An Acrstrider is one of the new sub classes introduced in Destiny 2. Some could argue that it is a replacement for the Bladedancer but the Arcstrider could potentially be one of the most powerful sub classes making use of melee strikes to finish off your enemies.
The real power of the Arcstrider is unlocked when you learn the patterns and combos of attacks. Meaning you have to learn the timings, recovery window and being capable of making decisive movements on the fly.
It might seem like much learning and studying and practicing but rest assured that if you can master these the rewards will be bountiful and fun to play with. Often times you'll even feel like a real space ninja.
Form a staff of pure Arc energy and acrobatically take out your foes. Binds to [L1 + R1].
You can use these to start you off but there are more combos and patterns that are yet to be discovered.
The basic and most often used is a three melee attack. Each melee attack will give you a short forward burst.
The Razor's Edge is a single swipe of a farther reaching attack.
This combo is simply a mix of a single swipe and then followed immediately by Razor's Edge for a more ranged finished. Can be used to immediately strike a second enemy that is further away should the first target die after your melee wipe or if your enemy managed to gain some distance between you.
This combo changes your pattern a bit. Strike with two melee attacks and then finish with a powerful Razor's Edge.
While in the air attack twice with your melee button to get an air swipe and then an upwards cut to finish.
This is the more popular slam attack we've been seeing in the trailers. Similar to The Warlock's Dawnblade move: Phoenix Dive, while in the air press the shoot button for a slamming attack to the ground below.
Usually used if you've been knocked back or if you have the need to close the gap while airborne. The two melee swipes will give you quick, short bursts forward and then finish with a slam attack.
While in super, the Arcstrider has unlimited dodge moves which can be used to close gaps or to position yourself in between strikes. I highly suggest using the dodge ability to quickly move around the battlefield. If you play Genji from Overwatch using the Dodge ability in a fashion just like using Genji's double jump will keep you off of your opponents cross-hairs.
The Arcstrider's Arc Staff is in a strange position for a game that is a shooter. You will need to close the gap quickly and when you do your damage will be devastating. Using melee swipes to close the gap will be good but you'll have to combine them with dodges to juke left or right while approaching your enemy. Juking will be essential in keeping your movements unpredictable making it difficult for your opponent to target you. Jumping in the air and melee swiping to gain distance will also protect you from being an easy ground target for grenades and rocket launchers.
Timing also plays a vital factor as an Arcstrider. Players will have to learn the attack windows and recovery times between attacks to avoid getting caught in a bad moment or outmaneuvered by a better Arcstrider.
Once you get into killing range, you'll then have to make on the fly decisions on how to keep out of harms way or quickly moving on to the next target after killing an enemy. Generally, get creative with your move sets, stay on the move and surprise the enemy like a true space ninja.
