Abyss, the Fourth Darkness Subclass
Subclass Overview
The Abyss is a manifestation of Darkness rooted in the Void's hunger and entropy. It flows like liquid shadow, not alive but intensely responsive, forming tendrils, blades, and barriers that flicker with chilling precision as they shape to the wielder's intent. Unlike Stasis, which binds and freezes, the Abyss adapts and consumes, amplifying the Void's power to negate and endure. To wield the Abyss is to channel an ancient force, an echo of the universe before Light, where existence was defined by control, purpose, and the endless pull toward oblivion.
Design Goals
Life Drain & Resource Management
I wanted to create a subclass that emphasizes vampiric gameplay mechanics where players gain power by weakening enemies. The Abyss should feel like it's consuming and corrupting everything it touches while empowering the Guardian who wields it.
Ancient Darkness Fantasy
Every ability reinforces the cosmic horror and primordial darkness theme through shadowy tendrils, life-draining effects, and entropy manipulation. The kit should feel like channeling a force older than the universe itself, both terrible and magnificent.
In the Shadow of Stars
In the late Golden Age, humanity's ambition pushed far into deep space, reaching beyond the
Traveler's guiding light into old and dark places. In the vast emptiness between galaxies, our
ancestors felt an ancient echo, an unseen presence they couldn't truly understand. They named it the
Abyss. For the explorers who neared its edge, it wasn't just Darkness; it was the end of all light,
an emptiness deeper than nothingness, boundless and always consuming.
Scholars who dared to study the Abyss described a disturbing emptiness, an echo older than the first
stars, existing at the edge of what's real. It didn't move or speak; it was simply an ever-present
stillness, like the deep silence after a great storm. The Hive, with their strange reverence,
understood this. They built shrines and whispered that the Abyss was a source of power that unravels
things, a well of undeniable will. To them, it wasn't a tool, but an undeniable truth: absolute,
unbending, and far beyond mortal control.
Guardians who felt the Abyss's influence reported a cold far deeper than Stasis, a constant
awareness that always lingered at the edge of their senses. When they channeled it through the Void,
it showed its true nature. The Abyss offered no comfort, no protection. Instead, it gave power to
those who faced its vastness without flinching, making their own intentions incredibly clear and
focused. It was a flexible tool, but also an uncaring, ancient force, content to watch the bold
shape their own futures, or be swallowed by darkness.
Humanity's first encounter with the Abyss left them changed forever, a piece of its endless hunger
becoming part of them. It is a darkness even the Light couldn't cleanse. The Hive may worship it,
but the Abyss is no god. It is a shadowy presence at the very edge of reality. An old memory of a
universe before Light, and one that might last long after the Light is gone.
Class Abilities
Each Guardian class harnesses the Abyss differently, reflecting their unique combat philosophy and approach to wielding Darkness.
🛡️ Titan - Sentinel of the Abyss
Charged Melee: Abyssal Barrier
The Titan slams into the ground, summoning jagged Abyssal spikes that form a protective barrier, repelling enemies and absorbing attacks. This ability gives the Titan a moment to recover or hold ground against incoming threats while the spikes slowly drain health from nearby enemies.
Grenade: Shadowveil
The Titan throws a grenade that expands into a dense, dark cloud on impact, obscuring vision and blinding enemies within. It allows the Titan to close in on enemies undetected or safely disengage from combat while the Abyss slowly corrupts those caught inside.
Super: Abyssal Sovereign
The Titan channels the power of the Abyss, increasing their defenses while summoning a swirling vortex of dark tendrils that lash out and ensnare nearby enemies. These tendrils drain life from foes, healing the Titan and consuming those caught within. However, the tendrils can be destroyed by enemy attacks and with each destroyed tendril, the Titan's defenses weaken, though their attacks remain just as deadly.
🏹 Hunter - Abyss Stalker
Charged Melee: Piercing Lash
When crouched or sliding, the Hunter can focus Abyssal energy into their hand before unleashing a rapid, multi-strike lash of dark projectiles that pierce through enemies from a distance. This attack is precise and deadly, dealing damage while marking enemies hit, making them more vulnerable to follow-up ability damage.
Grenade: Spike Burst
The Hunter throws a dark, compact grenade that travels forward like a ball. Upon impact or when manually detonated with a second press of the grenade button, it explodes into a burst of shadowy spikes that scatter outward, piercing nearby enemies and leaving them weakened by Abyssal corruption.
Super: Shadow Emergence
The Hunter melts into the ground, becoming an invincible shadow before reemerging in a towering eruption of dark, Abyssal energy that ripples outward. This super allows the Hunter to get close to their targets, creating an opening for their Fireteam or finishing off a powerful enemy with massive damage while becoming temporarily empowered by consumed darkness.
🔮 Warlock - Abyss Caller
Charged Melee: Life Siphon
The Warlock stretches out their hand, summoning a dark, swirling projectile that seeks out its target. On impact, it latches onto the enemy, siphoning their life force and weakening their defenses. As the Abyss drains the enemy's energy, they empower the Warlock, granting a brief boost in damage and ability recharge.
Grenade: Abyssal Shrieker
The Warlock throws a grenade that hovers in the air and transforms into a spectral, Abyssal Shrieker. It blinds any enemies who have it in their field of vision, making them turn away or hide. The Shrieker can be destroyed by enemies, but while active, it serves as a powerful tool for disrupting enemy lines and creating openings for the Warlock and their Fireteam.
Super: Abyssal Wave
The Warlock summons a massive wave of Abyssal energy that sweeps across the battlefield, damaging and pushing back all enemies in its path. Pushed back enemies are briefly slowed and suppressed, rendering them vulnerable to follow-up attacks while being continuously drained by the lingering Abyssal corruption.
Subclass Identity & Target Audience
The Abyss bridges traditional Void abilities and the crowd control of Stasis, offering a unique life-drain and corruption-focused playstyle that rewards aggressive positioning and sustained engagement.
Primary Audience: Destiny 2 players who enjoy aggressive, risk-reward gameplay and want to feel powerful through enemy manipulation. Players who appreciate the cosmic horror aesthetic and enjoy subclasses with strong thematic cohesion, similar to fans of Stasis or Void 3.0.
Secondary Audience: PvE-focused players looking for a subclass that excels in sustained encounters and team support through enemy debuffing. Those who want to embody the power of Darkness while maintaining the heroic Guardian fantasy.