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

by | Feb 15, 2024

Glaives are unlike any other weapon ever seen in the Destiny universe, and while one could argue they still need more fine-tuning, they can still be extremely fun (and effective, when used right).

This guide covers every Glaive in Destiny 2, including Exotic and Legendary options and the best rolls for PvE and PvP.

s23 Season of the Wish icon Destiny 2 Updated as of Season of the Wish (S23). See Updates.

Destiny 2 Best Glaives: Top-tier Options

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

ItemWeaponsTypeArchetypeAmmo?Element?RequirementsIn loot pool?RankSourceAvailable?Tier rankSource ❘ DLCFinal VerdictReleasedPerksBest of?
Unexpected ResurgenceUnexpected Resurgenc art Destiny 2
Unexpected Resurgence
GlaiveAdaptiveSpecialArcLightfallYesS › BestTrials of OsirisCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Trials of Osiris
Lightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Subsistence (also good: Impulse Amplifier) + Close to Melee (also good: Voltshot)
PvP God Roll: Impulse Amplifier + Surrounded (also good: Unstoppable Force)

► Unexpected Resurgence does its best to excel in The Crucible, but as with all other glaives, the main draw to this weapon is in PvE. With solid perks like Close to Melee and even Voltshot, this glaive is relatively unique compared to other options. While it's not worth running for those not into glaives, we'd highly recommend this to anyone trying to dive further into this weapon type.
Season 21
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Subsistence (also good: Impulse Amplifier) + Close to Melee (also good: Voltshot)
PvP God Roll: Impulse Amplifier + Surrounded (also good: Unstoppable Force)
Top-tier
Greasy LuckGreasy Luck art Destiny 2
Greasy Luck
GlaiveRapid-FireSpecialSolarDeluxe EditionYesS › BestGhost of the Deep DungeonCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Ghost of the Deep Dungeon
The Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Deluxe Edition
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

PvE God Rolls: Replenishing Aegis (also good: Impulse Amplifier) + Close to Melee (also good: Incandescent)
PvP God Rolls: Impulse Amplifier (also good: Killing Wind) + Unstoppable Force (also good: Collective Action)

► Compared to most of its competition, Greasy Luck is exceptionally well-rounded. With Close to Melee or Incandescent for PvE and Impulse Amplifier and Unstoppable Force for PvP, this weapon's only downside is that glaives are intrinsically weak.
Season 21
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

PvE God Rolls: Replenishing Aegis (also good: Impulse Amplifier) + Close to Melee (also good: Incandescent)
PvP God Rolls: Impulse Amplifier (also good: Killing Wind) + Unstoppable Force (also good: Collective Action)
Top-tier
Albedo WingAlbedo Wing art Destiny 2
Albedo Wing
GlaiveAggressiveSpecialArcFree-to-PlayYesS › BestEvent: DawningCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Event: Dawning
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Rolls: Grave Robber (also good: Beacon Rounds) + Close to Melee (also good: Demolitionist)
PvP God Rolls: Beacon Rounds + Close to Melee

► Albedo Wing has a fair bit going for it, especially for a weapon only available for a handful of weeks each year. From new and unique perks such as Beacon Rounds to favorites that have cemented themselves as no-brainers for glaive users (Close to Melee), this is arguably one of the most well-rounded glaives out there.
Season 23
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Rolls: Grave Robber (also good: Beacon Rounds) + Close to Melee (also good: Demolitionist)
PvP God Rolls: Beacon Rounds + Close to Melee
Top-tier
Judgment of KelgorathJudgment of Kelgorath art
Judgment of Kelgorath
GlaiveAggressiveSpecialSolarThe Witch QueenYesS › BestOperation: Seraph's ShieldCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE
Operation: Seraph's Shield
The Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Witch Queen
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Rolls: Overflow (also good: Demolitionist) + Close to Melee (also good: Incandescent)

► Because of Close to Melee in the final column, Judgment of Kelgorath immediately cemented a solid fanbase upon release. The considerable negative here is that Demolitionist doesn't proc on glaive melee kills, so this glaive's synergy with builds isn't all that great.
Season 19
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Rolls: Overflow (also good: Demolitionist) + Close to Melee (also good: Incandescent)
Top-tier
Ecliptic DistaffEcliptic Distaff art
Ecliptic Distaff
GlaiveAdaptiveSpecialVoidFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongPlaylist: PursuitCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
Playlist: Pursuit
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE Fixed Roll: Replenishing Aegis + Close to Melee (also good: Destabilizing Rounds)

► Typically, ritual weapons like Ecliptic Distaff release weaker than their randomly-rolled counterparts. Luckily, for this glaive, that isn't the case. Close to Melee makes the weapon feel so much more consistent, while Destabilizing Rounds is the perfect pairing for any Void build.
Season 20
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE Fixed Roll: Replenishing Aegis + Close to Melee (also good: Destabilizing Rounds)
Top-tier
Edge of ActionEdge of Action art
Edge of Action
GlaiveExoticSpecialVoidThe Witch QueenYesA › StrongExotic QuestCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Exotic Quest
The Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Witch Queen
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "When weapon energy is full, consume it before firing to make your next shot deploy a protective shield on impact.."

► Edge of Action slowly became the best of the three class-specific glaives. Offering a beefy bubble that grants an Overshield and a 5% damage buff may sound small but is actually quite good. And after the recent buffs, Edge of Action is finally a viable option.
Season 16
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "When weapon energy is full, consume it before firing to make your next shot deploy a protective shield on impact.."
Top-tier

Destiny 2 Glaives: The complete list

This database includes every viable (non-sunset) Glaive right now:

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmo?Element?RequirementsIn loot pool?AmmoElementTierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Edge of Action artEdge of ActionGlaiveExoticExoticSpecialVoidThe Witch QueenYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialVoid Void
Strong

A

-Exotic QuestCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Witch Queen
Season 16EnergyCraftableTop-tier
Edge of Concurrence artEdge of ConcurrenceGlaiveExoticExoticSpecialArcThe Witch QueenYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
Weak

C

-Exotic QuestCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Witch Queen
Season 16EnergyCraftable
Edge of Intent artEdge of IntentGlaiveExoticExoticSpecialSolarThe Witch QueenYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
Average

B

PvEExotic QuestCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Witch Queen
Season 16EnergyCraftable
Vexcalibur artVexcaliburGlaiveExoticExoticSpecialVoidLightfallYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialVoid Void
Average

B

PvE + PvPExotic QuestError icon V2 NoLightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Season 20EnergyNo
Winterbite artWinterbiteGlaiveExoticExoticHeavyStasisLightfallYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStasis Stasis
Average

B

PvEExotic QuestError icon V2 NoLightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Season 20HeavyNo
The Enigma artThe EnigmaGlaiveAdaptiveLegendarySpecialVoidThe Witch QueenYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialVoid Void
Average

B

PvEThrone WorldCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Witch Queen
Season 16EnergyCraftable
Lubrae's Ruin art v2Lubrae's RuinGlaiveAdaptiveLegendarySpecialSolarThe Witch QueenYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
Worst

D

-Vow of the Disciple RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Witch Queen
Season 16EnergyCraftableBait and Switch
Nezarec's Whisper artNezarec's WhisperGlaiveAdaptiveLegendarySpecialArcBeyond LightYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
Weak

C

-PresageCheckmark icon V3 YesBeyond Light Destiny 2 icon
Beyond Light
Season 17EnergyCraftable
Judgment of Kelgorath artJudgment of KelgorathGlaiveAggressiveLegendarySpecialSolarThe Witch QueenYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
Best

S

PvEOperation: Seraph's ShieldCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Witch Queen
Season 19EnergyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent
Ecliptic Distaff artEcliptic DistaffGlaiveAdaptiveLegendarySpecialVoidFree-to-PlayYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialVoid Void
Strong

A

PvEPlaylist: PursuitError icon V2 NoFree to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 20EnergyNoTop-tierDestabilizing Rounds
Unexpected Resurgenc art Destiny 2Unexpected ResurgenceGlaiveAdaptiveLegendarySpecialArcLightfallYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
Best

S

PvE + PvPTrials of OsirisError icon V2 NoLightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Season 21EnergyNoTop-tierVoltshot
Greasy Luck art Destiny 2Greasy LuckGlaiveRapid-FireLegendarySpecialSolarDeluxe EditionYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
Best

S

PvE + PvPGhost of the Deep DungeonError icon V2 NoThe Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Deluxe Edition
Season 21EnergyNoTop-tierIncandescent
Albedo Wing art Destiny 2Albedo WingGlaiveAggressiveLegendarySpecialArcFree-to-PlayYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
Best

S

PvE + PvPEvent: DawningError icon V2 NoFree to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 23EnergyNoTop-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 Destiny 2 Glaives in 2024

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

 

Judgment of Kelgorath Glaive featured

5. Judgment of Kelgorath

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE

Judgment of Kelgorath was arguably the first glaive to cause waves—albeit small ones—throughout the entire community upon release.

Because it primarily excels in PvE, Kelgorath’s best final column perks are Incandescent and Close to Melee. Incandescent provides obvious synergy with Solar subclasses, while Close to Melee is the glaive perk to look out for overall.

Comparatively, Judgment of Kelgorath’s first column of main perks is lacking. Demolitionist seems like an outstanding choice at first, but it sadly doesn’t proc on glaive melee final blows. Beyond that, Overflow will be your best choice, but that isn’t saying much. As a whole, this perk pool is vastly outclassed by ones of newer picks like Unexpected Resurgence and Greasy Luck.

When it comes down to it, Judgment of Kelgorath is a good pick for those wanting to run a glaive. Some people swear that it’s the best glaive to date. However, when taking a greater look into what each option has to offer, some objectively better picks are available.

  • PvE God roll: Overflow (also good: Demolitionist) + Close to Melee (also good: Incandescent)

How to get it: Judgment of Kelgorath can be acquired from the Exotic Rotator Playlist.

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmo?Element?RequirementsIn loot pool?AmmoElementTierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Judgment of Kelgorath artJudgment of KelgorathGlaiveAggressiveLegendarySpecialSolarThe Witch QueenYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
Best

S

PvEOperation: Seraph's ShieldCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Witch Queen
Season 19EnergyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent

 

Ecliptic Distaff Glaive featured

4. Ecliptic Distaff

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE

Ecliptic Distaff is surprisingly powerful for a ritual weapon, beating out most currently available glaives.

In most scenarios, Replenishing Aegis is the clear pick over Immovable Object in column one. Beyond that, the final column depends entirely on your playstyle—and its diversity makes Ecliptic Distaff great.

If you plan to use your glaive to pulverize enemies with no care in the world, Close to Melee is what you’re looking for. If you instead are a fan of strategy, preparation, and buildcrafting, Destabilizing Rounds pairs perfectly with Void subclasses. Both of these perks are outstanding in low to mid-level PvE content, making for a weapon that’s as effective as fun.

The chances of Ecliptic Distaff staying in this top 5 for long are slim to none, as randomly rolled glaives are getting exponentially stronger each season. However, for the time being, this glaive acts very similar to other legendary ones while requiring little to no RNG to obtain.

  • PvE Fixed roll: Replenishing Aegis + Close to Melee (also good: Destabilizing Rounds)

How to get it: Ecliptic Distaff can be purchased at the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower.

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmo?Element?RequirementsIn loot pool?AmmoElementTierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Ecliptic Distaff artEcliptic DistaffGlaiveAdaptiveLegendarySpecialVoidFree-to-PlayYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialVoid Void
Strong

A

PvEPlaylist: PursuitError icon V2 NoFree to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 20EnergyNoTop-tierDestabilizing Rounds

 

Greasy Luck Glaive

3. Greasy Luck

PVE and PVP logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE and PvP

Greasy Luck was incredibly overlooked upon the release of Ghosts of the Deep, likely because glaives have a poor reputation in the community. However, Greasy Luck is one of the best glaives we’ve seen thus far and can excel just about anywhere.

Replenishing Aegis, Lead from Gold, and Impulse Amplifier are all top-tier picks for PvE in the first column. In the second, the typical Incandescent and Close to Melee choices will serve you well. You can feel the final column perks working in moment-to-moment gameplay, and they’re supported perfectly by the more neutral picks of the previous column.

In PvP, Impulse Amplifier is the strongest perk in the first column, making aiming projectiles significantly easier. Unstoppable Force and Collective Action are our picks in the second column, but they don’t do much here. We’d typically recommend choosing a different weapon type for PvP if this is the best glaive you can get.

To those who have given it a try, Greasy Luck has revealed just how much potential glaives have. While they’re unlikely to be meta in the foreseeable future, running some of the better ones—such as Greasy Luck—every once in a while can be fun. These are the top Greasy Luck God Rolls:

  • PvE God roll: Replenishing Aegis (also good: Impulse Amplifier) + Close to Melee (also good: Incandescent)
  • PvP God roll: Impulse Amplifier (also good: Killing Wind) + Unstoppable Force (also good: Collective Action)

How to get it: Greasy Luck can be acquired from the Ghost of the Deep dungeon.

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmo?Element?RequirementsIn loot pool?AmmoElementTierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Greasy Luck art Destiny 2Greasy LuckGlaiveRapid-FireLegendarySpecialSolarDeluxe EditionYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
Best

S

PvE + PvPGhost of the Deep DungeonError icon V2 NoThe Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
Deluxe Edition
Season 21EnergyNoTop-tierIncandescent

 

Albedo Wing glaive featured Destiny 2

2. Albedo Wing: Best PvE Glaive?

PVE and PVP logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE and PvP

In what is likely a surprise to everyone, Albedo Wing is one of the best weapons in the game as a result of its diverse and unique perk selections.

Grave Robber and Close to Melee both steal the show here. While they aren’t necessarily anything new, there’s no doubt that both of these perks elevate any weapon they’re featured on to the next level.

Also worth mentioning are Demolitionist and Beacon Rounds. While both aren’t better than the potent perks we brought up earlier, they’re unique and powerful enough to warrant use in special cases (namely PvP, at least for Beacon Rounds).

Overall, Albedo Wing is a generally solid option that excels in all the ways you’d expect it to. The only thing it lacks is the top-tier buildcrafting synergy we’ve come to expect from meta weapons—and there’s one more glaive that has just that. These are the top Albedo Wing God Rolls:

  • PvE God roll: Grave Robber (also good: Beacon Rounds) + Close to Melee (also good: Demolitionist)
  • PvP God roll: Beacon Rounds + Close to Melee

How to get it: Albedo Wing can only be acquired during the Dawning event, which takes place in December-January.

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmo?Element?RequirementsIn loot pool?AmmoElementTierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Albedo Wing art Destiny 2Albedo WingGlaiveAggressiveLegendarySpecialArcFree-to-PlayYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
Best

S

PvE + PvPEvent: DawningError icon V2 NoFree to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 23EnergyNoTop-tier

 

Unexpected Resurgence Glaive featured

1. Unexpected Resurgence: Best PvP Glaive

PVE and PVP logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE and PvP

While most Trials of Osiris players were disappointed to see a glaive enter the loot pool, what came out of it is arguably the best glaive to date.

The existence of Close to Melee in Unexpected Resurgence’s perk pool already makes it viable in PvE. While you still won’t see anyone doing crazy damage to a boss with this weapon, it’s a relatively powerful pick for low to mid-tier enemies and combat encounters. Unexpected Resurgence also has a wide variety of other top-tier perks for PvE (Subsistence, Voltshot, etc.), so this glaive is nearly guaranteed to have something for everyone.

Being a Trials Glaive, it makes sense that Unexpected Resurgence is also pretty powerful in The Crucible. Impulse Amplifier, Unstoppable Force, and Surrounded are all outstanding picks, collectively making Unexpected Resurgence the best glaive in PvP by a wide margin.

While Unexpected Resurgence’s strengths won’t create a glaive meta on their own, they are enough to make this a solid weapon for all areas of the game. If you love how glaives feel, this is the best one you can use right now. 

  • PvE God roll: Subsistence (also good: Impulse Amplifier) + Close to Melee (also good: Voltshot)
  • PvP God roll: Impulse Amplifier + Surrounded (also good: Unstoppable Force)

How to get it: Unexpected Resurgence can be acquired via Trials of Osiris engrams and rank-ups.

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmo?Element?RequirementsIn loot pool?AmmoElementTierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Unexpected Resurgenc art Destiny 2Unexpected ResurgenceGlaiveAdaptiveLegendarySpecialArcLightfallYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
Best

S

PvE + PvPTrials of OsirisError icon V2 NoLightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Season 21EnergyNoTop-tierVoltshot

Glaives and the PvP Meta: TTK

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

Weapon Type RankTierTrendRole ❘ Current StateCategory
Shotgun weapon type Destiny 2
Shotguns
S › Best
Best

S

-► With the introduction of fixed (and consistent) pellet spread patterns per archetype and the reversal of some widely disliked nerfs, Shotguns are finally back. With consistent changes in the right direction, Shotguns are once more a staple pick among many PvP players.

► Best Archetype: Precision (65 RPM) - Example: Matador 64
PVP Specials
Sniper rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Sniper Rifles
S › Best
Best

S

-► Sniper Rifles are in an excellent spot right now. After the nerfs to Linear Fusion Rifles, it only makes sense that Sniper usage picked up. And with weapons that come stacked with aim assist and excellent perks, such as the Defiance of Yasmin or Beloved, it's easy to see why Snipers have risen up the ranks.

► Best Archetype: Adaptive (90 RPM) - Example: Beloved
PVP Specials
Fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Fusion Rifles
S › Best
Best

S

Trend up► Fusion Rifles have been at the top of the meta for a while now, and it doesn't seem to be changing. Fusions can cover the close to medium ranges excellently, and a good Fusion Rifle player can be incredibly frustrating to play against, no matter the range of the engagement.

► Best Archetype: Precision (780ms Charge Time) - Example: Main Ingredient
PVP Specials
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Linear Fusion Rifles
A › Strong
Strong

A

-► The special ammo Linear Fusion category of weapon is rather barren, but the two weapons that occupy it, Arbalest and Lorentz Driver, are both forces to be reckoned with. While they have received some deserved nerfs throughout Seasons 17-19, they remain a solid choice for many players wanting a long range option.PVP Specials
Trace rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Trace Rifles
B › Average
Average

B

-► Trace Rifles are quite a niche pick and will fall short as a competitive option in most players' hands. Even once you learn to master Trace Rifles, you'll be better off with a Special weapon that can provide a one-hit-kill t rather than one that can be out-dueled by a Primary weapon.

► All Archetypes are 1000 RPM - Best Option: Coldheart
PVP Specials
Glaive weapon type Destiny 2 art
Glaives
B › Average
Average

B

Trend down► With their buffs in Season 19 and the hit registration improvements they've seen, Glaives can be quite annoying to play against. That said, they are outclassed by other mid/long range options and can't compete at close range due to their lackluster melee.

► Best Archetype: Adaptive (55 RPM)- Example: The Enigma
PVP Specials
Grenade launcher weapon type Destiny 2
Grenade Launchers
C › Weak
Weak

C

Trend down► Grenade Launchers are annoying to play against, and that's about it. They can be used in a hot-swap loadout, but you'll be better served by a Bow like Le Monarque. Grenade launchers can put pressure on your enemies, but they can't bring the heat like some other Special Weapons can.

► Best Archetype: Lightweight - Example: Truthteller
PVP Specials

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, but that mostly applies to Primary weapons, not Specials.

For PvP, you want a Special weapon that can consistently get you a one-hit kill. Glaives are certainly a niche choice, mainly because shotguns, the most-used Special weapons for PvP, received several nerfs last year. Still, if you lean into the right playstyle, Glaives can be fun and lethal.

Glaives and the PvE Meta: DPS

How do Glaives compare to other Special weapons in PvE?

Weapon Type RankTierTrendRole ❘ Current StateCategory
Fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Fusion Rifles
S › Best
Best

S

Trend up►Fusion Rifles are absolutely insane right now. There were a ton of viable options already and newer options, such as The Eremite, can roll with perk combinations that can turn them into monsters. This, on top of certain Exotic options like Merciless, makes Fusion Rifles a staple option for either backup DPS or just general major clear.

► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (500ms Charge Time) - Example: Cartesian Coordinate
PVE Specials
Shotgun weapon type Destiny 2
Shotguns
S › Best
Best

S

Trend up► Shotguns are excellent right now. They can be used in traditional hot-swap loadouts when combined with Tractor Cannon in a raid setting, and they remain strong at both major clear and burst damage. However, they can achieve some of the highest damage combos in the game due to their ease of use, high burst damage, and perks like One-Two Punch.

► Best Archetype: Lightweight (90 RPM) - Example: Wastelander M5
PVE Specials
Grenade launcher weapon type Destiny 2
Grenade Launchers
S › Best
Best

S

-► Grenade Launchers are brilliant right now. They are versatile and are arguably the best pick in almost all areas. They can have excellent add control through Blinding Grenades or the Wave Frame archetype, and they can also deal good boss damage in a 'hotswap' build with Spike Grenades.

Simply put, having a strong arsenal of Grenade Launchers is something you should definitely prioritize if you're looking to get into high-level content.

► All Breach Grenade Launchers share the same archetype
PVE Specials
Sniper rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Sniper Rifles
B › Average
Average

B

-► Sniper Rifles have improved a tad, but not that much. They are still too slow for most players' liking, but they can still be a solid backup DPS option. These are commonly used in many longer-range DPS scenarios, but other than that, they remain mediocre.

► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (140 RPM) - Example: Supremacy
PVE Specials
Trace rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Trace Rifles
B › Average
Average

B

-► With the nerfs to the double-special ammo economy, Trace Rifles have been knocked down a notch. Using a Primary weapon is just more efficient these days. However, they remain solid utility weapons and a go-to if players still want to run double-special lodouts. They also have a couple of solid Exotic options too, making them a decent pick right now.PVE Specials
Glaive weapon type Destiny 2 art
Glaives
B › Average
Average

B

-► Glaives require a bit of getting used to, but when you do, they can grant you crazy levels of damage resistance. However, they are quite a risky pick, especially if you haven't learned how to master them first. Glaives are also one-dimensional. There is basically no reason to use their melee attack, which is unfortunate as that is probably the most fun part of the Glaives.

► Best Archetype: Adaptive (55 RPM) - Example: The Enigma
PVE Specials
Linear fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Linear Fusion Rifles
C › Weak
Weak

C

Trend down► Linear Fusion Rifles are difficult to rank as there are only two of them. While Arbalest is definitely a powerful weapon, it is by no means a must-pick anymore. And Lorentz Driver isn't exactly a serious contender for PvE. Overall, this archetype is quite weak, especially now that Arbalest isn't the top-pick it used to be.PVE Specials

Remember that DPS is one of the most important factors concerning PvE. 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 numbers, Glaives are average:

-Weapon TypeArchetypeSustained DPSMag DPSTotal DamageSpecs---Best in ClassChange?Ammo
 class=Glaive

Exotic

2672928310641699-Winterbite artWinterbiteHeavy
 class=Glaive

Exotic

1296415327379335-Vexcalibur artVexcaliburSpecial
 class=GlaiveRapid-Fire971911237261268-Greasy Luck art Destiny 2Greasy LuckSpecial
 class=GlaiveAdaptive91599829332413-Ecliptic Distaff artEcliptic DistaffSpecial
 class=Glaive

Exotic

91599829310967-Edge of Action artEdge of ActionSpecial
 class=GlaiveAggressive89059169366750-Albedo Wing art Destiny 2Albedo WingSpecial
 class=Glaive

Exotic

865011237261268-Edge of Concurrence artEdge of ConcurrenceSpecial
 class=Glaive

Exotic

79139776430155-Edge of Intent artEdge of IntentSpecial

Before you go…

Are you looking for a top-tier Primary and Heavy weapon to round out your loadout? We cover the Best Destiny 2 Hand cannons and Best Destiny 2 Rocket launchers, too.

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

See latest Updates

We keep our content up to date! These are the latest changes made to this guide:
  • February 15, 2023: General updates and the inclusion of Glaives from Season 22 and Season 23.
  • August 20, 2023: General updates and the inclusion of Year 5 glaives.
  • September 5, 2022: The guide is published for the first time.

Stay tuned, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for next season!

About The Author

Andrew Sideris
Andrew Sideris
With my over seven years of game knowledge, six months of writing experience for Blueberries.gg, and hundreds of Blueberries already guided through endgame content, I hope to allow newcomers to have the same great introduction I had all those years ago. You can find Andrew on Twitter.
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