Sword skating with your Hunter allows for incredible traversal speed and maneuverability across various in-game environments. The core technique involves a precise sequence of actions to leverage a sword's attack animation for a powerful momentum burst.
What is Sword Skating?
Sword skating is an advanced movement technique in Destiny 2 that uses specific sword perks to launch your character forward with significantly increased speed. While the fundamental method applies to all classes, Hunters can integrate it uniquely with their agile jumps for enhanced mobility.
Essential Gear for Hunters
To effectively sword skate, you'll need a sword with particular perks:
- Eager Edge: This is the primary perk for sword skating. It grants a significant burst of momentum when you perform a light attack immediately after swapping to the sword, provided you are airborne. Swords like the Half-Truths and The Other Half are excellent choices.
- Worldline Zero (Exotic Sword): This exotic sword has its own unique heavy attack that provides a momentum burst, though it's typically used in more advanced, multi-sword skate techniques or when Eager Edge isn't available. For beginners, Eager Edge is much easier to master.
Note: Ensure your sword has enough sword energy to perform the light or heavy attack.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sword Skating with Hunter
Mastering sword skating with your Hunter involves a precise timing of actions. Follow these steps for an effective skate:
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Equip Your Sword: Make sure your sword (preferably with Eager Edge) is in one of your weapon slots.
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Sprint Forward: Begin by sprinting to build initial ground speed.
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Perform a Single Jump: While sprinting, press your jump key/button once. Avoid using your full class jump ability immediately.
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Swap to Your Sword: Immediately after jumping, quickly swap to your equipped sword. This is a critical timing window.
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Initiate an Attack: As soon as the sword is equipped and you're airborne, press the light attack button. For maximum momentum, ensure this is done swiftly.
- Pressing the light attack button will provide a significant burst of momentum.
- Pressing the heavy attack button (if applicable for the sword's perk or if using Worldline Zero) can provide even more momentum, depending on the sword.
Quick Reference Table
| Step | Action | Key/Button (PC/Controller) | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Equip Sword | N/A | Before starting |
| 2. Initial Speed | Sprint Forward | Shift / L3 (left stick) | Begin moving |
| 3. Take Off | Jump (single press) | Space / A (Xbox) / X (PS) | While sprinting |
| 4. Weapon Swap | Swap to Sword | 1, 2, or 3 / Y (Xbox) / Triangle (PS) | Immediately after jumping |
| 5. Initiate Skate | Light Attack (or Heavy Attack) | Left Click / R1 (Xbox) / R2 (PS) | As soon as sword is swapped and airborne |
Hunter-Specific Tips and Considerations
While the core mechanics are universal, Hunters can optimize sword skating with their unique abilities:
- Jump Management: Hunters have excellent air control. For a basic sword skate, only use your initial jump. Save your Triple Jump, Strafe Jump, or High Jump for after the initial sword skate to extend your airtime and carry your momentum further, or to redirect your flight path.
- Acrobat's Dodge: While not directly part of the sword skate, some Hunters might use their dodge before a skate to activate perks or get into position, but it won't directly enhance the skate itself.
- Exotic Armor Synergies:
- St0mp-EE5: This exotic significantly boosts slide distance and jump height. While not directly enhancing the sword skate's initial burst, the increased jump height can make it easier to chain skates or recover from awkward landings.
- Frostees: These can reduce cooldowns, allowing you to have your class ability ready for other movement options after a skate.
Mastering the Technique
- Practice Timing: The most crucial element is the precise timing between the jump, weapon swap, and attack. Practice in a safe, open area like the Trostland in the EDZ or the Tribute Hall (if accessible) to get a feel for the rhythm.
- Input Speed: Speed is key for the weapon swap and attack input. The faster you execute these, the more momentum you'll gain.
- Chain Skates: Once comfortable with a single skate, try chaining multiple skates by swapping to another weapon, then back to your sword to initiate another Eager Edge attack as you're about to lose momentum. This is highly advanced and typically requires specific loadouts and even more precise timing.
- Directional Control: While skating, you can slightly adjust your direction using your movement keys/stick, but large turns will bleed off momentum quickly.
With practice, your Hunter will become an unstoppable force of speed, navigating the toughest encounters with unmatched agility thanks to sword skating.
