Best Breech-Loaded Grenade Launchers in Destiny 2 (Heresy)

Breech-loading grenade launchers, aka Special ammo Grenade launchers, have been at the top of the meta for years now. Buffs and nerfs have come and gone, but Special ammo GLs remain stronger than ever, especially in PvE.

This guide covers all Breech Grenade launchers (GL) in Destiny 2 and their best rolls for PvE and PvP.

Update based on Episode 3: Heresy. See Updates.

Top Tier Breech-Loading Grenade Launchers (Episode 3)

This Tier list features the best Exotic and Legendary breech-loading GLs right now, including the brand-new Psychopomp:

Item	Weapons	Type	Archetype	Ammo?	Element?	Requirements	In loot pool?	Rank	Source	Available?	Tier rank	Source ❘ DLC	Final Verdict	Released	Perks	Best of?
Forbearance	Forbearance Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Arc	The Witch Queen	Yes	S › Best	Vow of the Disciple Raid		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Vow of the Disciple Raid Witch Queen	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Ambitious Assassin (also good: Unrelenting) + Chain Reaction ► Forbearance is widely regarded as the best Wave Frame in the entire game. 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!	Season 16	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Ambitious Assassin (also good: Unrelenting) + Chain Reaction	Top-tier
The Mountaintop	The Mountaintop Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Micro-Missile	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Onslaught Activity		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Onslaught Activity Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Micro-Missile PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Demolitionist) + Frenzy or Recombination ► Mountaintop's return was long-awaited, and it was truly worth it. Maintaining its Micro-Missle intrinsic, it now sports random rolls that make it more powerful than ever, alongside letting you rocket jump when shooting the floor!	Into the Light	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Micro-Missile PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Demolitionist) + Frenzy or Recombination	Top-tier
Forbearance (Brave)	Forbearance (Brave) Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Onslaught Activity		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Onslaught Activity Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Ambitious Assassin (also good: Unrelenting) + Chain Reaction ► Forbearance is widely regarded as the best Wave Frame in the entire game. 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!	Into the Light	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Ambitious Assassin (also good: Unrelenting) + Chain Reaction	Top-tier
Liturgy	Liturgy Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Double Fire	Special	Stasis	Episode 2: Revenant	Yes	S › Best	Revenant Activities		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Revenant Activities Episode 2: Revenant	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Double Fire PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Rimestealer) + Chill Clip (also good: Chain Reaction)	Episode 2	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Double Fire PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Rimestealer) + Chill Clip (also good: Chain Reaction)	Top-tier
Psychopomp	Psychopomp Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Area Denial	Special	Arc	Episode 3: Heretic	Yes	S › Best	Heretical Activities		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Heretical Activities Episode 3: Heretic	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Area Denial PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Ambitious Assassin) + Rolling Storm (also good: Frenzy) ► Psychopomp brings something new to the energy slot Area-Denial grenade launchers. With good DPS options in the kinetic slot existing in Lost Signal and Liturgy, Psychopomp finally brings an alternative.	Episode 3	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Area Denial PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Ambitious Assassin) + Rolling Storm (also good: Frenzy)	Top-tier
Witherhoard	Witherhoard Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	Shadowkeep Pack	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk Shadowkeep Pack	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." ► With the introduction of area denial launchers, Witherhoard has seen less and less use. It's still a powerful weapon in its own right; there are just far better options out there to warrant taking this.	Season 11	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."	Top-tier
Lingering Dread	Lingering Dread Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Special	Stasis	Witch Queen Dungeon Key	Yes	A › Strong	Duality Dungeon		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Duality Dungeon Episode 3: Heretic	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE/PvP God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Ambitious Assassin) + Chill Clip ► Lingering Dread is the first of its kind. It's the first Special Stasis Grenade Launcher, and it comes with one of the newer Stasis perks, Chill Clip. However, despite the potential nuance that Chill Clip may bring, Lingering Dread doesn't shake up the meta. It is merely another 'pretty good' option.	Season 17	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE/PvP God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Ambitious Assassin) + Chill Clip	Top-tier
Truthteller	Truthteller Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	World loot pool		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	World loot pool Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Field Prep) + Demolitionist ► To this day, Truthteller remains a solid pick for any PvE content. While better void GLs have come into the mix, Truthteller's staying power lies within its perks. Whether it is Auto-Loading Holster + Demo or Field Prep + Swashbuckler, this GL will get the job done.	Season 11	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Field Prep) + Demolitionist	Top-tier
Deafening Whisper	Deafening Whisper Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	World loot pool		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	World loot pool Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Ambitious Assassin (also good: Lead From Gold) + Auto-Loading Holster ► Now heavily overshadowed by Harsh Language, Deafening Whisper is still a solid pick in the event its usurper eludes you. While it might lack any direct synergy, the old standby of Ambitious Assassin and Auto-Loading means that you'll always have a shot ready to go.	Season 12	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Ambitious Assassin (also good: Lead From Gold) + Auto-Loading Holster	Top-tier
Empty Vessel	Empty Vessel Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Vanguard Focusing		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Vanguard Focusing Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Ambitious Assassin) + Demolitionist ► Thanks to both Vanguard Focusing and Origin Traits, Empty Vessel is now one of the best GLs out there. While it still slightly suffers from its rather large perk pool, the aforementioned focusing and extra perks on reset mean a god roll can be yours in no time.	Season 14	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Ambitious Assassin) + Demolitionist	Top-tier
Pardon Our Dust	Pardon Our Dust Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Dares of Eternity		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Dares of Eternity Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Ambitious Assassin) + Vorpal Weapon ► Now craftable, Pardon Our Dust is as potent as ever. The old god rolls still work here, though you might be slightly disappointed to find out Danger Zone was removed from the pool. If you happen to have one with this perk, keep it!	30th Anniversary event	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Ambitious Assassin) + Vorpal Weapon	Top-tier
Explosive Personality	Explosive Personality Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Solar	The Witch Queen	Yes	A › Strong	Vox Obscura		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Vox Obscura Witch Queen	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.	Season 16	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy (also good: Auto-Loading Holster) + Frenzy (also good: One For All)	Top-tier
Harsh Language	Harsh Language Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Lost Sector		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Lost Sector Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Threat Detector) +Destabilizing Rounds (also good: Repulsor Brace) ► Harsh Language is, arguably, one of the best non-exotic greande launchers to date. The god roll of Envious Assassin and Destabilizing Rounds means this is functionally a Void Forbearance, perfect for build synergy. It's only downside? World Loot Drop.	Season 20	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Threat Detector) +Destabilizing Rounds (also good: Repulsor Brace)	Top-tier
Prodigal Return	Prodigal Return Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Special	Arc	Lightfall	Yes	A › Strong	Avalon		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Avalon Lightfall	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Rolls: Field Prep (also good: Envious Assassin) + Voltshot (also good: Demolitionist) ► The first GL to roll with Voltshot, Prodigal Return is an Arc main's dream come true. Field Prep will help keep Voltshot going on longer, while Envious will help you take down larger targets when paired with Adrenaline Junkie. Oh, and did I mention it is craftable?	Season 20	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Rolls: Field Prep (also good: Envious Assassin) + Voltshot (also good: Demolitionist)	Top-tier
New Pacific Epitaph	New Pacific Epitaph Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Stasis	Lightfall Dungeon Key	Yes	A › Strong	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon Lightfall Dungeon Key	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Demolitionist (also good: Lead from Gold) + Redirection (also good: Adrenaline Junkie) ► New Pacific Epitaph is our first handheld Stasis Waveframe. What it lacks in traditional rolls, it makes up for in uniqueness, as it is the only wave frame available to get Demolitionist. Paired with Redirection, and you'll find a GL that could slowly become a top pick.	Season 21	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Demolitionist (also good: Lead from Gold) + Redirection (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)	Top-tier
Wild Style	Wild Style Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Double Fire	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Double Fire PvE God Roll: Reconstruction or Envious Assassin + Incandescent or Vorpal Weapon ► Wild Style's perk pool got a facelift with TFS, and its now a solid option for your energy slot. Reconstruction lets you fire and forget, and Vorpal, as well as Bait and Switch, allows it to fit right into a damage rotation.	Season 23	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Double Fire PvE God Roll: Reconstruction or Envious Assassin + Incandescent or Vorpal Weapon	Top-tier
Tusk of the Boar	Tusk of the Boar Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Strand	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Iron Banner		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Iron Banner Free-to-Play	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Slideways or Slice + Chain Reaction or Hatchling ► One of very few Kinetic slot waveframe launchers, Tusk is a clear winner over New Pacific Epitaph. Not only does it get Chain Reaction, but it can also get both its associated subclass-focused perks. It also has access to a wider selection of reload assist perks, all things NPE lacks.	Season 23	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Slideways or Slice + Chain Reaction or Hatchling	Top-tier
Martyr's Retribution	Martyr's Retribution Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Solar	Episode 1: Echoes	Yes	A › Strong	Dawn Engrams		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Dawn Engrams Episode 1: Echoes	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Demolitionist) + Incandescent ► While Forbearance and similar options are extremely difficult to compete with, the new version of Martyr’s Retribution excels in its own right, containing perks we’ve never seen before on a wave frame grenade launcher. In PvE, Martyr’s main draw is synergy with Solar builds	The Final Shape	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Demolitionist) + Incandescent	Top-tier
Lost Signal	Lost Signal Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Area Denial	Special	Stasis	Episode 1: Echoes	Yes	A › Strong	Echoes Activities		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Echoes Activities Episode 1: Echoes	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Area Denial PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster + One For All or Vorpal Weapon ► Lost Signal is part of a brand-new grenade launcher Frame called Area Denial Frame. This new frame behaves similarly to the top-tier Witherhoard Exotic. Just like its forebearer, Lost Signal is great at dealing damage over time and creating ample crowd control.	The Final Shape	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Area Denial PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster + One For All or Vorpal Weapon	Top-tier

💠 We cover Heavy ammo Grenade launchers here.

Special Grenade Launchers: Complete List

This list includes every viable Special GL in the game, including the brand-new 

Art	Name	Type	Archetype	Rarity	Ammo?	Element?	Requirements	In loot pool?	Ammo	Element	Tier	Excels	Source	Craftable?	Requires	Released	Slot	Can be Crafted?	Best of?	Top Perk?
	Dead Messenger	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Special	Void	The Witch Queen	Yes	Special	Void	B › Average	-	Vox Obscura	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Craftable
	Ex Diris	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Arc	C › Weak	-	Exotic Kiosk	No	Free-to-Play	Season 22	Energy	No
	Witherhoard	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	Shadowkeep Pack	Yes	Special	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk	No	Shadowkeep Pack	Season 11	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Deafening Whisper	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvE	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 12	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Empty Vessel	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Vanguard Focusing	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Explosive Personality	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Special	Solar	The Witch Queen	Yes	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Vox Obscura	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier
	Forbearance	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Special	Arc	The Witch Queen	Yes	Special	Arc	S › Best	PvE	Vow of the Disciple Raid	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier	Bait and Switch
	Forbearance (Brave)	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Arc	S › Best	PvE	Onslaught Activity	No	Free-to-Play	Into the Light	Energy	No	Top-tier	Bait and Switch
	Harsh Language	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvE	Lost Sector	No	Free-to-Play	Season 20	Energy	No	Top-tier	Repulsor Brace
	Ignition Code	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Episode 2: Revenant	Yes	Special	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE	Splicer Engrams	No	Episode 2: Revenant	Episode 2	Kinetic	No
	Lingering Dread	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Stasis	Witch Queen Dungeon Key	Yes	Special	Stasis	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Duality Dungeon	No	Episode 3: Heretic	Season 17	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Liturgy	Grenade Launcher	Double Fire	Legendary	Special	Stasis	Episode 2: Revenant	Yes	Special	Stasis	S › Best	PvE	Revenant Activities	No	Episode 2: Revenant	Episode 2	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Lost Signal	Grenade Launcher	Area Denial	Legendary	Special	Stasis	Episode 1: Echoes	Yes	Special	Stasis	A › Strong	PvE	Echoes Activities	Yes	Episode 1: Echoes	The Final Shape	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier
	Martyr's Retribution	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Special	Solar	Episode 1: Echoes	Yes	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Dawn Engrams	No	Episode 1: Echoes	The Final Shape	Energy	No	Top-tier	Incandescent
	New Pacific Epitaph	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Special	Stasis	Lightfall Dungeon Key	Yes	Special	Stasis	A › Strong	PvE	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon	No	Lightfall Dungeon Key	Season 21	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Orewing's Maul	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	No	Special	Void	B › Average	PvP	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	No
	Pardon Our Dust	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE	Dares of Eternity	Yes	Free-to-Play	30th Anniversary event	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier
	Prodigal Return	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Arc	Lightfall	Yes	Special	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Avalon	Yes	Lightfall	Season 20	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier	Voltshot
	Psychopomp	Grenade Launcher	Area Denial	Legendary	Special	Arc	Episode 3: Heretic	Yes	Special	Arc	S › Best	PvE	Heretical Activities	No	Episode 3: Heretic	Episode 3	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Salvager's Salvo	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Arc	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Kiosk	No	Free-to-Play	Season 13	Energy	No
	The Militia's Birthright	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals	No	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Kinetic	No
	The Mountaintop	Grenade Launcher	Micro-Missile	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Kinetic	S › Best	PvE	Onslaught Activity	No	Free-to-Play	Into the Light	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Truthteller	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvE	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Tusk of the Boar	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Special	Strand	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Strand	A › Strong	PvE	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	Bait and Switch
	Undercurrent	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Arc	B › Average	PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Energy	No		Voltshot,Bait and Switch
	VS Velocity Baton	Grenade Launcher	Area Denial	Legendary	Special	Void	The Final Shape Dungeon Key	Yes	Special	Void	B › Average	PvE	Vesper's Host Dungeon	No	The Final Shape Dungeon Key	Episode 2	Energy	No
	Wild Style	Grenade Launcher	Double Fire	Legendary	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Energy	No	Top-tier	Incandescent,Bait and Switch
	Wilderflight	Grenade Launcher	Double Fire	Legendary	Special	Void	Witch Queen Dungeon Key	Yes	Special	Void	B › Average	PvE	Spire of the Watcher Dungeon	No	Episode 3: Heretic	Season 19	Energy	No		Repulsor Brace

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 Special Ammo GLs Today

Ready to dig deeper into the absolute best GLs in Destiny 2 right now? These are the cream of the crop, our favorites (for PvE and PvP):

5. Witherhoard

Excels in PVE and PVP

This wouldn’t be a proper Top 5 without the king, would it?

Witherhoard needs no introduction. This exotic GL has been a staple of the game since its release back in Season of Arrivals, and for very good reason. The damage over time effect makes this a monster in all modes, letting you take down larger targets in one or two shots, or locking down an area in PvP. It’s even used as part of many of the top DPS builds, solidifying its position as #1.

If there was ever an exotic worth the spoils and catalyst grind, it is Witherhoard.

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.”

How to get it: Witherhoard can be purchased at the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower.

Name: Witherhoard

Type: Grenade Launcher Archetype: Exotic

Ammo: Special Element: Kinetic

Craftable: No Released: Season 11

Source: Exotic Kiosk Requires: Shadowkeep Pack

4. Harsh Language

Excels in PvE

Dethroner of Deafening Whisper, Harsh Language clearly has some words for us. Hailing from Season of Defiance, Harsh Language was an instant favorite among the community.

Not only does it come with a slightly better version of Ambitious Assassin, but Destabilizing Rounds means volatile on command without sacrificing a fragment slot. Or you could go with Repulsor Brace for more defense if you’ve already got a good volatile build. The only downside of this amazing weapon? World Loot Drop.

• PvE God roll: Envious Assassin + Destabilizing Rounds

How to get it: Harsh Language is a World Pool Weapon that can be randomly acquired when completing activities and decrypting Legendary or Prime engrams.

Name: Harsh Language

Type: Grenade Launcher Archetype: Wave

Ammo: Special Element: Void

Craftable: No Released: Season 20

Source: Lost Sector Requires: Free-to-Play

3. The Mountaintop

Excels in PvE

Now more powerful in PvE than ever, The Mountaintop returns to claim its throne.

Re-released with Into the Light, Mountaintop now gets random rolls, with its micro-missile perk now being built into the frame! This means you can get that perfectly straight trajectory while also taking advantage of perks like Vorpal Weapon, Frenzy, and even Auto-Loading Holster! Truly a perfect kinetic weapon to pair with anything. These are the top The Mountaintop God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Auto-Loading Holster + Frenzy or Recombination

How to get it: The Mountaintop is a Brave weapon that can be acquired from the Onslaught Playlist.

Name: The Mountaintop

Type: Grenade Launcher Archetype: Micro-Missile

Ammo: Special Element: Kinetic

Craftable: No Released: Into the Light

Source: Onslaught Activity Requires: Free-to-Play

2. Psychopomp

Excels in PvE

Being an Area-Denial Grenade Launcher, Psychopomp is already quite a strong option. However, there is some stiff competition as Lost Signal and VS Velocity Baton are both powerful in their own way. With the Episode: Heresy Arc changes, notably the addition of Bolt Charge and the new perk ‘Rolling Storm’, Psychopomp could be used as a Bolt Charge generator with this perk. This would make it quite flexible but also excellent as a backup damage weapon, provided you have a reloading perk paired with it.

In PvP, Area-Denial Frames aren’t too popular, so unfortunately, we don’t see Psychopomp breaking much ground here. Additionally, no perks help it too much in terms of PvP viability. Psychopomp is S-Tier for PvE and D-tier for PvP. These are the top Psychopomp God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Envious Arsenal or Ambitious Assassin + Rolling Storm (also good: Frenzy)

How to get it: Psychopomp is a Heretical Weapon from Episode 3 that can be acquired within the Nether activity.

Name: Psychopomp

Type: Grenade Launcher Archetype: Area Denial

Ammo: Special Element: Arc

Craftable: No Released: Episode 3

Source: Heresy Activities Requires: Episode 3: Heretic

1. Forbearance (Brave)

Excels in PvE

Forbearance is returning with many of the same perks, which immediately makes it one of the best weapons in the entire game. However, somehow, Forbearance has reached another level as it has come with Demolitionist, a brilliant perk for builds involving Grenades.

In PvP, Forbearance isn’t too good, as it comes with hardly any PvP-focused perks. While certain Wave Frames are decent in PvP, like Explosive Personality, Forbearance doesn’t really follow this trend.

Forbearance, especially the BRAVE variant, is a game-changer in PvE. Packed with a plethora of powerful perks, both old and new, Forbearance can single-handedly take care of your add-clearing needs. It’s a must-have for any player serious about PvE in Destiny 2. These are the top Forbearance God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Demolitionist (also good: Ambitious Assassin) + Chain Reaction

How to get it: Forbearance is a Brave weapon that can be acquired from the Onslaught Playlist.

Name: Forbearance (Brave)

Type: Grenade Launcher Archetype: Wave

Ammo: Special Element: Arc

Craftable: No Released: Into the Light

Source: Onslaught Activity Requires: Free-to-Play

Special GLs and the PvP Meta

We covered which grenade launchers are considered top-tier (and should be farmed) and which can be safely ignored. But how do they compare to other Special weapons in PvP?

Weapon Type	Rank	Tier	Trend	Role ❘ Current State	Category
Shotguns	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► With the introduction of fixed (and consistent) pellet spread patterns per archetype and the reversal of some widely disliked nerfs, Shotguns are finally back. With consistent changes in the right direction, Shotguns are once more a staple pick among many PvP players. ► Best Archetype: Precision (65 RPM) - Example: Matador 64	PVP Specials
Fusion Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► Fusion Rifles have been at the top of the meta for a while now, and it doesn't seem to be changing. Fusions can cover the close to medium ranges excellently, and a good Fusion Rifle player can be incredibly frustrating to play against, no matter the range of the engagement. ► Best Archetype: Precision (780ms Charge Time) - Example: Main Ingredient	PVP Specials
Sniper Rifles	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► Sniper Rifles are still remarkably powerful, but due to certain flinch changes, they've become slightly harder to use. All this, as well as how strong certain Shotguns are, it's natural for Snipers to fall down a tier, but they are still strong, especially in Trials of Osiris. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (90 RPM)- Example: Beloved	PVP Specials
Linear Fusion Rifles	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A	-	► The special ammo Linear Fusion category of weapon is rather barren, but the two weapons that occupy it, Arbalest and Lorentz Driver, are both forces to be reckoned with. While they have received some deserved nerfs throughout Seasons 17-19, they remain a solid choice for many players wanting a long range option.	PVP Specials
Trace Rifles	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► Trace Rifles are quite a niche pick and will fall short as a competitive option in most players' hands. Even once you learn to master Trace Rifles, you'll be better off with a Special weapon that can provide a one-hit-kill t rather than one that can be out-dueled by a Primary weapon. ► All Archetypes are 1000 RPM - Best Option: Coldheart	PVP Specials
Glaives	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► With their buffs in Season 19 and the hit registration improvements they've seen, Glaives can be quite annoying to play against. That said, they are outclassed by other mid/long range options and can't compete at close range due to their lackluster melee. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (55 RPM)- Example: The Enigma	PVP Specials
Grenade Launchers	C › Weak	Weak ❘ C	-	► Grenade Launchers are annoying to play against, and that's about it. They can be used in a hot-swap loadout, but you'll be better served by a Bow like Le Monarque. Grenade launchers can put pressure on your enemies, but they can't bring the heat like some other Special Weapons can. ► Best Archetype: Lightweight - Example: Truthteller	PVP Specials

Remember that when it comes to PvP, TTK is perhaps the most important factor. As you know, the lower the TTK, the faster you can kill your opponent. We have a TTK guide/chart that includes TTK figures, but that mostly applies to Primary weapons, not Specials.

For PvP, you want a Special weapon that can consistently get you a one-hit kill. Special ammo Grenade launchers are not always the best on that front, but they are great at dealing enough damage with one shot so that its user can quickly swap weapons and get an easy cleanup kill.

Special GLS and the PvE Meta

How do Breech-loading GLs compare to other Special weapons in PvE?

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

Keep in mind that when it comes to PvE, DPS is one of the most important factors. As you know, the higher the DPS, the more damage you can deal to a Boss or Major. This D2 DPS chart includes the DPS numbers for every weapon in Destiny 2.

Breech-loading GLs are extremely good at ad clear, especially those with Chain Reaction. When it comes to actual DPS, Special ammo GLs are in a good place:

-	Weapon Type	Archetype	Sustained DPS	Mag DPS	Total Damage	Specs	---	Best in Class	Change?	Ammo
	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	16027	16027		Max "Enrage"		Ex Diris		Special
	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	9779	9779		-		Witherhoard	Same	Special
	Grenade Launcher	Double Fire	9490	9490	322854	-		Wilderflight	Same	Special
	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	7757	7757	289041	-		Ignition Code	Same	Special
	Grenade Launcher	Wave	6741	6741	251160	-		Forbearance	Same	Special
	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	6741	6741	251160	-		Dead Messenger		Special

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 Shotguns in Destiny 2, too.

You now know everything there is to know about breech-loaded grenade launchers in Destiny 2, whether that is for PvP or PvE content.