Best Auto Rifles in Destiny 2: Tier List for PvP and PvE

Auto rifles are not as dominant as they once were, and while most Guardians have moved on to more popular options, the top Auto rifles are still considered to be some of the best weapons in Destiny 2.

This guide covers every Auto rifle in Destiny 2, including both Exotic and Legendary auto rifles, as well as the best rolls for PvE and PvP.

Updated as of Season of the Seraph (S19). See Updates.

Destiny 2 Auto Rifles Tier List: Top-tier Options

This Tier list features the Top-tier Exotic and Legendary auto rifles in the game and covers both PvE and PvP:

Name	Weapons	Type	Archetype	Ammo	Element	Requirements	In loot pool?	Rank	Source	Available?	Tier rank	Source ❘ DLC	Final Verdict	Released	Perks	Best of?
Gnawing Hunger	Gnawing Hunger	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	World loot pool		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	World loot pool Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Rampage (also good: Rampage PvP God Roll: Tap the Trigger + Kill Clip (also good: Rampage) ► Gnawing Hunger is still one of the best Auto Rifles in the game. It is a part of the Adaptive archetype and comes with a host of solid PvP and PvE perks. Gnawing has taken us through the most endgame pieces of content, and will therefore always be on-hand to use.	Season 11	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Rampage (also good: Rampage PvP God Roll: Tap the Trigger + Kill Clip (also good: Rampage)	Top-tier
Chroma Rush	Chroma Rush	Auto Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	World loot pool		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	World loot pool Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy (also good: Subsistence) + Rampage Adrenaline Junkie PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: Tunnel Vision) + Tap the Trigger (also good: Kill Clip) ► Chroma Rush has it all. Good base stats, good perks, and is part of a decent archetype. In PvE, it has a menagerie of perks to pick from, including Rampage, Adrenaline Junkie, and Kill Clip. In PvP, it can either be a consistent laser beam, or a lethal beast with different rolls.	Season 14	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy (also good: Subsistence) + Rampage Adrenaline Junkie PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: Tunnel Vision) + Tap the Trigger (also good: Kill Clip)	Top-tier
Rufus's Fury	Rufus's Fury	Auto Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Primary	Strand	Lightfall	Yes	S › Best	Root of Nightmares Raid		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Root of Nightmares Raid Lightfall	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire God Rolls: Demolitionist (also good: Reconstruction) + Hatchling (also good: Target Lock) ► With the ability to roll with some outstanding perk combinations, Rufus's Fury is the best Strand primary weapon we’ve seen thus far. And compared to Perpetualis, the other Strand Auto, Rufus’s has better rolls and is part of what most consider a superior frame (720 RPM).	Season 20	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire God Rolls: Demolitionist (also good: Reconstruction) + Hatchling (also good: Target Lock)	Top-tier
Necrochasm	Necrochasm	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Crota's End Raid		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Crota's End Raid Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision final blows with this weapon trigger a Cursed Thrall explosion. Final blows with Cursed Thrall explosions refill the magazine." ► Necrochasm is back and is stronger than ever. With the ability to trigger Cursed Thrall explosions with ease, Necrochasm is one of the best (and most fun) ad clear weapons in Destiny 2 right now.	Season 22	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision final blows with this weapon trigger a Cursed Thrall explosion. Final blows with Cursed Thrall explosions refill the magazine."	Top-tier
The Summoner	The Summoner	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Primary	Solar	Lightfall	No	S › Best	Trials of Osiris		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP	Trials of Osiris Lightfall	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Overflow (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Multikill Clip PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: Rangefinder) + Multikill Clip (also good: Rampage) ► The Summoner has a lot going for it: Good base stats, a good archetype, and really solid perks. Overall, The Summoner can succeed everywhere in the game and it will never let you down.	Season 10	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Overflow (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Multikill Clip PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: Rangefinder) + Multikill Clip (also good: Rampage)	Top-tier
Scathelocke	Scathelocke	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	World loot pool		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	World loot pool Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Osmosis) PvP God Roll: Tunnel Vision (also good: Heating Up) + Eye of the Storm (also good: Multikill Clip) ► A returning favorite from Year 1, Scathelocke brings some solid stats and good perks to the table. Osmosis gives it versatility, while perks such as Adrenaline Junkie or Rampage can provide lethality. Scathelocke just 'feels' powerful.	Season 15	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Osmosis) PvP God Roll: Tunnel Vision (also good: Heating Up) + Eye of the Storm (also good: Multikill Clip)	Top-tier
The Last Breath	The Last Breath	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Prophecy Dungeon		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Prophecy Dungeon Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Subsistence (also good: Demolitionist) + Frenzy (also good: Adrenaline Junkie) PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Dynamic Sway Reduction) + Rangefinder ► The Last Breath is a must-have auto rifle for PVE. It has all the right perks to excel and can compete in most pieces of content. It also offers lots of versatility. Damage perks, utility perks, the Last Breath has it all.	Season 15	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Subsistence (also good: Demolitionist) + Frenzy (also good: Adrenaline Junkie) PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Dynamic Sway Reduction) + Rangefinder	Top-tier
Tigerspite	Tigerspite	Auto Rifle	Precision	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Shattered Throne		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Shattered Throne Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Subsistence (also good: Outlaw) + Frenzy (also good: Kill Clip) ► For some reason, Tigerspite just feels great to use. It also comes with solid damage perks that scale nicely into endgame content. While it is part of the weaker 450 RPM archetype, Tigerspite can still hold its own.	Season 14	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Subsistence (also good: Outlaw) + Frenzy (also good: Kill Clip)	Top-tier
Duty Bound	Duty Bound	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Stats for All Perpetual Motion + Frenzy Rampage ► Duty Bound is a decent all-around weapon. It comes with solid perks and can be used effectively pretty much anywhere in the game. 600 RPM Auto Rifles have always had a decent spot in PvE, and Duty Bound does not break this trend.	Season 16	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Stats for All Perpetual Motion + Frenzy Rampage	Top-tier
Quicksilver Storm	Quicksilver Storm	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Strand	Lightfall	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Lightfall	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Landing multiple hits turns your next shot into a homing micro-rocket. Landing multiple rockets loads a grenade." ► Quicksilver Storm is a fun and unique weapon. Combining an Auto Rifle with a Rocket Launcher and a Grenade Launcher, Quicksilver Storm is quite the all-rounder; however, it's missing something to be one of the greats.	Season 18	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Landing multiple hits turns your next shot into a homing micro-rocket. Landing multiple rockets loads a grenade."	Top-tier
Ammit AR2	Ammit AR2	Auto Rifle	Precision	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	World loot pool		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	World loot pool Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Stats For All + Incandescent (also good: Adrenaline Junkie) ► We love the Ammit. It has a decent number of good perks and feels nice to use. The only thing going against the Ammit is its Precision Frame archetype which isn't the worst but certainly isn't the best.	Season 18	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Stats For All + Incandescent (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)	Top-tier
Sweet Sorrow	Sweet Sorrow	Auto Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Primary	Arc	The Witch Queen	Yes	A › Strong	Vox Obscura		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Vox Obscura The Witch Queen	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion (also good: Killing Wind) + Tap the Trigger ► Sweet Sorrow feels extremely nice to fire and comes with the deadly perk combo of Perpetual Motion + Tap the Trigger. Plus, it's craftable! Sweet Sorrow can be a dueling beast, but unfortunately, the current long-range meta doesn't allow it to shine.	Season 16	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion (also good: Killing Wind) + Tap the Trigger	Top-tier
Lodbrok-C	Lodbrok-C	Auto Rifle	High-Impact	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	World loot pool		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	World loot pool Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: High-Impact PvP God Rolls: Perpetual Motion (also good: Dynamic Sway Reduction) + Tap the Trigger (also good: Kill Clip) ► There's something about the Lodbrok that makes it special. It has extremely clean sights, and with Perpetual Motion + Tap the Trigger, you get a very consistent dueling weapon on your hands. Lodbrok can contest excellent ranges and surprise enemies, but it will still get beaten by superior long-range weapons.	Season 19	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: High-Impact PvP God Rolls: Perpetual Motion (also good: Dynamic Sway Reduction) + Tap the Trigger (also good: Kill Clip)	Top-tier

Auto rifles in Destiny 2: The complete list

This database includes every viable Auto rifle currently in the game, including the Necrochasm raid exotic:

Art	Weapon	Type	Archetype	Rarity	Ammo	Element	Requirements	In loot pool?	Ammo?	Element?	Tier	Excels	Source	Craftable?	Requires	Released	Slot	Can be Crafted?	Best of?	Top Perk?
	Centrifuse	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	-	PvE	Season Pass		Free-to-Play	Season 21	Energy	No
	Cerberus+1	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Weak ❘ C	-	Exotic Engram		Free-to-Play	Season 4	Kinetic	No
	Hard Light	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	Average ❘ B	PvP	Exotic Engram		Free-to-Play	Season 1	Energy	No
	Monte Carlo	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Shadowkeep	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Average ❘ B	PvE + PvP	Exotic Engram		Shadowkeep	Season 8	Kinetic	No
	Necrochasm	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Best ❘ S	PvE	Crota's End Raid		Free-to-Play	Season 22	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Quicksilver Storm	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Strand	Lightfall	Yes	Primary	Strand	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Exotic Kiosk		Lightfall	Season 18	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	SUROS Regime	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Average ❘ B	PvP	Exotic Engram		Free-to-Play	Season 3	Kinetic	No
	Sweet Business	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Weak ❘ C	-	Exotic Quest		Free-to-Play	Season 1	Kinetic	No
	Tommy's Matchbook	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Solar	Shadowkeep	Yes	Primary	Solar	Average ❘ B	PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk		Shadowkeep	Season 10	Energy	No
	Abyss Defiant	Auto Rifle	High-Impact	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar			Crota's End Raid		Free-to-Play	Season 22	Energy	Craftable
	Age-Old Bond	Auto Rifle	High-Impact	Legendary	Primary	Void	Forsaken Pack	Yes	Primary	Void	Weak ❘ C	-	Last Wish Raid		Forsaken Pack	Season 4	Energy	Craftable		Repulsor Brace
	Ammit AR2	Auto Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	Strong ❘ A	PvE	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 18	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier	Incandescent
	Arc Logic	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	Average ❘ B	-	Moon		Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	No
	Arctic Haze	Auto Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	Worst ❘ D	-	Europa		Free-to-Play	Season 12	Energy	No
	Braytech Werewolf	Auto Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Seasonal	Primary	Kinetic	Average ❘ B	PvP	Event: Festival of the Lost		Free-to-Play	Season 11	Kinetic	No
	Chroma Rush	Auto Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 14	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Chrysura Melo	Auto Rifle	High-Impact	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	Average ❘ B	PvE	Xûr		Free-to-Play	Season 15	Energy	No
	Come to Pass	Auto Rifle	High-Impact	Legendary	Primary	Arc	The Witch Queen	Yes	Primary	Arc	Weak ❘ C	-	Wellspring		The Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Craftable
	Coronach-22	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	-	-	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 20	Energy	No		Incandescent
	Dark Decider	Auto Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	Average ❘ B	PvE	Iron Banner		Free-to-Play	Season 19	Energy	No		Voltshot
	Duty Bound	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Free-to-Play	Season 16	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Eidolon Ally	Auto Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic			Crota's End Raid		Free-to-Play	Season 22	Kinetic	No
	False Promises	Auto Rifle	High-Impact	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Average ❘ B	-	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 11	Kinetic	No
	Firefright	Auto Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Beyond Light	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Worst ❘ D	-	Presage		Beyond Light	Season 17	Kinetic	Craftable
	Gnawing Hunger	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Herod-C	Auto Rifle	High-Impact	Legendary	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Stasis	Average ❘ B	PvP	Playlist: Gambit		Free-to-Play	Season 16	Kinetic	No
	Horror Story	Auto Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Seasonal	Primary	Stasis	Weak ❘ C	-	Event: Festival of the Lost		Free-to-Play	Season 11	Kinetic	No
	Krait	Auto Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Stasis	Average ❘ B	PvE	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 16	Kinetic	No
	Lodbrok-C	Auto Rifle	High-Impact	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Strong ❘ A	PvP	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 19	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Old Sterling	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Strand	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Strand	-		World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 21	Kinetic	No
	Perpetualis	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Strand	Season 20	Yes	Primary	Strand	Average ❘ B	PvE	Seasonal activity		Season 20	Season 20	Kinetic	Craftable
	Positive Outlook	Auto Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	-		Playlist: Vanguard		Free-to-Play	Season 21	Energy	No		Repulsor Brace
	Reckless Oracle	Auto Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Void	Shadowkeep	Yes	Primary	Void	Weak ❘ C	-	Garden of Salvation Raid		Shadowkeep	Season 8	Energy	No
	Rufus's Fury	Auto Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Strand	Lightfall	Yes	Primary	Strand	Best ❘ S	PvE	Root of Nightmares Raid		Lightfall	Season 20	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier	Reconstruction
	Scathelocke	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Strong ❘ A	PvE + PvP	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 15	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Seventh Seraph Carbine	Auto Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Average ❘ B	PvE	Xûr		Free-to-Play	Season 10	Kinetic	No
	Shadow Price	Auto Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	No	Primary	Arc	Average ❘ B	-	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Free-to-Play	Season 13	Energy	No
	Sorrow's Verse	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	Average ❘ B	-	Playlist: Crucible		Free-to-Play	Season 15	Energy	No
	Sweet Sorrow	Auto Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Arc	The Witch Queen	Yes	Primary	Arc	Strong ❘ A	PvP	Vox Obscura		The Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier
	The Forward Path	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	No	Primary	Kinetic	Weak ❘ C	-	Iron Banner		Free-to-Play	Season 11	Kinetic	No
	The Last Breath	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Strong ❘ A	PvE + PvP	Prophecy Dungeon		Free-to-Play	Season 15	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	The Number	Auto Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	Weak ❘ C	-	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	No
	The Summoner	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Lightfall	No	Primary	Solar	Best ❘ S	PvP	Trials of Osiris		Lightfall	Season 10	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Tigerspite	Auto Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Shattered Throne		Free-to-Play	Season 14	Kinetic	No	Top-tier

These are the different Tier levels used for our list:

• S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapons in our Tier List.
• A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapons, but not on the same level as S Tier Choices.
• B Tier – Average: Decent choices that can be lethal in the hands of a skilled player.
• C Tier – Weak: The middle of the pack, somewhat mediocre.
• D Tier – Worst: Lagging behind the competition, these don’t have much to offer.

Best Auto Rifles in Destiny 2: Top 5

Ready to dig deeper into the absolute best Auto rifles in Destiny 2 right now? These are the cream of the crop, our favorites (for PvE and PvP):

5. Sweet Sorrow

Excels in PvP

Sweet Sorrow really has that special something. It feels great to fire and has an amazing PvP perk combo which can outduel even some of the deadliest mid-range duelling options. Mastering the feeling behind this Auto Rifle feels very rewarding to do, and succeeding with it really is enjoyable. It is, ironically, a ‘sweet sorrow’ to use. You can feel the potential, but more lethal, long range options cut it down, but it will still serve you nicely.

PvP God roll:

• Perk 1: Perpetual Motion (also good: Killing Wind)
• Perk 2: Tap the Trigger

How to get it: Sweet Sorrow drops from the PsiOps Battleground Seasonal activity. It can also be crafted at the Enclave on the Throne World.

Art	Weapon	Type	Archetype	Rarity	Ammo	Element	Requirements	In loot pool?	Ammo?	Element?	Tier	Excels	Source	Craftable?	Requires	Released	Slot	Can be Crafted?	Best of?	Top Perk?
	Sweet Sorrow	Auto Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Arc	The Witch Queen	Yes	Primary	Arc	Strong ❘ A	PvP	Vox Obscura		The Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier

4. Quicksilver Storm

 Excels in PvE

Quicksilver Storm really is unique. It is a 3-in-1 weapon making it quite the all-rounder. The base auto rifle form is decent and has the characteristics of a Rapid-Fire frame at 720 RPM, but the additional rockets and Grenade Launcher form are what help it stand out.

The Grenade Launcher can dispatch higher health Elite enemies with relative ease, and simply having that burst damage versatility is always nice on a primary ammo weapon these days.

Quicksilver Storm is a solid pick, and no matter what content you throw at it, it will put in a solid shift for you.

Exotic Perk: “”Landing multiple hits turns your next shot into a homing micro-rocket. Landing multiple rockets loads a grenade.”

How to get it: Quicksilver Storm can be acquired by purchasing Lightfall’s Deluxe edition.

Art	Weapon	Type	Archetype	Rarity	Ammo	Element	Requirements	In loot pool?	Ammo?	Element?	Tier	Excels	Source	Craftable?	Requires	Released	Slot	Can be Crafted?	Best of?	Top Perk?
	Quicksilver Storm	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Strand	Lightfall	Yes	Primary	Strand	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Exotic Kiosk		Lightfall	Season 18	Kinetic	No	Top-tier

3. The Summoner

Excels in PvE and PvP

The Summoner is truly a contender for the top spot, and in some people’s opinion, it will always be the best Auto Rifle in the game.

However, in my experience, it falls short because it sort of ‘requires’ certain perks to truly compete in PvP and has inferior perks than the competition for PvE. It is also currently unobtainable as of writing, and when it is, it is locked behind Trials of Osiris, which can be pretty daunting for some players.

Having said that the Summoner can be an absolute powerhouse in the right hands and with the right perks. It can outduel many other weapons within its effective range thanks to its raw damage output and devastating range with the right perk combo.

PvE God roll:

• Perk 1: Overflow (also good: Perpetual Motion)
• Perk 2: Multikill Clip (also good: Rampage)

PvP God roll:

• Perk 1: Moving Target (also good: Rangefinder)
• Perk 2: Multikill Clip (also good: Rampage)

How to get it: The Summoner can be acquired via Trials of Osiris engrams and rank ups.

Art	Weapon	Type	Archetype	Rarity	Ammo	Element	Requirements	In loot pool?	Ammo?	Element?	Tier	Excels	Source	Craftable?	Requires	Released	Slot	Can be Crafted?	Best of?	Top Perk?
	The Summoner	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Lightfall	No	Primary	Solar	Best ❘ S	PvP	Trials of Osiris		Lightfall	Season 10	Energy	No	Top-tier

2. Chroma Rush

Best PVE Auto Rifle in Destiny 2

Chroma Rush is brilliant. It has a clean scope, excellent perks for PvE and PvP. It barely misses the top spot because it sits in the Kinetic slot, meaning it does not have an element, making it hard to justify in match game content. However, its amazing perks, feel, and solid base stats bring it up the ranks.

There are so many perk combos that work on this gun. You can opt for consistency with Moving Target and Tap the Trigger, or go all in on kill-chaining with Tunnel Vision and Kill Clip.

Overall, Chroma Rush really is special and truly holds its own across the entire game.

PvP God roll:

• Perk 1: Moving Target (also good: Tunnel Vision)
• Perk 2: Tap the Trigger (also good: Kill Clip)

PvE God roll:

• Perk 1: Feeding Frenzy (also good: Subsistence)
• Perk 2: Rampage (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)

How to get it: Chroma Rush can be acquired by completing Overrides and focusing Umbral engrams.

Art	Weapon	Type	Archetype	Rarity	Ammo	Element	Requirements	In loot pool?	Ammo?	Element?	Tier	Excels	Source	Craftable?	Requires	Released	Slot	Can be Crafted?	Best of?	Top Perk?
	Chroma Rush	Auto Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 14	Kinetic	No	Top-tier

1. Gnawing Hunger

Excels in PvE and PvP

Gnawing Hunger grabs the top spot for a good number of reasons. Firstly, it has extremely solid base stats. Secondly, it has excellent perks. For instance, Subsistence and a damage perk on a 600 RPM elemental Auto Rifle is a killer combo. Finally, Gnawing Hunger is Void, meaning it can do wonders with Volatile Rounds, namely Gyrfalcon’s Hauberk.

Gnawing Hunger really has it all. It has a clean scope, is easy to use, and doesn’t have that many perks, making it easy to get the god roll you want. It holds its own very easily in PvP and cleans house in PvE.

Gnawing Hunger is one of my personal favorite weapons of all time in PvE, and will always be ready for me to break out, no matter the content.

PvE God roll:

• Perk 1: Subsistence
• Perk 2: Swashbuckler (also good: Rampage/Demolitionist)

PvP God roll:

• Perk 1: Tap the Trigger (also good: Zen Moment)
• Perk 2: Kill Clip (also good: Rampage)

How to get it: Gnawing Hunger can be randomly acquired as end-of-match activities or via Legendary and Prime engrams.

Art	Weapon	Type	Archetype	Rarity	Ammo	Element	Requirements	In loot pool?	Ammo?	Element?	Tier	Excels	Source	Craftable?	Requires	Released	Slot	Can be Crafted?	Best of?	Top Perk?
	Gnawing Hunger	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	No	Top-tier

Auto Rifles and the PvP Meta: TTK

We covered in detail what auto rifles are considered top-tier (and should be farmed) and which ones can be safely ignored. But how do they compare to other primary weapons in PvP?

Weapon Type	Rank	Tier	Trend	Role ❘ Current State	Category
Hand Cannons	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► Hand Cannons feel great right now and can deal with all the other meta options, provided they are in the hands of a skilled player. They are unbelievably forgiving in terms of aim-assist and can compete at solid ranges. Hand Cannons are the jack of all trades, and while they may not dominate up close or far away, they are incredibly scary to face in a mid-range duel. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Igneous Hammer	PVP Primaries
Pulse Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► Pulse Rifles have seen a resurgence in the past few seasons, with constant buffs to all types of Pulse Rifles. It is hard not to find success with one due to the high-flinch potential of Rapid-Fire Pulses or the lethal time-to-kill of High-Impact Pulses. ► Best Archetype: High-Impact (340 RPM) - Example: The Messenger	PVP Primaries
Submachine Guns	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► SMGs remain a staple of the PvP meta. SMGs absolutely shred enemies at close range and as soon as their top option is nerfed, a new top-tier SMG is introduced to replace it. SMGs have been, and seemingly will remain, meta for a long time to come. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (720 RPM) - Example: The Immortal	PVP Primaries
Sidearms	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A	-	► Sidearms have lost their place at the top of the meta, but they remain a solid pick, especially for players using a Controller, as they inherently have manageable stability with a rapid time-to-kill. Honestly, the main reason they've lost their place at the top is due to how powerful SMGs are right now. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (325 RPM) - Example: Forgiveness	PVP Primaries
Auto Rifles	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► After a couple of recent changes and buffs, Auto Rifles are feeling great to use right now, especially in the more casual Crucible playlists. While they may not have the juice to compete with some of the top dogs, they are still a solid pick and can help you frag out with relative ease. ► Best Archetype: Precision (450 RPM) - Example: Ammit AR2	PVP Primaries
Combat Bows	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► Bows are incredibly unique. They have a remarkably slow time to kill, however, this isn't where Bows shine. Hotswap builds with bows can be incredibly potent and don't require much learning either. Bows also provide incredible value when teamshooting opponents. Despite this, Bows on their own are quite mediocre and need something behind them to really shine. ► Best Archetype: Precision (Slower Draw Time) - Example: Strident Whistle	PVP Primaries
Scout Rifles	C › Weak	Weak ❘ C		► Scout Rifles are struggling right now. In most situations, the maps are too small to benefit the long range of a Scout rifle. An Aggressive or High-Impact Pulse Rifle will better serve your needs. Plus, Scout Rifles are abysmal up close. There are one or two outliers that shine but, on the whole, Scout Rifles are in a weak spot. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (260 RPM) - Example: Fang of Ir Yût	PVP Primaries

Keep in mind that when it comes to PvP, TTK is perhaps the most important factor. As you know, the lower the TTK, the faster you can kill your opponent. This TTK guide includes the TTK figures for every weapon in Destiny 2.

When it comes to PvP, top Autos are definitely viable, with more than acceptable TTK numbers:

That said, it should be obvious by now that the main problem with Auto Rifles is their inability to hold their ground in a peek-shooting duel, which at the higher levels of Destiny 2’s PvP is a huge flaw. This is inherent to the entire auto rifle archetype, and only a few select A and S tier options can hold their own in duels against more Meta choices.

You might think that Tommy’s burn or SUROS’ rate of fire are gimmicks, but these perks allow them to challenge weapons that would otherwise dominate them in a peek shooting battle.

Auto Rifles and the PvE Meta: DPS

How do Auto rifles compare to other primary weapons in PvE?

Weapon Type	Rank	Tier	Trend	Role ❘ Current State	Category
Submachine Guns	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► SMGs are doing very well right now. They have good DPS to tear through ads and beefier orange bar enemies, but also come with excellent perks. There are a plethora of good SMGs you can go for right now, like Funnelweb, Unforgiven, Every Waking Moment, or Extraordinary Rendition, the choice is completely yours. They may struggle slightly in super high-end content, but they are still definitely usable. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (750 RPM) - Example: Unforgiven	PVE Primaries
Pulse Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► Pulse Rifles are in a great place right now. They offer good range and pretty decent damage, allowing you to take down some beefier targets nicely. There are also some excellent pulses in the game right now, like Insidious, Sacred Provenance, or New Purpose. Unfortunately, High-Impact and Aggressive frames are the only archetypes worth your time, as the others rely on Exotic Perks or god rolls to compete. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (450 RPM) - Example: Insidious	PVE Primaries
Hand Cannons	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► Hand Cannons have shot up the rankings thanks to the changes introduced this Season, all the way up to the S tier. They have solid range and can dispatch enemies with complete ease in almost all difficulties. Hand Cannons have truly taken over the spotlight with their most recent buffs, and they shouldn't be leaving it any time soon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (140 RPM) - Example: Fatebringer	PVE Primaries
Combat Bows	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A	-	► Bows are a high-damage, high-range option for players who prefer to keep their distance. The main issue with bows is that they are slow at clearing ads (outside of Trinity Ghoul). and when you have to deal with ads up close, bows can massively struggle. However, their solid range and excellent damage make them a strong option. ► Best Archetype: Precision - Example: Under Your Skin	PVE Primaries
Auto Rifles	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► Auto Rifles currently feel like a worse version of SMGs. They have a bit more range, but outside of the absolute top-shelf content such as Grandmaster Nightfalls, range isn't too much of a factor. And if you are actively tackling difficult content, Auto Rifles aren't exactly the best pick either, making Autos a decent, but outclassed option right now. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (720 RPM)- Example: Quicksilver Storm	PVE Primaries
Scout Rifles	B › Average	Average ❘ B		► Scout Rifles are the definition of average right now. They can do the job just fine, you can plink away at enemies from a safe distance in high-level content; however, when it comes down to it, most players will prefer to use a Hand Cannon or SMG as they simply do the same job better and faster. Scouts aren't bad at all, but they certainly aren't a go-to ► Best Archetype: Lightweight (200 RPM) - Example: Tarnished Mettle	PVE Primaries
Sidearms	C › Weak	Weak ❘ C		► Aside from a few select sidearms with certain perks, there really isn't much of a reason to use Sidearms. They have slightly higher damage numbers than SMGs, but typically come with significantly less range. Outside of top-tier weapons like a god-roll Brigand's Law or High Albedo, there is no real reason to run a sidearm. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (491 RPM) - Example: High Albedo	PVE Primaries

Keep in mind that when it comes to PvE, DPS is one of the most important factors. As you know, the higher the DPS, the more damage you can deal to a Boss or Major. This DPS chart includes the DPS numbers for every weapon in Destiny 2.

When it comes to actual DPS, Auto rifles are right in the middle. Superior to Pulses, for example, but slightly behind closer-range weapons such as sidearms and SMGs:

-	Weapon Type	Archetype	Average DPS	Burst DPS	Total Damage	Specs	---	Best in Class	Change?	Ammo
	Auto Rifle	Exotic	7,097	8,481	744,915	With "perfect" RNG		Cerberus+1	Same	Primary
	Auto Rifle	Exotic	6,086	7,144	507,738	-		Vex Mythoclast	Same	Primary
	Auto Rifle	Exotic	5,430	6,280	413,550	At Max rate of fire		Sweet Business	Same	Primary
	Auto Rifle	Exotic	4,391	5,513	259,200	At Max rate of fire		SUROS Regime	Same	Primary
	Auto Rifle	Rapid-Fire	3,906	4,542	280,847	High aim assist, low range		Chroma Rush	Same	Primary
	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	3,555	4,300	295,840	High handling		Gnawing Hunger	Same	Primary
	Auto Rifle	Precision	3,369	4,073	225,888	High range, low aim assist		Shadow Price	Same	Primary
	Auto Rifle	High-Impact	3,361	3,993	298,144	Excellent range, low stability		Age-Old Bond	Same	Primary

Your turn

You now know everything there is to know about Auto Rifles in Destiny 2, whether that is for PVP or PVE content.

Ranking criteria

For the record, as much as we tried to keep this list as objective as possible, it’s still based on our personal experience playing the PC version of the game.

Finally, if you’re wondering what criteria was used to build this Tier list, these are the main factors I took into account:

• Lethality: The higher the effective DPS and usability, the higher the ranking.
• Consistency: Some weapons may not have the highest DPS numbers, but they are so consistent they more than make up for their lower DPS numbers.
• Ease of use: Similar to the point above, some weapons are very effective because they are easy to use and don’t require too much skill or setup. This is also rewarded with higher rankings.
• PVE/PVP Performance: High lethality in either PVE or  PVP is equally valuable. However, a weapon that is good at both PVE and PVP should rank higher than one that is slightly better on only PVE or PVP.
• Fun factor: Not the most important factor, but it also helps if the weapon is damn fun to shoot with!

If you strongly disagree with some of the rankings here, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section. By the way, what is your personal favorite?