Build Overview
This Titan build pairs the Praxic Blade exotic sword with Stronghold exotic gauntlets to create one of the most survivable setups in Destiny 2. You'll have near-invincibility through infinite blocking, constant healing, and extreme damage resistance while dealing damage through reflected projectiles.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Skill Level | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Best For | Lawless Frontier activities, high-difficulty content, solo survivability |
| Core Requirements | Praxic Blade exotic sword (no upgrades required), Stronghold exotic gauntlets |
Why This Build Works
Stronghold provides three major benefits for sword users. First, it maximizes guard statistics on all equipped swords, giving you infinite block duration. Second, you take 90% less damage while blocking. Third, after blocking shots and damaging targets, you get the Restoration buff.
The Praxic Blade has a unique blocking mechanic that reflects enemy projectiles back at them. The game treats these reflected projectiles as sword hits, which creates an absurd interaction with Stronghold. While you're blocking infinitely with 90% damage resistance, each reflected shot that connects triggers Restoration. You end up with constant Restoration x2 healing while staying nearly invincible.
You're basically unkillable. The only deaths reported involve getting surrounded by multiple boss-level enemies from all directions at once (like three Wyvern bosses attacking from behind). Mini-boss exploder Shanks won't even move your health bar. Even Brigs shooting massive cannons won't cause problems.
Praxic Blade Exotic Sword Setup
The Praxic Blade works immediately without any upgrades. However, several customization options make the build even better once you acquire them.
Blade Forms
- Grants rapid final blows ammo regeneration
- Increased damage against rank-and-file combatants
- Works well for players who alternate between blocking and attacking frequently
- Need to clear red-bar enemies efficiently
- Grants ammo when you block attacks with guard
- Effectively infinite ammo with Stronghold
- Perfect for extended blocking sequences
- Removes ammo management concerns entirely
Blade Upgrades
Priority upgrade for overall damage output across all combat scenarios
Core Options
Refraction Core applies elemental effects when reflecting damage, matching your equipped super. With a Void super, reflected shots apply Weaken (30% damage reduction to enemies). Arc super grants Jolt charges on reflected shots. Strand super applies Sever (40% enemy damage reduction). Solar super adds Scorch to reflected shots.
Your elemental effect depends on your subclass choice. Void provides Weaken for team damage. Arc enables unique bolt charge mechanics. Strand offers extra damage reduction for allies. Solar adds ignition potential.
Impact Core (Alternative) makes direct sword strikes apply elemental effects, though it doesn't work while blocking (only on swings and throws). This is better for aggressive playstyles that prioritize attacking over blocking and is available now from the Lawless Frontier vendor.
Catalyst Options
Catalyst Comparison
| Catalyst | Benefits | Drawbacks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperblade | 100% Amplified uptime, extra damage resistance, increased lunge distance | Amplified may reduce enemy accuracy and reflection frequency | Defensive play, consistent DR stacking |
| Upper Hand | Increased damage from high ground, no accuracy interference | Requires positioning awareness, terrain-dependent | Offensive play, optimal reflection frequency |
Stronghold Exotic Gauntlets
Stronghold creates the foundation for this build's survivability. With Praxic Blade, reflected projectiles count as "rapidly damaging targets," which triggers Restoration without breaking block. You get 90% damage resistance and continuous healing at the same time.
Subclass Option 1: Prismatic Titan
Prismatic Titan gives the best support structure for the Praxic Blade and Stronghold combo through abilities that activate while you're wielding your sword.
This setup maximizes both survivability and damage output while maintaining full sword availability.
Super
Twilight Arsenal (Void) - Needed for Void damage synergies, lets you apply Weaken through Refraction Core, and triggers Void-related artifact perks.
Class Ability
Thruster - Critical mobility tool while sword is equipped. Works while blocking or attacking. Pairs with Drengr's Lash aspect for combat repositioning.
Melee Ability
Shield Throw - Generates Overshield on hit. Needed for Facet of Purpose synergy. Triggers Singularity Blade artifact perk.
Grenade
Pulse Grenade - Personal preference, not critical to how the build works. Any grenade choice works fine.
Aspects
Unbreakable gives you an alternative defensive ability that works while your sword is equipped. You can throw Praxic Blade, then activate Unbreakable shield while the blade is airborne for extra survivability when you need it. Block with Unbreakable while Praxic Blade hits enemies, wait for the blade to return, then release Unbreakable to attack. Since it operates separately from your sword, you get defensive options during blade cooldown.
Drengr's Lash makes activating Thruster while in combat create a spherical projectile that Suspends nearby enemies. This works while blocking or attacking with your sword, giving you crowd control without weapon swapping. It's a great escape tool when you're pressured by multiple enemies like Wyverns.
Fragments
Transcendence state increases your ability regeneration, boosts weapon damage (which affects Praxic Blade), and provides extra damage resistance against combatants. All of these benefits stack with your other damage resistance sources.
The build generates Transcendence energy fast through constant Kinetic damage from Praxic Blade kills and reflected shots. This makes up for not using Berserker's Banner of War damage buff with different weapon damage scaling and continuous ability availability.
Subclass Option 2: Strand Berserker
Strand Berserker offers a more team-focused approach with big personal damage boosts through Banner of War.
This setup excels in team content by healing all nearby allies with Banner of War pulses and buffing allied melee and sword damage.
Super
Blade Fury - Benefits from Banner of War damage buffs, strong personal damage option, maintains Strand synergies.
Aspects
Reflected shot kills raise the banner, which increases reflected shot damage, which creates more kills. The healing pulses add to Stronghold's Restoration, keeping you alive even when not actively blocking.
Fletchette Storm - Slide to activate charged melee, leaping into air and knocking nearby targets away. Throw additional projectiles after initial leap. Benefits from Banner of War melee damage buffs. Consumes Frenzied Blade melee ability. Better burst damage than standard Praxic Blade swings.
Fragments
- Thread of Fury - Grants melee energy when damaging targets with Tangles (fuels Fletchette Storm usage)
- Thread of Generation - Generates grenade energy while dealing damage (more Grapple availability)
- Thread of Continuity - Increases duration of Suspend, Unravel, and Sever effects (extends Sever with Refraction Core)
- Thread of Ascent - Provides +10 to Discipline stat (purely stat optimization)
Strand Berserker excels in team content by healing all nearby allies with Banner of War pulses and buffing allied melee and sword damage. You get strong personal damage boosts without relying on Transcendence, plus strong burst damage through empowered Fletchette Storm and powerful super damage with buffed Blade Fury.
The build stays incredibly survivable through combined Stronghold resistance, Restoration, and Banner of War healing. Reflected shot damage scales significantly with Banner of War stacks, creating a self-reinforcing damage loop.
Artifact Perks
The Renegades artifact has multiple perks designed specifically for sword builds, creating great synergy with Praxic Blade and Stronghold.
Must-Have Perks
| Perk Name | Effect | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Swordstorm Combo | Three light attacks + heavy attack grants 15% sword damage boost and creates orbital blades | Highest Priority |
| Combination Argent Blade | Increases sword damage by 15% (stacks with Swordstorm Combo for 30% total) | High Priority |
| Power from Pain | Grants Devour from rapid final blows against Weakened combatants | High Priority |
| Singularity Blade | Melee/sword hits Weaken targets with Void buffs, defeated targets create Weakening burst | High Priority |
| Kinetic Synthesis | Creates unique ammo bricks from sustained Kinetic damage (enables double special) | Medium Priority |
| Elemental Siphon | Creates Elemental pickups from rapid Kinetic final blows | Medium Priority |
| Gravitic-Voltaic Charge | Extra charge of Armor Charge with Void super equipped | Medium Priority |
Weapons
The build keeps Praxic Blade equipped constantly. Your other weapons focus on quick-swap capability for specific situations.
| Slot | Weapon | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Praxic Blade (Exotic Sword) | Equipped 95%+ of gameplay time, handles all combat scenarios |
| Energy | Motif-41 (Recommended) | Area Denial grenade launcher with Autoloading Holster and Attrition Orbs/Incandescent |
| Heavy | Machine Gun (Situational) | Handles Lawless Frontier invader defense primarily |
Armor Stats Priority
Armor Mods
Helmet Mods
- Dynamo - Grants Super energy when dodging near enemies (pairs with frequent Thruster usage)
- Kinetic Siphon x2 - Creates Orbs of Power from rapid Kinetic weapon final blows (critical for Facet of Purpose)
Gauntlets: Stronghold Exotic
Stronghold is the required exotic for this build and doesn't need additional mods. Optional additions include:
- Firepower - Grenade energy on Armor Charge consumption
- Font of Might - Weapon damage bonus matching your subclass when picking up Elemental pickups
Chest Armor Mods
- Resistance mods match activity threats with elemental resistances
- Concussive Dampener - Explosive resistance
Leg Armor Mods
- Recuperation - Health when picking up Orbs of Power
- Kinetic Weapon Surge x2 - 17% damage bonus to Kinetic weapons when Armor Charged
Class Item Mods
- Reaper - Creates Orbs of Power from assists and final blows on suspended targets
- Time Dilation - Extends Armor Charge duration
- Powerful Attraction - Increases Orb of Power collection radius
Two-Piece Set Bonus: Picking up Orb of Power grants brief period of rapidly decaying damage reduction.
This set bonus adds another layer of damage resistance to an already extremely resistant build. Powerful Attraction pairs well with this set bonus. Combined with Stronghold (90%), Facet of Protection (~5%), Transcendence, and Amplified, you're approaching 99.9% damage resistance.
Gameplay Loop and Strategy
Core Gameplay Pattern
Combat Rotation
The defensive blocking phase maintains 90%+ damage resistance. Face enemies so reflected projectiles hit targets. Break guard with Restoration active to execute Cormorant Combo: three light attacks followed by heavy attack.
Ability Integration
- Use Thruster during blocking or attacking without weapon swapping
- Thruster activates Drengr's Lash and Suspends nearby enemies
- Throw Shield when safe to generate Overshield
- Overshield activates Singularity Blade (Weaken on sword hits)
- Transcendence meter fills fast from Kinetic kills (Facet of Grace)
Ammo Management
- Block to regenerate ammo from blocked attacks
- Ammo concerns basically disappear
- Heavy attack in Cormorant Combo is free (no ammo consumption)
- Kill red-bar enemies with attacks to regenerate ammo
- Requires more active ammo management
- Better for aggressive playstyle
Advanced Techniques
Throwing Praxic Blade prevents blocking until the blade returns. To force instant blade return: weapon swap and immediately swap back. This technique lets you emergency block during throw recovery.
Positioning for Maximum Effectiveness
- Face primary threat direction when blocking
- Reflected shots only affect enemies in front
- Back up to funnel enemies into frontal arc
- Avoid getting surrounded from multiple angles
- Use terrain to limit approach vectors
Swordstorm Combo Uptime Maintenance
Swordstorm Combo doesn't refresh on sustained boss damage (single target). Can't maintain infinite Swordstorm Combo against lone boss through continuous attacks.
Workaround: Alternate between Praxic Blade and secondary sword. Rotation example: Praxic Blade (3 light + heavy) → Caster Frame sword (2 light + heavy) → Praxic Blade (3 light + heavy). Alternating weapons lets you do back-to-back Swordstorm Combo activations.
Arc Impact Core Alternative Strategy
For maximum survivability in difficult grandmaster content, consider this advanced variant:
- Equip Arc super instead of Void
- Use Impact Core instead of Refraction Core
- Impact Core grants Jolt charges on hits with Arc super
- Pair with Caster Frame sword (Ill Omen) to discharge Jolt charges
- Stronghold + Jolt Charge synergy creates extra survivability layer
- Jolt Charge creates damaging lightning around your blocked character
- "God mode" tank playstyle for difficult grandmaster content
Strand Berserker Specific Strategies
Banner of War Initiation
- Get initial kills with reflected shots or direct attacks
- Banner of War raises after first sword/finisher/melee kill
- Banner immediately starts pulsing healing and damage buffs
- Keep the Banner going by continuing to defeat targets
Damage Amplification Loop
Banner of War Damage Loop
Banner of War increases reflected shot damage. More powerful reflected shots get more kills. More kills charge Banner (faster pulses, longer duration). Cycle continues, ramping damage and healing.
Fletchette Storm Usage
- With Banner of War active, Fletchette Storm deals huge damage
- Use for burst damage against tough targets
- Gives aerial mobility and knockback for emergency escapes
- Refunds quickly due to Thread of Fury (Tangle damage)
Activity-Specific Considerations
| Activity Type | Build Performance | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Lawless Frontier | Excellent | Can complete objectives while blocking, machine gun handles invaders, perfect for Syndicate reputation grinding |
| Grandmaster Nightfalls | Excellent | Extreme survivability, Strand Banner of War gives team support, can face-tank boss-level enemies even under-leveled |
| Solo Content | Outstanding | Near-invincibility, self-sufficient healing, can revive allies safely while blocking |
| Lost Sectors | Outstanding | Multiple healing sources, extreme damage resistance, great for solo farming |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Alternative Exotic Sword Compatibility
While Praxic Blade is the main focus, Swordstorm Combo artifact perk works with other exotic swords to varying degrees.
Compatible Swords
| Sword | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ergo Sum | Fully Compatible | Works with standard three light plus heavy pattern |
| Heartshadow | Compatible | Utility-focused with invisibility, great for endgame survivability |
| Black Talon | Compatible | Suppresses targets with projectile attacks, ranged sword option |
| Ill Omen (Legendary) | Highly Compatible | Craftable, Attrition Orbs perk, enables rotation for sustained uptime |
Incompatible Swords
- The Lament - Swordstorm Combo doesn't function with revved attacks, exotic perk overrides normal light attack pattern
- Worldline Zero - Exotic tesseract ability conflicts with three light attack pattern, not meta
- Wolfsbane - Based on different pattern (light-light-heavy), requires adapted rotation
Build Variations and Customization
Subclass Choice Decision Tree
- Solo play is your main focus
- Maximum personal survivability is priority
- Transcendence uptime and damage scaling is preferred
- You need ability activation while wielding sword
- You enjoy flexibility of mixed elemental abilities
- Team play and support is priority
- Banner of War healing benefits are valued for team
- Buffing ally damage is important
- You prefer Blade Fury super for burst damage windows
- You enjoy aggressive melee combat integration
Core Choices
Key Build Decisions
| Choice | Option A | Option B |
|---|---|---|
| Core Selection | Refraction Core - Suits blocking-focused playstyle, applies effects through reflections | Impact Core - Fits aggressive playstyle, requires direct hits |
| Blade Form | Defensive Form - Removes ammo concerns during blocking, infinite sustainability | Balanced Form - Better for active attacking, improved red-bar clear speed |
| Catalyst | Hyperblade - Consistent Amplified uptime, extra damage resistance | Upper Hand - Positional damage bonus, no accuracy interference |
Frequently Asked Questions
Stronghold is Titan-exclusive, so you need Titan for this specific build. Alternative Praxic Blade builds exist for Warlock and Hunter but use different mechanics.
No. Praxic Blade deals sword damage, not melee damage. Melee stat increases don't affect sword damage. These are separate damage types.
No. The build functions immediately with base Praxic Blade. Upgrades make it better but aren't required.
The build functions at any power level. Survivability mechanics still apply even when significantly under-leveled for content (30+ power below).
Yes. The extreme damage resistance and healing make this viable for Grandmaster Nightfalls and other difficult endgame content. Arc Impact Core variant gives extra survivability for the most challenging encounters.
Melee stat doesn't affect Praxic Blade. Weapon stat (Discipline) increases sword damage and reflected shot damage. Raising melee stat above 100 gives no benefit to sword usage.
Not on sustained single-target damage. Against a single boss with no additional enemies, Swordstorm Combo won't refresh. Use alternating sword rotation (Praxic Blade + Caster Frame) to maintain buff uptime.
Yes. Most Lawless Frontier objectives can be completed while holding block (planting charges, carrying cargo, etc.). This is a big advantage of the build.
Stronghold blocking only protects from frontal damage. If you get attacked from behind or sides while blocking, those attacks deal full damage. Reposition to face all threats or use Thruster to escape and reposition.
Conclusion
The Praxic Blade and Stronghold combination creates one of the most survivable Titan builds in Destiny 2 Renegades. The synergy between infinite blocking, constant healing, extreme damage resistance, and offensive capability through reflected shots gives you great performance across all PvE content.
This build achieves near-invincibility through multiple stacking damage resistance sources and maintains three independent healing sources (Restoration, Devour, Banner of War). You get strong damage output through reflected shots and Cormorant Combo, and the build functions immediately without upgrades. It's highly customizable based on playstyle preferences, great for solo play and team support, and effective in high-difficulty content.
The build only needs two specific items (Praxic Blade and Stronghold) to function at a high level. Everything else can be customized based on available gear, preferred playstyle, and activity requirements. You can go for maximum survivability with Prismatic Titan or team support with Strand Berserker, and the core mechanics will deliver consistent performance.
For players seeking a resilient, forgiving build that performs well in difficult content while maintaining strong damage potential, the Praxic Blade Stronghold Titan build is a solid choice for the Renegades expansion and beyond.