As you get more involved with Destiny 2, one of the first questions you’ll have is: What are the best weapons in the game?
And that’s not an easy question to answer, as it depends on whether you’re interested in PvP or PvE, casual or endgame content, etc. Today, we’ll focus on the best PvP weapons right now. We’ll cover both Exotic and Legendary weapons (including their PvP god rolls), and give you an overview of the current PvP meta.
Best PvP Primary weapons
Weapons | Type | Ammo | Element | Slot | Requirements | In loot pool? | Source | Source ❘ DLC | Verdict | Part of? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Dead Man's Tale | Scout Rifle | Primary | Kinetic | Kinetic | Beyond Light | Yes | Xûr | Xûr![]() Beyond Light | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Chaining precision hits grants bonus damage and quickens reload speed. Future drops of this weapon will have random rolls. PvE God Roll: Vorpal Weapon (also good: Killing Wind) ► Dead Man's Tale has been reworked to receive improved stats and an increased rate of fire, instead of the plain increased damage it used to offer. While this lowers the potency of Dead Man's Tale, it remains a powerful option due to its high damage per shot and incredible range. | PVP |
![]() The Palindrome | Hand Cannon | Primary | Void | Energy | Free-to-Play | No | Nightfall: The Ordeals | Nightfall: The Ordeals![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Outlaw + One for All PvP God Roll: Killing Wind + Rangefinder ► With S-Tier perks for both PVE and PVP, great stats, and an adept version, there is nothing to hate about The Palindrome. Plus, it can get max range, can take advantage of Volatile Rounds, and it feels amazing to fire, making it one of the best legendary weapons in the game. | PVP |
![]() No Time to Explain | Pulse Rifle | Primary | Kinetic | Kinetic | Beyond Light | Yes | Exotic Quest | Exotic Quest![]() Beyond Light | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Precision shots and shots against combatants affected by Stasis return to the magazine. At 10 stacks, a small portal will open, shooting bullets from an alternate timeline version of this weapon. Precision hits extend the portal's duration." ► An exceptional pick in PVP (and a fun one in PVE), No Time to Explain's ability to provide you with an extra set of bullets continues to be helpful in most areas of the game. | PVP |
![]() IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.2 | Submachine Gun | Primary | Arc | Energy | Free-to-Play | Yes | World loot pool | World loot pool![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Subsistence (also good: Threat Detector) + Demolitionist ► Just like other IKELOS and Seventh Seraph weapons, IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.2's average perks and stats used to be counteracted by the absurd power of Warmind Cells. However, now that Warmind Cells have been heavily nerfed, there's no reason to run this SMG over other more popular options. | PVP |
![]() Ace of Spades | Hand Cannon | Primary | Kinetic | Kinetic | Forsaken Pack | Yes | Exotic Kiosk | Exotic Kiosk![]() Forsaken Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Precision kills increase reload speed and cause the target to explode. Reloading after a kill increases damage. Grants radar while aiming down sights." ► Arguably the best 140 RPM hand cannon in the game, Ace of Spades has a lot to offer. With excellent base stats and some of the best perks around, namely Momento Mori, which is like Kill Clip on steroids and the ability to see your radar while zoomed in, this weapon has a bit of everything. | PVP |
![]() Hawkmoon | Hand Cannon | Primary | Kinetic | Kinetic | Beyond Light | Yes | Xûr | Xûr![]() Beyond Light | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic 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." ► Many didn't like that Hawkmoon is not the same weapon it was in Destiny 1. But Hawkmoon is arguably the strongest Exotic Hand Cannon in PvP. It can provide very consistent 2 taps and even 1 taps, provided you are accurate enough. Hawkmoon will take some time to get used to, but once you do, it will be hard to go back to any other gun. | PVP |
![]() Tarrabah | Submachine Gun | Primary | Solar | Energy | Forsaken Pack | Yes | Exotic Kiosk | Exotic Kiosk![]() Forsaken Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This weapon stores power when dealing or receiving damage. Once full, hold reload to unleash the beast." ► Now that Tarrabah's perk is significantly easier to proc, it has become an extremely popular choice in PVE (especially with Solar 3.0 builds). And since it's now tied for the highest SMG zoom stat at 16, this beast of a weapon can excel in PVP too. | PVP |
![]() Austringer | Hand Cannon | Primary | Kinetic | Kinetic | Season 17 | Yes | Derelict Leviathan | Derelict Leviathan![]() Season 17 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Outlaw + Rampage PvP God Roll: Eye of the Storm + Opening Shot (also good: Rangefinder) ► With a fanbase that rivals that of Spare Rations, nearly everyone was waiting for the day that Austringer came back. That day has come, and Austringer is once again a great pick for anything in the game. With amazing stats, even better perks, and the ability to be crafted, it's hard to not see why people love this weapon. | PVP |
![]() Drang (Baroque) | Sidearm | Primary | Solar | Energy | Season 17 | Yes | Derelict Leviathan | Derelict Leviathan![]() Season 17 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Wellspring + Incandescent PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: Swashbuckler) + Rampage ► One of the strongest sidearms in the game, Drang (Baroque), is back and has excellent rolls for every part of the game. Incandescent alone makes it great for PvE (although not as good as CALUS Mini-Tool), and its high zoom stat and well-rounded first column make it a good PvP pick too. | PVP |
![]() Exalted Truth | Hand Cannon | Primary | Void | Energy | The Witch Queen | Yes | Trials of Osiris | Trials of Osiris![]() The Witch Queen | Slot: ![]() ![]() God Rolls: To be confirmed... ► Still too early to tell, review ongoing... | PVP |

Ace of Spades is still one of the best Destiny 2 PvP weapons
Best PvP Special weapons
Weapons | Type | Ammo | Element | Slot | Requirements | In loot pool? | Source | Source ❘ DLC | Verdict | Part of? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Retold Tale | Shotgun | Special | Void | Energy | Free-to-Play | Yes | Dreaming City | Dreaming City![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Quickdraw (also good: Surplus) + Killing Wind ► Once reigning alongside Dust Rock Blues during the Forsaken era, Retold Tale benefitted a lot from the nerfs to Aggressive Shotguns, and thus has risen up the ranks to become one of the most consistent and powerful shotguns in the game with its solid perk pool. | PVP |
![]() Eye of Sol | Sniper Rifle | Special | Kinetic | Kinetic | The Witch Queen | No | Trials of Osiris | Trials of Osiris![]() The Witch Queen | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: Surplus) + Snapshot Sights (also good: Opening Shot) ► Because of its similar stats and perks, Eye of Sol is said to be a kinetic version of Beloved. And while it is a little harder to obtain, its low zoom, high aim assist, and S-Tier perks in both columns make it easily worth the effort. | PVP |
![]() The Chaperone | Shotgun | Special | Kinetic | Kinetic | Beyond Light | Yes | Exotic Quest | Exotic Quest![]() Beyond Light | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic 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 its 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 |
![]() Found Verdict | Shotgun | Special | Arc | Energy | Free-to-Play | Yes | Vault of Glass Raid | Vault of Glass Raid![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Surplus (also good: Slideshot) + Opening Shot ► Found Verdict is one of the most sought-after Shotguns right now. Able to fit Adept mods with its Timelost variant, Found Verdict can reach up to a whopping 68 range with Smallbore, which is a popular all-rounder barrel. It's a stat monster and we definitely recommended it for PvP. | PVP |
![]() Wastelander M5 | Shotgun | Special | Kinetic | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Dares of Eternity | Dares of Eternity![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Subsistence + One-Two Punch PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion (also good: Slideshot) + Opening Shot ► Wastelander M5 is one of the better-feeling shotguns in Destiny 2. It has a nice hipfire reticle and feels very snappy, even when compared to other Lightweight options. Featuring an excellent perk pool, the Wastelander M5 is one of the best shotguns in the Crucible right now, especially now that it can be crafted. | PVP |
![]() Matador 64 | Shotgun | Special | Arc | Energy | 30th Anniversary | Yes | Grasp of Avarice Dungeon | Grasp of Avarice Dungeon![]() 30th Anniversary | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Opening Shot (also good: Killing Wind) ► Matador 64 is, in my experience, the best Precision shotgun in the game. Its ability to roll with excellent perks such as Opening Shot and Perpetual Motion makes Matador 64 a beast in PvP. It is a staple in my Energy slot if I ever need a shotgun, even in the most competitive of environments. | PVP |
![]() Forerunner | Sidearm | Special | Kinetic | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Exotic Quest | Exotic Quest![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires full auto with increased rate of fire. Deals increased precision damage to unshielded targets. Tapping the trigger gives it less recoil and improves accuracy." ► Forerunner is a fun, powerful, and accurate weapon. And while it can reach an insane time-to-kill in PvP (in theory), it does require you to pace your shots. With insane recoil and limited ammo, this weapon requires a player with a good aim to excel. | PVP |
![]() Dead Messenger | Grenade Launcher | Special | Void | Energy | Deluxe Edition | Yes | Exotic Quest | Exotic Quest![]() Deluxe Edition | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "One-shot handheld Grenade Launcher. Projectiles release a fan of three energy waves on contact with the ground. You can change damage type, cycling between Solar, Arc, and Void." ► Dead Messenger is one of the most potent weapons in the game. Excelling in both PvP and PvE, this Wave Frame Grenade Launcher is not only remarkably easy to use, but it can also completely nullify the Match Game modifier with its ability to change elements. | PVE,PVP |
![]() Beloved | Sniper Rifle | Special | Solar | Energy | Season 17 | Yes | Derelict Leviathan | Derelict Leviathan![]() Season 17 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Moving Target (also good: Quickdraw) ► Arguably the community's favorite legendary sniper in the entire franchise, this "beloved" weapon is back and better than ever before. With low zoom, high aim assist, the ability to be crafted, and Snapshot Sights, it's no wonder Beloved is so popular in PVP. | PVP |
![]() Defiance of Yasmin | Sniper Rifle | Special | Kinetic | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | King's Fall Raid | King's Fall Raid![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Opening Shot PvE God Roll: Firefly + Firing Line ► The "new kid on the block," The Defiance of Yasmin was recently released as part of the King's Fall raid loot table. And as should be expected from a raid weapon, the Defiance of Yasmin truly excels, especially in PvP. It features excellent base stats, the best perks for PvP, and a 40 zoom stat that feels just right... | PVP |
![]() | Nightfall: The Ordeal | Playlist | ![]() Free-to-Play |
![]() | Vow of the Disciple | Raid | ![]() The Witch Queen |
![]() | Deep Stone Crypt | Raid | ![]() Beyond Light |
![]() | Garden of Salvation | Raid | ![]() Shadowkeep |
![]() | Last Wish | Raid | ![]() Forsaken Pack |
![]() | Vault of Glass | Raid | ![]() Free-to-Play |
![]() | Grasp of Avarice | Dungeon | ![]() 30th Anniversary |
![]() | Prophecy | Dungeon | ![]() Free-to-Play |
![]() | Trials of Osiris | Crucible | ![]() The Witch Queen |
![]() | Iron Banner | Crucible | ![]() Free-to-Play |
![]() | Dares of Eternity | Activity | ![]() Free-to-Play |
![]() | Xûr | Vendor | ![]() Free-to-Play |
![]() | Gunsmith | Vendor | ![]() Free-to-Play |
![]() | Exotic Engrams | Exotics | ![]() Free-to-Play |
![]() | Exotic Kiosk | Exotics | Various... |
![]() | Exotic Quests | Exotics | Various... |
Best PvP Heavy weapons
Weapons | Type | Ammo | Element | Slot | Requirements | In loot pool? | Source | Source ❘ DLC | Verdict | Part of? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Tractor Cannon | Shotgun | Heavy | Void | Heavy | Free-to-Play | Yes | Exotic Engram | Exotic Engram![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This weapon emits a powerful impulse that pushes enemies away, suppresses their abilities, and makes them more vulnerable to all incoming damage." ► Tractor Cannon is still one of the game's most fun weapons and remains quite a powerful option. Being able to suppress enemies in PvP and weaken enemies in PvE is really useful. Plus, booping people out of the map or against the walls in PVP will never gets old. | PVP |
![]() The Wardcliff Coil | Rocket Launcher | Heavy | Arc | Heavy | Free-to-Play | Yes | Exotic Engram | Exotic Engram![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires a volley of rockets and automatically reloads on ammo pickup." ► An outstanding choice for the Crucible, The Wardcliff Coil guarantees kills in any Crucible mode. As long as you don't accidentally blow yourself up, Wardcliff is a reliable and fun option for any PvP player. | PVP |
![]() The Other Half | Sword | Heavy | Void | Heavy | Free-to-Play | Yes | Dares of Eternity | Dares of Eternity![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Eager Edge + Whirlwind Blade (also good: Frenzy) ► Like its "other half"', The Other Half lives and dies by the Eager Edge perk. A fun option in PvE and a surprisingly strong option in PvP, make it rank above other Adaptive archetype swords. | PVP |
![]() Gjallarhorn | Rocket Launcher | Heavy | Solar | Heavy | 30th Anniversary | Yes | Grasp of Avarice Dungeon | Grasp of Avarice Dungeon![]() 30th Anniversary | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Rounds fired split into tracking cluster missiles upon detonation. Gain increased handling and reload speed when standing near allies. Firing this weapon also grants Wolfpack Rounds to nearby allies wielding non-Exotic Rocket Launchers." ► Despite its slight perk differences compared to Destiny 1, Destiny 2's Gjallarhorn continues its reign as king. Because of its tracking and Wolfpack Rounds in PvP and its perk that buffs nearby allies' rocket launchers in PvE, it's uncommon not to see anyone running Gjallarhorn in most activities. | PVE,PVP |
![]() Typhon GL5 | Grenade Launcher | Heavy | Stasis | Heavy | Free-to-Play | Yes | World loot pool | World loot pool![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Impulse Amplifier + Explosive Light (also good: Chill Klip) ► Even though Typhon GL5 has some great perks like Explosive Light, it doesn't excel in any part of the game simply because it's a heavy Grenade Launcher. Until these become stronger options for either ad clear or DPS, this weapon will sadly be forgotten by most of the community. | PVP |

Gjallarhorn , still a dominating Destiny 2 PVP weapon
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.
PS: If you’re looking for the complete rundown of the state of the current Meta for PVP and PVE, check out our Destiny 2 Meta guide.
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.
These are the different Tier levels used for these Tier lists:
- S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapon types.
- A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapon types, 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.
The list starts with S Tier and moves down until it reaches the bottom Tier. Also, remember that the PvE meta is a completely different beast!
PvP Primary weapons meta
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Hand Cannons | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Hand Cannons are in a bit of a strange spot. Many will argue that they are still the best weapons in the game, however, due to the prevalence of Pulse Rifles and especially SMGs, Hand Cannons have slowly been pushed out of many players' main pick. They are still excellent duelling weapons though, and feel amazing to use so they still retain a strong ranking. ► 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 |
![]() 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 | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | - | ► Auto Rifles aren't doing greét right now. They contest a similar range as Hand Cannons, however, they lack the peak shooting potential that Adaptive Hand Cannons bring. They can also be contested at close range by SMGs, making them difficult to use everywhere. However, a good player can still find value in an Auto Rifle as they do provide high flinch and constant damage. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Gnawing Hunger | 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 | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Scouts have been tuned down to make them less potent in the hands of the average player. However, good scout rifle players will still be able to do pretty well in lobbies, however, they may find themselves outmatched by Pulse Rifles. ► Best Archetype: High-Impact (150 RPM) - Example: Polaris Lance | PVP Primaries |
![]() Submachine Guns | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ![]() | ► SMGs have soared in power and will absolutely destroy you if you get within their effective range which, nowadays, feels like it's across the map. This, combined with their incredible ease of use and high potential in skilled hands makes for a very oppressive weapon to face against. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (750 RPM)- Example: IKELOS_SMG_V1.0.3 | 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.
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Shotguns | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ![]() | ► Shotguns received a significant change in Season 19 that made their pellet spread more consistent overall. With pre-determined spread patterns per archetype, and the reversal of some widely disliked nerfs, Shotguns are coming back. ► Best Archetype: Lightweight (65 RPM)- Example: Matador 64 | 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 players wanting a long-range option. | PVP Specials |
![]() Sniper Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Sniper Rifles are in an excellent place right now. After the nerfs to Linear Fusion Rifles, it only makes sense that Sniper usage picks up, and with options that come stacked with aim assist and excellent perks like Defiance of Yasmin or Beloved, it's easy to see why Snipers have risen up the ranks. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (90 RPM)- Example: Beloved | PVP Specials |
![]() 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 | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Glaives are somewhat of a sleeper pick. However, with the Season 19 buffs and hit registration improvements they received, they can be quite annoying to play against. However, they do remain heavily outclassed by other mid to long-range options, and can't compete at close range due to the lackluster melee. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (55 RPM)- Example: The Enigma | PVP Specials |
![]() Fusion Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ![]() | ► Fusion Rifles have seen buff after buff, and with Season of the Haunted, they finally saw a slight nerf. However, this change hasn't altered the state of Fusion Rifles enough to consider them noticeably weaker than before. They are able to cover the close-medium range excellently and a good Fusion Rifle player can be incredibly hard to beat. ► Best Archetype: Precision (780ms Charge Time) - Example: Main Ingredient | PVP Specials |
![]() Grenade Launchers | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Grenade Launchers remain the most 'annoying' option in PvP. The ability to flush players out from cover is not lost on players in PvP, and being able to 1-hit kill with certain rolls allows Grenade Launchers to be a highly tactical, but also lethal option. They also serve as an excellent 'hot-swap' choice to allow for easy cleanups with your Primary weapon. ► Best Archetype: Wave Frame - Example: Dead Messenger | 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 |
![]() 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 |
![]() 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 |
![]() 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 now redundant. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive/Lightweight- Examples: Half-Truths/Quickfang | PVP Heavies |
![]() Linear Fusion Rifles | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | 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. In PVP, you want a Heavy weapon that can either easily down several guardians or guarantee a kill in a high-stakes match. It isn't impossible to do with a linear fusion rifle, but other weapon types can accomplish that more easily. | PVP Heavies |
Best Crucible weapons: Loadouts
Up until now, we have split our top PVP guns into Primaries, Special and Heavy weapons. This makes sense when comparing weapons against each other.
But once you start building towards the ultimate loadout, a weapon’s slot becomes crucial. That’s because you can only carry one Kinetic, one Energy, and one Heavy weapon at a time. For example, if you’re committed to using an Igneous Hammer as your primary weapon, then your Special weapon will have to be Kinetic.

The Best Destiny 2 Crucible weapons
In this section, we’ll share some of the most popular PvP loadouts right now.
- | Kinetic | -- | Special | --- | Heavy | Meta |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | No Time to Explain | ![]() | Beloved | ![]() | The Other Half | PVP |
![]() | Dead Man's Tale | ![]() | Matador 64 | ![]() | Typhon GL5 | PVP |
![]() | Defiance of Yasmin | ![]() | IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3 | ![]() | Gjallarhorn | PVP |
The Last Word
We did our best to include both Legendary weapons and Exotics, as well as the top tier, most difficult to obtain weapons, and easier to get, yet still great alternatives. Did we miss your current favorite PVP weapon? Do you have a particularly good PVP loadout you would like to share? Let us know in the comments section below!
For the record, this list is based on our experience playing the PC version of the game.
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”
)