Best Glaives in Destiny 2: Tier List (Heresy Meta)

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 all Glaives in Destiny 2 and their best rolls for PvE and PvP.

Update based on Episode 3: Heresy. See Updates.

Top Tier Glaives (Episode 3)

This Tier list features the best Exotic and Legendary Glaives 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?
Unexpected Resurgence	Unexpected Resurgence Glaive	Glaive	Adaptive	Special	Arc	The Final Shape	Yes	S › Best	Trials of Osiris		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris The Final Shape	Slot: Arc | Ammo: 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 | Ammo: 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 Luck	Greasy Luck Glaive	Glaive	Rapid-Fire	Special	Solar	Lightfall Dungeon Key	Yes	S › Best	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon Lightfall Dungeon Key	Slot: Solar | Ammo: 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 | Ammo: 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 Wing	Albedo Wing Glaive	Glaive	Aggressive	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Event: Dawning		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Event: Dawning Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: 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 | Ammo: 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 Kelgorath	Judgment of Kelgorath Glaive	Glaive	Aggressive	Special	Solar	The Witch Queen	Yes	S › Best	Operation: Seraph's Shield		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Operation: Seraph's Shield Witch Queen	Slot: Solar | Ammo: 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 | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Rolls: Overflow (also good: Demolitionist) + Close to Melee (also good: Incandescent)	Top-tier
Rake Angle	Rake Angle Glaive	Glaive	Aggressive	Special	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Replenishing Aegis + Chill Clip or Close to Melee ► One of the best glaives currently available, Rake Angle is an outstanding choice for those looking to dip their toes into the weapon type. Of course, glaives are still yet to see a season where they're meta, but giving this one a try isn't a bad idea.	Episode 2	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Replenishing Aegis + Chill Clip or Close to Melee	Top-tier
Vexcalibur	Vexcalibur Glaive	Glaive	Exotic	Special	Void	Lightfall	Yes	A › Strong	Avalon		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Avalon Lightfall	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Blocking damage with your shield gradually bestows Void overshields to yourself and nearby allies. Deal additional melee damage while protected by an overshield. Defeating targets with melee final blows while the overshield is active will refresh it." ► Due to a host of recent buffs, Vexcalibur has been getting better and better throughout the past couple of seasons. While it continues to be hard to recommend an exotic glaive of all things, we suggest trying this in casual content at the very least!	Season 20	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Blocking damage with your shield gradually bestows Void overshields to yourself and nearby allies. Deal additional melee damage while protected by an overshield. Defeating targets with melee final blows while the overshield is active will refresh it."	Top-tier
Ecliptic Distaff	Ecliptic Distaff Glaive	Glaive	Adaptive	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Playlist: Pursuit		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Playlist: Pursuit Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: 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 | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Adaptive PvE Fixed Roll: Replenishing Aegis + Close to Melee (also good: Destabilizing Rounds)	Top-tier
Forthcoming Deviance	Forthcoming Deviance Glaive	Glaive	Rapid-Fire	Special	Void	The Final Shape	Yes	A › Strong	Salvation's Edge Raid		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Salvation's Edge Raid The Final Shape	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Reconstruction or Replenishing Aegis + Chaos Reshaped or Desperate Measures ► While glaives have never really been a meta pick, Forthcoming Deviance is pretty solid for what it is. With perks that are both novel and potent, the weapon is sure to satisfy avid glaive users.	The Final Shape	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Reconstruction or Replenishing Aegis + Chaos Reshaped or Desperate Measures	Top-tier
Refusal of the Call	Refusal of the Call Glaive	Glaive	Adaptive	Special	Strand	Episode 3: Heretic	Yes	A › Strong	Heretical Activities		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Heretical Activities Episode 3: Heretic	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Discord + Close to Melee (also good: Sword Logic) ► One of, if not the, best glaives out there. The god roll really lets this archetype shine by providing benefits for utilizing both the melee and ranged attacks, something we do not see often.	Episode 3	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Discord + Close to Melee (also good: Sword Logic)	Top-tier

Destiny 2 Glaives: Complete List

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?
	Edge of Action	Glaive	Exotic	Exotic	Special	Void	The Witch Queen	Yes	Special	Void	B › Average	-	Exotic Quest	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Craftable
	Edge of Concurrence	Glaive	Exotic	Exotic	Special	Arc	The Witch Queen	Yes	Special	Arc	C › Weak	-	Exotic Quest	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Craftable
	Edge of Intent	Glaive	Exotic	Exotic	Special	Solar	The Witch Queen	Yes	Special	Solar	B › Average	-	Exotic Quest	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Craftable
	Vexcalibur	Glaive	Exotic	Exotic	Special	Void	Lightfall	Yes	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Avalon	No	Lightfall	Season 20	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Winterbite	Glaive	Exotic	Exotic	Heavy	Stasis	Lightfall	Yes	Heavy	Stasis	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Quest	No	Lightfall	Season 20	Heavy	No
	Albedo Wing	Glaive	Aggressive	Legendary	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Arc	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Event: Dawning	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Backfang	Glaive	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Arc	B › Average	PvE	Playlist: Gambit	No	Free-to-Play	Episode 3	Energy	No
	Ecliptic Distaff	Glaive	Adaptive	Legendary	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvE	Playlist: Pursuit	No	Free-to-Play	Season 20	Energy	No	Top-tier	Destabilizing Rounds
	Forthcoming Deviance	Glaive	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Special	Void	The Final Shape	Yes	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvE	Salvation's Edge Raid	Yes	The Final Shape	The Final Shape	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier	Chaos Reshaped
	Greasy Luck	Glaive	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Special	Solar	Lightfall Dungeon Key	Yes	Special	Solar	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon	No	Lightfall Dungeon Key	Season 21	Energy	No	Top-tier	Incandescent
	Judgment of Kelgorath	Glaive	Aggressive	Legendary	Special	Solar	The Witch Queen	Yes	Special	Solar	S › Best	PvE	Operation: Seraph's Shield	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 19	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier	Incandescent
	Lubrae's Ruin	Glaive	Adaptive	Legendary	Special	Solar	The Witch Queen	Yes	Special	Solar	D › Worst	-	Vow of the Disciple Raid	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Craftable		Bait and Switch
	Nezarec's Whisper	Glaive	Adaptive	Legendary	Special	Arc	Beyond Light Pack	Yes	Special	Arc	C › Weak	-	Presage	Yes	Beyond Light Pack	Season 17	Energy	Craftable
	Rake Angle	Glaive	Aggressive	Legendary	Special	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Stasis	S › Best	PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals	No	Free-to-Play	Episode 2	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Refusal of the Call	Glaive	Adaptive	Legendary	Special	Strand	Episode 3: Heretic	Yes	Special	Strand	A › Strong	PvE	Heretical Activities	No	Episode 3: Heretic	Episode 3	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	The Enigma	Glaive	Adaptive	Legendary	Special	Void	The Witch Queen	Yes	Special	Void	B › Average	PvE	Throne World	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Craftable
	Unexpected Resurgence	Glaive	Adaptive	Legendary	Special	Arc	The Final Shape	Yes	Special	Arc	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris	No	The Final Shape	Season 21	Energy	No	Top-tier	Voltshot

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 D2 Glaives Today

If you’re prepared to only chase the best of the best, these are the 5 absolute best Glaives in Destiny 2:

5. Forthcoming Deviance

Excels in PvE

While glaives have never really been a meta pick, Forthcoming Deviance is pretty solid for what it is. With perks that are both novel and potent, the weapon is sure to satisfy avid glaive users. These are the top Forthcoming Deviance God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Reconstruction or Replenishing Aegis + Chaos Reshaped or Desperate Measures

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

Name: Forthcoming Deviance

Type: Glaive Archetype: Rapid-Fire

Ammo: Special Element: Void

Craftable: Yes Released: The Final Shape

Source: Salvation's Edge Raid Requires: The Final Shape

4. Judgment of Kelgorath

Excels in PvE

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.

• 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 Operation: Seraph’s Shield Exotic Mission.

Name: Judgment of Kelgorath

Type: Glaive Archetype: Aggressive

Ammo: Special Element: Solar

Craftable: Yes Released: Season 19

Source: Operation: Seraph's Shield Requires: The Witch Queen

3. Unexpected Resurgence

Excels in PvE and PvP

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.

• 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 is a Trials of Osiris Weapon that can be acquired from Trials completions, Engrams, and/or rank-ups.

Name: Unexpected Resurgence

Type: Glaive Archetype: Adaptive

Ammo: Special Element: Arc

Craftable: No Released: Season 21

Source: Trials of Osiris Requires: The Final Shape

2. Greasy Luck

Excels in PvE and PvP

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. 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.

Name: Greasy Luck

Type: Glaive Archetype: Rapid-Fire

Ammo: Special Element: Solar

Craftable: No Released: Season 21

Source: Ghost of the Deep Dungeon Requires: Free-to-Play

1. Rake Angle

Excels in PvE

One of the best glaives currently available, Rake Angle is an outstanding choice for those looking to dip their toes into the weapon type. Of course, glaives are still yet to see a season where they’re meta, but giving this one a try isn’t a bad idea. These are the top Rake Angle God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Replenishing Aegis + Chill Clip or Close to Melee

How to get it: Rake Angle is a Nightfall Weapon that can be acquired from Activity completions, Engram focusing, and/or rank-ups.

Name: Rake Angle

Type: Glaive Archetype: Aggressive

Ammo: Special Element: Stasis

Craftable: No Released: Episode 2

Source: Nightfall: The Ordeals Requires: Free-to-Play

Glaives and the Meta

How do Glaives compare to other Primary weapons in PvE and PvP?

The PvE Meta

Weapon Type	Rank	Tier	Trend	Role ❘ Current State	Category
Fusion Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S		►Fusion Rifles are brilliant right now. Outside of Sniper Rifles, Fusion Rifles are the traditional 'backup damage' weapons due to options like Scatter Signal or Cartesian Coordinate. On top of this, you can use Fusions like Riptide for some utility instead, or even Merciless as a unique burst DPS option. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (500ms Charge Time) - Example: Scatter Signal	PVE Specials
Sniper Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► Sniper Rifles have continued to grow into a strong Special Weapon subtype. With options like The Supremacy, Ikelos Sniper Rifle, and Still Hunt, it's very common for Sniper Rifles to be included in DPS rotations. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (140 RPM) - Example: Supremacy	PVE Specials
Shotguns	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► Shotguns are pretty decent right now. Slug Shotguns aren't as strong as they once were, and Shotguns have mostly been demoted to being a funnel for One-Two Punch Melee builds. However, they are definitely still capable, and can be used in a general loadout. ► Best Archetype: Lightweight (90 RPM) - Example: Wastelander M5	PVE Specials
Grenade Launchers	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► Grenade Launchers are brilliant right now. They are versatile and are arguably the best pick in almost all areas. GLs have excellent ad control through Blinding Grenades or Wave Frame GLs like Forbearance, and they also have good boss damage in certain hot-swap builds due to Spike Grenades. Simply put, having a strong arsenal of Grenade Launchers is something you should definitely try to do as a player looking to get into high-level content. ► Best Archetype: Wave-Frame - Example: Forbearance	PVE Specials
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
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 Rifles	C › Weak	Weak ❘ C	-	► 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 when it comes to PvE. 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.

The PvP Meta

Weapon Type	Rank	Tier	Trend	Role ❘ Current State	Category
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
Fusion Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► 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
Sniper Rifles	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► Sniper Rifles are still remarkably powerful, but due to certain flinch changes, they've become slightly harder to use. All this, as well as how strong certain Shotguns are, it's natural for Snipers to fall down a tier, but they are still strong, especially in Trials of Osiris. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (90 RPM)- Example: Beloved	PVP Specials
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 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
Glaives	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► 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 Launchers	C › Weak	Weak ❘ C	-	► 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. This TTK guide includes the TTK figures for every weapon in Destiny 2.

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.