While not suited for all situations, swords can deal unparallel damage as long as you can get close enough. And that is the entire deal with swords. They can be extremely lethal, provided you take risks and get up close and personal. Still, the right sword with the right perks can be considered a top-tier option, no matter the situation.
This guide covers every Sword in Destiny 2, including both Exotic and Legendaries, as well as the best rolls for PvE and PvP.
Updated as of Season of Defiance (S20). See Updates.
Destiny 2 Swords Tier List: Top-tier Options
This Tier list features the Top-tier Exotic and Legendary Swords 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Falling Guillotine | ![]() Falling Guillotine | Sword | Vortex | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | World loot pool | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | World loot pool![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Whirlwind Blade ► Falling Guillotine is still one of the best Legendary Swords in the entire game. ITs strong Vortex Frame archetype, solid perk pool, and good stats make it a top-tier option. | Season 11 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Whirlwind Blade | Top-tier |
The Lament | ![]() The Lament | Sword | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | Beyond Light | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Quest | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Exotic Quest![]() Beyond Light | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Revving the blade increases damage, shield bypass, and adds ![]() ► Despite some of its targeting issues, the Lament remains one of the best swords in the game. Its Lifesteal perk is a powerful tool, and its ability to shred through high-health targets or Barrier Champions makes it a fun and powerful weapon. | Season 12 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Revving the blade increases damage, shield bypass, and adds ![]() | Top-tier |
Crown-Splitter | ![]() Crown-Splitter | Sword | Aggressive | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | World loot pool | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | World loot pool![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Whirlwind Blade (also good: Vorpal Weapon) ► The Titan-exclusive Crown-Splitter is a beast when it comes to DPS. Chain light attacks on a single target to see what we mean. Able to roll with Relentless Strikes and Whirlwind Blade too, Crownsplitter is a standout pick. | Season 14 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Whirlwind Blade (also good: Vorpal Weapon) | Top-tier |
Death's Razor | ![]() Death's Razor | Sword | Vortex | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Engram Focusing | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Engram Focusing![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Whirlwind Blade (also good: Valiant Charge) ► Death's Razor is part of a strong archetype, is craftable, and comes with many solid perks. Classics such as Relentless Strikes and Whirlwind Blade are present, but niche perks like Valiant Charge, Surrounded, and Demolitionist are also available. | Season 20 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Whirlwind Blade (also good: Valiant Charge) | Top-tier |
Sola's Scar | ![]() Sola's Scar | Sword | Caster | Heavy | Solar | Lightfall | No | A › Strong | Trials of Osiris | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Trials of Osiris![]() Lightfall | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Chain Reaction (also good: Vorpal Weapon) ► Sola's Scar can be a fun option, especially with Chain Reaction. It also features top-tier base stats. Having that, there is little reason to ever use it, as Swords are not meant to do ad clear... | Season 13 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Chain Reaction (also good: Vorpal Weapon) | Top-tier |
Half-Truths | ![]() Half-Truths | Sword | Adaptive | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Dares of Eternity | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Dares of Eternity![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Eager Edge (also good: Tireless Blade) ► Half-Truths is one of two swords that can roll with the perk Eager Edge. This perk alone sets it above the rest as it is incredibly fun and allows you to travel at outrageous speeds with specific abilities, such as Icarus Dash. | 30th Anniversary event | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Eager Edge (also good: Tireless Blade) | Top-tier |
Eternity's Edge | ![]() Eternity's Edge | Sword | Vortex | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | World loot pool | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | World loot pool![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Surrounded ► Eternity’s Edge, a Warlock-specific sword, is the Solar equivalent to Falling Guillotine but without Whirlwind Blade. As a Vortex sword, it ranks higher than most other Legendary swords due to its superior ammo efficiency and high DPS. | Season 14 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Surrounded | Top-tier |
Caretaker | ![]() Caretaker | Sword | Adaptive | Heavy | Solar | Season 20 | Yes | A › Strong | Seasonal activity | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Seasonal activity![]() Season 20 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Rolls: Relentless Strikes + Surrounded (also good: Valiant Charge) ► Caretaker comes with the sidegrade to Eager Edge, Valiant Charge. This perk is super fun and grants 16% extra lunge distance over Eager Edge, but it does have a prerequisite. As for its other perks, they can act as decent damage perks but are too niche to excel. | Season 20 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Rolls: Relentless Strikes + Surrounded (also good: Valiant Charge) | Top-tier |
Black Talon | ![]() Black Talon | Sword | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Engram | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Exotic Engram![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Can fire heavy projectile attacks. Heavy attacks are stronger with full energy. Most attacks partially bypass elemental shields." ► With the ability to one-shot enemies at range in PvP and decent burst damage in PvE, Black Talon is strong Exotic. There are other best-in-class alternatives, but Black Talon remains viable. | Season 4 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Can fire heavy projectile attacks. Heavy attacks are stronger with full energy. Most attacks partially bypass elemental shields." | Top-tier |
Razor's Edge | ![]() Razor's Edge | Sword | Vortex | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Iron Banner | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | Iron Banner![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Chain Reaction (also good: Frenzy) ► Razor's Edge is the first-ever Iron Banner sword. It looks cool, it is part of the Vortex archetype, immediately placing it above many other swords. Furthermore, it can roll with a couple of interesting perks and features the Skulking Frenzy Origin trait. | Season 16 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Chain Reaction (also good: Frenzy) | Top-tier |
Destiny 2 Swords: The complete list
This database includes every viable Sword currently in the game:
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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Black Talon | Sword | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Exotic Engram | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 4 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Heartshadow | Sword | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Deluxe Edition | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | PvE | Duality Dungeon | ![]() | ![]() Deluxe Edition | Season 17 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | The Lament | Sword | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | Beyond Light | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | Exotic Quest | ![]() | ![]() Beyond Light | Season 12 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Worldline Zero | Sword | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Worst ❘ D | - | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 3 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Abide the Return | Sword | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Weak ❘ C | - | Shattered Throne Dungeon | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Heavy | No | Incandescent | |
![]() | Abyss Defiant | Auto Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Crota's End Raid | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Incandescent,Sword Logic,Reconstruction |
![]() | Bequest | Sword | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Beyond Light | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | - | Deep Stone Crypt Raid | ![]() | ![]() Beyond Light | Season 12 | Heavy | Craftable | ||
![]() | Caretaker | Sword | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Season 20 | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Seasonal activity | ![]() | ![]() Season 20 | Season 20 | Heavy | Craftable | Top-tier | Incandescent |
![]() | Crown-Splitter | Sword | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Death's Razor | Sword | Vortex | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | Engram Focusing | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 20 | Heavy | Craftable | Top-tier | Destabilizing Rounds |
![]() | Double-Edged Answer | Sword | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Playlist: Vanguard | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 23 | Heavy | No | ||||
![]() | Dragoncult Sickle | Sword | Caster | Legendary | Heavy | Strand | Deluxe Edition | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon | ![]() | ![]() Deluxe Edition | Season 23 | Heavy | No | ||||
![]() | Eternity's Edge | Sword | Vortex | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Falling Guillotine | Sword | Vortex | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Fang of Ir Yût | Scout Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Crota's End Raid | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Kinetic | Craftable | Sword Logic | |||
![]() | Geodetic HSm | Sword | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | - | Lost Sector | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Heavy | No | |||
![]() | Goldtusk | Sword | Lightweight | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | - | Engram Focusing | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 20 | Heavy | Craftable | ||
![]() | Half-Truths | Sword | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Dares of Eternity | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | 30th Anniversary event | Heavy | Craftable | Top-tier | |
![]() | Hero of Ages | Sword | Vortex | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | 30th Anniversary | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | PvE | Grasp of Avarice Dungeon | ![]() | ![]() 30th Anniversary | 30th Anniversary event | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Honor's Edge | Sword | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Weak ❘ C | - | Xûr | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 10 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Just in Case | Sword | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Season 21 | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | - | Fishing | ![]() | ![]() Season 21 | Season 21 | Heavy | No | Incandescent | ||
![]() | Nasreddin | Sword | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | - | Lost Sector | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 20 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Negative Space | Sword | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Weak ❘ C | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Night Terror | Sword | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | - | Moon | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Oversoul Edict | Pulse Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Crota's End Raid | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Voltshot,Sword Logic |
![]() | Quickfang | Sword | Lightweight | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Worst ❘ D | PvP | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Razor's Edge | Sword | Vortex | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | - | Iron Banner | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Sola's Scar | Sword | Caster | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Lightfall | No | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Trials of Osiris | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall | Season 13 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Song of Ir Yût | Machine Gun | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Crota's End Raid | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Heavy | Craftable | Top-tier | Voltshot,Sword Logic,Reconstruction |
![]() | Steel Sybil Z-14 | Sword | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Weak ❘ C | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Swordbreaker | Shotgun | Lightweight | Legendary | Special | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Crota's End Raid | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Kinetic | Craftable | Sword Logic | |||
![]() | Temptation's Hook | Sword | Caster | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Weak ❘ C | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | The Other Half | Sword | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | PvP | Dares of Eternity | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | 30th Anniversary event | Heavy | Craftable | Repulsor Brace | |
![]() | Thin Precipice | Sword | Vortex | Legendary | Heavy | Strand | Season 21 | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | - | Seasonal activity | ![]() | ![]() Season 21 | Season 21 | Heavy | Craftable | |||
![]() | Throne-Cleaver | Sword | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | - | Engram Focusing | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 20 | Heavy | Craftable | Incandescent | |
![]() | Word of Crota | Hand Cannon | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Crota's End Raid | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Sword Logic |
![]() | Zephyr | Sword | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | PvE | Event: Dawning | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | 30th Anniversary event | Heavy | No |
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 Swords in 2023
Ready to dig deeper into the absolute best Swords in Destiny 2 right now? These are the cream of the crop, our favorites (for PvE and PvP):
5. Falling Guillotine
Excels in PVE
Fallen Guillotine remains a brilliant option for any Sword enjoyer out there. While it does not have the utility of something like Eager Edge, it does come with the strongest Sword archetype, as well as some of the top damage perks on a sword like Whirlwind Blade, Relentless Strikes, and Surrounded.
Falling Guillotine can be quite the hassle to farm for, though. Thankfully, it has a very small perk pool making it quite likely that you will get your favoured perks quite quickly.
PVE God roll:
- Perk 1: Relentless Strikes
- Perk 2: Whirlwind Blade
How to get it: Falling Guillotine can be randomly acquired as end-of-match activities or via 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Falling Guillotine | Sword | Vortex | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Heavy | No | Top-tier |
4. The Other Half
Best PVP Sword in Destiny 2
A community favorite, The Other Half isn’t overly different from its Arc counterpart. However, where it does differ is in its second perk column. Half-Truths does not come with a damage perk, while the Other Half comes with three; Frenzy, Whirlwind Blade, and Vorpal Weapon.
The Other Half also comes with the widely popular Eager Edge perk, which is incredibly fun to use and can be used for incredibly fast movement with certain techs with Shatterdive and Well of Radiance, as well as some other options too.
PVE God roll:
- Perk 1: Eager Edge
- Perk 2: Whirlwind Blade (also good: Frenzy)
How to get it: The Other Half can be acquired by completing Dares of Eternity runs or turning in Treasure keys at Xûr’s 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | The Other Half | Sword | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | PvP | Dares of Eternity | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | 30th Anniversary event | Heavy | Craftable | Repulsor Brace |
3. Death’s Razor
Excels in PVE
Death’s Razor does what Falling Guillotine does, but better, more easily, and in different ways. Coming with classic damage perks like Relentless Strikes, Whirlwind Blade, and Surrounded Death’s Razor is already a Vortex Frame powerhouse. However, it can also come with options like Valiant Charge or the new Void perk, Destabilizing Rounds.
Death’s Razor is also craftable, meaning it can get Enhanced perks, furthering the edge that this Sword has over the competition.
PVE God roll:
- Perk 1: Relentless Strikes
- Perk 2: Whirlwind Blade (also good: Valiant Charge or Surrounded)
How to get it: Death’s Razor can be focused with seasonal engrams at the War Table in the H.E.L.M.
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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Crown-Splitter | Sword | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Heavy | No | Top-tier |
2. Crown-Splitter
Excels in PVE
Titans are still in luck with the Crownsplitter. Still boasting some excellent numbers in the Sword category, Crownsplitter remains one of the top dogs when it comes to Swords. While they may not be in the meta right now, if Swords ever make a return, Crownsplitter will be a very popular pick.
While it may not have Eager Edge of Valiant Charge, it is the powerhouse of Legendary Swords, and god rolls of it should be saved in case it returns to power.
PVE God roll:
- Perk 1: Relentless Strikes
- Perk 2: Whirlwind Blade (also good: Vorpal Weapon
How to get it: Crown-Splitter can be randomly acquired as end-of-match activities or via 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Crown-Splitter | Sword | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Heavy | No | Top-tier |
1. The Lament
Best PvE Sword in Destiny 2
The Lament has always been a powerful pick, and this fact hasn’t changed. It simply has so much going for it. Solid burst damage with the right combos, life steal, and anti-champion capabilities. It also looks pretty cool, which is always a bonus.
While The Lament has had its issues with tracking and FPS, it has always been the go-to Sword for any player wanting to wield one for a while now, and it looks to remain that way for a long time.
Exotic Perk: “Revving the blade increases damage, shield bypass, and adds shield piercing to all attacks. You also gain stacks when dealing damage with revved attacks. Additional stacks increase the damage and damage resistance of heavy attacks.”
How to get it: The Lament can be acquired by completing an Exotic quest.
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 Lament | Sword | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | Beyond Light | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | Exotic Quest | ![]() | ![]() Beyond Light | Season 12 | Heavy | No | Top-tier |
Swords and the PvP Meta: TTK
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. This TTK guide includes the TTK figures for every weapon in Destiny 2.
Having said that, TTK figures rarely apply to Heavy weapons. When choosing a Heavy weapon for PVP, you want something reliable and able to consistently deliver one-hit-kills. Swords can certainly do that but require you to get up close and personal. This carries a lot of risks, which is why you’ll rarely see a Sword user in endgame PVP content.
You can still choose one and have fun with it in 6v6 matches, but you’ll be better off with other weapon types. So, how do they compare to other primary weapons in PvP?
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Rocket Launchers | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Rocket Launchers remain a staple in many players' loadouts. They can provide high-range one-shot kills, and can also do AoE damage which can potentially allow you to clear teams if they are close enough together. ► Best Archetype: Precision (15 RPM) - Example: Gjallarhorn | PVP Heavies |
![]() Grenade Launchers | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Heavy Grenade Launchers are an incredible option for those who are confident in landing their direct hits. They can functionally serve as a Rocket Launcher, but instead of coming with only a single shot, Grenade Launchers can bring 3, which, of course, means more potential kills. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Memory Interdict | PVP Heavies |
![]() Machine Guns | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Machine Guns are still an incredible option for Control as they can provide many kills. However, they do require multiple shots to kill which can lead to you potentially being Sniped or peak-shot by a Primary Weapon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (450 RPM) - Example: Corrective Measure | PVP Heavies |
![]() Linear Fusion Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | ► Linear fusion rifles are in the middle of an identity crisis. They are stronger than sniper rifles and have more aim assistance, but they still require Heavy ammo and a headshot to one-shot an enemy. On top of that, they also have a charge time to take into account. Compared to a sniper rifle that fires immediately and only uses Special ammo, Linear Fusion rifles make little sense for the Crucible. | PVP Heavies | |
![]() Swords | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | - | ► Swords are perhaps the most fun option (especially with Eager Edge); however, they are too inconsistent to warrant any competitive use. Furthermore, benefitting from third-person view is no longer possible without Heavy ammo, making the only niche usage swords had redundant. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive/Lightweight- Examples: Half-Truths/Quickfang | PVP Heavies |
Swords and the PvE Meta: DPS
How do Swords compare to other primary weapons in PvE?
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Rocket Launchers | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ![]() | ► Main role: Burst Damage (Secondary role: Add Clear) ► If an S+ category existed, Rocket Launchers would be there. They absolutely dominate the DPS meta for any boss that isn't Crota and easily outclass other options thanks to their flexibility in damage rotations and their ability to be spammed at bosses. Rockets are incredibly strong right now, and it wouldn't be surprising if they received some tuning soon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (20 RPM) - Example: The Hothead | PVE Heavies |
![]() Machine Guns | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ![]() | ► Main role: Add Clear ► With the nerf to double-special loadouts, players can't mindlessly spam Machine Guns at enemies anymore and be rewarded for it. However, Machine guns are still excellent at ad clear and remain decent for DPS. That said, for DPS, they are massively outclassed by Rocket Launchers. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (900 RPM) - Example: Retrofit Escapade | PVE Heavies |
![]() Swords | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ![]() | ► Main roles: Add Clear & Single Target damage (i.e. Boss damage). ► Swords are in a good spot right now. In fact, they are the go-to option for Crota in Crota's End. However, this is only because of a modifier that increases Sword damage against Crota. Outside of this specific boss, Swords are a decent option that doesn't excel simply because they are out-damaged by other heavy weapons. ► Best Archetype: Whirlwind - Example: Falling Guillotine | PVE Heavies |
![]() Linear Fusion Rifles | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ![]() | ► Main role: Single Target damage (Secondary role: Burst Damage) ► Linear Fusion Rifles might not be the top dogs anymore, but they are still serious contenders when it comes to total damage. Options like Cataclysmic and Briar's Contempt can still see some use in today's meta. However, despite their strengths, most situations do not require the amount of total damage that Linear Fusions offer, and if they do, options like Leviathan's Breath can fill that void very easily. ► Best Archetype: Precision (533 RPM) - Example: Reed's Regret | PVE Heavies |
![]() Grenade Launchers | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Main role: Add Clear (Secondary role: Single Target Damage). ► Grenade Launchers are on the rise, and with a couple of changes, we could see them soar to the top of the pile. For now, though, they remain a mediocre option with a couple of outliers, such as the Cataphract GL3, which is mainly good because it has Bait and Switch, not because it's a Grenade Launcher. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Cataphract GL3 | PVE Heavies |
![]() Exotic Sniper Rifles | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | - | ► Main role: Single Target damage ► Exotic Snipers still require more help. D.A.R.C.I remains a complete joke, and Whisper of the Worm isn't strong enough to bring the ranking up. While Whisper is a surprisingly decent option, it requires a teammate using Divinity in most situations, unless you are very consistent with your shots. And even then, Rocket Launchers are still superior DPS options. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (72 RPM) - Example: Whisper of the Worm | PVE Heavies |
According to Bungie, these are the different roles for Heavy weapons:
Role | Explanation | Target Weapon types |
Add Clear | Clearing weaker enemies faster than you could with a primary ammo weapon. For most content, primaries do the add clear job perfectly well, so this is most useful in high-difficulty PvE. | Main: Machine Guns, Grenade Launchers, Swords
Secondary: Rocket Launchers |
Single Target Damage | Burning down a boss. | Main: Linear Fusion Rifles, Exotic Snipers, Swords
Secondary: Grenade Launchers, Machine Guns |
Burst Damage | Burning down a champion quickly, or for bosses with multiple damage phases, clearing a phase quickly. | Main: Rocket Launchers
Secondary: Linear Fusion Rifles |
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, Swords are top-tier:
- | Weapon Type | Archetype | Average DPS | Burst DPS | Total Damage | Specs | --- | Best in Class | Change? | Ammo |
Your turn
You now know everything there is to know about swords in Destiny 2, whether that is for PVP or PVE content.
See latest Updates
- May 10, 2023: General updates and the inclusion of all the new swords released up to Season 20.
- April 13, 2022: General updates and the inclusion of all the new swords released up to Season 16.
- July 5, 2021: The guide is published for the first time.
Stay tuned, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for next season!
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