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

Auto rifles are slowly making a comeback. They may not be as dominant as they once were, but the top Auto rifles are still considered to be among 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 Wish (S23). See Updates.

Destiny 2 Best Auto Rifles: Top-tier Options

This Tier list features the best Exotic and Legendary Autos right now, including the Necrochasm and Breakneck:

Destiny 2 Auto Rifles: The complete list

This database includes every viable Auto rifle currently in the game:

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 Destiny 2 Auto Rifles in 2024

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

 

4. Quicksilver Storm

Excels in PvE and PvP

The sole Exotic in this list, it stands proudly as a powerful and unique player in the sandbox. Originally a Lightfall preorder exclusive, it is now available via the Cryptarch in The Tower to any player who purchases the expansion.

In PvE, the exotic perks steal the show as the weapon will automatically unload a payload of homing missiles at your enemies every few rounds. This works perfectly for high-damage output against major enemies. In the meantime, you charge up grenades and can switch the weapon to grenade launcher mode to inflict further splash damage to crowds of enemies.

For PvP, those payloads of homing missiles are still effective in damage output, and coupled with the solid handling of the weapon, you will find you are shredding opponents. That last homing missile just might finish off your opponent from around a corner. Not to mention the grenade launcher mode is sure to cause your opponent a headache in corridors!

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

How to get it: We cover How to get Quicksilver Storm here.

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	Best ❘ S	PvE	Exotic Kiosk	No	Lightfall	Season 18	Kinetic	No	Top-tier

 

4. The Summoner

Excels in PvE and PvP

The Summoner is available via the Trials of Osiris legacy engrams as it is not currently in the weekly loot rotation. It is, however, a high-performing auto rifle in both PvP and PvE and worthy of its Trials exclusivity.

In PvE, Overflow and Rampage make a good pairing as you will have a massive magazine to ensure your ability to continue clearing enemies and stacking Rampage

For PvP, this weapon naturally feels at home as its top-notch handling and range can be maximized with perks like Dynamic Sway Reduction and Rangefinder. Never lose a duel again.

• PvE God roll: Overflow (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Rampage
• PvP God roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction + Rangefinder (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	Yes	Primary	Solar	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris	No	Lightfall	Season 23	Energy	No	Top-tier

 

3. Rufus’s Fury

Excels in PvE and PvP

Available via the Root of Nightmares raid, this weapon is one of the most sought-after in the end-game activity, and for good reason. The weapon is also craftable, opening the door to enhanced traits.

In PvE, you can expect incredible performance from this Strand auto rifle with impressive stability and crowd control. Demolitionist combined with Hatchling will allow you to continuously recharge your grenade ability, synergizing nicely with Strand builds as well.

For PvP, its suggested that you go with Reconstruction and Tap the Trigger to maximize your stability and ensure you always have ammo ready to go for your next duel. These are the top Rufus’s Fury God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Demolitionist (also good: Reconstruction) + Hatchling (also good: Target Lock)
• PvP God roll: Reconstruction + Tap the Trigger

How to get it: Rufus’s Fury can be acquired from the Root of Nightmares raid.

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?
	Rufus's Fury	Auto Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Strand	Lightfall	Yes	Primary	Strand	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	Root of Nightmares Raid	Yes	Lightfall	Season 20	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier	Reconstruction

 

2. Chroma Rush

Excels in PvE and PvP

Chroma Rush is a Kinetic Auto Rifle that arrived with Season of the Splicer. It is available for purchase via Banshee-44 and Xur depending on their rotating stock of weapons. This weapon has an awesome pool of synergizing perks that you’ll want to play with.

Starting with PvE, the roll you want to get is Feeding Frenzy and Rampage so you can crowd control without the fear of needing to reload. This will also maximize your damage output as you defeat enemies and stack Rampage.

In PvP, try getting a roll with Moving Target or Tunnel Vision and Tap the Trigger to maximize your stability in your Crucible duels.

• PvE God roll: Feeding Frenzy (also good: Subsistence) + Rampage
• PvP God roll: Moving Target (also good: Tunnel Vision) + Tap the Trigger (also good: Kill Clip)

How to get it: Chroma Rush can be acquired by completing Dares of Eternity runs or turning in Treasure keys in Eternity.

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	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Kinetic	No	Top-tier

 

1. Gnawing Hunger

Excels in PvE and PvP

Gnawing Hunger is a powerful void auto rifle that is occasionally purchasable from Banshee in The Tower or Xur when he is available. It is also supposed to be a world drop and available via Crucible, Vanguard, and Legendary Engrams, but according to players, it is a very rare drop.

For PvE, you are unlikely to find a better auto rifle option for your Energy slot. Zen Moment and Rampage will turn this weapon into an incredibly accurate, well-handling machine while maximizing damage output on minor and major enemies.

In PvP, Tap the Trigger and Kill Clip combine to ensure you win your one-on-one duels with increased stability and damage after reloading so you are ready for the next poor guardian to walk into your crosshairs.

• PvE God roll: Subsistence + Rampage
• PvP God roll: Tap the Trigger + Kill Clip (also good: Rampage)

How to get it: Gnawing Hunger can be randomly acquired as end-of-match activities, from the Gunsmith, Legendary engrams 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	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	No	Top-tier

Auto Rifles and the PvP Meta: TTK

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

Remember 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. We have a TTK guide/chart that includes TTK figures. When it comes to PvP, top Autos are definitely viable, with more than acceptable TTKs:

That said, the main problem with Auto Rifles is their inability to hold their ground in peek-shooting duels, which at the higher levels of Destiny 2’s PvP, are the norm. 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 D2 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 behind closer-range weapons such as sidearms and SMGs:

Before you go…

Are you looking for a top-tier Special and Heavy weapon to round out your loadout? We cover the Best Destiny 2 Shotguns and Best Destiny 2 Linear Fusion Rifles, too.

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