Image via Bungie

How Ionic Trace works in Destiny 2

Look for the Arc bolt to receive a charge of energy.

Ionic Trace is a status effect in Destiny 2 that you can trigger with your Arc subclass. It’s an ability you will want to take advantage of when battling your opponents, and it will significantly help you determine how you want to build your Guardian. There are a few things to learn about Ionic Trace and how it works alongside Amplified. Here’s what you need to know about how Ionic Trace works in Destiny 2.

Recommended Videos

What Ionic Trace does in Destiny 2

Trigging Ionic Trace with your abilities in Destiny 2 creates a bolt of pure Arc energy. This energy will not seek out an enemy but will go straight towards you, its creator. When it reaches you during battle, your Guardian will receive a burst of ability energy that you can use in combat against your foes.

Related: The Best Arc 3.0 builds for Hunters in Destiny 2

You will Ionic Trace on a handful of Fragments, notably the Spark of Ions and Spark of Discharge. If you’re looking to increase your Guardian’s ability damage as an Arc subclass, these are good ways to go about it, but you will want to make sure to go out of your way for these bolts of Arc when they appear. The first Fragment, Spark of Ions, requires you frequently defeat Jolted foes. In contrast, the Spark of Discharge gives you an Ionic Trace by defeating any foe using an Arc weapon with a final blow, likely giving you more flexibility for your Guardian’s build.

Screenshot by Gamepur

How you use Ionic Trace is up to you. We cannot recommend this choice if you frequently use your Guardian’s abilities while playing as the Arc subclass. The one caveat is to make sure you’re going out of your way to find the Arc bolt when it appears or sticking close to your foes after defeating them.


Gamepur is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article All Vanguard Medals for Guardian Games in Destiny 2
Glaives in the Guardian Games in Destiny 2
Read Article Contender Cards in Destiny 2’s Guardian Games – How to Get Them and What They Do
Guardian Games Contender Cards in Destiny 2
Read Article How to Get the Guardian Games Armor Sets in Destiny 2
Guardian Games 2022 showcasing Guardian Armor Sets
Read Article How to Complete Riven’s Wishes II in Destiny 2 – Week 1
destiny 2 rivens wishes quest guide featured image
Read Article How to Complete Wishing All the Best in Destiny 2 – Week 6
Related Content
Read Article All Vanguard Medals for Guardian Games in Destiny 2
Glaives in the Guardian Games in Destiny 2
Read Article Contender Cards in Destiny 2’s Guardian Games – How to Get Them and What They Do
Guardian Games Contender Cards in Destiny 2
Read Article How to Get the Guardian Games Armor Sets in Destiny 2
Guardian Games 2022 showcasing Guardian Armor Sets
Read Article How to Complete Riven’s Wishes II in Destiny 2 – Week 1
destiny 2 rivens wishes quest guide featured image
Read Article How to Complete Wishing All the Best in Destiny 2 – Week 6
Author
Zack Palm
Zack Palm is the Senior Writer of Gamepur and has spent over five years covering video games, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Oregon State University. He spends his free time biking, running tabletop campaigns, and listening to heavy metal. His primary game beats are Pokémon Go, Destiny 2, Final Fantasy XIV, and any newly released title, and he finds it difficult to pull away from any Star Wars game.