Ability

Player abilities are magic-like powers wielded by all Guardians depending on class and subclass. Abilities are granted to guardians through The Traveler.

The abilities available to a player are determined primarily by the player's subclass. In turn, the subclasses that the player can use are determined by that player's class and which subclasses the player has discovered or unlocked. Abilities can be unlocked and upgraded by gaining XP.

Ability Types
Abilities may be divided into several categories, and each subclass contains at least one ability under each category:
 * Movement Ability - Abilities that affect the player's vertical movement, such as Glide, Lift, or Double-Jump abilities.
 * Melee Ability - Bonuses that affect the style and damage of a player's melee attacks.
 * Super Ability - Abilities that, when activated, allow a player to unleash powerful offensive, defensive, or healing powers.

Trivia

 * In interviews and media, Bungie employees jokingly refer to abilities as "space magic."