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

by | Mar 20, 2025

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.

Episode 3 Heresy Icon Destiny 2Update based on Episode 3: Heresy. See Updates.

Top Tier Glaives (Episode 3)

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

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

S



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Trials of Osiris
The Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
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
Glaive
GlaiveRapid-FireSpecialSolarLightfall Dungeon KeyYesS › BestGhost of the Deep DungeonCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Ghost of the Deep Dungeon
Lightfall Icon (final) Destiny 2
Lightfall Dungeon Key
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
Glaive
GlaiveAggressiveSpecialArcFree-to-PlayYesS › BestEvent: DawningCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Event: Dawning
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
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
Glaive
GlaiveAggressiveSpecialSolarThe Witch QueenYesS › BestOperation: Seraph's ShieldCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE
Operation: Seraph's Shield
The Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
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
Rake AngleRake Angle art Destiny 2
Rake Angle
Glaive
GlaiveAggressiveSpecialStasisFree-to-PlayYesS › BestNightfall: The OrdealsCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE
Nightfall: The Ordeals
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Stasis Stasis | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 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 Stasis | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Replenishing Aegis + Chill Clip or Close to Melee
Top-tier
VexcaliburVexcalibur art
Vexcalibur
Glaive
GlaiveExoticSpecialVoidLightfallYesA › StrongAvalonCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Avalon
Lightfall Icon (final) Destiny 2
Lightfall
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 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 Void | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 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 DistaffEcliptic Distaff art
Ecliptic Distaff
Glaive
GlaiveAdaptiveSpecialVoidFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongPlaylist: PursuitCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
Playlist: Pursuit
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
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
Forthcoming DevianceForthcoming Deviance FINAL art Destiny 2
Forthcoming Deviance
Glaive
GlaiveRapid-FireSpecialVoidThe Final ShapeYesA › StrongSalvation's Edge RaidCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
Salvation's Edge Raid
The Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 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 Void | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

PvE God Roll: Reconstruction or Replenishing Aegis + Chaos Reshaped or Desperate Measures
Top-tier
Refusal of the CallRefusal of the Call art Destiny 2
Refusal of the Call
Glaive
GlaiveAdaptiveSpecialStrandEpisode 3: HereticYesA › StrongHeretical ActivitiesCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
Heretical Activities
Episode 3 Heresy Icon Destiny 2
Episode 3: Heretic
Slot: Strand Element Strand | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 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 Element Strand | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Discord + Close to Melee (also good: Sword Logic)
Top-tier

Destiny 2 Glaives: Complete List

ArtNameTypeArchetypeRarityAmmo?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
B › Average
-Exotic QuestCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Season 16EnergyCraftable
Edge of Concurrence artEdge of ConcurrenceGlaiveExoticExoticSpecialArcThe Witch QueenYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
C › Weak
-Exotic QuestCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Season 16EnergyCraftable
Edge of Intent artEdge of IntentGlaiveExoticExoticSpecialSolarThe Witch QueenYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
B › Average
-Exotic QuestCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Season 16EnergyCraftable
Vexcalibur artVexcaliburGlaiveExoticExoticSpecialVoidLightfallYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialVoid Void
A › Strong
PvE + PvPAvalonError icon V2 NoLightfall Icon (final) Destiny 2
Lightfall
Season 20EnergyNoTop-tier
Winterbite artWinterbiteGlaiveExoticExoticHeavyStasisLightfallYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStasis Stasis
B › Average
PvEExotic QuestError icon V2 NoLightfall Icon (final) Destiny 2
Lightfall
Season 20HeavyNo
Albedo Wing art Destiny 2Albedo WingGlaiveAggressiveLegendarySpecialArcFree-to-PlayYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
S › Best
PvE + PvPEvent: DawningError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 23EnergyNoTop-tier
Backfang art 2 Destiny 2BackfangGlaiveRapid-FireLegendarySpecialArcFree-to-PlayYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
B › Average
PvEPlaylist: GambitError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Episode 3EnergyNo
Ecliptic Distaff artEcliptic DistaffGlaiveAdaptiveLegendarySpecialVoidFree-to-PlayYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialVoid Void
A › Strong
PvEPlaylist: PursuitError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 20EnergyNoTop-tierDestabilizing Rounds
Forthcoming Deviance FINAL art Destiny 2Forthcoming DevianceGlaiveRapid-FireLegendarySpecialVoidThe Final ShapeYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialVoid Void
A › Strong
PvESalvation's Edge RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
The Final ShapeEnergyCraftableTop-tierChaos Reshaped
Greasy Luck art Destiny 2Greasy LuckGlaiveRapid-FireLegendarySpecialSolarLightfall Dungeon KeyYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
S › Best
PvE + PvPGhost of the Deep DungeonError icon V2 NoLightfall Icon (final) Destiny 2
Lightfall Dungeon Key
Season 21EnergyNoTop-tierIncandescent
Judgment of Kelgorath artJudgment of KelgorathGlaiveAggressiveLegendarySpecialSolarThe Witch QueenYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
S › Best
PvEOperation: Seraph's ShieldCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Season 19EnergyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent
Lubrae's Ruin art v2Lubrae's RuinGlaiveAdaptiveLegendarySpecialSolarThe Witch QueenYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
D › Worst
-Vow of the Disciple RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Season 16EnergyCraftableBait and Switch
Nezarec's Whisper artNezarec's WhisperGlaiveAdaptiveLegendarySpecialArcBeyond Light PackYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
C › Weak
-PresageCheckmark icon V3 YesBeyond Light Icon (final) Destiny 2
Beyond Light Pack
Season 17EnergyCraftable
Rake Angle art Destiny 2Rake AngleGlaiveAggressiveLegendarySpecialStasisFree-to-PlayYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialStasis Stasis
S › Best
PvENightfall: The OrdealsError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Episode 2KineticNoTop-tier
Refusal of the Call art Destiny 2Refusal of the CallGlaiveAdaptiveLegendarySpecialStrandEpisode 3: HereticYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialStrand Element Strand
A › Strong
PvEHeretical ActivitiesError icon V2 NoEpisode 3 Heresy Icon Destiny 2
Episode 3: Heretic
Episode 3KineticNoTop-tier
The Enigma artThe EnigmaGlaiveAdaptiveLegendarySpecialVoidThe Witch QueenYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialVoid Void
B › Average
PvEThrone WorldCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Season 16EnergyCraftable
Unexpected Resurgenc art Destiny 2Unexpected ResurgenceGlaiveAdaptiveLegendarySpecialArcThe Final ShapeYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
S › Best
PvE + PvPTrials of OsirisError icon V2 NoThe Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
Season 21EnergyNoTop-tierVoltshot

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:

 

Forthcoming Deviance preview Destiny 2

5. Forthcoming Deviance

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 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.

 

Judgment of Kelgorath Glaive featured

4. Judgment of Kelgorath

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 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.

 

Unexpected Resurgence Glaive featured

3. Unexpected Resurgence

PVE and PVP logo Destiny 2Excels 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.

 

Greasy Luck Glaive

2. Greasy Luck

PVE and PVP logo Destiny 2Excels 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.

 

Rake Angle preview Destiny 2

1. Rake Angle

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 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.

Glaives and the Meta

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

The PvE Meta

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

S

Trend up►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 rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Sniper Rifles
S › Best
Best

S

Trend up► 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
Shotgun weapon type Destiny 2
Shotguns
A › Strong
Strong

A

Trend down► 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 launcher weapon type Destiny 2
Grenade Launchers
A › Strong
Strong

A

Trend down► 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 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

-► 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 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
Fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2
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 rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Sniper Rifles
A › Strong
Strong

A

Trend down► 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 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

-► 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

-► 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.

See latest Updates

We keep our content up to date! These are the latest changes made to this guide:
  • March 20, 2025: Inclusion of Glaives from Episodes 2 & 3 and updates based on the Episode: Heresy’s meta.
  • July 26, 2024: General updates according to The Final Shape Meta and the inclusion of Glaives from Episode 1.
  • 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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