As you play Destiny 2, your biggest concerns will quickly become 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 cover the best weapons for the Crucible, including Exotic and Legendary weapons (and their PvE god rolls).
Updated as of the release of the Renegades DLC. See Updates
Best PvP Primary weapons
These are the best Primary PvP weapons in the current Meta. By Primary, we refer to Kinetic or Energy weapons that use Primary ammo:
| Weapon | Type | Ammo? | Slot | Requirements | Source | Source ❘ DLC | Verdict | Part of? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Corundum Hammer Hand Cannon | Hand Cannon | Primary | Kinetic | Renegades | Trials of Osiris | Trials of Osiris Renegades | Slot:  Strand | Ammo:  Primary | Archetype: AdaptivePvP God Roll: Slideshot + Opening Shot or Explosive Payload ► While it's unlikely that Corundum Hammer will outshine its competition, it doesn’t really need to. What is offered here is something players have been wanting for a good while: a solid Strand handcannon for PvP, and we finally have it. | PVP |
 The Martlet Pulse Rifle | Pulse Rifle | Primary | Energy | Renegades | Trials of Osiris | Trials of Osiris Renegades | Slot:  Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: LightweightPvE God Roll: Replusor Brace (also good: Firefly) + Destabilizing Rounds (also good: Withering Gaze) PvP God Roll: Keep Away or Headseeker + Kill Clip or Zen Moment ► The Martlet is a high-quality weapon for both PvE and PvP. Holding the best perks to tackle both arenas effectively while also being one of the best complements to a Void-focused build, Trials of Osiris is no better place to receive this great prize. | PVP |
 Last Thursday Pulse Rifle | Pulse Rifle | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Kepler | Kepler Free-to-Play | Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: AdaptivePvE God Roll: Demolitionist (also good: Subsistence or Strategist) + Dragonfly (also good Frenzy or Binary Orbit) PvP God Roll: Rapid-Hit (also good: Built to Last or Transcendent Moment) + Headseeker ► While Heavy Bursts still have the limelight, Adaptives aren’t too far behind, and it shows with Last Thursday. While you won’t get any wild perk combos here, what is here is solid and battle-tested for both PvE and PvP, and it rolls with some new perks that might become staples. | PVP |
 Mos Athanor IV Hand Cannon | Hand Cannon | Primary | Energy | Free-to-Play | Crucible Ops | Crucible Ops Free-to-Play | Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: AggressivePvP God Roll: Lone Wolf or Slideways + Precision Instrument (also good: Adagio) ► Mos Athanor IV is going to be the PvP hand cannon staple going forward into the Gear Tier era, and is simply essential for any PvP player. | PVP |
 High Tyrant Pulse Rifle | Pulse Rifle | Primary | Energy | Renegades | Equilibrium Dungeon | Equilibrium Dungeon Renegades | Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Balanced Heat WeaponPvE God Roll: Destabilizing Rounds (also good: Repulsor Brace, Delicate Tuning) + Demoralize (also good: Meganeura, Frenzy) PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Headseeker (also good: Master of Arms) ► High Tyrant is a quality Pulse Rifle in both PvE and PvP. Leaning into its Void element will grant the best results when it comes to PvE, and its quick-firing nature and solid PvP perk set will ensure it does the work when it comes to taking on enemy Guardians. | PVP |
 The Immortal Submachine Gun | Submachine Gun | Primary | Kinetic | Renegades | Trials of Osiris | Trials of Osiris Renegades | Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: AggressivePvP God Rolls: Rangefinder or Dynamic Sway Reduction (also good: Threat Detector) + Target Lock (also good: Kill Clip) PvE God Roll: Attrition Orbs or Hatchling + Target Lock or Demolitionist (also good: Master of Arms) ► While the meta might have shifted away from where The Immortal shines, that hasn’t changed anything about the weapon itself. Rocking its old god roll alongside some very welcome new additions, you won’t want to miss the new and improved The Immortal when it drops from Trials. | PVP |
 Aureus Neutralizer Hand Cannon | Hand Cannon | Primary | Kinetic | The Edge of Fate | Trials of Osiris | Trials of Osiris The Edge of Fate | Slot:  Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Spread ShotPvE God Roll: Vorpal Weapon or Grave Robber + Trench Barrel or Cascade Point (also good: One-Two Punch) PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf + Closing Time or Opening Shot ► The second Spread Shot Hand Cannon, Aureus Neutralizer puts a greater focus on melee. The presence of options like Trench Barrel, Grave Robber, and even Cascade Point add something unique to the weapon, making it a strong pick. | PVP,PVE |
 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 |
 Aisha's Embrace Scout Rifle | Scout Rifle | Primary | Energy | The Edge of Fate | Trials of Osiris | Trials of Osiris The Edge of Fate | Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-FirePvE God Roll: Demoralize or Shoot to Loot (also good: Rapid Hit) + Destabilizing Rounds (also good: Withering Gaze) PvP God Roll: Keep Away or Rapid Hit (also good: Eye of the Storm) + Precision Instrument ► At the top of the tier list, Aisha’s Embrace is a must have for Scout Rifle fans in both PvE and PvP. Even despite Scout Rifles being relatively weak (mainly in PvE), Aisha’s Embrace does an excellent job of breaking the mold and standing alongside other Scout Rifle greats. | 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 |
Best PvP Special weapons
These are the best Special PvP weapons. By Special, we refer to Kinetic or Energy weapons that use Special ammo, aka green ammo boxes:
| Weapon | Type | Ammo? | Slot | Requirements | Source | Source ❘ DLC | Verdict | Part of? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 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 |
 MIDA Macro-Tool Shotgun | Shotgun | Special | Energy | The Edge of Fate | Crucible Ops | Crucible Ops The Edge of Fate | Slot:  Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: MIDA SynergyPvP God Roll: Threat Detector (also good: Slideshot) + Opening Shot (also good: Closing Time) ► MIDA Macro-Tool is far from unique, but it provides an accessible way to get premier PvE perks, and possibly the best PvP shotgun in the game. | 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 |
 Riptide Fusion Rifle | Fusion Rifle | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Crucible Ops | Crucible Ops Free-to-Play | Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-FirePvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster or Overflow (also good: Subsistence) + Chill Clip or Controlled Burst (also good: Crystalline Corpsebloom) PvP God Roll: Under Pressure + Closing Time ► Thanks to Crucible focusing and Chill Clip's ability to combat all champions, Riptide is not only a must-have weapon; it's also extremely easy to get. Riptide currently dominates the PvE meta, and TTK changes to Rapid-Fire fusions mean this could be a welcome addition to a PvP loadout. | PVP |
 Burden of Guilt Fusion Rifle | Fusion Rifle | Special | Kinetic | The Final Shape | Trials of Osiris | Trials of Osiris The Final Shape | Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: AdaptivePvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Ambitious Assassin) + Chill Clip (also good: Controlled Burst) PvP God Roll: Under Pressure + Closing Time (also good: Kickstart) ► As the only Adaptive Stasis Fusion Rifle, Burden of Guilt immediately becomes a must-have weapon in the current sandbox. These god rolls are top-quality in their respective field and a welcome addition to any loadout. | 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 |
 Conspiracy Honed Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Special | Kinetic | Renegades | Equilibrium Dungeon | Equilibrium Dungeon Renegades | Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Dynamic Heat WeaponPvE God Roll: Vorpal Weapon + Bait and Switch (also good: Firing Line, Box Breathing) ► Conspiracy Honed is a top-tier weapon when it comes to PvE and does a great job at bringing Sniper Rifles back into the conversation for PvP. Unique as the only Heat-based Sniper Rifle, this makes Conspiracy Honed a hot new weapon with god rolls worth chasing down. | PVP |
 Precipial Shotgun | Shotgun | Special | Energy | Free-to-Play | Kepler | Kepler Free-to-Play | Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: PrecisionPvE God Roll: One-Two Punch or Repulsor Brace + Vorpal Weapon or Destabilizing Rounds ► While nothing new for shotguns, Precipial is a solid option if precision frames are more your speed. Offering incredible base range, its only drawback is the lack of Slideshot and Opening Shot in different slots. | 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 |
 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 |
Best PvP Heavy weapons
These are the best Heavy weapons for PvP. By Heavy, we refer to weapons that use Heavy ammo, aka purple ammo boxes:
| Weapon | Type | Ammo? | Slot | Requirements | Source | Source ❘ DLC | Verdict | Part of? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 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 |
 Unwavering Duty Machine Gun | Machine Gun | Heavy | Heavy | The Edge of Fate | Trials of Osiris | Trials of Osiris The Edge of Fate | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: AdaptivePvE God Roll: Incandescent, Killing Tally ► In PvE, Unwavering Duty stands alone in the Solar category and is a workhorse in any level of PvE content, and will still hold its own in PvP effectively. There is a lot to like about this weapon and landing in the S-Tier, as well as a lack of 450 RPM Solar Machine Guns; this weapon is a must-have piece of kit. | PVP |
 Cataphract GL3 Grenade Launcher | Grenade Launcher | Heavy | Heavy | Renegades | Trials of Osiris | Trials of Osiris Renegades | 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 |
 Refurbished A499 Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Heavy | Heavy | Renegades | Renegades Destination | Renegades Destination Renegades | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Disruption WeaponPvE God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Aggregate Charge ► Strangely, the lack of great perks on Refurbished A499 doesn’t take away from the power of its new Disruption archetype, providing one of the most consistent heavy damage profiles in the PvE sandbox. | 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:
- December 21, 2025: List updated to include Renegades weapons and take into account the current meta.
- August 25, 2025: General updates based on The Edge of Fate’s new weapons and Meta.
- 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”
)