, especially when it comes to eliminating priority targets swiftly.
Red Warlock – Solar Dawnblade
The Warlock’s Red Subclass turns them into aerial dominators, raining fire down from the skies. The Dawnblade subclass offers strong crowd control and healing capabilities, making them flexible in many encounters. Key abilities are:
- Daybreak: Soar above the battlefield and hurl flaming projectiles at enemies below.
- Well of Radiance: Create a healing and empowering rift that buffs all nearby allies.
- Celestial Fire: A ranged melee attack that sends out a burst of fiery energy.
This subclass is beloved in raid and dungeon content due to its powerful healing and support potential combined with strong offensive power.
Best Aspects and Fragments for Solar Builds
Aspects That Empower the Red Subclass
Aspects are powerful modifiers that change how your subclass abilities behave. For the Red Subclass, players often use:
- Touch of Flame (Warlock): Buffs grenades to have additional effects like lingering flames.
- Roaring Flames (Titan): Ability kills increase ability damage for a short time.
- Knock ‘Em Down (Hunter): Final blows with abilities and precision weapons extend Super duration and buff throwables.
Choosing the right Aspects ensures your subclass is tailored to your gameplay style and objectives.
Powerful Fragments for Synergy
Fragments are minor buffs that further refine your subclass. For Solar subclasses, some of the best include:
- Ember of Ashes: Apply more Scorch stacks to targets.
- Ember of Torches: Powered melee attacks make you and allies radiant.
- Ember of Solace: Radiant and restoration effects last longer.
With the right Fragments, your build can maintain consistent uptime on buffs like Radiant and Restoration, dramatically increasing your survivability and kill potential.
Synergy with Weapons and Armor Mods
Weapon Pairings
The Red Subclass works well with weapons that complement its aggressive playstyle. Some recommendations include:
- Solar shotguns or fusion rifles for close-range burst damage
- Auto rifles and SMGs that trigger Solar ignitions through subclass synergy
- Exotics like Sunshot, Polaris Lance, and Tommy’s Matchbook
These weapons can trigger subclass perks such as ignitions or increased regeneration when used with matching subclass mods.
Armor Mods and Builds
Armor mods further amplify the strength of the Red Subclass. Key mods include:
- Font of Wisdom: Increases Intellect based on the number of elemental wells
- Well of Life: Grants health regeneration when picking up a Solar elemental well
- Elemental Charge + Charged with Light mods: Provide utility and survivability
Combining these mods with Solar subclass abilities allows for almost nonstop ability usage and enhanced survivability in difficult content.
Red Subclass in PvP and PvE
Strengths in PvE
In PvE, the Red Subclass dominates with its ability to deal AoE damage, maintain sustain through healing, and control groups of enemies. Solar grenades and ignitions clear waves of enemies, while healing effects like Restoration and Well of Radiance keep the fireteam alive during tough encounters. Whether in Nightfalls, Raids, or Seasonal activities, the Red Subclass remains top-tier.
Impact in PvP
In Crucible and Trials of Osiris, Red Subclass players can shine with Radiant bonuses, enhanced melee kills, and aggressive super usage. Hunters with Golden Gun can clutch rounds with headshots, while Warlocks using Touch of Flame tripmines can lock down zones. Titans often rush control points with hammers and explosive finishers, making them hard to counter.
The Red Subclass in Destiny 2 embodies fire, fury, and ferocity. Its emphasis on ability usage, damage-over-time, and healing makes it one of the most versatile and fun subclasses in the game. With endless combinations of Aspects, Fragments, weapons, and armor mods, players have the freedom to build a Guardian that suits their playstyle perfectly. Whether you’re lighting up the Crucible or burning through hordes of Hive in PvE, the Red Subclass ensures that you never go unnoticed and never go unarmed. Mastering this subclass means embracing aggression, timing your abilities well, and knowing how to keep the flames of war burning at all times.