As you get more invested in Destiny 2, one of your biggest concerns will be getting the best guns in the game. But that can be confusing, as it depends on whether you’re looking for weapons for PvP, PvE, casual, or endgame content.
Today, we focus on the best PvP weapons today, including Exotic and Legendary weapons (including their PvP god rolls).
Update based on Episode 3: Heresy. See Updates.
Best PvP Primary weapons
In this section, we cover the best Primary PvP weapons. PS: By Primary, we mean Kinetic or Energy weapons that use Primary ammo. Just remember Primary weapons use “normal” ammo, aka white ammo boxes:
| Name | Type | Ammo? | Slot | Requirements | Source | Source ❘ DLC | Verdict | Part of? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Crimil's Dagger Hand Cannon | Hand Cannon | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Iron Banner | Iron Banner Free-to-Play | Slot:  Kinetic | Ammo:  Primary | Archetype: AggressivePvP God Roll: Rangefinder (also good: Outlaw ) + Kill Clip ► Though Aggressive Frame Hand Cannons were significantly nerfed a while ago, Crimil's can still two-tap with Kill Clip active. However, without the perk active, Crimil's Dagger (and any other 120 RPM hand cannon) lags behind the competition in PVP. | PVP |
 Outbreak Perfected Pulse Rifle | Pulse Rifle | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Zero Hour | Zero Hour Free-to-Play | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: ExoticExotic Perk: "This weapon creates SIVA nanite swarms on rapid hits and precision kills and does more damage to enemies based on the number of SIVA nanites that attach to them." ► Potentially being one of the best weapons across the entire game, Outbreak Perfected can easily handle anything you throw at it. It ranges from viable to exceedingly powerful across Destiny and is definitely a weapon you need to have. | PVE,PVP |
 Hawkmoon Hand Cannon | Hand Cannon | Primary | Kinetic | Beyond Light Pack | Xûr | Xûr Beyond Light Pack | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: ExoticExotic Perk: "Final blows and precision hits with Hawkmoon grant stacks of Paracausal Charge. The final round in the magazine deals bonus damage based on the number of stacks. Stowing Hawkmoon on the final round removes this bonus." ► Hawkmoon is one of the strongest Exotic Hand Cannons in PvP. It can consistently 2-tap (and even 1-tap) opposing Guardians, provided you are accurate enough. In the hands of an experienced player, Hawkmoon is definitely something to fear. | PVP |
 Rose Hand Cannon | Hand Cannon | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Playlist: Crucible | Playlist: Crucible Free-to-Play | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: LightweightPvP God Rolls: Moving Target + Explosive Payload (also good: Eye of the Storm) ► Rose was a reward from competitive PvP, so it makes sense that it's a monster in The Crucible. The weapon has absurd stats and perks that allow it to rocket past its competition. Sure, it's harder to obtain than other options, but this grind is easily worth it if you're an avid Crucible player. | PVP |
 Redrix's Estoc Pulse Rifle | Pulse Rifle | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Crucible Competitive | Crucible Competitive Free-to-Play | Slot:  Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Legacy PR-55PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf or Zen Moment + Headseeker or Kill Clip ► Redrix’s Estoc is one of the strongest weapons in recent memory to be unleashed upon the Crucible thanks to its remarkable ease of use. In PvE, Redrix’s Estoc is serviceable but doesn’t impress much. | PVP |
 Igneous Hammer Hand Cannon | Hand Cannon | Primary | Energy | The Final Shape | Trials of Osiris | Trials of Osiris The Final Shape | Slot:  Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: AggressivePvE God Roll: Rapid Hit (also good: Outlaw) + Rampage ► Igneous Hammer definitely isn't as popular as it was when it was first released, but the weapon still sees use in all areas of the game. With excellent stats and some top-tier perks on its side, Igneous continues to be one of the better 120 RPM hand cannons available. | PVP |
 Vex Mythoclast Fusion Rifle | Fusion Rifle | Primary | Energy | Free-to-Play | Vault of Glass Raid | Vault of Glass Raid Free-to-Play | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: ExoticExotic Perk: "This weapon fires a single bolt with each trigger pull. Defeating targets builds stacks of Overcharge. Swap firing modes when fully Overcharged to charge up and fire more powerful linear fusion shots." ► Vex Mythoclast is solid, but not groundbreaking. It is a good workhorse weapon and has some unique features, but it simply doesn't excel anymore. | PVP |
 BxR-55 Battler Pulse Rifle | Pulse Rifle | Primary | Energy | Free-to-Play | Dares of Eternity | Dares of Eternity Free-to-Play | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Legacy PR-55PvE God Roll: Outlaw (also good: Demolitionist) + Incandescent (also good: Kill Clip) PvE God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Kill Clip ► The BxR has always been a powerful pulse rifle, but it recently got even better. Now with the ability to roll with Incandescent (and the ability to craft it), this pulse rifle continues to dominate most areas of the game. | PVP |
 Exalted Truth Hand Cannon | Hand Cannon | Primary | Energy | The Final Shape | Trials of Osiris | Trials of Osiris The Final Shape | Slot:  Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: AdaptivePvE God Roll: Destabilizing Rounds + One for All or Repulsor Brace PvP God Roll: Slideshot or Keep Away + Precision Instrument or Opening Shot ► Exalted Truth’s newest version is arguably one of the best hand cannons in the game. With a host of options for both PvE and PvP, this hand cannon is something to chase for all players. | PVP |
 Luna's Howl Hand Cannon | Hand Cannon | Primary | Energy | Free-to-Play | Onslaught Activity | Onslaught Activity Free-to-Play | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: PrecisionPvP God Roll: Encore or Eye of the Storm + Magnificent Howl or Kill Clip ► Given that Magnificent Howl was nerfed, Luna’s won’t be as overpowered as it used to be. However, its new suite of perks makes it one of the most powerful 140s for PvP, plus, it has the stats of a precision frame in terms of accuracy. This is a perfect dueling weapon for the hand cannon aficionados. | PVP |
Best PvP Special weapons
In this section, we cover the best Special PvE weapons. PS: Special means Kinetic or Energy weapons that use Special ammo. Just remember, Special weapons use “Special” ammo, aka green ammo boxes:
| Name | Type | Ammo? | Slot | Requirements | Source | Source ❘ DLC | Verdict | Part of? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The Chaperone Shotgun | Shotgun | Special | Kinetic | Beyond Light Pack | Exotic Quest | Exotic Quest Beyond Light Pack | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo:  Special | Archetype: ExoticExotic Perk: "Fires a single-slug precision round. Precision kills briefly grant bonus handling, range, and precision damage with this weapon." ► It certainly requires more skill than your average pellet shotgun, but in the right hands, The Chaperone is the deadliest shotgun in the entire game. Because of its excellent base stats and Precision-slug frame, The Chaperone has the longest one-hit kill distance of any shotgun in the game, provided you can hit your headshots. | PVP |
 Defiance of Yasmin Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | King's Fall Raid | King's Fall Raid Free-to-Play | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: AdaptivePvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Opening Shot PvE God Roll: Firefly + Firing Line ► Defiance of Yasmin rarely gets any talk, which is strange given how solid its perk pool and stats are. Individual snipers are better in specific activities, but Defiance is a jack of all trades that's hard to beat in terms of overall potency. | PVP |
 Conditional Finality Shotgun | Shotgun | Special | Kinetic | Lightfall | Root of Nightmares Raid | Root of Nightmares Raid Lightfall | Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: ExoticExotic Perk: "Dual barrels split into Stasis and Solar damage. Landing nearly all Stasis pellets will freeze targets; landing nearly all Solar pellets will ignite targets." ► Conditional Finality might not be as 'must-have' as it was when it launched, but it remains an incredibly potent option in both PvE and PvP. Being able to waste majors in PvE and Supers in PvP, Conditional is still arguably the best Shotgun in the game. | PVP |
 Someday Shotgun | Shotgun | Special | Kinetic | The Final Shape | The Pale Heart | The Pale Heart The Final Shape | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: PrecisionPvE God Roll: Lead From Gold + Recombination or Cascade Point PvP God Roll: Threat Detector + Opening Shot ► Someday is arguably one of the strongest Shotguns in the game. With an excellent Precision Frame, brilliant base stats and a very nice perk pool, it's easy to see why Someday is one of the most used Shotguns in PvP right now. It also has some good PvE perks too, making it even better. | PVP |
 Deadlock Shotgun | Shotgun | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Crucible Competitive | Crucible Competitive Free-to-Play | Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: PrecisionPvP God Roll: Threat Detector or Lone Wolf + Closing Time (also good: Opening Shot) ► Deadlock is commonly agreed to be the strongest PvP Shotgun in the game. It is Kinetic, so it allows you to use weapons like Igneous Hammer. The Precision Frame archetype and perks like Threat Detector, Lone Wolf, and Closing Time, as well as stocks to choose from make Deadlock incredibly strong. | PVP |
 Prophet of Doom Shotgun | Shotgun | Special | Energy | Shadowkeep Pack | Garden of Salvation Raid | Garden of Salvation Raid Shadowkeep Pack | Slot:  Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: PrecisionPvP God Roll: Threat Detector + Closing Time (also good: Opening Shot) ► Prophet of Doom is one of the best PvP Shotguns available now, thanks to the strength of the Precision Frame archetype. Furthermore, it comes with Threat Detector and Closing Time, which immediately make it one of the best picks in the game due to the strength of Closing Time on Special ammo weapons. | PVP |
 Zealot's Reward Fusion Rifle | Fusion Rifle | Special | Energy | Shadowkeep Pack | Garden of Salvation Raid | Garden of Salvation Raid Shadowkeep Pack | Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-FirePvP God Roll: Under Pressure + Kickstart or Closing Time ► While Zealot's might have lost High-Impact Reserves, it gained two very powerful perks in Kickstart and Closing Time. Having a rapid-fire fusion charge even faster and do more damage or hit from way farther than expected is something any PvP fusion user will enjoy. | PVP |
 Cloudstrike Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Special | Energy | Beyond Light Pack | Exotic Quest | Exotic Quest Beyond Light Pack | Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: ExoticExotic Perk: "Precision final blows generate a lightning bolt at the target's location. Rapid precision hits create a lightning storm at the point of impact." ► While Cloudstrike is noticeably weaker and less popular than it was at release, the weapon continues to be a solid pick in both PvE and PvP. Most scenarios do call on you to utilize a different exotic, but if you have an open slot, Cloudstrike won't let you down. | PVP |
 Matador 64 Shotgun | Shotgun | Special | Energy | 30th Anniversary | Grasp of Avarice Dungeon | Grasp of Avarice Dungeon 30th Anniversary | Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: PrecisionPvP God Roll: Threat Detector (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Opening Shot ► Matador 64 has been one of the most potent and most used Shotguns in the Crucible for some time now which is no surprise thanks to the powerful perks and excellent base stats of the weapon. | PVP |
 The Inquisitor Shotgun | Shotgun | Special | Energy | The Final Shape | Trials of Osiris | Trials of Osiris The Final Shape | Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Pinpoint SlugPvP God Roll: Lone Wolf (also good: Threat Detector) + Closing Time or Opening Shot ► The Inquisitor is definitely a PvP-focused weapon, as evidenced by its perk pool, and it definitely excels in the Crucible. This is a weapon that Slug-Shotgun lovers should definitely go for, but PvE players can probably ignore. | PVP |
Best PvP Heavy weapons
In this section, we cover the best Heavy weapons for PvE. In other words, weapons that use “heavy” ammo, aka purple ammo boxes:
| Name | Type | Ammo? | Slot | Requirements | Source | Source ❘ DLC | Verdict | Part of? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Commemoration Machine Gun | Machine Gun | Heavy | Heavy | Beyond Light Pack | Deep Stone Crypt Raid | Deep Stone Crypt Raid Beyond Light Pack | Slot: Void | Ammo:  Heavy | Archetype: AdaptivePvE God Roll: Reconstruction + Killing Tally (also good: Rampage) PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Killing Tally ► Commemoration remains a top contender amongst machine guns even years after its introduction. Reconstruction paired with the 30% damage buff offered by Killing Tally, makes this a no-brainer option in PvE. Given that Machine Guns are some of the few heavy weapons in PvP that can reasonably get a lot of kills, it's easy to see why players will enjoy using Commemoration. | PVP |
 Truth Rocket Launcher | Rocket Launcher | Heavy | Heavy | Forsaken Pack | Exotic Kiosk | Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack | Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: ExoticExotic Perk: "This weapon's rockets have tracking and detonate when they are within close proximity of their targets." ► Because it has insane tracking, Truth used to excel in Gambit. These days, newer tracking options such as Gjallarhorn and Eyes of Tomorrow can easily get the job done better. | PVP |
 The Other Half Sword | Sword | Heavy | Heavy | Free-to-Play | Dares of Eternity | Dares of Eternity Free-to-Play | Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: AdaptivePvE God Roll: Eager Edge + Whirlwind Blade (also good: Frenzy) ► The Other Half is Half-Truth's stronger sibling. With more perk flexibility while also coming with Eager Edge, it is one of the best swords in the game for general play, and every player should look to have The Other Half in their arsenal. | PVP |
 Cataphract GL3 Grenade Launcher | Grenade Launcher | Heavy | Heavy | The Final Shape | Trials of Osiris | Trials of Osiris The Final Shape | Slot:  Strand | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: AdaptivePvE God Rolls: Envious Assassin + Bait and Switch ► Grenade Launchers are reliable options for PvP as they can typically secure very easy kills on multiple targets if you are accurate. On top of that, Cataphract features great stats and all the right perks to excel in high-stakes PvP. | PVP |
 Hammerhead Machine Gun | Machine Gun | Heavy | Heavy | Free-to-Play | Onslaught Activity | Onslaught Activity Free-to-Play | Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: AdaptivePvE God Roll: Destabilizing Rounds (also good: Rewind Rounds) + Killing Tally (also good: Onslaught) PvP God Roll: Rampage (also good: Under-Over) + Tap the Trigger ► The re-issued Hammerhead immediately jumped to the top of the meta. Adaptive Frame machine guns remain a great option due to their well-rounded stats, and the Hammerhead's great perk pool and strong stability can make it your favorite ad-clearing weapon, DPS-dealing weapon, or even your favorite PvP heavy weapon. | PVP |
Destiny 2 PvP Meta
Every sandbox change comes with a new meta. And while we love to criticize Bungie for not changing the meta often enough, the last few seasons have significantly altered the hierarchy of weapon types for PvP.
We just covered the absolute best PvP weapons right now, but it’s equally important to understand how the different weapon types compare to each other.
About TTK: Measured in seconds, TTK, or time-to-kill, is critical in PVP because the lowest the TTK (generally less than a second), the faster you can kill your opponent. You can read all about it in our TTK guide.
PvP Primary weapons meta
| 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 |
 Auto Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S |  | ► Auto Rifles are remarkably easy to use. Options like Khvostov or The Summoner both excel at medium range, and if you can close the gap on Pulse Rifles, you can easily take advantage of the high flinch factor and solid time-to-kill that Auto Rifles have. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Khvostov 7G-0X | 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 |
 Submachine Guns | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A |  | ► SMGs have lost a little bit of power as aggressive play isn't as prevalent as it once was, but you can definitely still succeed with certain SMGs, especially on close-range maps. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (720 RPM) - Example: Unending Tempest | 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 |
PvP Special weapons meta
For the sake of clarity, the categories below do not include Exotics that use an abnormal type of ammo, such as Eriana’s Vow or Arbalest. If you’re particularly interested in these unique exotics, check out our Exotic Tier list, including every exotic weapon currently in the game.
| 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 |
PvP Heavy weapons meta
| Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Rocket Launchers | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Rocket Launchers remain a staple in many players' loadouts. They can provide high-range one-shot kills, and can also do AoE damage which can potentially allow you to clear teams if they are close enough together. ► Best Archetype: Precision (15 RPM) - Example: Gjallarhorn | PVP Heavies |
Grenade Launchers | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Heavy Grenade Launchers are an incredible option for those who are confident in landing their direct hits. They can functionally serve as a Rocket Launcher, but instead of coming with only a single shot, Grenade Launchers can bring 3, which, of course, means more potential kills. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Memory Interdict | PVP Heavies |
 Machine Guns | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Machine Guns are still an incredible option for Control as they can provide many kills. However, they do require multiple shots to kill which can lead to you potentially being Sniped or peak-shot by a Primary Weapon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (450 RPM) - Example: Corrective Measure | PVP Heavies |
Linear Fusion Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Linear fusion rifles are in the middle of an identity crisis. They are stronger than sniper rifles and have more aim assistance, but they still require Heavy ammo and a headshot to one-shot an enemy. On top of that, they also have a charge time to take into account. Compared to a sniper rifle that fires immediately and only uses Special ammo, Linear Fusion rifles make little sense for the Crucible. | PVP Heavies |
 Swords | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | - | ► Swords are perhaps the most fun option (especially with Eager Edge); however, they are too inconsistent to warrant any competitive use. Furthermore, benefitting from third-person view is no longer possible without Heavy ammo, making the only niche usage swords had redundant. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive/Lightweight- Examples: Half-Truths/Quickfang | PVP Heavies |
What is the “Meta”? Meta refers to the most used weapons for a particular activity. Generally, these weapons are the most used because they are the most powerful/efficient. The Meta can change in a heartbeat, but you can rest assured, though, this overview is up to date with the current season and will be updated as soon as a new meta arrives.
These are the different Tier levels used for these Tier lists:
- S+ Tier – Meta: Weapons so good they singlehandedly shifted the current meta
- S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapons.
- A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapons, but not on the same level as S Tier Choices.
- B Tier – Average: Either decent weapons or weapons that fit a very specific niche/use case.
- C Tier – Weak: Mediocre weapons that are easily outclassed by the competition.
- D Tier – Worst: Weapons that don’t have much to offer and don’t deserve your attention.
Before you go…
If you’re looking to take your game to the next level in PvE, definitely check out our Top PvE weapons round-up.
See latest Updates
We keep our content up to date! These are the latest changes made to this guide:
- May 21, 2025: General updates based on Episode 3’s Meta.
- January 11, 2025: General updates based on Episode 2 (Act 3) Meta.
- July 26, 2024: General updates based on The Final Shape Meta and Episode 1 Meta.
- December 18, 2023: Updates based on the Season 23 meta and the replacement of Ace of Spades, The Immortal, Round Robin, Exalted Truth, Fractethyst, Glacioclasm, Retold Tale, The Wardcliff Coil, Thunderlord, and Gjallarhorn.
- September 13, 2023: Updates based on the Season 22 meta and the replacement of Austringer, Hawkmoon, Ikelos SMG V1.0.3, Tarrabah, Drang (Baroque), Forerunner, Main Ingredient, Dead Messenger and Typhon GL5.
- April 29, 2023: Updates based on the Season 20 meta
- April 13, 2022: Updates based on Destiny 2’s Year 5 meta
- March 22, 2021: Updates based on Destiny 2’s Year 4 meta
- October 17, 2020: The guide is published for the first time.
Stay tuned, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for next season!
Felwinter’s is a shotty not a handgun 🙂
Yep, that was a typo…. Thanks for the heads up! 🙂
The shadow price has got to be one of the bets auto rifles in the game (in my opinion) as long as you hit your shots it has almost the same if not better ttk than 140 handcannons and is better at range
Auto Rifle tier list coming soon, stayed tuned 🙂
Excellent list, thanks Prim and Patty! Two minor nitpicks though: Fractethyst can’t roll killing wind and “PVE God Roll” should probably be “PVP God Roll” in the verdict about Tomorrow’s Answer.
Anyone using DIM can find their PVP god rolls from the list by entering the following search query:
(
name:”ace of spades”
or
(name:”the messenger” perkname:”rapid hit” (perkname:”desperado” or perkname:”kill clip”))
or
name:”vex mythoclast”
or
(name:”the palindrome” (perkname:”killing wind” or perkname:”quickdraw”) perkname:”rangefinder”)
or
(name:”shayura’s wrath” (perkname:”tunnel vision” or perkname:”killing wind”) perkname:”kill clip”)
or
name:”dead man’s tale”
or
(name:”multimach ccx” (perkname:”dynamic sway reduction” or perkname:”killing wind”) (perkname:”kill clip” or perkname:”iron grip”))
or
(name:”fatebringer” (perkname:”explosive payload” or perkname:”killing wind”) (perkname:”opening shot” or perkname:”firefly”))
or
(name:”darkest before” (perkname:”heating up” or perkname:”moving target”) perkname:”multikill clip”)
or
name:”vigilance wing”
or
name:”the chaperone”
or
(name:”fractethyst” (perkname:”quickdraw” or perkname:”slideshot”) perkname:”opening shot”)
or
(name:”main ingredient” perkname:”under pressure” (perkname:”high-impact reserves” or perkname:”tap the trigger”))
or
(name:”uzume rr4″ perkname:”snapshot sights” (perkname:”explosive payload” or perkname:”high-impact reserves”))
or
(name:”found verdict” (perkname:”slideshot” or perkname:”surplus”) perkname:”opening shot”)
or
(name:”adored” perkname:”killing wind” perkname:”snapshot sights”)
or
(name:”eye of sol” perkname:”snapshot sights” (perkname:”opening shot” or perkname:”vorpal weapon”))
or
name:”duality”
or
name:”lorentz driver”
or
(name:”riiswalker” (perkname:”quickdraw” or perkname:”surplus”) perkname:”iron reach”)
or
(name:”commemoration” perkname:”dynamic sway reduction” (perkname:”eye of the storm” or perkname:”rampage”))
or
name:”heir apparent”
or
name:”the wardcliff coil”
or
(name:”tomorrow’s answer” perkname:”tracking module” perkname:”cluster bomb”)
or
name:”xenophage”
)