Best Swords in Destiny 2: Tier List for PvP & PvE

While not suited for all situations, swords can deal unparalleled 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 all Swords in Destiny 2, as well as the best rolls for PvE and PvP.

Updated as of Episode 1: Echoes. See Updates.

Top Tier Swords (Episode 1)

This Tier list features the best Exotic and Legendary Swords right now:

Item	Weapons	Type	Archetype	Ammo?	Element?	Requirements	In loot pool?	Rank	Source	Available?	Tier rank	Source ❘ DLC	Final Verdict	Released	Perks	Best of?
Ergo Sum	Ergo Sum Sword	Sword	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	The Final Shape	Yes	S+ > Meta	The Pale Heart		Meta ❘ S+ Excels in: PvE	The Pale Heart The Final Shape	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon collects less ammo. Deals increased damage while Transcendent; defeating targets lengthens Transcendence." Has access to an additional random rolled Exotic Perk. ► Ergo Sum is nothing short of spectacular. This sword massively boosts the viability of Swords as a DPS option in the current meta and is also the highest-damage sword in the entire game with the right roll. Ergo Sum can play both rolls: a damage-dealing beast or a highly effective support tool.	The Final Shape	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon collects less ammo. Deals increased damage while Transcendent; defeating targets lengthens Transcendence." Has access to an additional random rolled Exotic Perk.	Top-tier
Bequest	Bequest Sword	Sword	Adaptive	Heavy	Arc	Beyond Light Pack	Yes	S › Best	Deep Stone Crypt Raid		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Deep Stone Crypt Raid Beyond Light Pack	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Surrounded (also good: Vorpal Weapon) ► Bequest is THE best sword for DPS and has been for a while. Surrounded is incredible for damage, and with its Adaptive Frame, its ability to be crafted, and its higher base impact of 70, Bequest is easily one of the best swords in the game right now.	Season 12	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Surrounded (also good: Vorpal Weapon)	Top-tier
The Other Half	The Other Half Sword	Sword	Adaptive	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Dares of Eternity		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Dares of Eternity Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Eager Edge + Whirlwind Blade (also good: Frenzy) ► The Other Half is Half-Truth's stronger sibling. With more perk flexibility while also coming with Eager Edge, it is one of the best swords in the game for general play, and every player should look to have The Other Half in their arsenal.	30th Anniversary event	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Eager Edge + Whirlwind Blade (also good: Frenzy)	Top-tier
The Slammer	The Slammer Sword	Sword	Vortex	Heavy	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Vortex PvE God Roll: Eager Edge + Cold Steel ► The Slammer is one of the best Vortex Frame Swords currently available. The mere presence of Cold Steel and Eager Edge makes it incredibly unique but also one of the best utility-based Swords in the game.	Season 23	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Vortex PvE God Roll: Eager Edge + Cold Steel	Top-tier
Falling Guillotine (Brave)	Falling Guillotine (Brave) Sword	Sword	Vortex	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Onslaught Activity		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Onslaught Activity Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Vortex PvE God Roll: Frenzy + Bait and Switch or Surrounded ► Unlike its regular counterpart, the BRAVE variant of the Falling Guillotine is incredibly potent. The ability to roll with two damage perks (Frenzy and Bait and Switch/Surrounded) makes BRAVE Guillotine one of the strongest Swords in the entire game.	Into the Light	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Vortex PvE God Roll: Frenzy + Bait and Switch or Surrounded	Top-tier
Summun Bonun	Summun Bonun Sword	Sword	Wave	Heavy	Arc	The Final Shape	Yes	S › Best	Salvation's Edge Raid		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Salvation's Edge Raid The Final Shape	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes or Attrition Orbs + Chaos Reshaped ► Summum Bonum is a serious contender in the Swords department. With high damage perks like Chaos Reshaped and Relentless Strikes, but also niche perks such as Attrition Orbs, Summum Bonum is a very powerful option.	The Final Shape	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes or Attrition Orbs + Chaos Reshaped	Top-tier
Negative Space	Negative Space Sword	Sword	Adaptive	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	World loot pool		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	World loot pool Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Surrounded (also good: Whirlwind Blade) ► Similar to the Caretaker, Negative Space comes with Relentless Strikes and Surrounded, with the Whirlwind Blade alternative meaning that it is one of the better options in terms of perks. It is also Solar, and a part of the Adaptive Archetype, making it a solid option for many players.	Season 11	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Surrounded (also good: Whirlwind Blade)	Top-tier
The Lament	The Lament Sword	Sword	Exotic	Heavy	Solar	Beyond Light Pack	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Quest		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Quest Beyond Light Pack	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic 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." ► Since the nerfs it received and the introduction of Ergo Sum, the Lament has fallen in terms of strength. While it's still a solid pick for those who don't have a good Ergo Sum god roll, there are better options at your disposal.	Season 12	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic 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."	Top-tier
Zephyr	Zephyr Sword	Sword	Adaptive	Heavy	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Event: Dawning		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Event: Dawning Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Cold Steel ► Adaptive Frame Swords are excellent, and Zephyr is no exception. Coming with Relentless Strikes and Cold Steel, Zephyr is an excellent option for damage.	30th Anniversary event	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Cold Steel	Top-tier
Nasreddin	Nasreddin Sword	Sword	Adaptive	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Lost Sector		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Lost Sector Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Surrounded (also good: Whirlwind Blade) ► Nasreddin is a decent option. Relentless Strikes and Surrounded is the preferred combo on DPS Swords. However, it is completely outclassed by Bequest as it is the same element, archetype, and god roll combination, except Bequest has 10 more Impact, making Nasreddin weaker.	Season 20	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Surrounded (also good: Whirlwind Blade)	Top-tier
Double-Edged Answer	Double-Edged Answer Sword	Sword	Adaptive	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Playlist: Vanguard		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Playlist: Vanguard Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Surrounded (also good: Whirlwind Blade) ► Double-Edged Answer is the Void counterpart to Caretaker. Rolling with Relentless Strikes and Surrounded and being a part of the Adaptive archetype means that it does output some solid damage. However, it still has 10 less Impact than Bequest, making it slightly weaker.	Season 23	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Relentless Strikes + Surrounded (also good: Whirlwind Blade)	Top-tier
Ill Omen	Ill Omen Sword	Sword	Caster	Heavy	Stasis	Episode 1: Echoes	Yes	A › Strong	Echoes Activities		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Echoes Activities Episode 1: Echoes	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Caster PvP God Roll:Valiant Charge + Cold Steel (also good: Vorpal Weapon) ► While caster swords don’t appeal to most, Ill Omen’s potent perks and Stasis element carry it above a fair chunk of its competition. Plus, Caster frame swords can do quite well in The Crucible because of their longer range and ease of use.	The Final Shape	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Caster PvP God Roll:Valiant Charge + Cold Steel (also good: Vorpal Weapon)	Top-tier

Destiny 2 Swords: Complete List

This database includes every viable Sword in the game:

Art	Name	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	Heavy	Void	D › Worst	-	Exotic Engram	No	Free-to-Play	Season 4	Heavy	No
	Ergo Sum	Sword	Exotic	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	The Final Shape	Yes	Special	Kinetic	S+ > Meta	PvE	The Pale Heart	No	The Final Shape	The Final Shape	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Heartshadow	Sword	Exotic	Exotic	Heavy	Void	Witch Queen Dungeon Key	Yes	Heavy	Void	B › Average	PvE	Duality Dungeon	No		Season 17	Heavy	No
	The Lament	Sword	Exotic	Exotic	Heavy	Solar	Beyond Light Pack	Yes	Heavy	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Exotic Quest	No	Beyond Light Pack	Season 12	Heavy	No	Top-tier
	Worldline Zero	Sword	Exotic	Exotic	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	D › Worst	-	Exotic Kiosk	No	Free-to-Play	Season 3	Heavy	No
	Abide the Return	Sword	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Solar	B › Average	PvE	Shattered Throne Dungeon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Heavy	No		Incandescent
	Bequest	Sword	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	Beyond Light Pack	Yes	Heavy	Arc	S › Best	PvE	Deep Stone Crypt Raid	Yes	Beyond Light Pack	Season 12	Heavy	Craftable	Top-tier
	Caretaker	Sword	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Solar	Lightfall	Yes	Heavy	Solar	C › Weak	PvE	Avalon	Yes	Lightfall	Season 20	Heavy	Craftable		Incandescent
	Chivalric Fire	Sword	Caster	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	D › Worst	-	Playlist: Pursuit	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Heavy	No
	Crown-Splitter	Sword	Aggressive	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	C › Weak	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Heavy	No
	Death's Razor	Sword	Vortex	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	C › Weak	-	Engram Focusing	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 20	Heavy	Craftable		Destabilizing Rounds
	Double-Edged Answer	Sword	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	A › Strong	PvE	Playlist: Vanguard	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Heavy	No	Top-tier
	Dragoncult Sickle	Sword	Caster	Legendary	Heavy	Strand	Lightfall Dungeon Key	Yes	Heavy	Strand	D › Worst	-	Warlord's Ruin Dungeon	No	Lightfall Dungeon Key	Season 23	Heavy	No
	Eternity's Edge	Sword	Vortex	Legendary	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Solar	C › Weak	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Heavy	No
	Falling Guillotine (Brave)	Sword	Vortex	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	S › Best	PvE	Onslaught Activity	No	Free-to-Play	Into the Light	Heavy	No	Top-tier	Bait and Switch
	False Idols	Sword	Vortex	Legendary	Heavy	Solar	The Final Shape	Yes	Heavy	Solar	B › Average	PvE	The Pale Heart	Yes	The Final Shape	The Final Shape	Heavy	Craftable		Incandescent,Bait and Switch
	Geodetic HSm	Sword	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	B › Average	-	Lost Sector	No	Free-to-Play	Season 22	Heavy	No
	Goldtusk	Sword	Lightweight	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	C › Weak	-	Engram Focusing	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 20	Heavy	Craftable
	Half-Truths	Sword	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	C › Weak	-	Dares of Eternity	Yes	Free-to-Play	30th Anniversary event	Heavy	Craftable
	Hero of Ages	Sword	Vortex	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	30th Anniversary	Yes	Heavy	Arc	D › Worst	PvE	Grasp of Avarice Dungeon	No	30th Anniversary	30th Anniversary event	Heavy	No
	Honor's Edge	Sword	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	B › Average	-	Xûr	No	Free-to-Play	Season 10	Heavy	No
	Ill Omen	Sword	Caster	Legendary	Heavy	Stasis	Episode 1: Echoes	Yes	Heavy	Stasis	A › Strong	PvP	Echoes Activities	Yes	Episode 1: Echoes	The Final Shape	Heavy	Craftable	Top-tier
	Just in Case	Sword	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Solar	C › Weak	-	Fishing	No	Free-to-Play	Season 21	Heavy	No		Incandescent
	Nasreddin	Sword	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Lost Sector	No	Free-to-Play	Season 20	Heavy	No	Top-tier
	Negative Space	Sword	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Heavy	No	Top-tier
	Night Terror	Sword	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	B › Average	-	Moon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Heavy	No
	Quickfang	Sword	Lightweight	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	D › Worst	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Heavy	No
	Razor's Edge	Sword	Vortex	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	D › Worst	-	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Heavy	No
	Sola's Scar	Sword	Caster	Legendary	Heavy	Solar	The Final Shape	No	Heavy	Solar	D › Worst	-	Trials of Osiris	No	The Final Shape	Season 13	Heavy	No
	Steel Sybil Z-14	Sword	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	C › Weak	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Heavy	No
	Summun Bonun	Sword	Wave	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	The Final Shape	Yes	Heavy	Arc	S › Best	PvE	Salvation's Edge Raid	Yes	The Final Shape	The Final Shape	Heavy	Craftable	Top-tier	Chaos Reshaped,Bait and Switch
	Temptation's Hook	Sword	Caster	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	D › Worst	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Heavy	No
	The Other Half	Sword	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	S › Best	PvE	Dares of Eternity	Yes	Free-to-Play	30th Anniversary event	Heavy	Craftable	Top-tier	Repulsor Brace
	The Slammer	Sword	Vortex	Legendary	Heavy	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Stasis	S › Best	PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Heavy	No	Top-tier	Bait and Switch
	Thin Precipice	Sword	Vortex	Legendary	Heavy	Strand	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Strand	D › Worst	-	Xûr	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 21	Heavy	Craftable
	Throne-Cleaver	Sword	Aggressive	Legendary	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Solar	B › Average	-	Engram Focusing	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 20	Heavy	Craftable		Incandescent
	Zephyr	Sword	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Stasis	A › Strong	PvE	Event: Dawning	No	Free-to-Play	30th Anniversary event	Heavy	No	Top-tier

Tier Ranks used for our list:

• S+ Tier – Meta: Weapons so good they singlehandedly shifted the current meta
• S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapons.
• A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapons, but not on the same level as S Tier Choices.
• B Tier – Average: Either decent weapons or weapons that fit a very specific niche/use case.
• C Tier – Weak: Mediocre weapons that are easily outclassed by the competition.
• D Tier – Worst: Weapons that don’t have much to offer and don’t deserve your attention.

Best Destiny 2 Swords Today

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. Bequest

 Excels in PvE

Bequest is still the main option for situations where you may want to use Surrounded. With Relentless Strikes as the utility option and Surrounded as the damage perk with Vorpal as a backup, you can’t go wrong with Bequest.

The main thing that makes Bequest shine is the 70 base Impact, which instantly puts it a cut above the rest in terms of Adaptive Swords. While Bequest may offer little utility, it more than makes up for it with its substantial damage. These are the top Bequest God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Relentless Strikes + Surrounded (also good: Vorpal Weapon)

How to get it: Bequest can be acquired from the Deep Stone Crypt Raid.

Name: Bequest

Type: Sword Archetype: Adaptive

Ammo: Heavy Element: Arc

Craftable: Yes Released: Season 12

Source: Deep Stone Crypt Raid Requires: Beyond Light Pack

4. Summum Bonum

 Excels in PvE

Summum Bonum is the Salvation’s Edge Sword and comes with the new Wave-Frame archetype. This weapon type isn’t just a gimmick; it deals some solid damage and comes with strong damage perks like Chaos Reshaped, Whirlwind Blade, and Surrounded, all as second-column perk options.

Alongside these top-tier damage perks, Summum Bonum also has access to Relentless Strikes, the primary utility pick for Swords, but it comes with Attrition Orbs, which, when used with Facet of Purpose on a Solar Super or with mods like Recuperation, allows for more flexibility in your loadout as it pretty much removes the need for a Well of Radiance. These are the top Summum Bonum God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Relentless Strikes or Attrition Orbs + Chaos Reshaped

How to get it: Summum Bonum can be acquired from the Salvation’s Edge Raid.

3. The Other Half

 Excels in PvE

The Other Half is the most popular Sword among players thanks to the ‘Eager Edge’ perk. This perk is enjoyable to use and provides versatility through incredible movement, allowing players to use it when damage isn’t necessary but movement is.

The Other Half also comes with some solid damage perks like Whirlwind Blade, Vorpal Weapon, and Frenzy, making it even better. It can take down beefy enemies much easier while also having the movement capabilities of Eager Edge. Simply put, The Other Half is brilliant, and it is definitely recommended. 

• PvE God roll: Eager Edge + 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 in Eternity.

Name: The Other Half

Type: Sword Archetype: Adaptive

Ammo: Heavy Element: Void

Craftable: Yes Released: 30th Anniversary event

Source: Dares of Eternity Requires: Free-to-Play

2. Falling Guillotine (Brave)

 Excels in PvE

The BRAVE Falling Guillotine is one of the best Swords available right now, thanks to the Sword’s ability to roll with double damage perks. This combination only comes on a few weapons in the entire game, so for it to exist on a true DPS weapon is incredibly fortunate.

To make matters even better, BRAVE Guillotine can also come with Eager Edge, adding some fun movement capabilities to the Sword, making BRAVE Guillotine the best Legendary Sword in the game right now. These are the top Falling Guillotine God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Frenzy + Bait and Switch or Surrounded

How to get it: Falling Guillotine is a Brave weapon that can be acquired from the Onslaught Playlist.

Name: Falling Guillotine (Brave)

Type: Sword Archetype: Vortex

Ammo: Heavy Element: Void

Craftable: No Released: Into the Light

Source: Onslaught Activity Requires: Free-to-Play

1. Ergo Sum

 Excels in PvE

Summum Bonum is the Salvation’s Edge Sword and comes with the new Wave-Frame archetype. This weapon type isn’t just a gimmick; it deals some solid damage and comes with strong damage perks like Chaos Reshaped, Whirlwind Blade, and Surrounded, all as second-column perk options.

Alongside these top-tier damage perks, Summum Bonum also has access to Relentless Strikes, the primary utility pick for Swords, but it comes with Attrition Orbs, which, when used with Facet of Purpose on a Solar Super or with mods like Recuperation, allows for more flexibility in your loadout as it pretty much removes the need for a Well of Radiance. We cover the most sought-after Ergo Sum God Rolls here.

Exotic Perk: “This weapon collects less ammo. Deals increased damage while Transcendent; defeating targets lengthens Transcendence.” Has access to an additional random rolled Exotic Perk.

How to get it: We cover How to Get the Ergo Sum here.

Name: Ergo Sum

Type: Sword Archetype: Exotic

Ammo: Special Element: Kinetic

Craftable: No Released: The Final Shape

Source: The Pale Heart Requires: The Final Shape

Swords and the PvP Meta: TTK

We covered which Swords are considered top-tier (and should be farmed) and which ones can be safely ignored. But how do they compare to other Heavy 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

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 deliver one-hit-kills consistently. 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. 

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
Exotic Sniper Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► Main role: Single Target damage ► The recent buffs to certain Snipers, like Whisper of the Worm, and the Sniper's Meditation artifact mod make Exotic Sniper Rifles an easy, accessible, and powerful DPS option on bosses like The Witness in particular. Any boss that has a reasonable crit spot and a decently lengthed damage phase can be destroyed by Whisper right now, and you should definitely take advantage of it. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (72 RPM) - Example: Whisper of the Worm	PVE Heavies
Grenade Launchers	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► Main role: Add Clear (Secondary role: Single Target Damage). ► Grenade Launchers have finally reached the apex of the DPS meta. Grenade Launchers like Edge Transit and Cataphract GL3 with Envious Assassin and Bait and Switch are incredibly powerful thanks to the amount of burst damage they can put out. Because of this, it's safe to say that Grenade Launchers belong in the top tier of PvE Heavies. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Edge Transit	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 pretty decent right now. In fact, they are the go-to option for Crota in Crota's End and for the Herald of Finality in Salvation's Edge. However, this is only because of the design of the boss fight and a specific buff to Sword damage against Crota. Outside of these bosses, Swords are a decent but mediocre option as they are simply out-damaged by other heavy weapons. ► Best Archetype: Whirlwind - Example: Falling Guillotine	PVE Heavies
Rocket Launchers	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► Main role: Burst Damage (Secondary role: Add Clear) ► Rockets aren't as good as they used to be, but they are still definitely usable. In most relevant content such as the most recent raid, Salvation's Edge, Rockets aren't too popular (outside of Still Hunt rotations). Despite this Rockets are still a competitive option, and they do some solid burst damage. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (20 RPM) - Example: Apex Predator	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

According to Bungie, these are the different roles for Heavy weapons:

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.

Before you go…

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

You now know everything there is to know about machine guns in Destiny 2, whether that is for PvP or PvE content.