Destiny 2 Best PvE Weapons right now: Season 19 Edition

As you get more involved with Destiny 2, one of the first questions you’ll have is: What are the best weapons in the game?

That question is not as easy to answer, as it all depends on whether you’re looking for the top weapons for PvP, PvE, casual, or endgame content. Today, we’ll focus on the best PvE weapons in 2022. We’ll cover both Exotic and Legendary weapons (including their PvE god rolls), and give you an overview of the current PvE meta.

Updated as of Season of the Seraph (S19)

Best PvE Primary weapons

In this section, we cover the best Primary PvE weapons. And by Primary, we mean either Kinetic or Energy weapons that use Primary ammo. Just remember Primary weapons use “normal” ammo, aka, white ammo boxes:

Weapons	Type	Ammo	Element	Slot	Requirements	In loot pool?	Source	Source ❘ DLC	Verdict	Part of?
IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3	Submachine Gun	Primary	Arc	Energy	Free-to-Play	Yes	World loot pool	World loot pool Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Subsistence (also good: Threat Detector) + Demolitionist ► Just like other IKELOS and Seventh Seraph weapons, IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.2's average perks and stats used to be counteracted by the absurd power of Warmind Cells. However, now that Warmind Cells have been heavily nerfed, there's no reason to run this SMG over other more popular options.	PVP,PVE
Trinity Ghoul	Combat Bow	Primary	Arc	Energy	Free-to-Play	Yes	Exotic Engram	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires an arrow that splits when released. Aiming down sights and fully drawing the bow both decrease the spread. Precision kills grant the next shot chain-lightning capabilities." ► Trinity Ghoul has always been brilliant for ad-clear, and that doesn't seem to be changing any time soon. Despite the more ability-focused meta we have right now, Trinity Ghoul is still a top contender for ad-clear in all PvE content.	PVE
CALUS Mini-Tool	Submachine Gun	Primary	Solar	Energy	Season 17	Yes	Derelict Leviathan	Derelict Leviathan Season 17	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: MIDA Synergy PvE God Roll: Unrelenting (also good: Moving Target) + Incandescent ► Able to roll with the excellent perk Incandescent, CALUS Mini-Tool immediately cemented itself as a top-tier pick with the release of Solar 3.0. Plus, it's one of the few craftable SMGs currently in the game, meaning it's one of the easiest to get as well.	PVE
Osteo Striga	Submachine Gun	Primary	Kinetic	Kinetic	The Witch Queen	Yes	Deluxe Edition	Deluxe Edition The Witch Queen	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: 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 in both PVE and PVP, 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 Osteo Striga God roll. What's not to love?	PVE
Eyasluna	Hand Cannon	Primary	Stasis	Kinetic	30th Anniversary	Yes	Grasp of Avarice Dungeon	Grasp of Avarice Dungeon 30th Anniversary	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Outlaw + Headstone PvP God Roll: Rangefinder + Kill Clip ► One of the most popular and beloved weapons from Destiny 1 has returned and it's even stronger than before. Eyasluna offers god-tier stats and an extremely good perk selection that will help it dominate the Crucible.	PVE
Trustee	Scout Rifle	Primary	Solar	Energy	Beyond Light	Yes	Deep Stone Crypt Raid	Deep Stone Crypt Raid Beyond Light	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Surplus)+ Eye of the Storm (also good: High-Impact Reserves) ► Trustee is a decent option, and in the right hands, it has the potential to pop off. However, it is simply outclassed by High-Impact Scout Rifles right now, making it a hard option to recommend.	PVE
Outbreak Perfected	Pulse Rifle	Primary	Kinetic	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Exotic Kiosk	Exotic Kiosk Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: 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
Doom of Chelchis	Scout Rifle	Primary	Void	Energy	Free-to-Play	Yes	King's Fall Raid	King's Fall Raid Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Explosive Payload + One For All (also good: Firefly + Frenzy) ► The King's Fall Scout Rifle, Doom of Chelchis, comes stacked with brilliant perks. It has combos like Firefly and Dragonfly and damage perks like One for All and Frenzy; you just can't go wrong with Chelchis. With the 'Runneth Over' origin trait, you can stack the magazine high to just lay on high health targets.	PVE
Touch of Malice	Scout Rifle	Primary	Kinetic	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	King's Fall Raid	King's Fall Raid Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "The final round in the magazine deals bonus damage and then regenerates itself. Rapidly defeating three targets restores health. Precision hits drain combatants' life force and charge up a ball of darkness." ► Touch of Malice is finally back. Whilst largely untouched compared to D1, the addition of its new perk "Charged with Blight," combined with the abundance of healing now available, makes Touch of Malice a primary ammo DPS monster. Perhaps the best DPS primary in the game right now.	PVE
Disparity	Pulse Rifle	Primary	Stasis	Kinetic	Season 19	Yes	Seasonal activity	Seasonal activity Season 19	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive Burst PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit (also good: Outlaw) + Headstone (also good: Kill Clip) ► Being both a Stasis and 4-burst pulse rifle, Disparity doesn't have much competition. Even if it did, however, it would still excel—its S-Tier perks make it an excellent choice for medium-level PVE content.	PVE

Best PvE Special weapons

In this section, we cover the best Special PvE weapons. And by Special, we mean either kinetic or Energy weapons that use Special ammo. Just remember, Special weapons use “Special” ammo, aka, green ammo boxes:

Weapons	Type	Ammo	Element	Slot	Requirements	In loot pool?	Source	Source ❘ DLC	Verdict	Part of?
Witherhoard	Grenade Launcher	Special	Kinetic	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Exotic Kiosk	Exotic Kiosk Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: 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
Forbearance	Grenade Launcher	Special	Arc	Energy	The Witch Queen	Yes	Vow of the Disciple Raid	Vow of the Disciple Raid The Witch Queen	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Ambitious Assassin (also good: Unrelenting) + Chain Reaction ► The first Wave Frame Grenade Launcher to come from a raid, Forbearance is widely regarded as the best Wave Frame we've gotten thus far. With the ability to roll the combo that made Salvager's Salvo famous, this weapon is an ad-clear machine. Not to mention, Wave Frames are extremely fun to use, and the Origin Trait is a nice cherry on top!	PVE
Arbalest	Linear Fusion Rifle	Special	Kinetic	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Exotic Engram	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires slugs that cause massive damage to enemy shields. Strong against 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
Heritage	Shotgun	Special	Kinetic	Kinetic	Beyond Light	Yes	Deep Stone Crypt Raid	Deep Stone Crypt Raid Beyond Light	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: 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
Divinity	Trace Rifle	Special	Arc	Energy	Shadowkeep	Yes	Exotic Quest	Exotic Quest Shadowkeep	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Sustained damage with this weapon envelops the target in a field that weakens and disrupts them." ► Divinity has been a great choice since it was released back in Shadowkeep. Even though a recent nerf reduced its debuff potential to 15%, this trace rifle still proves its worth through the ability to make crits way easier to hit. Plus, it's still considered the best Overload weapon in the game.	PVE
Izanagi's Burden	Sniper Rifle	Special	Kinetic	Kinetic	Forsaken Pack	Yes	Exotic Kiosk	Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: 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
Pardon Our Dust	Grenade Launcher	Special	Kinetic	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Dares of Eternity	Dares of Eternity Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Ambitious Assassin) + Vorpal Weapon ► Pardon Our Dust might be one of the most versatile weapons in the game. It can provide menacing add clear with Ambitious Assassin, strong backup DPS with Auto-Loading Holster and Vorpal Weapon, or work in ability-focused builds with Demolitionist or Wellspring. Pardon Our Dust is simply an excellent weapon all around.	PVE
Explosive Personality	Grenade Launcher	Special	Solar	Energy	Deluxe Edition	Yes	PsiOps Battlegrounds	PsiOps Battlegrounds Deluxe Edition	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy (also good: Auto-Loading Holster) + Frenzy (also good: One For All) ► There's a lot to love about Explosive Personality. With a solid PVE-oriented perk pool and the Land Tank Origin Trait, which gives you damage resist on kill, you can't go wrong with this amazing Wave Frame Grenade Launcher.	PVE
Deliverance	Fusion Rifle	Special	Stasis	Kinetic	The Witch Queen	Yes	Vow of the Disciple Raid	Vow of the Disciple Raid The Witch Queen	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvE God Rolls: Demolitionist (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Chill Klip ► Being the first kinetic (and Stasis!) legendary Fusion makes Deliverance already worth grabbing. Plus, with the great perk combos for PVE and PVP, you can't go wrong with this one-of-a-kind weapon.	PVE
Hollow Denial	Trace Rifle	Special	Void	Energy	Season 17	Yes	Seasonal activity	Seasonal activity Season 17	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Lead From Gold + Swashbuckler (also good: Killing Tally) ► Hollowed Denial initially sparked some interest in the community through its unique perks, such as Killing Tally. However, now that the weapon has been in the wild for a while, most people have lost interest. Its intrinsically low damage and ammo reserves make these perks hard to use, resulting in a mediocre weapon.	PVE

Don’t miss our: Destiny 2 guides covering all the major weapon sources:

	Nightfall: The Ordeal	Playlist	Free-to-Play
	Vow of the Disciple	Raid	The Witch Queen
	Deep Stone Crypt	Raid	Beyond Light
	Garden of Salvation	Raid	Shadowkeep
	Last Wish	Raid	Forsaken Pack
	Vault of Glass	Raid	Free-to-Play
	Grasp of Avarice	Dungeon	30th Anniversary
	Prophecy	Dungeon	Free-to-Play
	Trials of Osiris	Crucible	The Witch Queen
	Iron Banner	Crucible	Free-to-Play
	Dares of Eternity	Activity	Free-to-Play
	Xûr	Vendor	Free-to-Play
	Gunsmith	Vendor	Free-to-Play
	Exotic Engrams	Exotics	Free-to-Play
	Exotic Kiosk	Exotics	Various...
	Exotic Quests	Exotics	Various...

Destiny 2 Best PvE Heavy weapons

In this section, we cover the best Heavy weapons for PvE. In other words, weapons that use “heavy” ammo, aka, purple ammo boxes:

Weapons	Type	Ammo	Element	Slot	Requirements	In loot pool?	Source	Source ❘ DLC	Verdict	Part of?
Gjallarhorn	Rocket Launcher	Heavy	Solar	Heavy	30th Anniversary	Yes	Grasp of Avarice Dungeon	Grasp of Avarice Dungeon 30th Anniversary	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Rounds fired split into tracking cluster missiles upon detonation. Gain increased handling and reload speed when standing near allies. Firing this weapon also grants Wolfpack Rounds to nearby allies wielding non-Exotic Rocket Launchers." ► Despite its slight perk differences compared to Destiny 1, Destiny 2's Gjallarhorn continues its reign as king. Because of its tracking and Wolfpack Rounds in PvP and its perk that buffs nearby allies' rocket launchers in PvE, it's uncommon not to see anyone running Gjallarhorn in most activities.	PVE,PVP
Cataclysmic	Linear Fusion Rifle	Heavy	Solar	Heavy	The Witch Queen	Yes	Vow of the Disciple Raid	Vow of the Disciple Raid The Witch Queen	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Fourth Time's The Charm + Bait and Switch ► Cataclysmic has always been great for total damage, but now also excels in DPS because of a buff to Bait and Switch. While most players now try to match their subclass and weapon elements for Font of Might, Cataclysmic continues to attract players of all subclasses with its unmatched raw damage.	PVE
Stormchaser	Linear Fusion Rifle	Heavy	Arc	Heavy	Deluxe Edition	Yes	Duality Dungeon	Duality Dungeon Deluxe Edition	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit (also good: Clown Cartridge) + Firing Line (also good: Vorpal Weapon) ► The first linear fusion rifle to not be a Precision Frame, Stormchaser and its three-round burst is as unique as they are fun. And with S-Tier perk combinations like Rapid Hit + Firing Line, this already-strong linear fusion rifle easily competes with top picks like Reed's Regret.	PVE
The Hothead	Rocket Launcher	Heavy	Arc	Heavy	Free-to-Play	No	Nightfall: The Ordeals	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Field Prep) + Lasting Impression (also good: Explosive Light) ► Containing solid stats, S-Tier perks, and an Adept version, The Hothead is often regarded as the best legendary rocket launcher. And because of recent nerfs to the damage of precision frame launchers, Hothead also does more damage than most competitive options.	PVE
Fire and Forget	Linear Fusion Rifle	Heavy	Stasis	Heavy	Season 19	Yes	Seasonal activity	Seasonal activity Season 19	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll:Field Prep + High-Impact Reserves (also good: Focused Fury) ► Because of its unique Stasis element, Veist Stinger origin trait, and Aggressive frame, Fire and Forget is quite unique. However, because its competition is so powerful, the minor flaw Fire and Forget has—an average first column of perks—makes this an often ignored option.	PVE

Destiny 2 PvE Meta

Every sandbox change comes with a new meta. And while we love to criticize Bungie for not changing the meta often enough, the last few seasons have significantly altered the hierarchy of PvE weapon types in Destiny 2.

About DPS: DPS, or damage per second, is important for PvE, because the higher the DPS, the more damage you can deal to a Boss or Major. You can read all about it in our DPS guide.

PS: If you’re looking for the complete rundown of the state of the current Meta for PvE and PvP, check out our Destiny 2 Meta weapons guide.

We now covered the absolute best PvE weapons this season, but it’s still important to understand how the different weapon types compare with each other.

Destiny 2 Meta refers to the most used weapons for a particular activity. Generally, these weapons are the most used because they are the most powerful/efficient.

These are the different Tier levels used for these Tier lists:

• S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapon types.
• A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapon types, 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.

The list starts with S Tier and moves down until it reaches the bottom Tier:

PvE Primary weapons meta

Weapon Type	Rank	Tier	Trend	Role ❘ Current State	Category
Submachine Guns	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► SMGs are doing very well right now. They have good DPS to tear through ads and beefier orange bar enemies, but also come with excellent perks. There are a plethora of good SMGs you can go for right now, like Funnelweb, Unforgiven, Every Waking Moment, or Extraordinary Rendition, the choice is completely yours. They may struggle slightly in super high-end content, but they are still definitely usable. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (750 RPM) - Example: Unforgiven	PVE Primaries
Auto Rifles	B › Average	Average ❘ B		► Auto Rifles currently feel like a worse version of SMGs. They have a bit more range, but outside of the absolute top-shelf content such as Grandmaster Nightfalls, range isn't too much of a factor. And if you are actively tackling difficult content, Auto Rifles aren't exactly the best pick either, making Autos a decent, but outclassed option right now. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Gnawing Hunger	PVE Primaries
Sidearms	B › Average	Average ❘ B		► Aside from a few select sidearms with certain perks, there really isn't much of a reason to use Sidearms. They have slightly higher damage numbers than SMGs, but typically come with significantly less range. Outside of top-tier weapons like a god-roll Brigand's Law or High Albedo, there is no real reason to run a sidearm. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (491 RPM) - Example: High Albedo	PVE Primaries
Hand Cannons	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► While Hand Cannons routinely dominate the PvP meta, they are often outclassed by weapon types that can either offer better DPS or better range. There are a couple of solid options, such as Fatebringer or Zaouli's Bane, but putting those aside, you'll be better off using something else. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (140 RPM) - Example: Fatebringer	PVE Primaries
Pulse Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► Pulse Rifles are in a great place right now. They offer good range and pretty decent damage, allowing you to take down some beefier targets nicely. There are also some excellent pulses in the game right now, like Insidious, Sacred Provenance, or New Purpose. Unfortunately, High-Impact and Aggressive frames are the only archetypes worth your time, as the others rely on Exotic Perks or god rolls to compete. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (450 RPM) - Example: Insidious	PVE Primaries
Scout Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► Scout Rifles have come a long way. They are a solid and consistent option for anyone that prefers a safer and slower playstyle. They also shine in high-level content due to their excellent range. The best part about Scout Rifles, however, is their versatility across archetypes. Basically, every type of Scout Rifle is viable and can be used anywhere in the game. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (72 RPM) - Example: Tarnished Mettle	PVE Primaries
Combat Bows	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► Bows are a high-damage, high-range option for players who prefer to keep their distance. The main issue with bows is that they are slow at clearing ads (outside of Trinity Ghoul). and when you have to deal with ads up close, bows can massively struggle. However, their solid range and excellent damage make them a strong option. ► Best Archetype: Precision - Example: Under Your Skin	PVE Primaries

PvE Special weapons meta

For the sake of clarity, the categories below do not include Exotics that use an abnormal type of ammo, such as  Eriana’s Vow or Arbalest.

If you’re particularly interested in Exotic weapons, check out our Exotic Tier list.

Weapon Type	Rank	Tier	Trend	Role ❘ Current State	Category
Shotguns	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A	-	► Shotguns overall are pretty good right now. There are a good number of Pellet and Slug shotguns that can be used in most content, and shotguns are also an integral part of many melee builds thanks to the shotgun-exclusive '1-2 Punch' perk. However, their severe lack of range makes them a risky pick for high-level content. ► Best Archetype: Pinpoint Slug - Example: Heritage	PVE Specials
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 Rifles	C › Weak	Weak ❘ C		► Sniper Rifles are not in a great place right now. They are completely outclassed by Linear Fusion Rifles in terms of DPS and are also lacking at ad clear/major killing by Shotguns and Grenade Launchers. Snipers are also quite difficult to use as they are precision-based weapons. They can be used as a backup DPS weapon if you don't have access to an Arbalest, for example, but right now, they are too niche to recomment. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (140 RPM) - Example: Succession	PVE Specials
Fusion Rifles	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► Fusion Rifles are pretty good right now. They have slightly more range than Shotguns, making them a safer pick in high-level content, however, they lack a top-tier perk such as '1-2 Punch' to rise to S-tier status. Still, they remain a consistent pick for mid to high-level content. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (500ms Charge Time) - Example: Cartesian Coordinate	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. ► All Glaives share the same archetype	PVE Specials
Linear Fusion Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► There are only two Linear Fusion Rifles that use Special ammo, but when one of them is arguably the strongest weapon in the game, they have to be ranked S tier. Arbalest is an absolute must-have if you want to take endgame content seriously. Lorentz Driver is an okay option, but Arbalest is completely overpowered and is an excellent pick for whatever content you throw at it.	PVE Specials
Trace Rifles	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► Trace Rifles are a strange pick. Legendary Trace Rifles are a very niche pick right now, but Exotic trace Rifles are all pretty good. Wavesplitter can do well with certain builds, and Divinity is always a good pick, even despite the nerfs.	PVE Specials

PvE Heavy weapons meta

Weapon Type	Rank	Tier	Trend	Role ❘ Current State	Category
Swords	B › Average	Average ❘ B		► Main roles: Add Clear & Single Target damage (i.e. Boss damage). ► Swords have fallen slightly out of the meta since the days of Falling Guillotine, however, they are still a solid pick. Swords like The Lament and Heartshadow are both solid options for slaying majors and dealing good boss damage. They are unfortunately very risky, though, and when Linear Fusion Rifles deal the incredible amount of damage they do right now, it is difficult to recommend Swords. ► Best Archetype: Exotics - Example: The Lament	PVE Heavies
Rocket Launchers	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A	-	► Main role: Burst Damage (Secondary role: Add Clear) ► Rocket Launchers are solid options. They deal good burst damage and are effective for killing high-health targets like Majors quickly. Their ammo economy is poor, unfortunately, meaning that you will need to be conservative with how you use your rockets. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (20 RPM) - Example: The Hothead	PVE Heavies
Linear Fusion Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► Main role: Single Target damage (Secondary role: Burst Damage) ► Linear Fusion Rifles are the cream of the crop. They can deal very high damage consistently. They have solid DPS and incredible total damage, making them amazing for Raids and other high-level pieces of content. There are also plenty of strong options right now, including the Taipan-4FR or Cataclysmic, which both come with excellent perks and have good damage. ► Best Archetype: Precision (533 RPM) - Example: Reed's Regret	PVE Heavies
Machine Guns	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► Main role: Add Clear ► Machine Guns are a different kind of Power weapon. Instead of focusing on boss damage (outside of Xenophage), Machine Guns focus on ad clear. And they are excellent at ad clear, especially Thunderlord; however, given that abilities and primary weapons are excellent at add clear, Machine Guns are currently mediocre options for your Heavy slot. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (140 RPM) - Example:	PVE Heavies
Grenade Launchers	D › Worst	Worst ❘ D		► Main role: Add Clear (Secondary role: Single Target Damage). ► Grenade Launchers are in a very sad state right now. Outside of maybe Typhon GL5, Heavy Grenade Launchers are in a terrible spot. They do not have great boss damage and also do not have good add clear, making them very, very pointless in all content. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Typhon GL5	PVE Heavies
Exotic Sniper Rifles	C › Weak	Weak ❘ C	-	► Main role: Single Target damage ► Exotic Snipers are very niche. They are far from the top of the meta right now as they are simply harder to use and in many ways inferior to Linear Fusion Rifles. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (72 RPM) - Example: Whisper of the Worm	PVE Heavies

As you can see, the Meta can completely change in a heartbeat. You can rest assured, though, as this overview is up to date with the current season and will be updated as soon as a new meta arrives.

Destiny 2 Best PvE loadouts

Up until now, we have split our Top PvE guns into Primaries, Special and Heavy weapons. This makes sense when comparing weapons against each other.

But once you start building towards the ultimate loadout, a weapon’s slot becomes crucial. That’s because you can only carry one Kinetic, one Energy, and one Heavy weapon at a time. For example, if you’re committed to using Trinity Ghoul as your Primary weapon, then your Special weapon will have to sit on the Kinetic slot.

In this section, we’ll share some of the most popular PvE loadouts right now.

-	Kinetic	--	Special	---	Heavy	Meta
	Witherhoard		IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3		Stormchaser	PVE
	Arbalest		CALUS Mini-Tool		Cataclysmic	PVE
	Osteo Striga		Forbearance		The Hothead	PVE

Methodology

About the DPS numbers: As mentioned before, the DPS figures used for this Tier list come from the excellent Damage Chart Madness database.

As explained in that document:

Average DPS represents a weapons performance when emptying all of its reserves, with only full magazines. This factors in that the first magazine is already loaded, and you keep firing until the last mag is empty. Effectively, a combination of Burst DPS and Sustain DPS. The most accurate representation of a gun’s performance in most circumstances.

Bear in mind this number is done with luna/rally/fieldprep reload buffs

That document also includes Sustained DPS in case you want to get into the nitty-gritty.

Your Turn

We did our best to include both Legendary weapons and Exotics, as well as the top tier, most difficult to obtain weapons, and easier to get, yet still great alternatives.

Did we miss your current favorite PvE weapon? Do you have a particularly good PvE loadout you would like to share? Let us know in the comments section below!

For the record, this list is based on my experience playing the PC version of the game.