Combat Bows in Destiny 2 were rarely seen in the wild, with the exception of bow aficionados who couldn’t care less about “the meta.” But thanks in part to excellent Exotics, several buffs, and their ease of use in endgame PvE content, Bows are now a permanent fixture of today’s endgame.
This guide covers every Combat Bow in Destiny 2, including both Exotics and Legendaries, as well as the best rolls for PvE and PvP.
Updated as of Season of the Wish (S23). See Updates.
Destiny 2 Best Bows: Top-tier Options
This Tier list features the best Exotic and Legendary Combat Bows right now , including the Wish-Keeper and Wish-Ender exotics:
Item | Weapons | Type | Archetype | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Rank | Source | Available? | Tier rank | Source ❘ DLC | Final Verdict | Released | Perks | Best of? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Le Monarque | Le Monarque | Combat Bow | Exotic | Primary | Void | Forsaken Pack | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Kiosk | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack | Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Arrows fired quickly after a full draw become poison arrows. Precision hits with poison arrows spread poison to nearby enemies." ► Le Monarque is a ridiculously oppressive pick in PvP as it can be combined with a Hand Cannon to deliver blindingly fast combo kills with relative ease. It also comes with intrinsic Overload Arrows, which, combined with its poison effect, are highly effective against Overload Champions. This makes Le Monarque an incredible pick for PvE too. | Season 5 | Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Arrows fired quickly after a full draw become poison arrows. Precision hits with poison arrows spread poison to nearby enemies." | Top-tier | |
Point of the Stag | Point of the Stag | Combat Bow | Precision | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Iron Banner | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Iron Banner Free-to-Play | Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Archer's Tempo + Precision Instrument (also good: Golden Tricorn or Vorpal Weapon) PvP God Roll: Archer's Tempo (also good: Elemental Capacitor) + Swashbuckler ► Back with random rolls, Point of the Stag is even nastier than its first inception. With the ability to roll with Swashbuckler, this will easily be a favorite of any PvP bow user, and the old fixed roll is still there for the PvE mains. | Season 10 | Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Archer's Tempo + Precision Instrument (also good: Golden Tricorn or Vorpal Weapon) PvP God Roll: Archer's Tempo (also good: Elemental Capacitor) + Swashbuckler | Top-tier | |
Biting Winds | Biting Winds | Combat Bow | Precision | Primary | Kinetic | Beyond Light | Yes | S › Best | Empire Hunts | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Empire Hunts Beyond Light | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvEvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Swashbuckler ► Many Bow users love the Biting Winds. It has some brilliant perks for both PvE and PvP like Swashbuckler, Rapid Hit, Moving Target, Killing Wind, and more, making it a fan-favorite pick. | Season 12 | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvEvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Swashbuckler | Top-tier | |
Trinity Ghoul | Trinity Ghoul | Combat Bow | Exotic | Primary | Arc | Forsaken Pack | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Engram | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Exotic Engram Forsaken Pack | Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires an arrow that splits when released. Aiming down sights and fully drawing the bow both decrease the spread. Precision kills grant the next shot chain-lightning capabilities." ► Trinity Ghoul has always been brilliant for ad-clear, and that doesn't seem to be changing any time soon. Despite the more ability-focused meta we have right now, Trinity Ghoul is still a top contender for ad-clear in all PvE content. | Season 4 | Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires an arrow that splits when released. Aiming down sights and fully drawing the bow both decrease the spread. Precision kills grant the next shot chain-lightning capabilities." | Top-tier | |
Wish-Ender | Wish-Ender | Combat Bow | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Forsaken Pack | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Quest | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Exotic Quest Forsaken Pack | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "While aiming down sights with a fully drawn Bow, combatants behind walls are highlighted, and arrows pierce shields. Strong against Barrier Champions. One shot can over-penetrate multiple targets." ► Wish-Ender has never been this strong or popular. With the newfound intrinsic ability to deal with Anti Barrier Champions with ease, even in Master and Grandmaster levels, and the fact that it effectively hits 3 times per arrow due to its piercing perk, Wish-Ender is currently a monster in PvE. | Season 4 | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "While aiming down sights with a fully drawn Bow, combatants behind walls are highlighted, and arrows pierce shields. Strong against Barrier Champions. One shot can over-penetrate multiple targets." | Top-tier | |
Under Your Skin | Under Your Skin | Combat Bow | Precision | Primary | Void | The Witch Queen | Yes | S › Best | Vox Obscura | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Vox Obscura Witch Queen | Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Archer's Tempo + Successful Warm-up (also good: Explosive Head) ► Allowing you to reduce your draw time to unprecedented levels, Under Your Skin is an easy S-Tier pick. Both Archer's Tempo and Successful Warm-up won't reduce impact (damage per arrow), meaning you can keep doing the same damage while drawing arrows at the speed of light. | Season 16 | Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Archer's Tempo + Successful Warm-up (also good: Explosive Head) | Top-tier | |
Wolftone Draw | Wolftone Draw | Combat Bow | Precision | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Xûr | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Xûr Free-to-Play | Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Archer's Tempo + Adagio (also good: Frenzy) PvP God Roll: Archer's Tempo + Frenzy (also good: Harmony) ► Wolftone Draw is able to roll with a number of good perks, making it a solid option everywhere in the game. With options like Harmony allowing some crazy combos in PvP, Wolftone is a really nice choice. | Season 15 | Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Archer's Tempo + Adagio (also good: Frenzy) PvP God Roll: Archer's Tempo + Frenzy (also good: Harmony) | Top-tier | |
Whistler's Whim | Whistler's Whim | Combat Bow | Lightweight | Primary | Kinetic | Lightfall | Yes | A › Strong | Trials of Osiris | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Trials of Osiris Lightfall | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Kill Clip (also good: Archer's Tempo) PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Swaschbuckler (also good: Kill Clip ) ► Thanks to recent buffs, Whistler's Whim is arguably the strongest lightweight bow in Destiny 2 right now. Not only does it roll with solid damage perks for both PvP and PvE, but it has the highest accuracy of any lightweight! | Season 18 | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Kill Clip (also good: Archer's Tempo) PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Swaschbuckler (also good: Kill Clip ) | Top-tier | |
Lethophobia | Lethophobia | Combat Bow | Lightweight | Primary | Void | Season 23 | Yes | A › Strong | Seasonal activity | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Seasonal activity Season 23 | Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Successful Warmup + Golden Tricorn PvP God Roll: Steady Hand + Disruption Break ► Lethophobia is a bow swapper's dream come true. Rolling with Disruption Break means that most handcannons can clean up after a crit, and in PvE, Golden Tricorn lets you steam roll through ads and majors with ease. | Season 23 | Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Successful Warmup + Golden Tricorn PvP God Roll: Steady Hand + Disruption Break | Top-tier | |
Tyranny of Heaven | Tyranny of Heaven | Combat Bow | Lightweight | Primary | Solar | Forsaken Pack | Yes | A › Strong | Last Wish Raid | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Last Wish Raid Forsaken Pack | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Archer's Tempo + Explosive Head ► Now craftable, Tyranny of Heaven is a bow not to be slept on. It has the second highest accuracy of any Lightweight bow, and comes with a lethal perk pool that's sure to pique the interest of any bow user. | Season 4 | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Archer's Tempo + Explosive Head | Top-tier | |
Accrued Redemption | Accrued Redemption | Combat Bow | Precision | Primary | Kinetic | Shadowkeep | Yes | A › Strong | Garden of Salvation Raid | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Garden of Salvation Raid Shadowkeep | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Archer's Tempo + Rampage (also good: Explosive Head) ► Accrued Redemption is a solid bow, it can roll with Archer's Tempo and Explosive Head making it an excellent pick in PvE to quickly stagger targets at any distance. | Season 8 | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Archer's Tempo + Rampage (also good: Explosive Head) | Top-tier | |
Leviathan's Breath | Leviathan's Breath | Combat Bow | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Shadowkeep | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Kiosk | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Exotic Kiosk Shadowkeep | Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a massive heavy bolt that stuns unshielded combatants. Strong against Unstoppable Champions. When fully drawn, the bolt creates a large concussive blast that knocks combatants back." ► With a catalyst and a direct buff, Leviathan's Breath has gone from zero to hero. Not only does it make short work of Champions and apply Volatile! Plus, Leviathan's Breath is relatively easy to use and can put up some of the highest total damage numbers in the game. | Season 8 | Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a massive heavy bolt that stuns unshielded combatants. Strong against Unstoppable Champions. When fully drawn, the bolt creates a large concussive blast that knocks combatants back." | Top-tier | |
Strident Whistle | Strident Whistle | Combat Bow | Precision | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Vanguard Focusing | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Vanguard Focusing Free-to-Play | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Archer's Tempo + Incandescent (also good: Successful Warm-up) ► Bow players have been waiting long for the next Solar bow, and Strident Whistle doesn't disappoint. With new S-Tier perks like Successful Warm-up and Incandescent alongside old but reliable ones like Archer's Tempo and Explosive Head, this bow can fit any role you need. | Season 17 | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Archer's Tempo + Incandescent (also good: Successful Warm-up) | Top-tier | |
Raconteur | Raconteur | Combat Bow | Precision | Primary | Stasis | Season 20 | Yes | A › Strong | Seasonal activity | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Seasonal activity Season 20 | Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Archer’s Tempo + Headstone (also good: Explosive Head) ► While not the first Stasis bow, Raconteur is arguably the better one. Better perks and a better frame, Raconteur is sure to be a welcome addition for Stasis users in PvE. | Season 20 | Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Archer’s Tempo + Headstone (also good: Explosive Head) | Top-tier | |
Pre Astyanax IV | Pre Astyanax IV | Combat Bow | Precision | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Nightfall: The Ordeals | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Archer's Tempo + Successful Warmup (also good: Explosive Head) ► With its roll of Archer's Tempo and Successful Warmup, Pre Astynax is essenitally the new Hush. But if a 540 draw time isn't for you, it's got a swathe of perks that are sure to perform very well in any content. | Season 22 | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Archer's Tempo + Successful Warmup (also good: Explosive Head) | Top-tier |
Destiny 2 Bows: The complete list
This database includes every viable Bow 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wish-Ender | Combat Bow | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Forsaken Pack | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Best ❘ S | PvE | Exotic Quest | No | Forsaken Pack | Season 4 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | ||
Verglas Curve | Combat Bow | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Stasis | Season 20 | Yes | Primary | Stasis | Average ❘ B | PvE | Season Pass | No | Season 20 | Season 20 | Kinetic | No | |||
Wish-Keeper | Combat Bow | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Strand | Season 23 | Yes | Primary | Strand | Average ❘ B | PvE + PvP | Exotic Quest | Yes | Season 23 | Season 23 | Kinetic | Craftable | |||
Trinity Ghoul | Combat Bow | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Arc | Forsaken Pack | Yes | Primary | Arc | Best ❘ S | PvE | Exotic Engram | No | Forsaken Pack | Season 4 | Energy | No | Top-tier | ||
Le Monarque | Combat Bow | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Void | Forsaken Pack | Yes | Primary | Void | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Exotic Kiosk | No | Forsaken Pack | Season 5 | Energy | No | Top-tier | ||
Ticuu's Divination | Combat Bow | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Solar | Beyond Light | Yes | Primary | Solar | Average ❘ B | PvE | Exotic Kiosk | No | Beyond Light | Season 13 | Energy | No | |||
Hierarchy of Needs | Combat Bow | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Solar | Deluxe Edition | Yes | Primary | Solar | Average ❘ B | PvE | Spire of the Watcher Dungeon | No | Deluxe Edition | Season 19 | Energy | No | |||
Leviathan's Breath | Combat Bow | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Shadowkeep | Yes | Heavy | Void | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Exotic Kiosk | No | Shadowkeep | Season 8 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | ||
Whispering Slab | Combat Bow | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | - | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Kinetic | No | |||
Accrued Redemption | Combat Bow | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Shadowkeep | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Garden of Salvation Raid | No | Shadowkeep | Season 8 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | ||
Biting Winds | Combat Bow | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Beyond Light | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Empire Hunts | No | Beyond Light | Season 12 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | ||
Fel Taradiddle | Combat Bow | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvE | Wellspring | Yes | Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Kinetic | Craftable | |||
Lunulata-4b | Combat Bow | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Stasis | Weak ❘ C | - | Gunsmith | No | Free-to-Play | Season 17 | Kinetic | No | |||
Whistler's Whim | Combat Bow | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Lightfall | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Trials of Osiris | No | Lightfall | Season 18 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | ||
Raconteur | Combat Bow | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Stasis | Season 20 | Yes | Primary | Stasis | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Seasonal activity | Yes | Season 20 | Season 20 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | ||
Vengeful Whisper | Combat Bow | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Deluxe Edition | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | - | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon | No | Deluxe Edition | Season 23 | Kinetic | No | |||
Arsenic Bite-4b | Combat Bow | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Arc | Average ❘ B | PvE | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Energy | No | |||
Point of the Stag | Combat Bow | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Arc | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Iron Banner | No | Free-to-Play | Season 10 | Energy | No | Top-tier | ||
Imperial Needle | Combat Bow | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Void | Average ❘ B | - | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Energy | No | |||
Tyranny of Heaven | Combat Bow | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Forsaken Pack | Yes | Primary | Solar | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Last Wish Raid | Yes | Forsaken Pack | Season 4 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Incandescent | |
Wolftone Draw | Combat Bow | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Arc | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Xûr | No | Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Energy | No | Top-tier | ||
Under Your Skin | Combat Bow | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Void | The Witch Queen | Yes | Primary | Void | Best ❘ S | PvE | Vox Obscura | Yes | Witch Queen | Season 16 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | ||
Strident Whistle | Combat Bow | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Vanguard Focusing | No | Free-to-Play | Season 17 | Energy | No | Top-tier | Incandescent | |
Tripwire Canary | Combat Bow | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Arc | The Witch Queen | Yes | Primary | Arc | Average ❘ B | PvP | Operation: Seraph's Shield | Yes | Witch Queen | Season 19 | Energy | Craftable | |||
Pre Astyanax IV | Combat Bow | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Nightfall: The Ordeals | No | Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Energy | No | Top-tier | Incandescent | |
Lethophobia | Combat Bow | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Void | Season 23 | Yes | Primary | Void | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Seasonal activity | Yes | Season 23 | Season 23 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier |
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 Bows in 2024
Ready to dig deeper into the absolute best bows in Destiny 2? These are the cream of the crop, our favorites (for PvE and PvP):
5. Wish-Ender
Excels in PVE
Our first “dungeon exotic”, Wish-Ender has been making waves since it was released.
Released alongside Trinity Ghoul in Forsaken, Wish-Ender’s exotic perk of wall-hacks has been both a blessing and a curse for years, and with it getting intrinsic anti-barrier, it is a staple choice of many a loadout for Grandmaster Nightfalls and even Day One raids. It’s really hot right now thanks to making the Ir Yut encounter in Crota’s End slightly easier by letting you see where the Wizards are.
Wish-Ender is now available as a quest through the Quest Archives for any player that owns Forsaken.
Exotic Perk: “While aiming down sights with a fully drawn Bow, combatants behind walls are highlighted, and arrows pierce shields. Strong against Barrier Champions. One shot can over-penetrate multiple targets.”
How to get it: Wish-Ender can be acquired by completing the Hunters’ Remembrance quest.
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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wish-Ender | Combat Bow | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Forsaken Pack | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Best ❘ S | PvE | Exotic Quest | No | Forsaken Pack | Season 4 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier |
4. Point of the Stag
Excels in PvE and PvP
Regarded as one of the best legendary bows, Point of the Stag has returned with random rolls.
Initially released back in Season of the Worthy, Point of the Stag quickly became a hot pick for many players. The curated roll of Archer’s Tempo and Vorpal Weapon made it a solid pick for higher-end content, and now that it has a whole new set of perks, it’s even better than before. While its old roll still exists, many are loving the addition of Precision Instrument for PvE and Swashbuckler for PvP.
If you want a reprised roll of this legendary bow, you’ll need to wait for Iron Banner to roll around. Once it does, head in and hope for the best! These are the top Point of the Stag: God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Archer’s Tempo + Precision Instrument
- PvP God roll: Archer’s Tempo + Swashbuckler
How to get it: Point of the Stag can be acquired by completing Iron Banner matches and turning in Iron Banner tokens.
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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Point of the Stag | Combat Bow | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Arc | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Iron Banner | No | Free-to-Play | Season 10 | Energy | No | Top-tier |
3. Leviathan’s Breath
Excels in PVE
Initially regarded as a joke, Leviathan’s Breath has had a glow-up like no other.
An exotic from Season of Undying, Leviathan’s Breath was nowhere close to the monster it is today. It lacked a catalyst, and its damage output overall was C-tier at best. But last year, that all changed when the catalyst and the weapon itself both got buffs. The catalyst gave it what is basically enhanced Archer’s Tempo, and the weapon itself received intrinsic Unstoppable capabilities as well as a 30% buff to Champions. Its only drawback? The insane amount of kills needed for the catalyst.
If a heavy bow with all that sounds like your gun, Leviathan’s Breath can be picked up from the Exotic Kiosk in the Tower.
Exotic Perk: “Fires a massive heavy bolt that stuns unshielded combatants. Strong against Unstoppable Champions. When fully drawn, the bolt creates a large concussive blast that knocks combatants back.”
How to get it: Leviathan’s Breath 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Leviathan's Breath | Combat Bow | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Shadowkeep | Yes | Heavy | Void | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Exotic Kiosk | No | Shadowkeep | Season 8 | Heavy | No | Top-tier |
2. Lethophobia: Best PvP Bow
Excels in PVP
Make your foes fear oblivion with Lethophobia.
Our newest Lightweight in quite some time, Lethophobia is a bow swapper’s dream come true thanks to the inclusion of Disruption Break. Dealing 50% more damage after breaking an enemy’s shield means most hand cannons can follow up with a body shot to secure the kill. Even with the incoming nerfs, this combo will still be just as potent, so rest easy knowing this.
Head into The Coil or Riven’s Lair to start earning yours today!
- PvP God roll: Steady Hand + Disruption Break
How to get it: Lethophobia can be acquired by completing Seasonal activities and focusing Umbral 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lethophobia | Combat Bow | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Void | Season 23 | Yes | Primary | Void | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Seasonal activity | Yes | Season 23 | Season 23 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier |
1. Trinity Ghoul: Best PvE Bow
Excels in PVE
One of our first exotic bows, Trinity Ghoul has proven that sometimes all an exotic needs to be S-tier is a simple catalyst.
Released back in Forsaken, Trinity Ghoul wasn’t the hottest ad clear weapon out there. Sure, it could clear a room, but the requirement of precision kills held it back. That all changed, however, when its catalyst dropped and made any arc kill activate its chain lightning arrows. Now, it’s a favorite pick in all manners of content, especially when paired on an Arc subclass.
Trinity Ghoul is available through exotic engrams to any player who owns the Forsaken DLC.
Exotic Perk: “Fires an arrow that splits when released. Aiming down sights and fully drawing the bow both decrease the spread. Precision kills grant the next shot chain-lightning capabilities.”
How to get it: Trinity Ghoul can be acquired via Exotic engrams or Xûr.
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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Trinity Ghoul | Combat Bow | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Arc | Forsaken Pack | Yes | Primary | Arc | Best ❘ S | PvE | Exotic Engram | No | Forsaken Pack | Season 4 | Energy | No | Top-tier |
Bows and the PvP Meta: TTK
We covered what Bows are considered top-tier (and should be farmed) and which ones can be safely ignored. But how do they compare to other primary weapons in PvP?
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hand Cannons | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ► Hand Cannons feel great right now and can deal with all the other meta options, provided they are in the hands of a skilled player. They are unbelievably forgiving in terms of aim-assist and can compete at solid ranges. Hand Cannons are the jack of all trades, and while they may not dominate up close or far away, they are incredibly scary to face in a mid-range duel. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Igneous Hammer | PVP Primaries | |
Pulse Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Pulse Rifles have seen a resurgence in the past few seasons, with constant buffs to all types of Pulse Rifles. It is hard not to find success with one due to the high-flinch potential of Rapid-Fire Pulses or the lethal time-to-kill of High-Impact Pulses. ► Best Archetype: High-Impact (340 RPM) - Example: The Messenger | PVP Primaries |
Submachine Guns | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ► SMGs remain a staple of the PvP meta. SMGs absolutely shred enemies at close range and as soon as their top option is nerfed, a new top-tier SMG is introduced to replace it. SMGs have been, and seemingly will remain, meta for a long time to come. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (720 RPM) - Example: The Immortal | PVP Primaries | |
Sidearms | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Sidearms have lost their place at the top of the meta, but they remain a solid pick, especially for players using a Controller, as they inherently have manageable stability with a rapid time-to-kill. Honestly, the main reason they've lost their place at the top is due to how powerful SMGs are right now. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (325 RPM) - Example: Forgiveness | PVP Primaries |
Auto Rifles | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ► After a couple of recent changes and buffs, Auto Rifles are feeling great to use right now, especially in the more casual Crucible playlists. While they may not have the juice to compete with some of the top dogs, they are still a solid pick and can help you frag out with relative ease. ► Best Archetype: Precision (450 RPM) - Example: Ammit AR2 | PVP Primaries | |
Combat Bows | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Bows are incredibly unique. They have a remarkably slow time to kill, however, this isn't where Bows shine. Hotswap builds with bows can be incredibly potent and don't require much learning either. Bows also provide incredible value when teamshooting opponents. Despite this, Bows on their own are quite mediocre and need something behind them to really shine. ► Best Archetype: Precision (Slower Draw Time) - Example: Strident Whistle | PVP Primaries |
Scout Rifles | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | ► Scout Rifles are struggling right now. In most situations, the maps are too small to benefit the long range of a Scout rifle. An Aggressive or High-Impact Pulse Rifle will better serve your needs. Plus, Scout Rifles are abysmal up close. There are one or two outliers that shine but, on the whole, Scout Rifles are in a weak spot. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (260 RPM) - Example: Fang of Ir Yût | PVP Primaries |
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. This TTK guide includes the TTK figures for every weapon in Destiny 2. But bows don’t follow that TTK logic. As weapons that take forever to reload, you’ll only want to main a bow in PvP if you can secure a one-hit kill (with something like Swashbuckler) or with a hot-swap build.
Bows and the PvE Meta: DPS
How do Bows compare to other primary weapons in PvE?
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Submachine Guns | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► SMGs are doing very well right now. They have good DPS to tear through ads and beefier orange bar enemies, but also come with excellent perks. There are a plethora of good SMGs you can go for right now, like Funnelweb, Unforgiven, Every Waking Moment, or Extraordinary Rendition, the choice is completely yours. They may struggle slightly in super high-end content, but they are still definitely usable. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (750 RPM) - Example: Unforgiven | PVE Primaries |
Pulse Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Pulse Rifles are in a great place right now. They offer good range and pretty decent damage, allowing you to take down some beefier targets nicely. There are also some excellent pulses in the game right now, like Insidious, Sacred Provenance, or New Purpose. Unfortunately, High-Impact and Aggressive frames are the only archetypes worth your time, as the others rely on Exotic Perks or god rolls to compete. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (450 RPM) - Example: Insidious | PVE Primaries |
Hand Cannons | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ► Hand Cannons have shot up the rankings thanks to the changes introduced this Season, all the way up to the S tier. They have solid range and can dispatch enemies with complete ease in almost all difficulties. Hand Cannons have truly taken over the spotlight with their most recent buffs, and they shouldn't be leaving it any time soon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (140 RPM) - Example: Fatebringer | PVE Primaries | |
Combat Bows | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Bows are a high-damage, high-range option for players who prefer to keep their distance. The main issue with bows is that they are slow at clearing ads (outside of Trinity Ghoul). and when you have to deal with ads up close, bows can massively struggle. However, their solid range and excellent damage make them a strong option. ► Best Archetype: Precision - Example: Under Your Skin | PVE Primaries |
Auto Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Auto Rifles currently feel like a worse version of SMGs. They have a bit more range, but outside of the absolute top-shelf content such as Grandmaster Nightfalls, range isn't too much of a factor. And if you are actively tackling difficult content, Auto Rifles aren't exactly the best pick either, making Autos a decent, but outclassed option right now. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (720 RPM)- Example: Quicksilver Storm | PVE Primaries |
Scout Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | ► Scout Rifles are the definition of average right now. They can do the job just fine, you can plink away at enemies from a safe distance in high-level content; however, when it comes down to it, most players will prefer to use a Hand Cannon or SMG as they simply do the same job better and faster. Scouts aren't bad at all, but they certainly aren't a go-to ► Best Archetype: Lightweight (200 RPM) - Example: Tarnished Mettle | PVE Primaries | |
Sidearms | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | ► Aside from a few select sidearms with certain perks, there really isn't much of a reason to use Sidearms. They have slightly higher damage numbers than SMGs, but typically come with significantly less range. Outside of top-tier weapons like a god-roll Brigand's Law or High Albedo, there is no real reason to run a sidearm. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (491 RPM) - Example: High Albedo | PVE Primaries |
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 DPS chart includes the DPS numbers for every weapon in Destiny 2. When it comes to actual DPS, Bows do just fine:
- | Weapon Type | Archetype | Sustained DPS | Mag DPS | Total Damage | Specs | --- | Best in Class | Change? | Ammo |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Combat Bow | Exotic | 38636 | 38636 | 780645 | /w Catalyst | Leviathan's Breath | Buffed | Heavy | ||
Combat Bow | Exotic | 15706 | 15706 | w/ Catalyst, "Guidance Ring" | Hierarchy of Needs | Primary | ||||
Combat Bow | Exotic | 10741 | 10741 | - | Wish-Ender | Same | Primary | |||
Combat Bow | Exotic | 9370 | 9370 | w/ Catalyst and x6 "Causality Arrows" | Ticuu's Divination | Primary | ||||
Combat Bow | Exotic | 6389 | 6389 | - | Le Monarque | Same | Primary | |||
Combat Bow | Precision | 4318 | 4318 | 680 ms Draw time | Under Your Skin | Same | Primary | |||
Combat Bow | Exotic | 4207 | 4207 | - | Trinity Ghoul | Primary | ||||
Combat Bow | Lightweight | 4179 | 4179 | 640 ms Draw time | Arsenic Bite-4b | Same | Primary | |||
Combat Bow | Exotic | 3896 | 3896 | - | Verglas Curve | Primary |
Mastering Bows in Destiny 2
If you’re truly interested in mastering combat bows in Destiny 2, there are a few key principles you need to understand. These all come from the excellent Dummies Guide to Bows on Reddit user Mwray:
The most important stat for Bows is their Draw Time:
- For Precision Bows, Reload is the next most impactful stat.
- For Lightweight Bows, Accuracy is the second most impactful, followed by Reload.
Unlike Charge Time, which negatively affects a weapon’s Impact, Draw Time does NOT affect the Impact stat. Because of this, faster Draw Time = better DPS.
Precision Bows have higher impact and much higher accuracy compared to Lightweight Bows and are able to achieve 576 Draw Time with Elastic String and a Draw Time MasterWork.
Unlike other weapons, Bows rely heavily on Strings and/or Masterwork to reduce Draw Time. To give it some perspective, imagine an Iron Grip or Extended Magazine Steady Hand vs. a Steady Hand and with Outlaw proc’d. Most people are running around with the equivalent of Extended Magazine on their Bow.
Endgame content
Bows (Precision bows in particular) excel in endgame content such as Nightfall: The Ordeals, Legend Lost Sectors, etc, as they can 1-2 hit kill red bars without damage perks active, compared to other primaries that can take entire magazines for a single kill.
Before you go…
Are you looking for a top-tier Special and Heavy weapon to round out your loadout? We cover the Best Destiny 2 Fusion Rifles and Best Destiny 2 Grenade Launchers, too.
You now know everything there is to know about Bows in Destiny 2, whether that is for PvP or PvE content.
See latest Updates
- February 29, 2024: General updates and the inclusion of Combat bows from Season 23.
- October 3, 2023: General updates (based on the current sandbox) and the inclusion of Season 19 to Season 22 Bows.
- January 5, 2023: General updates and inclusion of Year 4 Bows.
- September 30, 2022: General updates and inclusion of Year 3 Bows.
- August 5, 2022: The guide is published for the first time.
Stay tuned, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for next season!
The page mistakenly says “Ready to dig deeper into the absolute best sidearms in Destiny 2?” when it should say “bows”.