History of Class Ability

A Class Ability is an ability unique to a Guardian's class. Unlike grenades, melees and supers, class abilities are not tied to a subclass and work the same across subclasses; Aspects do not change them.

Hunter

Hunters use a dodge. The three dodges are Marksman's Dodge, Gambler's Dodge and Acrobat's Dodge, which is exclusive to the Gunslinger and Prismatic subclasses.

Warlock

Warlocks use a rift. Healing Rift (1:59 cooldown) heals Guardians inside it and grants an overshield to those at full health. Empowering Rift (1:59 cooldown) boosts weapon damage and ability energy regeneration, and generates ammo for kills made inside it. Both are available to all Warlock subclasses. Phoenix Dive is a burst that heals and cures nearby allies, usable only while airborne, and is exclusive to the Dawnblade and Prismatic subclasses. Since Renegades, Warlocks can move while casting rifts, and the rifts are larger.

Titan

Titans use a barricade. Towering Barricade (1:41 cooldown) is a tall barrier that blocks fire and draws enemy attention. Rally Barricade (0:55 cooldown) is shorter, can be aimed over, and boosts reload speed, stability and range for allies behind it. Both are available to all Titan subclasses. Thruster (0:52 cooldown) is a short lateral dash exclusive to the Striker and Prismatic subclasses.

Role

Titans usually take an offensive role, Hunters an evasive one, and Warlocks a supporting one. Subclasses and unlocks mainly determine which class abilities are available.