Hunters have a number of interesting perk choices when it comes to their Exotic class item inDestiny 2, and some of them have excellent synergies that players can take advantage of in both PvE and PvP.
Getting an Exotic class item bycompletingDestiny 2’sDual Destiny questis no easy task, but it’ll be well worth it for those who want to explore a new dimension of buildcrafting. Here’s some strong perk combinations for the Hunter Exotic class item Essentialism that players should keep their eyes on.
Updated June 16, 2025 by Marc Santos:We’ve updated this list to include an additional entry for a perk combo that focuses on general ability-based builds for a variety of possible Prismatic Hunter subclass builds in Destiny 2. The perk combos originally included in this list for the Hunter’s exotic class item have remained viable and reliable ever since the release of this new armor category, and they are expected to remain so unless Bungie makes adjustments specifically targeting class items.
6Spirit of the Assassin+Spirit of the Gyrfalcon
Explosions, Invisibility, Versatility
This Exotic class item combo may seem like it leads to a watered downDestiny 2Void Hunter buildusingGyrfalcon’s Hauberk, but it’s much more than that. Essentialism with these two perks allows players to enjoy unlimited invisibility and Volatile Rounds without having to useStylish Executioner, opening up an Aspect slot for something likeGunpowder Gambleor Ascension. This isn’t the strongest combo on this list, but it has incredible buildcrafting potential for PvE and PvP.
All this combo asks is that players use either a Void Primary or Heavy weapon like Ros Arago and Commemoration. Hunters also don’t need to worry much about staying in melee range asSpirit of the Assassintriggers off abilities likeKnife Trick,Withering Blade, andThreaded Spike.
5Spirit of the Dragon+Spirit of the Wormhusk
Excellent Combo For Crucible Gladiators
Unlike the rest of the combos in this list, this one leans heavily toward PvP. The Hunter’s Dodge ability makes them very slippery when fightingother Guardians in the Crucible, and if players tack onSpirit of the Dragon’s handling buff andSpirit of the Wormhusk’s heal, Hunters can bounce back from a bad engagement with snappier guns and more health than their enemies expect.
Those who prefer a stronger neutral game should try getting a class item withSpirit Of The Ophidianinstead ofSpirit Of The Dragon. It will passively boost the swap speeds of weapons, giving players that extra edge for when the situation calls for a Special weapon. Players who are not particularly interested in Wormhusk’s heal can opt forSpirit Of The Coyoteinstead, which is a great alternative for that extra Dodge charge.
4Spirit of Renewal+Spirit of the Cyrtarachne
Stacks Upon Stacks Of Damage Resistance
If Hunters are looking for a tanky and support-oriented Hunter setup, then this combo should give them a glimpse ofwhatRenewal Graspswas like before it got nerfed. Throw a grenade to get Woven Mail and create a Duskfield that either boosts ally damage resistance even more or reduces the damage output of enemies inside the field. Pair this Exotic perk combo with Facets of Protection and Purpose to gain even more survivability when surrounded by enemies and picking up Orbs of Power.
Damage resistance is great, but it’s even better when combined with Aspects or Fragments that can heal. Players can use Golden Gun or Deadfall with the Facet of Purpose Fragment to gain either Restoration or Overshields when picking up an Orb of Power. For those who prefer using Stasis or Strand Supers, don’t forget to at least get the Recuperation mod for Leg armor.
3Spirit of Inmost Light+Spirit of the Coyote
Dodge Spamming With A Sprinkle Of Stronger Abilities
Spirit of Inmost Lightis generally useful for its empowering effect on abilities. Pair this withSpirit of the Coyote, and you’ll end up with a Dodge that has two charges and faster regeneration, perfect for ability-focused builds. This combo works well with almost every Prismatic Hunter Aspect except forGunpowder Gamble, which activates off of kills and is better off used bydedicated Solar Hunters inDestiny 2.
Winter’s ShroudandStylish Executioneris a good Aspect combo for gaining Invisibility and debuffing enemies, whileThreaded Specterand Ascension can provide players with extra utility and damage while fighting enemies at close range. Coyote and Inmost Light will provide Hunters with the energy regeneration they need to keep their abilities going.
2Spirit of Galanor+Spirit of the Star-Eater
For Overcharged Super Spammers
Spamming Supers is fun, but using it over and over again while having the bonus damage fromStar-Eater Scalesis even better. This Exotic perk combo is for Hunters who want to constantly fire Golden Gun shots, place Deadfall anchors, throw Stasis tornadoes, or zip around the map using Storm’s Edge orSilkstrike. There isn’t much else to say here except that this combo is particularly great for high-density combat scenarios and boss fights.
Keep in mind that Galanor’s energy regeneration only kicks in after the Super ends, which means players won’t be able to extend the duration ofSilkstrikeas they run around and lash enemies.
1Spirit of Caliban+Spirit of the Liar
Best Perk Combo For Melee Fans
This combination exists for fans ofDestiny 2Arc Hunter buildsusingCombination BlowandLiar’s Handshake. Using an Exotic class item withSpirit Of Calibanand the Liar is basically the same as using aCombination Blow/Handshake build, but the heal-on-kill effect is replaced with Solar Ignitions. Every other melee attack Hunters perform will deal significantly more damage than usual, and if the target dies, it’s going to take a lot of nearby weaker enemies down with it.
SinceSpirit of the Liardoesn’t come with the healing effect, players will need to find other ways to survive in melee. The Facets of Protection and Purpose are excellent Fragments for survivability; the former grants damage resistance while the latter gives a bonus based on the equipped Super. Meanwhile,Stylish Executionercan be a great get-out-of-jail-free card if players can inflict elemental debuffs before delivering their counter-punch.
