Best Breech-Loaded Grenade Launchers in Destiny 2 (Edge of Fate)

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 (GLs) in Destiny 2 and their best rolls for PvE and PvP.

Updated as of The Edge of Fate. See Updates.

Top Tier Breech-Loading Grenade Launchers

These are the best Exotic and Legendary Breech Grenade Launchers right now (those we consider A-Tier or better):

Item	Weapon	Type	Archetype	Ammo?	Element?	Requirements	Rank	Source	Tier Rank	Source ❘ DLC	Verdict	Released	Perks	Best of?
The Mountaintop	The Mountaintop Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Micro-Missile	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	S › Best	Onslaught Activity	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Onslaught Activity Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Micro-Missile PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Demolitionist) PvP God Roll: Impulse Amplifier + Harmony (also good: Vorpal Weapon) ► 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) PvP God Roll: Impulse Amplifier + Harmony (also good: Vorpal Weapon)	Top-tier
Lost Signal	Lost Signal Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Area Denial	Special	Stasis	Episode 1: Echoes	S › Best	Echoes Activities	❘ S 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
VS Velocity Baton	VS Velocity Baton Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Area Denial	Special	Void	The Final Shape Dungeon Key	S › Best	Vesper's Host Dungeon	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Vesper's Host Dungeon The Final Shape Dungeon Key	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Area Denial PvE 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.	Episode 2	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Area Denial PvE God Roll: Demolitionist or Repulsor Brace + Attrition Orbs or Destabilizing Rounds	Top-tier
Festival Flight	Festival Flight Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Area Denial	Special	Strand	Free-to-Play	S › Best	Event: Solstice	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Event: Solstice Free-to-Play	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Area Denial PvE 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!	The Edge of Fate	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Area Denial PvE God Roll: Demolitionist or Blast Distributor (also good: Slice) + Elemental Honing or One-For-All (also good: Attrition Orbs)	Top-tier
Motif-41	Motif-41 Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Area Denial	Special	Solar	Renegades	S › Best	Seasonal activity	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Seasonal activity Renegades	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Area Denial PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Wellspring or Heal Clip) + Incandescent or Attrition Orbs (also good: Master of Arms) ► Motif-41 may not be top of the pile in any specific niche like DPS, utility, or buildcrafting, it does a solid job as a “jack of all trades, master of none” area-denial, and for that alone, we strongly recommend you have one in your arsenal.	Renegades	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Area Denial PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Wellspring or Heal Clip) + Incandescent or Attrition Orbs (also good: Master of Arms)	Top-tier
Gizmo Weft	Gizmo Weft Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Micro-Missile	Special	Strand	Renegades	S › Best	Event: Dawning	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Event: Dawning Renegades	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Micro-Missile PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Slideshot, Air Trigger) + Elemental Honing (also good: Aggregate Charge, Bait and Switch) ► Gizmo Weft feels like a real treat during this festive event. Carrying some of the most desirable perks in the current sandbox, it is the gift that keeps on giving in PvE and a must-have chase during this year's event.	Renegades	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Micro-Missile PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Slideshot, Air Trigger) + Elemental Honing (also good: Aggregate Charge, Bait and Switch)	Top-tier
Explosive Personality	Explosive Personality Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Solar	The Witch Queen	A › Strong	Vox Obscura	❘ 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
Forbearance	Forbearance Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Arc	The Witch Queen	A › Strong	Vow of the Disciple Raid	❘ A 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
Wilderflight	Wilderflight Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Double Fire	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Spire of the Watcher Dungeon	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Spire of the Watcher Dungeon Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Double Fire PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Auto-Loading Holster) + Bait and Switch (also good: Withering Gaze) ► Wilderflight lands firmly as your explosive void DPS rotation weapon, and fills a niche that not many weapons can compete with. With Envious Arsenal and Bait and Switch, Wilderflight won’t be one to miss.	Season 19	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Double Fire PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Auto-Loading Holster) + Bait and Switch (also good: Withering Gaze)	Top-tier
Harsh Language	Harsh Language Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Lost Sector	❘ 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
New Pacific Epitaph	New Pacific Epitaph Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Stasis	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Demolitionist (also good: Lead from Gold) + Redirection or Chain Reaction ► New Pacific Epitaph was rather popular upon its initial release, and the new variant that released with Rite of the Nine is even better. While it’s not at the top of the pack even when compared to other wave frame grenade launchers, this kinetic slot weapon can still pack a punch.	Season 21	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Demolitionist (also good: Lead from Gold) + Redirection or Chain Reaction	Top-tier
Wild Style	Wild Style Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Double Fire	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Nightfall: The Ordeals	❘ 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	A › Strong	Iron Banner	❘ 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
Forbearance (Brave)	Forbearance (Brave) Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Onslaught Activity	❘ A 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
Martyr's Retribution	Martyr's Retribution Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Solar	Episode 1: Echoes	A › Strong	Dawn Engrams	❘ 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
Liturgy	Liturgy Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Double Fire	Special	Stasis	Episode 2: Revenant	A › Strong	Revenant Activities	❘ A 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) ► Liturgy is one of a select few double-fire grenade launchers, and thankfully the perks on it really let it take advantage of this uniqueness. Effective at champion stunning or room clearing, this is as good as it gets.	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: Heresy	A › Strong	Heresy Activities	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Heresy Activities Episode 3: Heresy	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
Theodolite	Theodolite Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Micro-Missile	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Pinnacle Ops	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Pinnacle Ops Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Micro-Missile PvE God Roll: Reconstruction (also good: Blast Distributor, Eddy Current) + Elemental Honing (also good: Voltshot, Frenzy) ► Theodolite could be one of the sleeper weapons of Edge of Fate. With the right perks, it can also take chunks out of some tankier foes, so for fans of The Mountaintop, it’s a great weapon to complement a damage-focused loadout.	The Edge of Fate	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Micro-Missile PvE God Roll: Reconstruction (also good: Blast Distributor, Eddy Current) + Elemental Honing (also good: Voltshot, Frenzy)	Top-tier
Romantic Death	Romantic Death Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Void	The Edge of Fate	A › Strong	Seasonal Events	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Seasonal Events The Edge of Fate	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace (also good: Stats for All) + Destabilizing Rounds (also good: One for All) ► A fantastic weapon to suit any Void build and even outside of that, Romantic Death is basically a Void Forbearance, which was recognised as one of the best guns ever to grace Destiny 2. It works in all levels of content and is a must-have for any Guardian arsenal.	Ash & Iron	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace (also good: Stats for All) + Destabilizing Rounds (also good: One for All)	Top-tier
Permafrost	Permafrost Grenade Launcher	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Special	Stasis	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Event: Dawning	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Event: Dawning Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Rimestealer (also good: Demolitionist) + Crystalline Corpsebloom (also good: Reaper’s Tithe) ► Permafrost is a unique addition to the Special Grenade Launcher landscape. Coming with a nice variety of perks, Permafrost will be a welcome addition for any Wave-Frame users.	Renegades	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Wave PvE God Roll: Rimestealer (also good: Demolitionist) + Crystalline Corpsebloom (also good: Reaper’s Tithe)	Top-tier

💠 We cover Heavy ammo Grenade launchers here.

Special Grenade Launchers: Complete List

Art	Name	Type	Archetype	Rarity	Requirements	Ammo	Element	Tier	Excels	Source	Craftable?	Requires	Released	Slot	Ammo?	Element?	Can be Crafted?	Best of?	Rank
	Dead Messenger	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	The Witch Queen	Special	Void	B › Average	PvE	Vox Obscura	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Special	Void	Craftable		B › Average
	Ex Diris	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Free-to-Play	Special	Arc	A › Strong	-	Exotic Kiosk	No	Free-to-Play	Season 22	Energy	Special	Arc	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Witherhoard	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Shadowkeep Pack	Special	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk	No	Shadowkeep Pack	Season 11	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	No		B › Average
	Deafening Whisper	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvE	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 12	Energy	Special	Void	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Empty Vessel	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Vanguard Focusing	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	Special	Solar	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Explosive Personality	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	The Witch Queen	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Vox Obscura	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Special	Solar	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Festival Flight	Grenade Launcher	Area Denial	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Strand	S › Best	PvE	Event: Solstice	No	Free-to-Play	The Edge of Fate	Kinetic	Special	Strand	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Forbearance	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	The Witch Queen	Special	Arc	S › Best	PvE	Vow of the Disciple Raid	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 16	Energy	Special	Arc	Craftable	Top-tier	S › Best
	Forbearance (Brave)	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Arc	S › Best	PvE	Onslaught Activity	No	Free-to-Play	Into the Light	Energy	Special	Arc	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Gizmo Weft	Grenade Launcher	Micro-Missile	Legendary	Renegades	Special	Strand			Events	No	Renegades	Renegades	Kinetic	Special	Strand	No
	Harsh Language	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvE	Lost Sector	No	Free-to-Play	Season 20	Energy	Special	Void	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Ignition Code	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Episode 2: Revenant	Special	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE	Splicer Engrams	No	Episode 2: Revenant	Episode 2	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	No		B › Average
	Lingering Dread	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Witch Queen Dungeon Key	Special	Stasis	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Duality Dungeon	No		Season 17	Kinetic	Special	Stasis	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Liturgy	Grenade Launcher	Double Fire	Legendary	Episode 2: Revenant	Special	Stasis	S › Best	PvE	Revenant Activities	No	Episode 2: Revenant	Episode 2	Kinetic	Special	Stasis	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Lost Signal	Grenade Launcher	Area Denial	Legendary	Episode 1: Echoes	Special	Stasis	A › Strong	PvE	Echoes Activities	Yes	Episode 1: Echoes	The Final Shape	Kinetic	Special	Stasis	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Martyr's Retribution	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Episode 1: Echoes	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Dawn Engrams	No	Episode 1: Echoes	The Final Shape	Energy	Special	Solar	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Motif-41	Grenade Launcher	Area Denial	Legendary	Renegades	Special	Solar	S › Best	PvE	Seasonal activity	No	Renegades	Renegades	Energy	Special	Solar	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	New Pacific Epitaph	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Stasis	A › Strong	PvE	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 21	Kinetic	Special	Stasis	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Orewing's Maul	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Void	B › Average	PvP	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	Special	Void	No		B › Average
	Pardon Our Dust	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE	Dares of Eternity	Yes	Free-to-Play	30th Anniversary event	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Permafrost	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Stasis			Event: Dawning	No	Free-to-Play	Renegades	Kinetic	Special	Stasis	No
	Prodigal Return	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Lightfall	Special	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Avalon	Yes	Lightfall	Season 20	Energy	Special	Arc	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Psychopomp	Grenade Launcher	Area Denial	Legendary	Episode 3: Heresy	Special	Arc	S › Best	PvE	Heresy Activities	No	Episode 3: Heresy	Episode 3	Energy	Special	Arc	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Romantic Death	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	The Edge of Fate	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvE	Seasonal Events	No	The Edge of Fate	Ash & Iron	Energy	Special	Void	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Salvager's Salvo	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Arc	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Kiosk	No	Free-to-Play	Season 13	Energy	Special	Arc	No		B › Average
	The Militia's Birthright	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals	No	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	No		B › Average
	The Mountaintop	Grenade Launcher	Micro-Missile	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Kinetic	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Onslaught Activity	No	Free-to-Play	Into the Light	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Theodolite	Grenade Launcher	Micro-Missile	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Pinnacle Ops	No	Free-to-Play	The Edge of Fate	Energy	Special	Arc	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Truthteller	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvE	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	Special	Void	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Tusk of the Boar	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Strand	A › Strong	PvE	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Kinetic	Special	Strand	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Undercurrent	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Arc	B › Average	PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Energy	Special	Arc	No		B › Average
	VS Velocity Baton	Grenade Launcher	Area Denial	Legendary	The Final Shape Dungeon Key	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvE	Vesper's Host Dungeon	No	The Final Shape Dungeon Key	Episode 2	Energy	Special	Void	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Wild Style	Grenade Launcher	Double Fire	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Energy	Special	Solar	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Wilderflight	Grenade Launcher	Double Fire	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvE	Spire of the Watcher Dungeon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 19	Energy	Special	Void	No	Top-tier	A › Strong

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.

Top 5 Special Grenade Launchers: Deep Dive

5. The Mountaintop

Excels in PvE and PvP

Despite significant nerfs before it was sunset with Beyond Light, The Mountaintop continues to dominate the current meta. While the micro missile frame was heavily nerfed in The Crucible, it retained its potency in PvE, allowing it to excel past most competition right out of the gate. This, in addition to its absolutely stacked perk pool (Lead from Gold, Auto-Loading Holster, Recombination, Frenzy, Vorpal Weapon, etc.), makes for a weapon that’s almost guaranteed to be the star of the show in PvE.

In comparison, The Mountaintop isn’t as exciting in PvP. While it does retain some of its power (mainly in the form of ease of use), there are still other options that seem to out-compete it. These are the top The Mountaintop God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Demolitionist)
• PvP God roll: Impulse Amplifier + Harmony (also good: Vorpal Weapon)

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

4. Psychopomp

Excels in PvE

As an Area-Denial Grenade Launcher, Psychopomp is a strong option for PvE. However, there is some stiff competition as Lost Signal and VS Velocity Baton are both powerful in their own way. With the changes introduced to Arc with Episode: Heresy, notably the addition of Bolt Charge and the new Rolling Storm perk, Psychopomp can be used as a Bolt Charge generator. This makes it quite flexible and 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 expect Psychopomp to break much ground there. Additionally, no perks help stand out in terms of PvP viability. These are the top Psychopomp God Rolls:

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

Name: Psychopomp

Type: Grenade Launcher Archetype: Area Denial

Ammo: Special Element: Arc

Craftable: No Released: Episode 3

Source: Heresy Activities Requires: Episode 3: Heresy

3. Lost Signal

Excels in PvE

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, creating a field (Stasis in this case) that lasts for some time and damages any enemies who enter its space. Just like its forebearer, Lost Signal is great at dealing damage over time and creating ample crowd control. While Lost Signal doesn’t have the same level of damage output as Withehorad, its advantage is that you get to save that coveted Exotic spot for another weapon of choice.

As with all episodic weapons available in Echoes, it comes packing the Radiolaria Transposer origin trait, which makes enemies explode into a pool of radiolarian fluid, even further amplifying Lost Signal’s area-of-effect capabilities. 

It is easy to recommend Lost Signal as a weapon in PvE. You can fire off the three-round burst of grenades into a crowd of enemies and sit back as Radiolarian fluid and Stasis go to work on your foes. However, in PvP, the weapon’s weak damage output compared to Witherhoard is unlikely to prove effective and cannot be recommended. These are the top Lost Signal God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Auto-Loading Holster + One For All or Vorpal Weapon

Name: Lost Signal

Type: Grenade Launcher Archetype: Area Denial

Ammo: Special Element: Stasis

Craftable: Yes Released: The Final Shape

Source: Echoes Activities Requires: Episode 1: Echoes

2. Vs Velocity Baton

Excels in PvE

VS Velocity Baton is a part of the new area denial family of grenade launchers, which only had one previous installment—Lost Signal. While that one was released with very little attention surrounding it, VS Velocity Baton seems like it could hold up a lot better. 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.

Area denial grenade launchers as a whole aren’t really used much in The Crucible, but VS Velocity Baton has a perk or two that could prove useful. Even so, if you’re looking for a weapon of this type to use in PvP, fully committing to Witherhoard is the play. These are the top VS Velocity Baton God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Demolitionist or Unrelenting + Attrition Orbs or Destabilizing Rounds

Name: VS Velocity Baton

Type: Grenade Launcher Archetype: Area Denial

Ammo: Special Element: Void

Craftable: No Released: Episode 2

Source: Vesper's Host Dungeon Requires: The Final Shape Dungeon Key

1. Festival Flight

Excels in PvE

Area denial launchers have been extremely popular and powerful since their debut last year. While they are nowhere close to other special weapons in terms of raw damage, their ability to lay down quick and potent area of effect (AoE) fields is what sets them apart.

Festival Flight is no different than the others in its family, though the perks here do lend to it being much stronger than its contemporaries. Practically all but one in columns 3 and 4 are excellent choices, and with the tier system guaranteeing double perks on Tier 3 drops, it’ll be hard not to find a god roll. These are the top Festival Flight God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Demolitionist or Blast Distributor (also good: Slice) + Elemental Honing or One-For-All (also good: Attrition Orbs)

Name: Festival Flight

Type: Grenade Launcher Archetype: Area Denial

Ammo: Special Element: Strand

Craftable: No Released: The Edge of Fate

Source: Event: Solstice Requires: Free-to-Play

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

Special GLs and the PvE Meta: DPS

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.

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

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. In 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.

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.