Clicky

Destiny 2 Best Kinetic Weapons right now: Season 20

by | May 3, 2023

Chasing the best weapons is one of the cornerstones of the Destiny 2 experience. But as you gain more experience, you realize that finding a great weapon is only a piece of the puzzle. To truly take your game to the next level, you’ll need a great loadout. For that reason, you will soon find yourself chasing the best weapons per slot: Kinetic, Energy, and Heavy.

In this guide, we cover the absolute best Kinetic weapons in Destiny 2. We’ll cover both Exotics and Legendary weapons (including their god rolls) for both PvE and PvP.

Checkmark icon V3 Updated as of Season of Defiance (S20)

Best Kinetic weapons: Primary ammo

Destiny 2 Primary ammo In this section, we cover the best Kinetic weapons that use Primary ammo. Just remember Primary weapons use “normal” ammo, aka, white ammo boxes:

Top PvE Primary weapons

WeaponsTypeAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?SourceSource ❘ DLCVerdictPart of?
Destiny 2 Wish Ender art
Wish-Ender
Combat BowPrimaryKineticForsaken PackYesExotic QuestExotic Quest
Forsaken Destiny 2 icon
Forsaken Pack
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "While aiming down sights with a fully-drawn bow, enemies behind walls are highlighted. Piercing arrowheads damage the target on entry and exit. One-shot can over-penetrate multiple targets."

► Wish-Ender has never been this strong, nor popular. With the newfound intrinsic ability to deal with Anti Barrier Champions with ease, even in Master and Grandmaster levels, and the fact that it effectively hits 3 times per arrow due to its piercing perk, Wish-Ender is currently a monster in PvE.
PVE
Destiny 2 Outbreak Perfected art
Outbreak Perfected
Pulse RiflePrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesExotic KioskExotic Kiosk
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon creates SIVA nanite swarms on rapid hits and precision kills and does more damage to enemies based on the number of SIVA nanites that attach to them."

► Outbreak Perfected's theme and great firing feel alone make it a popular PVE choice. And with buffs to Exotic primary weapon damage, it's now an excellent option for casual PVE content.
PVE
Fatebringer art
Fatebringer
Hand CannonPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesVault of Glass RaidVault of Glass Raid
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Explosive Payload + Firefly
PvP God Roll: Killing Wind + Opening Shot

► One of the most iconic legendary weapons in the game, Fatebringer comes with insane stats and great perks. While it does have some competition, namely Eyasluna, this almost-perfect Hand Cannon holds its ground as an all-time community favorite.
PVE
Osteo Striga art
Osteo Striga
Submachine GunPrimaryKineticThe Witch QueenYesThe Witch Queen CampaignThe Witch Queen Campaign
The Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
The Witch Queen
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Fires a stream of sentient, toxic projectiles that track the targeted enemy. Landing a final blow or multiple precision hits triggers a burst that poisons nearby targets."

► Feeling extremely nice to use, Osteo Striga became an instant favorite for many. Its poison-spreading effect makes it one of the best ad-clear primaries in PVE, and its enemy-tracking bullets make it an easy-to-use option in PVP. Plus, you can craft your own. What's not to love?
PVE
Submission art v2
Submission
Submachine GunPrimaryKineticThe Witch QueenYesVow of the Disciple RaidVow of the Disciple Raid
The Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
The Witch Queen
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Lightweight

PvE God Roll: Overflow (also good: Subsistence) + Frenzy (also good: Swashbuckler)
PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Killing Wind

► Containing alright stats and a wide variety of interesting perk combinations, Submission is a strong option overall. While it isn't the best of the best in both PVE and PVP, it can hold its ground in both, making it a great pick if you don't have anything better.
PVE
Rufus's Fury art
Rufus's Fury
Auto RiflePrimaryStrandLightfallYesRoot of Nightmares RaidRoot of Nightmares Raid
Lightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Slot: Strand Element Strand | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

God Rolls: Demolitionist (also good: Reconstruction) + Hatchling (also good: Target Lock)

► With the ability to roll with some outstanding perk combinations, Rufus's Fury is the best Strand primary weapon we’ve seen thus far. And compared to Perpetualis, the other Strand Auto, Rufus’s has better rolls and is part of what most consider a superior frame (720 RPM).
PVE

Top PvP Primary weapons

WeaponsTypeAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?SourceSource ❘ DLCVerdictPart of?
The Immortal art
The Immortal
Submachine GunPrimaryStrandLightfallYesTrials of OsirisTrials of Osiris
Lightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Slot: Strand Element Strand | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Aggressive

PvP God Rolls: Rangefinder (also good: Encore) + Target Lock
PvE God Roll: Perpetual Motion (also good: Keep Away) + Hatchling (also good: Demolitionist)

► The Immortal is perhaps the best legendary SMG in the game right now. From absurd PvP-centered stats and perks to synergistic options like Demolitionist and Hatchling for PvE, this weapon has no shortage of outstanding aspects. Sure, stepping into Trials of Osiris can be daunting, but this is worth it.
PVP
No Time to Explain Destiny 2
No Time to Explain
Pulse RiflePrimaryKineticBeyond LightYesBeyond Light CampaignBeyond Light Campaign
Beyond Light Destiny 2 icon
Beyond Light
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision shots and shots against combatants affected by Stasis return to the magazine. At 10 stacks, a small portal will open, shooting bullets from an alternate timeline version of this weapon. Precision hits extend the portal's duration."

► An exceptional pick in PVP (and a fun one in PVE), No Time to Explain's ability to provide you with an extra set of bullets continues to be helpful in most areas of the game.
PVP
Destiny 2 Ace of Spades art
Ace of Spades
Hand CannonPrimaryKineticForsaken PackYesExotic KioskExotic Kiosk
Forsaken Destiny 2 icon
Forsaken Pack
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision kills increase reload speed and cause the target to explode. Reloading after a kill increases damage. Grants radar while aiming down sights."

► Arguably the best 140 RPM hand cannon in the game, Ace of Spades has a lot to offer. With excellent base stats and some of the best perks around, namely Momento Mori, which is like Kill Clip on steroids and the ability to see your radar while zoomed in, this weapon has a bit of everything.
PVP
Austringer art
Austringer
Hand CannonPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesDerelict LeviathanDerelict Leviathan
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Outlaw + Rampage
PvP God Roll: Eye of the Storm + Opening Shot (also good: Rangefinder)

► With a fanbase that rivals that of Spare Rations, nearly everyone was waiting for the day that Austringer came back. That day has come, and Austringer is once again a great pick for anything in the game. With amazing stats, even better perks, and the ability to be crafted, it's hard to not see why people love this weapon.
PVP
 width=
Hawkmoon
Hand CannonPrimaryKineticBeyond LightYesXûrXûr
Beyond Light Destiny 2 icon
Beyond Light
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Final blows and precision hits with Hawkmoon grant stacks of Paracausal Charge. The final round in the magazine deals bonus damage based on the number of stacks. Stowing Hawkmoon on the final round removes this bonus."

► Many didn't like that Hawkmoon is not the same weapon it was in Destiny 1. But Hawkmoon is arguably the strongest Exotic Hand Cannon in PvP. It can provide very consistent 2 taps and even 1 taps, provided you are accurate enough. Hawkmoon will take some time to get used to, but once you do, it will be hard to go back to any other gun.
PVP

Best PvP Special weapons: Special ammo

Destiny 2 special ammoIn this section, we cover the best Kinetic weapons that use Special ammo. Not to be confused with Energy weapons, Special weapons use “Special” green ammo boxes:

Top PvE Special weapons

WeaponsTypeAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?SourceSource ❘ DLCVerdictPart of?
 width=
Heritage
ShotgunSpecialKineticBeyond LightYesDeep Stone Crypt RaidDeep Stone Crypt Raid
Beyond Light Destiny 2 icon
Beyond Light
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Pinpoint Slug

PvE God Roll: Reconstruction (also good: Auto-Loading Holster) + Recombination

► Heritage is an absolute staple in the Kinetic Slot and will forever hold a place as a go-to option in my loadouts. It can hit like a truck with Recombination and can get up to double its regular magazine size. It wastes majors and bosses alike and is an option that we 100% recommend you grind for.
PVE
Destiny 2 Arbalest art
Arbalest
Linear Fusion RifleSpecialKineticLightfallYesExotic QuestExotic Quest
Lightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Fires slugs that cause massive damage to enemy shields. Strong against Shield Piercing rounds Barrier Champions. Breaking an enemy's shield with this weapon makes them more vulnerable to Kinetic damage."

► Arbalest continues to dominate in every area of the game, even through nerfs to both its damage and aim assist. With the ability to bypass Barrier Champion and elemental shields in 1-2 shots (even on Grandmaster difficulty), Arbalest will remain an unstoppable force.
PVE
Destiny 2 Izanagi's Burden
Izanagi's Burden
Sniper RifleSpecialKineticForsaken PackYesExotic KioskExotic Kiosk
Forsaken Destiny 2 icon
Forsaken Pack
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Holding reload consumes the magazine and loads a round with additional range and damage."

► A powerhouse of a weapon, Izanagi's Burden can reach some incredible DPS numbers, especially when combined with an Auto-Loading Holster Rocket Launcher. While this combo is slightly more demanding than some other DPS options, it is well worth the effort to unlock this beast's potential.
PVE
Witherhoard art Destiny 2
Witherhoard
Grenade LauncherSpecialKineticFree-to-PlayYesExotic KioskExotic Kiosk
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Projectiles fired blight the target or nearby area on impact. Blighted targets take damage over time and blight the nearby area on death."

► Witherhoard is the quintessential Grenade Launcher. It can deal good damage, lock down an area, stagger an enemy, deal with ads, and all that while being super easy to use. Witherhoard is also a counter to some 'meta' playstyles in PvP due to its AoE effect, hard countering a Ward of Dawn, or a Lorley Splendor Shield.
PVE
Riptide art
Riptide
Fusion RifleSpecialStasisFree-to-PlayYesPlaylist: CruciblePlaylist: Crucible
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Stasis Stasis | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Compulsive Reloader) + Chill Clip

► Riptide's large perk pool makes it annoying to grind, but it's undoubtedly worth it. You can slow and freeze combatants instantly with incredibly synergistic combinations such as Auto-Loading Holster and Chill Clip. Additionally, because of Riptide's quick charge time and deep ammo reserves, you can stun-lock enemies (including Champions!) with its back-to-back freezing potential.
PVE
Conditional Finality art
Conditional Finality
ShotgunSpecialStasisLightfallYesRoot of Nightmares RaidRoot of Nightmares Raid
Lightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Slot: Stasis Stasis | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Dual barrels split into Stasis and Solar damage. Landing nearly all Stasis pellets will freeze targets; landing nearly all Solar pellets will ignite targets."

► Conditional Finality is remarkable. In PvE, it has Champion stunning capabilities and excellent potential damage with a hot-swap setup, rivaling even Izanagi's Burden. In PvP, it has great handling, solid 1-hit kill range, and can take down supers with its Freeze-Ignite effect.
PVE

Top PvP Special weapons

WeaponsTypeAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?SourceSource ❘ DLCVerdictPart of?
Destiny 2 The Chaperone art
The Chaperone
ShotgunSpecialKineticBeyond LightYesExotic QuestExotic Quest
Beyond Light Destiny 2 icon
Beyond Light
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Fires a single-slug precision round. Precision kills briefly grant bonus handling, range, and precision damage with this weapon."

► It certainly requires more skill than your average pellet shotgun, but in the right hands, The Chaperone is the deadliest shotgun in the entire game. Because of its excellent base stats and its precision-slug frame, The Chaperone has the longest one-hit kill distance of any shotgun in the game, provided you can hit your headshots.
PVP
Fractethyst art
Fractethyst
ShotgunSpecialStasisFree-to-PlayYesXûrXûr
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Stasis Stasis | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Precision

PvP God Roll: Quickdraw (also good: Slideshot) + Opening Shot

► As Aggressive Shotguns continue to receive indirect nerfs, Precision Shotguns are again on the rise, and Fractethyst is no exception. Fractethyst is one of the best Precision Shotguns available and is a consistent option Guardians should not overlook.
PVP
Forerunner art
Forerunner
SidearmSpecialKineticFree-to-PlayYesExotic QuestExotic Quest
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Fires full auto with increased rate of fire. Deals increased precision damage to unshielded targets. Tapping the trigger gives it less recoil and improves accuracy."

► Forerunner is a true menace in the right hands. While it may take some time to get used to, there is little you can do against a Forerunner player who is hitting their shots. Boasting a 0.60s time-to-kill at practically infinite range, Forerunner is an incredible pick inside of PvP
PVP
Imperial Decree art
Imperial Decree
ShotgunSpecialKineticFree-to-PlayYesEngram FocusingEngram Focusing
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Aggressive

God Rolls: Threat Detector (also good: Slideshot) + Opening Shot

► Aggressive frames are one of the best options for PvP due to their pellet spread and high damage. Imperial Decree can also get several great perks in both columns for PvP, making it a contender for the best shotgun for the kinetic slot.
PVP
Defiance of Yasmin art
Defiance of Yasmin
Sniper RifleSpecialKineticFree-to-PlayYesKing's Fall RaidKing's Fall Raid
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Adaptive

PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Opening Shot
PvE God Roll: Firefly + Firing Line

► The "new kid on the block," The Defiance of Yasmin was recently released as part of the King's Fall raid loot table. And as should be expected from a raid weapon, the Defiance of Yasmin truly excels, especially in PvP. It features excellent base stats, the best perks for PvP, and a 40 zoom stat that feels just right...
PVP

Before you go…

If you’re looking to take your game to the next level in PvE and PvP, definitely check out our Top PvE weapons and Top PvP weapons round-up.

Looking for a specific Kinetic weapon archetype/element not covered by this list? Our Kinetic weapons database covers all viable options in Destiny 2 right now.

About The Author

Ric Molina
Ric Molina
I've been covering gaming since 2012, and some of my work has been featured by large brands, including MSN.com, Forbes, Rock Paper Shotgun, and more. I've been obsessed with Destiny 2 for years now, and I hope to provide new and returning players with the guides and resources I wish I had when I first started.
More from Ric Molina
0 Comments
Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Essentials

Beginner's Guide Preview small

Get the most out of Destiny 2 in 5 minutes per week

Join 9,000+ Guardians in our weekly newsletter AND get this e-mag covering ALL the basics for FREE!

Check your email for the download link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/85dbzasmsuodcyu/Destiny%202%20Beginners%20Guide%20%28S19%29.pdf?dl=0