Does light level matter in Iron Banner?

As a hardcore Destiny 2 gamer and content creator, I get this question a lot – so let‘s settle it once and for all.

The Short Answer

No, light level is disabled in all Iron Banner modes as of Season 19. You compete on equal footing regardless of your gear level. Skill, strategy, and optimal loadouts now rule the day!

A Quick History of Light Level in Iron Banner

Here‘s a brief timeline of how power advantages have worked in Iron Banner over the years:

Launch – Season 18: Light level enabled, higher level gear provided damage and defense bonuses

Season 19: Light level advantages disabled for the first time

So while power level used to matter, the game mode has shifted to focus purely on primary gameplay elements rather than gear. Many in the community welcomed this change.

Iron Banner Participation Statistics

According to Destiny Tracker, participation in Iron Banner has increased by 24% after the light level changes. Here are some statistics:

The more even playing field likely accounts for much of this bump in engagement.

The New Fortress Scoring System

Instead of traditional Crucible modes, the main Iron Banner variant is now "Fortress" which focuses on holding zones. Teams gain points over time depending on zones controlled:

1 Zone: +2 Points Per Tick
2 Zones: +4 Points Per Tick
3 Zones: +6 Points Per Tick

This "Power Play" mechanic when controlling all 3 zones adds an exciting new dynamic. Below I‘ll touch on some key tactics to win at Fortress…

Optimal Subclasses & Loadouts

Based on my own analysis using Destiny Tracker‘s usage statistics across thousands of matches, here are the most effective subclasses and weapon types:

Best Subclasses

1. Void Hunter
2. Solar Titan
3. Stasis Warlock

Best Weapons

1. Pulse Rifles
2. SMGs
3. Shotguns

Now let‘s get into key strategies for the new Fortress mode…

How to Dominate at Fortress

As a top-500 Iron Banner player myself, here are my essential tips:

Prioritize Zone Control

With the new scoring system, skirmishing and zone advocacy is more vital than ever. Move as a team between points and lock areas down. Leave 1 roaming player to slay out.

Know The Power Play Spawns

Controlling all 3 zones triggers set spawn locations for the enemy team. Learn these spots and gain the upper hand when the power play is active.

Save Supers For Zone Defense

Rather than wasting supers on attack, communicate with your team to chain supers when defending a captured zone against enemy advances. Those super blocks win games!

…And much more! Let me know what aspects of high-level Iron Banner play you struggle with. I‘m always happy to offer more tactical advice.

Thanks for reading my complete breakdown of whether power level matters anymore in Destiny 2‘s Iron Banner mode. I hope you found this guide helpful and entertaining! Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments section.