As you play Destiny 2, your biggest concerns will quickly become best guns in the game. But that can be confusing, as it depends on whether you’re looking for weapons for PvP, PvE, casual, or endgame content. Today, we cover the best PvE weapons, including Exotic and Legendary weapons (and their PvE god rolls).
Updated as of the Monument of Triumph update. See Updates
Best PvE Primary weapons
These are the best Primary PvE weapons in the current Meta. By Primary, we refer to Kinetic or Energy weapons that use Primary ammo:
| Weapon | Type | Ammo? | Slot | Requirements | Source ❘ DLC | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Multimach CCX Submachine Gun | Submachine Gun | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Iron Banner Free-to-Play | Slot:  Kinetic | Ammo:  Primary | Archetype: LightweightPvE God Roll: Attrition Orbs (also good: Bewildering Burst) + Kinetic Tremors PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Dynamic Sway Reduction) + Kill Clip (also good: Iron Reach) ► Multimach CCX received a minor update with Monument of Triumph. Now with tiers, it's better than ever, offering near-equal value in both PvE and PvP. While old rolls still work, the combination of Attrition Orbs and Frenzy makes for one of the most useful Kinetic primaries for PvE. |
 Submission Submachine Gun | Submachine Gun | Primary | Kinetic | The Witch Queen | Vow of the Disciple Raid Witch Queen | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: LightweightPvE God Roll: Kinetic Tremors (also good: Overflow) + Chaos Reshaped PvP God Roll: Closing Time (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Target Lock (also good: Harmony) ► A must-have weapon for any Guardian, Submission is impressive in both PvE and PvP and has almost all the perks to back that up. It can lead the line or be a fantastic secondary in any powerful build currently in-game |
 Khvostov 7G-0X Auto Rifle | Auto Rifle | Primary | Kinetic | The Final Shape | Exotic Quest The Final Shape | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: ExoticExotic Perk: "Every seventh bullet from this weapon deals additional damage and ricochets to nearby targets. Features the Shoot to Loot perk." ► Khvostov may not be the go-to option it once was, but that doesn't mean it's fallen off the meta. Khvostov is not only an ad-clearing monster, but it also has the unique benefit of being able to 'tag' many enemies, allowing you to get assists and progress your ammo bar. This may sound gimmicky, but give it a try and notice your ammo economy improve. |
 Modified B-7 Pistol Hand Cannon | Hand Cannon | Primary | Kinetic | Renegades | Lawless Destination Renegades | Slot:  Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Dynamic Heat WeaponPvE God Roll: Rimestealer or Firefly + Headstone or Crystalline Corpsebloom ► While it might not stack up in PvP like its contemporaries, the Modified B-7 Pistol is a blast to use in PvE, thanks in no small part to the double AoE roll on there that turns any room into an explosion fest. |
 DECATUR 02 Auto Rifle | Auto Rifle | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Distortions Free-to-Play | Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: SupportPvE God Roll: Physic or Crystalline Corpsebloom (also good: Attrition Orbs) + Circle of Life or Rimestealer ► Our first Stasis support auto rifle is finally here, and it has all the goodies that make these weapons shine. Physic to give yourself Frost Armor, Attrition Orbs to reward rapid healing, and so much more. If you fancy these weapons, get this one now! |
 Gnawing Hunger Auto Rifle | Auto Rifle | Primary | Energy | Free-to-Play | Gambit Ops Free-to-Play | Slot:  Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: AdaptivePvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace or Demolitionist + Destabilizing Rounds or Rampage PvP God Roll: Tap the Trigger or Withering Gaze + Dynamic Sway Reduction or Rampage ► Back and better than ever, Gnawing Hunger’s reprisal lets it reclaim its legendary status as best Adaptive auto. Now sporting Void perks alongside its old god rolls, this is but one reason to hop back into Gambit. |
 Sunshot Hand Cannon | Hand Cannon | Primary | Energy | Free-to-Play | Exotic Engram Free-to-Play | Slot:  Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: ExoticExotic Perk: "This weapon fires explosive rounds. Targets killed with Sunshot explode in Solar energy." ► Sunshot is a top-of-the-line primary weapon and still dominates in all forms of content. It is perfect for almost all types of PvE content, and you can't really go wrong with it at all. |
 No Hesitation Auto Rifle | Auto Rifle | Primary | Energy | The Final Shape | The Pale Heart Destination The Final Shape | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: SupportPvE God Roll: Physic (also good: Demolitionist, Burning Ambition) + Chaos Reshaped (also good: Incandescent, Attrition Orbs) ► The first Support Frame auto rifle to enter the game, No Hesitation set an extremely high bar. Able to put out both substantial damage and healing (with perks to assist with each), there's very little to hate about this weapon. |
 Yeartide Apex Submachine Gun | Submachine Gun | Primary | Energy | Free-to-Play | Solstice Engram Free-to-Play | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: LightweightPvE God Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Demolitionist or Attrition Orbs) + Incandescent or Chaos Reshaped (also good: Burning Ambition) ► Yeartide Apex is a gun that will delight all kinds of players. Coming with a good variety of perks, it is sure to enter the inventories of PvE and PvP players alike. |
 Kindled Orchid Hand Cannon | Hand Cannon | Primary | Energy | Free-to-Play | Arena Ops Free-to-Play | Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: AdaptivePvE God Roll: Shoot to Loot + Explosive Payload (also good: Repulsor Brace + Destabilising Rounds) PvP God Roll: Keep Away + Explosive Payload (also good Kill Clip and Magnificent Howl) ► While it’s an essential utility Hand Cannon, Kindled Orchid’s place in the final sandbox is niche However, it’s still definitely worth a place in your vault; especially if you haven’t yet obtained Word of Crota. |
Best PvE Special weapons
These are the best Special PvE weapons. By Special, we refer to Kinetic or Energy weapons that use Special ammo, aka green ammo boxes:
| Weapon | Type | Ammo? | Slot | Requirements | Source ❘ DLC | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Praedyth's Revenge Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Vault of Glass Raid Free-to-Play | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo:  Special | Archetype: Rapid-FirePvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds or Fourth Time's the Charm + Bait and Switch or Elemental Honing ► Best known for its ability to get a whopping 68% damage buff with Elemental Honing, Praedyth’s Revenge is situationally broken. Even so, when ignoring those niche use cases, the weapon easily competes with weapons like The Supremacy that have dominated the meta for years. |
 Tinasha's Mastery Sidearm | Sidearm | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Iron Banner Focusing Free-to-Play | Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-AssistedPvE God Roll: Air Trigger (also good: Loose Change) + Chill Clip ► Like all Rocket Sidearm, this weapon performs extremely well in PvE. On top of that, as a Stasis weapon, it features the coveted Chill Clip perk. Also, it is the only Rocket Sidearm with the Air Trigger perk, which grants a Reload Speed buff while airborne and a free Reserve mod. Overall, it is best to ignore this weapon for PvP. |
 Festival Flight Grenade Launcher | Grenade Launcher | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Solstice Engram Free-to-Play | Slot:  Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Area DenialPvE God Roll: Demolitionist or Blast Distributor (also good: Slice) + Elemental Honing or One-For-All (also good: Attrition Orbs) ► Our very first Strand area denial frame does not disappoint. Festival Flight rolls with all the greatest perks, so much so its hard to pin down a true god roll! |
 Conspiracy Honed Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Special | Kinetic | Renegades | Equilibrium Dungeon Renegades | Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Dynamic Heat WeaponPvE God Roll: Vorpal Weapon + Bait and Switch (also good: Firing Line, Box Breathing) ► Conspiracy Honed is a top-tier weapon when it comes to PvE and does a great job at bringing Sniper Rifles back into the conversation for PvP. Unique as the only Heat-based Sniper Rifle, this makes Conspiracy Honed a hot new weapon with god rolls worth chasing down. |
 Mint Retrograde Pulse Rifle | Pulse Rifle | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Pinnacle Ops Free-to-Play | Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-AssistedPvE God Roll: Field Prep (also good: Hatchling) + Master of Arms (also good: Frenzy) ► The meta has changed, and so must Mint Retrograde. Moving to a more major-clear focused role, Mint Retrograde is no longer the meta-defining monster it once was, but it’s still a top tier weapon for its new use case. |
 Choir of One Auto Rifle | Auto Rifle | Special | Energy | Episode 1: Echoes | Exotic Quest Episode 1: Echoes | Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: ExoticExotic Perk: "Fires extended-range, heavy-caliber projectiles at a reduced rate of fire. Deals increased precision damage when aiming down sights. Rapid final blows cause targets to explode into a pool of radiolarian fluid. Hip firing launches multiple projectiles." ► Choir of One retains its spot in the S+ tier. It is the 'do everything' gun. It has incredible ammo economy, particularly with the new ammo generation system; it pumps out respectable damage, and can burst down beefy targets if needed. It is the definition of an all-rounder, and it hits home on every single front. |
 VS Velocity Baton Grenade Launcher | Grenade Launcher | Special | Energy | The Final Shape Dungeon Key | Vesper's Host Dungeon The Final Shape Dungeon Key | Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Area DenialPvE God Roll: Demolitionist or Repulsor Brace + Attrition Orbs or Destabilizing Rounds ► VS Velocity Baton is a part of the newish area denial family of grenade launchers. In PvE, VS Velocity Baton has some interesting picks in both columns. While none of them are bound to make for a meta pick, there’s definitely some room for this weapon to shine in the current sandbox. |
 Returned Memory Sidearm | Sidearm | Special | Energy | Free-to-Play | Crucible Ops Engram Free-to-Play | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-AssistedPvE God Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Lead from Gold) + Incandescent ► Returned Memory functions almost identically to the fan-favorite Aberrant Action, making it a great pick for new and returning players. While it won’t get you far in The Crucible, this gun is a great choice for PvE players of all skill levels! |
 Psi Aeterna IV Pulse Rifle | Pulse Rifle | Special | Energy | Free-to-Play | Fireteam Ops Engram Free-to-Play | Slot:  Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Micro-MissilePvE God Roll: Trickle Charge (also good: Blast Disruptor) + Elemental Honing (also good: Jolting Feedback) ► Psi Aeterna IV is the second entry in the Rocket Pulse Rifle archetype, and while it doesn’t hit the heights of Mint Retrograde, it is definitely no slouch either. |
 Still Hunt Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Special | Energy | The Final Shape | Exotic Quest The Final Shape | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: ExoticExotic Perk: "Pick up Orbs of Power or land precision hits to charge this weapon's Super bar. Once full, [Alternate Weapon Action] to fire Golden Gun shots. This weapon gains passive bonuses to target acquisition, aim down sight speed, and flinch resistance. The bonus increases when this weapon's super mode is active." ► Still Hunt has received nerf after nerf, but despite this, it remains as a viable pick, especially for Hunters. With the proper setup and rotation, Still Hunt can deal an outrageous amount of damage, potentially allowing players to solo The Witness once more. |
Destiny 2 Best PvE Heavy weapons
These are the best Heavy weapons for PvE. By Heavy, we refer to weapons that use Heavy ammo, aka purple ammo boxes:
| Weapon | Type | Ammo? | Slot | Requirements | Source ❘ DLC | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tractor Cannon Shotgun | Shotgun | Heavy | Heavy | Free-to-Play | Exotic Engram Free-to-Play | Slot: Void | Ammo:  Heavy | Archetype: ExoticExotic Perk: "This weapon emits a powerful impulse that pushes enemies away, suppresses their abilities, and makes them more vulnerable to all incoming damage." ► Tractor Cannon is arguably one of the strongest weapons in Destiny 2, thanks to the debuffing properties it has. The ability to increase your Fireteam's damage by 30% while maintaining acceptable damage yourself by using Mint Retrograde with a Lucky Pants or Peacekeepers combo is incredible, meriting Tractor Cannon the S+ spot. |
 Hezen Vengeance Rocket Launcher | Rocket Launcher | Heavy | Heavy | Free-to-Play | Vault of Glass Raid Free-to-Play | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: AggressivePvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal + Bait and Switch (also good: Elemental Honing) PvP God Roll: Cluster Bomb + Vorpal Weapon ► Hezen Vengeance has quickly cemented itself as the best rocket launcher currently available. With outstanding perks, a potent origin trait, and both craftable and adept variants, this weapon is a must-have for all Guardians. |
 Parasite Grenade Launcher | Grenade Launcher | Heavy | Heavy | The Witch Queen | Exotic Quest Witch Queen | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: ExoticExotic Perk: "Fires Hive worms which explode on impact. The size and damage of the explosion scales with the number of enemies you've defeated just before firing this weapon. Taking damage from your own worm projectile detonation empowers your weapons for a short time." ► Parasite is an excellent weapon, particularly for challenging pieces of content. It doesn't flinch at Grandmaster Champions, can clear groups of enemies very easily, and even has a situational DPS niche inside of Raids and Dungeons. |
 Refurbished A499 Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Heavy | Heavy | Renegades | Lawless Destination Renegades | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Disruption WeaponPvE God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Aggregate Charge ► Strangely, the lack of great perks on Refurbished A499 doesn’t take away from the power of its new Disruption archetype, providing one of the most consistent heavy damage profiles in the PvE sandbox. |
 Truth Rocket Launcher | Rocket Launcher | Heavy | Heavy | Forsaken Pack | Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack | Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: ExoticExotic Perk: "This weapon's rockets have tracking and detonate when they are within close proximity of their targets." ► Because it has insane tracking, Truth used to excel in Gambit. These days, newer tracking options such as Gjallarhorn and Eyes of Tomorrow can easily get the job done better. |
Destiny 2 PvE Meta
Every sandbox change comes with a new weapons 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.
We covered the absolute best PvE weapons this season, but it’s still important to understand how the different weapon types compare with each other.
PvE Primary weapons meta
| Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 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 |
 Hand Cannons | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Hand Cannons have shot up the rankings thanks to the changes introduced this Season, all the way up to the S tier. They have solid range and can dispatch enemies with complete ease in almost all difficulties. Hand Cannons have truly taken over the spotlight with their most recent buffs, and they shouldn't be leaving it any time soon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (140 RPM) - Example: Fatebringer | PVE Primaries |
 Auto Rifles | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A |  | ► Auto Rifles are in a good place right now, options like Khvostov are incredibly potent, and utility picks such as No Hesitation make Auto Rifles a very solid option for those wanting to use a good Primary Weapon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Khvostov 76-0X | 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 |
 Submachine Guns | B › Average | Average ❘ B |  | ► SMGs are not so hot anymore, due to the buffs to other weapon archetypes, as well as the prevalence of ability usage at close range, there is little space for SMGs to compete these days. ►Best Archetype- Aggressive (750 RPM) - Example: Unforgiven | PVE Primaries |
 Scout Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Scout Rifles are the definition of average right now. They can do the job just fine, you can plink away at enemies from a safe distance in high-level content; however, when it comes down to it, most players will prefer to use a Hand Cannon or SMG as they simply do the same job better and faster. Scouts aren't bad at all, but they certainly aren't a go-to ► Best Archetype: Lightweight (200 RPM) - Example: Tarnished Mettle | PVE Primaries |
 Sidearms | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | - | ► 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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 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 |
PvE Heavy weapons meta
| Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Exotic Sniper Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | | ► Main role: Single Target damage ► The recent buffs to certain Snipers, like Whisper of the Worm, and the Sniper's Meditation artifact mod make Exotic Sniper Rifles an easy, accessible, and powerful DPS option on bosses like The Witness in particular. Any boss that has a reasonable crit spot and a decently lengthed damage phase can be destroyed by Whisper right now, and you should definitely take advantage of it. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (72 RPM) - Example: Whisper of the Worm | PVE Heavies |
Grenade Launchers | S › Best | Best ❘ S | | ► Main role: Add Clear (Secondary role: Single Target Damage). ► Grenade Launchers have finally reached the apex of the DPS meta. Grenade Launchers like Edge Transit and Cataphract GL3 with Envious Assassin and Bait and Switch are incredibly powerful thanks to the amount of burst damage they can put out. Because of this, it's safe to say that Grenade Launchers belong in the top tier of PvE Heavies. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Edge Transit | PVE Heavies |
 Machine Guns | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | | ► Main role: Add Clear ► With the nerf to double-special loadouts, players can't mindlessly spam Machine Guns at enemies anymore and be rewarded for it. However, Machine guns are still excellent at ad clear and remain decent for DPS. That said, for DPS, they are massively outclassed by Rocket Launchers. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (900 RPM) - Example: Retrofit Escapade | PVE Heavies |
 Swords | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | | ► Main roles: Add Clear & Single Target damage (i.e. Boss damage). ► Swords are pretty decent right now. In fact, they are the go-to option for Crota in Crota's End and for the Herald of Finality in Salvation's Edge. However, this is only because of the design of the boss fight and a specific buff to Sword damage against Crota. Outside of these bosses, Swords are a decent but mediocre option as they are simply out-damaged by other heavy weapons. ► Best Archetype: Whirlwind - Example: Falling Guillotine | PVE Heavies |
 Rocket Launchers | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | | ► Main role: Burst Damage (Secondary role: Add Clear) ► Rockets aren't as good as they used to be, but they are still definitely usable. In most relevant content such as the most recent raid, Salvation's Edge, Rockets aren't too popular (outside of Still Hunt rotations). Despite this Rockets are still a competitive option, and they do some solid burst damage. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (20 RPM) - Example: Apex Predator | PVE Heavies |
Linear Fusion Rifles | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | | ► Main role: Single Target damage (Secondary role: Burst Damage) ► Linear Fusion Rifles might not be the top dogs anymore, but they are still serious contenders when it comes to total damage. Options like Cataclysmic and Briar's Contempt can still see some use in today's meta. However, despite their strengths, most situations do not require the amount of total damage that Linear Fusions offer, and if they do, options like Leviathan's Breath can fill that void very easily. ► Best Archetype: Precision (533 RPM) - Example: Reed's Regret | PVE Heavies |
What is the “Meta”? 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. The Meta can change in a heartbeat, but you can rest assured, though, this overview is up to date with the current season and will be updated as soon as a new meta arrives.
These are the different Tier levels used for these Tier lists:
- 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.
Remember that you can only equip one Exotic at a time, which means that finding the top Legendary weapons is extremely important too.
Before you go…
If you’re looking to take your game to the next level in PvE, definitely check out our Top PvP weapons round-up.
See latest Updates
We keep our content up to date! These are the latest changes made to this guide:
- July 11, 2025: Final update taking into account the release of Monument of Triumph.
- December 21, 2025: List updated to include Renegades weapons and take into account the current meta.
- August 25, 2025: General updates based on The Edge of Fate’s new weapons and Meta.
- April 1, 2025: General updates based on Episode 3’s Meta.
- July 26, 2024: General updates based on The Final Shape Meta and Episode 1 Meta.
- December 18, 2023: Updates based on the Season 23 meta and the replacement of Osteo Striga, Necrochasm, Ikelos SMG V1.0.3, Zaouli’s Bane, The Other Half Riptide, Nessa’s Oblation, Cold Comfort, Cataclysmic, and The Other Half.
- September 13, 2023: Updates based on the Season 22 meta and the replacement of Rufus’s Fury, Outbreak Perfected, Submission, Unforgiven, Arbalest, Iterative Loop, Cloudstrike, Thunderlord and The Hothead.
- May 1, 2023: Updates based on the Season 20 meta
- April 13, 2022: Updates based on Destiny 2’s Year 5 meta
- March 22, 2021: Updates based on Destiny 2’s Year 4 meta
- September 30, 2020: The guide is published for the first time.
Stay tuned, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for next season!
Good guide, Thank you!
I think you forgot to put the machine guns in the meta list. But it was very helpful! Thank you
Any updates coming to this with the overall weapons guide getting updated?
I’m working on it! This one is completely overdue and desperately needs an update… Sorry for the delay but I hope to have a proper refresh out by Monday the latest!
There’s a typo classing Deafening Whisper as a Fusion rifle
Damn, you’re right! Completely missed that one, thanks for the heads up!
PVE Energy weapons types are not correct.
What do you mean? I’m looking for something to correct but found nothing!
I think he meant you labeled IKELOS_SMG_V1.0.2 as an auto rifle, while in fact it’s an SMG (as suggested in its name lol)
Why is Trinity Ghoul listed as free to play. I thought it was only for the Forsaken DLC that you can get it.
Hilarious. scout rifles are B? sidearms are A ? pure BS . let me know your sidearm load out in a GM or Master raid please
Hi there I was looking over this and was wondering if you were going to be updating the guide for this season or if you were going to be updating it for Witch Queen. There are some outdated recommendations and some mistakes I saw in the loadouts. I’d like to be able to show my newbie friends this page but it’s kinda outdated.
For example you list Nation of Beasts as a kinetic weapon when it’s actually an arc primary hand cannon and you cannot pair it with the Seventh Seraph CQC
So many weapons are missing bro what
I think this would need an update with the season of plunder lol
Why is Taipan-4FR not listed here? The crafted god-roll for Taipan is an absolute staple in raids for boss DPS, with Veist, Firing Line, and Triple Tap. Nearly everyone is running it, and for good reason.
Instead of being rude, please add something constructive. What loadout do you prefer for GM and master raid? I’m sure other people could learn from your experiences.
S20 Machine Guns @ B ? They’re at least A.. Can’t go wrong with Thunderlord, retrofit or commemoration
wish ender is in the kinetic slot and is a primary ammo weapon. multiple guides you have made have wish ender under special/energy slot. very informative and great content – thank you!
Ok, I couldn’t understand as I have it as Kinetic/Primary in my database, and that’s also the case on this post. Found the issue on the loadout section, it has been corrected. Thank you for the heads up!