Best Breech Loading Grenade Launchers in Destiny 2

Breech Loading Grenade launchers, aka Special ammo Grenade launchers, have been dominating the meta since the days of The Mountaintop. Buffs and nerfs have come and go, but Special ammo GLs remain stronger than ever, especially in PvE.

This guide covers every Breech Grenade launcher (GL) in Destiny 2, including Exotic and Legendaries, as well as the best rolls for PvE and PvP.

Updated as of Season of the Deep (S21).

Destiny 2 Breech-loading GLs Tier List: Top-tier Options

This Tier list features the Top-tier Exotic and Legendary breech loading GLs in the game and covers both PvE and PvP:

Name	Weapons	Type	Archetype	Ammo	Element	Requirements	In loot pool?	Rank	Source	Available?	Tier rank	Source ❘ DLC	Final Verdict	Released	Perks	Best of?
Witherhoard	Witherhoard	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	Shadowkeep	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Kiosk		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk Shadowkeep	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." ► Even a few nerfs to this GL couldn't knock it out of the top spot. A true fire-and-forget weapon, Witherhoard can deal with all manner of enemies in just a few shots. Whether it is used as part of a damage rotation, or just to lock an area down, Witherhoard reigns supreme.	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
Salvager's Salvo	Salvager's Salvo	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Kiosk		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Ambitious Assassin (also good: Demolitionist) + Chain Reaction ► Salvager's Salvo is incredibly easy to obtain and is still an extremely powerful option. This is a versatile weapon with its set rolls, allowing for some backup boss damage or some of the best add clear in the game. It is perhaps slightly outmatched by Forbearance but remains close due to how easy it is to get.	Season 13	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Ambitious Assassin (also good: Demolitionist) + Chain Reaction	Top-tier
Ignition Code	Ignition Code	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	World loot pool		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	World loot pool Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Slideshot (also good: Ambitious Assassin) + Frenzy ► Breech-Loaded Grenade Launchers are very strong right now, and Ignition Code is no exception. Being the first Grenade Launcher to roll with Slideshot, it lands some points for uniqueness, but with Slideshot, you can deal high DPS or constantly blind enemies over and over.	Season 14	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Slideshot (also good: Ambitious Assassin) + Frenzy	Top-tier
Dead Messenger	Dead Messenger	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Special	Void	The Witch Queen	Yes	S › Best	Vox Obscura		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Vox Obscura The Witch Queen	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "One-shot handheld Grenade Launcher. Projectiles release a fan of three energy waves on contact with the ground. You can change damage type, cycling between Solar, Arc, and Void." ► While its potency in PvP was toned down, Dead Messenger continues to excel in PvE. Lacking the range of a typical wave frame, the tri-shot allows for a more direct approach, and the ability to swap between three energy types means perfect synergy with any Light subclass!	Season 16	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "One-shot handheld Grenade Launcher. Projectiles release a fan of three energy waves on contact with the ground. You can change damage type, cycling between Solar, Arc, and Void."	Top-tier
Forbearance	Forbearance	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 The 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
Harsh Language	Harsh Language	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Lost Sector		Best ❘ S 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	Lightweight	Special	Arc	Season 20	Yes	S › Best	Seasonal activity		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Seasonal activity Season 20	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
Lingering Dread	Lingering Dread	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Special	Stasis	Deluxe Edition	Yes	A › Strong	Duality Dungeon		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Duality Dungeon Deluxe Edition	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	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	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	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	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	Wave	Special	Solar	The Witch Queen	Yes	A › Strong	Vox Obscura		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Vox Obscura The 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
New Pacific Epitaph	New Pacific Epitaph	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Stasis	Deluxe Edition	Yes	A › Strong	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon Deluxe Edition	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

Destiny 2 Special Grenade Launchers: The complete list

This database includes every viable Special GL currently in the game:

Art	Weapon	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	Best ❘ S	PvE	Vox Obscura		The Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier
	Ex Diris	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Special	Arc	Season 22	Yes	Special	Arc	-		Season Pass		Season 22	Season 22	Energy	No
	Witherhoard	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	Shadowkeep	Yes	Special	Kinetic	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk		Shadowkeep	Season 11	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Deafening Whisper	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Void	Strong ❘ A	PvE	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 12	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Empty Vessel	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Solar	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Vanguard Focusing		Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Explosive Personality	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Special	Solar	The Witch Queen	Yes	Special	Solar	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Vox Obscura		The Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier
	Forbearance	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Special	Arc	The Witch Queen	Yes	Special	Arc	Best ❘ S	PvE	Vow of the Disciple Raid		The Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier
	Harsh Language	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Void	Best ❘ S	PvE	Lost Sector		Free-to-Play	Season 20	Energy	No	Top-tier	Repulsor Brace
	Ignition Code	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Kinetic	Best ❘ S	PvE	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 14	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Lingering Dread	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Stasis	Deluxe Edition	Yes	Special	Stasis	Strong ❘ A	PvE + PvP	Duality Dungeon		Deluxe Edition	Season 17	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	New Pacific Epitaph	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Special	Stasis	Deluxe Edition	Yes	Special	Stasis	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon		Deluxe Edition	Season 21	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Orewing's Maul	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	No	Special	Void	Average ❘ B	PvP	Iron Banner		Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	No
	Pardon Our Dust	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Kinetic	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Dares of Eternity		Free-to-Play	30th Anniversary event	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier
	Prodigal Return	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Arc	Season 20	Yes	Special	Arc	Best ❘ S	PvE	Seasonal activity		Season 20	Season 20	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier	Voltshot
	Salvager's Salvo	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Arc	Best ❘ S	PvE	Exotic Kiosk		Free-to-Play	Season 13	Energy	No	Top-tier
	The Militia's Birthright	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Kinetic	Average ❘ B	PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Free-to-Play	Season 18	Kinetic	No
	Truthteller	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Void	Strong ❘ A	PvE	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Undercurrent	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Arc			Nightfall: The Ordeals		Free-to-Play	Season 23	Energy	No		Voltshot
	Wilderflight	Grenade Launcher	Double Fire	Legendary	Special	Void	Deluxe Edition	Yes	Special	Void	Average ❘ B	PvE	Spire of the Watcher Dungeon		Deluxe Edition	Season 19	Energy	No		Repulsor Brace

These are the different Tier levels used for our list:

• S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapons in our Tier List.
• A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapons, 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.

Best Destiny 2 Special Grenade Launchers in 2023

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.

Art	Weapon	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?
	Witherhoard	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	Shadowkeep	Yes	Special	Kinetic	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk		Shadowkeep	Season 11	Kinetic	No	Top-tier

4. Prodigal Return

Excels in PvE

Prodigal Return answers the question: “What if Salvager’s Salvo, but better?”

Dropping the same season as Harsh Language, Prodigal Return made waves thanks to having the coveted Voltshot perk. While not as instantly powerful as Chain Reaction, Voltshot synergizes with Arc 3.0, allowing for hefty ability uptime via Ionic Traces. Even outside of this, Voltshot makes for an excellent room-clearing perk in and of itself.

Better get it while the getting’s good. That is to say, craft it before the next DLC, or you might regret it.

PvE God roll:

• Perk 1: Field Prep
• Perk 2: Voltshot

How to get it: Prodigal Return can be acquired by completing Seasonal activities and focusing Engrams.

Art	Weapon	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?
	Prodigal Return	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Arc	Season 20	Yes	Special	Arc	Best ❘ S	PvE	Seasonal activity		Season 20	Season 20	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier	Voltshot

3. Pardon Our Dust

Excels in PvE

Cheekily named, Pardon Our Dust is truly the workhorse of GLs

Released with the 30th Anniversary DLC, Pardon Our Dust had some stiff competition from Ignition Code, which had released a season prior. While it lacks Slideshot, the crafting changes means this is now much easier to land a god roll, especially since both of these GLs now only come from Dares of Eternity.

Grab your farming boots and head over to Eternity to lock down your god roll today!

PvE God roll:

• Perk 1: Auto-Loading Holster
• Perk 2: Vorpal Weapon

How to get it: Pardon Our Dust can be acquired by completing Dares of Eternity runs or turning in Treasure keys in Eternity.

Art	Weapon	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?
	Pardon Our Dust	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Kinetic	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Dares of Eternity		Free-to-Play	30th Anniversary event	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier

2. 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.

PvE God roll:

• Perk 1: Envious Assassin
• Perk 2: Destabilizing Rounds

How to get it: Harsh Language can be randomly acquired as end-of-match activities, from the Gunsmith, Legendary engrams and Prime engrams.

Art	Weapon	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?
	Harsh Language	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Void	Best ❘ S	PvE	Lost Sector		Free-to-Play	Season 20	Energy	No	Top-tier	Repulsor Brace

1. Forbearance

Excels in PvE

Coming from the Vow of the Disciple raid, this Arc Waveframe GL almost instantly dethroned Salvager’s Salvo due to having the same roll, but better. Not only is this an extremely powerful weapon due to its perk pool and frame, but the Origin Trait, “Souldrinker”, heals on reload based on hits. Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see why this is near broken levels of power.

Grab 5 of your buddies and tackle the first Disciple for a chance at this legendary GL!

PvE God roll:

• Perk 1: Ambitious Assassin
• Perk 2: Chain Reaction

How to get it: Forbearance can be acquired from the Vow of the Disciple raid.

Art	Weapon	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?
	Forbearance	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Special	Arc	The Witch Queen	Yes	Special	Arc	Best ❘ S	PvE	Vow of the Disciple Raid		The Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier

Special GLs and the PvP Meta: TTK

We covered in detail 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
Sniper Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► Sniper Rifles are in an excellent spot right now. After the nerfs to Linear Fusion Rifles, it only makes sense that Sniper usage picked up. And with weapons that come stacked with aim assist and excellent perks, such as the Defiance of Yasmin or Beloved, it's easy to see why Snipers have risen up the ranks. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (90 RPM) - Example: Beloved	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
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: DPS

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 absolutely insane right now. There were a ton of viable options already and newer options, such as The Eremite, can roll with perk combinations that can turn them into monsters. This, on top of certain Exotic options like Merciless, makes Fusion Rifles a staple option for either backup DPS or just general major clear. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (500ms Charge Time) - Example: Cartesian Coordinate	PVE Specials
Shotguns	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► Shotguns are excellent right now. They can be used in traditional hot-swap loadouts when combined with Tractor Cannon in a raid setting, and they remain strong at both major clear and burst damage. However, they can achieve some of the highest damage combos in the game due to their ease of use, high burst damage, and perks like One-Two Punch. ► Best Archetype: Lightweight (90 RPM) - Example: Wastelander M5	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	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► Sniper Rifles have improved a tad, but not that much. They are still too slow for most players' liking, but they can still be a solid backup DPS option. These are commonly used in many longer-range DPS scenarios, but other than that, they remain mediocre. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (140 RPM) - Example: Supremacy	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	Average DPS	Burst DPS	Total Damage	Specs	---	Best in Class	Change?	Ammo
	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	6,779	15,617	197,809	With Spike Grenades		Ignition Code	Same	Special
	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	6,241	14,376	182,096	-		Ignition Code	Same	Special
	Grenade Launcher	Wave	6,241	14,376	182,096	-		Forbearance	Same	Special
	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	3,601	-	740,985	-		Witherhoard	Same	Special

Your turn

You now know everything there is to know about breech loading GLs in Destiny 2, whether that is for PvP or PvE content.