Best Shotguns in Destiny 2: Tier List for PvP & PvE

Shotguns have been through a lot lately, especially in PvP. Several nerfs & buffs to specific archetypes and traits have completely changed the shotgun meta. But now that the dust has settled, Shotguns remain extremely lethal and continue to sit among the best Special weapons.

This guide covers every Shotgun in Destiny 2, including Exotic and Legendary shotties, as well as the best rolls for PvE and PvP.

 Updated as of Season of the Wish (S23). See Updates.

Destiny 2 Best Shotguns: Top-tier Options

This Tier list features the best Exotic and Legendary shotguns right now, including the Matador 64:

Item	Weapons	Type	Archetype	Ammo?	Element?	Requirements	In loot pool?	Rank	Source	Available?	Tier rank	Source ❘ DLC	Final Verdict	Released	Perks	Best of?
Heritage	Heritage	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Special	Kinetic	Beyond Light	Yes	S › Best	Deep Stone Crypt Raid		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Deep Stone Crypt Raid Beyond Light	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Pinpoint Slug PvE God Roll: Reconstruction (also good: Auto-Loading Holster) + Recombination PvP God Roll:Slideshot + Offhand Strike ► Heritage is an absolute staple in the Kinetic Slot and will forever hold a place as a go-to option in my loadouts. It can hit like a truck with Recombination and can get up to double its regular magazine size. It wastes majors and bosses alike and is an option that we 100% recommend you grind for.	Season 12	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Pinpoint Slug PvE God Roll: Reconstruction (also good: Auto-Loading Holster) + Recombination PvP God Roll:Slideshot + Offhand Strike	Top-tier
Conditional Finality	Conditional Finality	Shotgun	Exotic	Special	Stasis	Lightfall	Yes	S › Best	Root of Nightmares Raid		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Root of Nightmares Raid Lightfall	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic 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 is the Shotgun to use in PvE and PvP. With incredibly high utility everywhere in the game, Conditional Finality is a must-have weapon in the current meta.	Season 20	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic 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."	Top-tier
Tractor Cannon	Tractor Cannon	Shotgun	Exotic	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Engram		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon emits a powerful impulse that pushes enemies away, suppresses their abilities, and makes them more vulnerable to all incoming damage." ► Ever since Divinity was nerfed, players now use Tractor Cannon instead, as it is extremely easy to use and applies one of the strongest debuffs in the entire game. To truly be an optimal Fireteam, someone should always have a Tractor Cannon on hand.	Season 1	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon emits a powerful impulse that pushes enemies away, suppresses their abilities, and makes them more vulnerable to all incoming damage."	Top-tier
Dead Weight	Dead Weight	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Playlist: Gambit		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Playlist: Gambit Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Frenzy (also good: Demolitionist) ► Dead Weight is part of the Rapid-Fire archetype, the best Shotgun archetype for PvE right now. It also comes with almost every perk you could ever want for PvE, making it one of the best Shotguns for PvE right now.	Season 17	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Frenzy (also good: Demolitionist)	Top-tier
IKELOS_SG_v1.0.3	IKELOS_SG_v1.0.3	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Operation: Seraph's Shield		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Operation: Seraph's Shield Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll:Threat Detector + Cascade Point (also good: Surrounded) ► Rapid-Fire Frame Shotguns are the best Shotguns in PvE right now, thanks to their improved ammo reserves. Plus, the IKELOS_SG comes with a ton of good perks, making it an incredible Shotgun for PvE.	Season 19	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll:Threat Detector + Cascade Point (also good: Surrounded)	Top-tier
Until Its Return	Until Its Return	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Special	Strand	Season 21	Yes	S › Best	Seasonal activity		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Seasonal activity Season 21	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster + Cascade Point or Surrounded ► Until Its Return is not only part of the Rapid-Fire Frame, but also comes packed with brilliant perks, making it one of the most powerful Shotguns for PvE right now. Cascade Point or Surrounded are great for damage, and Auto-Loading Holster provides added utility.	Season 21	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster + Cascade Point or Surrounded	Top-tier
The Chaperone	The Chaperone	Shotgun	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	Beyond Light	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Quest		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP	Exotic Quest Beyond Light	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic 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 Precision-slug frame, The Chaperone has the longest one-hit kill distance of any shotgun in the game, provided you can hit your headshots.	Season 4	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a single-slug precision round. Precision kills briefly grant bonus handling, range, and precision damage with this weapon."	Top-tier
Duality	Duality	Shotgun	Exotic	Special	Solar	Beyond Light	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Kiosk		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP	Exotic Kiosk Beyond Light	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a pellet spread in hip-fire or a single high-damage slug while aiming. Pellet final blows grant a stacking precision damage and reload speed buff. Precision hits with slugs extend the duration." ► Duality is still one of the most versatile options in the game. With its ability to switch between Slugs and Pellets at will, skilled players can truly take advantage of Duality's powerful flexibility.	Season 12	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a pellet spread in hip-fire or a single high-damage slug while aiming. Pellet final blows grant a stacking precision damage and reload speed buff. Precision hits with slugs extend the duration."	Top-tier
Retold Tale	Retold Tale	Shotgun	Precision	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Shattered Throne Dungeon		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP	Shattered Throne Dungeon Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Quickdraw (also good: Surplus) + Snapshot Sights ► As a Precision Frame Shotgun, Retold Tale is a powerful option in the Crucible. On top of this, it comes with some excellent perks, and the combination of Quickdraw + Snapshot Sights makes it one of the snappiest Shotguns in the entire game.	Season 13	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Quickdraw (also good: Surplus) + Snapshot Sights	Top-tier
Fractethyst	Fractethyst	Shotgun	Precision	Special	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Xûr		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP	Xûr Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Quickdraw (also good: Slideshot) + Opening Shot ► As Precision Shotguns are clearly at the top of the Shotgun meta right now, some will argue that Fractethyst is the best PvP Shotgun in the game. Excellent base stats and top-tier perks make Fractethyst a sought-after weapon among PvP players.	Season 15	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Quickdraw (also good: Slideshot) + Opening Shot	Top-tier
Matador 64	Matador 64	Shotgun	Precision	Special	Arc	30th Anniversary	Yes	S › Best	Grasp of Avarice Dungeon		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP	Grasp of Avarice Dungeon 30th Anniversary	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Opening Shot (also good: Killing Wind) ► Matador 64 is one of the best Shotguns in the game. Being part of the Precision Frame family gives it a boost, but its excellent perks bring it the extra mile, with Opening Shot and Perpetual Motion both being high-value perks.	30th Anniversary event	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Opening Shot (also good: Killing Wind)	Top-tier
Wastelander M5	Wastelander M5	Shotgun	Lightweight	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Dares of Eternity		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Dares of Eternity Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Subsistence + One-Two Punch PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion (also good: Slideshot) + Opening Shot ► The Wastelander is one of the nicest feeling Shotguns in the entire game. With a unique Hip-Fire reticle and an overall 'snappy' feel, many players will still opt for the Wastelander, despite Lightweights not being in the best of spots right now.	30th Anniversary event	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Subsistence + One-Two Punch PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion (also good: Slideshot) + Opening Shot	Top-tier
Legend of Acrius	Legend of Acrius	Shotgun	Exotic	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires blasts of high-damage Arc energy that over penetrates enemies. Its radar detects enemies from farther away." ► Legend of Acrius can put out some incredible damage numbers in the right scenario. With its Trench Barrel catalyst, Legend of Acrius is slowly returning to its former glory and packs an incredible punch to any close-range boss.	Season 1	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires blasts of high-damage Arc energy that over penetrates enemies. Its radar detects enemies from farther away."	Top-tier
Astral Horizon	Astral Horizon	Shotgun	Aggressive	Special	Kinetic	Lightfall	Yes	A › Strong	Trials of Osiris		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Trials of Osiris Lightfall	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Threat Detector + Cascade Point (also good: Vorpal Weapon) ► Astral Horizon is better suited for PvE these days due to its decent perk pool for general play. Cascade Point is an interesting option, and Vorpal Weapon can boost the damage even more, making it a decent option.	Season 10	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Threat Detector + Cascade Point (also good: Vorpal Weapon)	Top-tier
The Deicide	The Deicide	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Xûr		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Xûr Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Lead From Gold + One-Two Punch ► Rapid-Fire Frame Shotguns are simply a cut above the rest thanks to the ammo reserve bonus they have; that alone makes Deicide a solid pick. Plus, Lead from Gold and One-Two Punch are both solid perks.	Season 14	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Lead From Gold + One-Two Punch	Top-tier
One Small Step	One Small Step	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Moon		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Moon Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Lead From Gold + One-Two Punch ► Being a Rapid-Fire Frame Shotgun immediately places One Small Step into the upper tiers. While it doesn't have the best perks, it can roll with a few solid options.	Season 14	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Lead From Gold + One-Two Punch	Top-tier
Basso Ostinato	Basso Ostinato	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Special	Void	Lightfall	Yes	A › Strong	Terminal Overload		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Terminal Overload Lightfall	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Grave Robber + One-Two Punch ► Grave Robber and One-Two Punch is always a brilliant combo, and Basso Ostinato brings this perk combination to the Rapid-Fire Frame, making it an excellent choice.	Season 20	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Grave Robber + One-Two Punch	Top-tier
Imperial Decree	Imperial Decree	Shotgun	Aggressive	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Engram Focusing		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Engram Focusing Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Rolls: Auto-Loading Holster + Trench Barrel (also good: Surrounded) ► Imperial Decree is a very solid PvE Shotgun, thanks to its perk pool. While it may not be a Rapid-Fire, the perks allow it to be a decent swap option for DPS.	Season 20	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Rolls: Auto-Loading Holster + Trench Barrel (also good: Surrounded)	Top-tier
Swordbreaker	Swordbreaker	Shotgun	Lightweight	Special	Strand	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Crota's End Raid		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Crota's End Raid Free-to-Play	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Pugilist + One-Two Punch> ► Swordbreaker is a solid One-Two Punch Shotgun. Pugilist allows it to shine on certain builds on Titan and deal incredibly high damage.	Season 22	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Pugilist + One-Two Punch>	Top-tier
Supercluster	Supercluster	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Special	Strand	Season 23	Yes	A › Strong	Seasonal activity		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Seasonal activity Season 23	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Pinpoint Slug PvE God Roll: Reconstruction + Cascade Point or Surrounded ► Supercluster comes with a good number of perks that make it a solid backup DPS weapon. Reconstruction and Cascade Point or Surrounded allows players to unload on targets, dealing a good amount of DPS.	Season 23	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Pinpoint Slug PvE God Roll: Reconstruction + Cascade Point or Surrounded	Top-tier
Compass Rose	Compass Rose	Shotgun	Precision	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Seasonal	A › Strong	Event: Solstice		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Event: Solstice Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Quickdraw + Snapshot Sights (also good: Vorpal Weapon) ► Compass Rose is quite the sleeper pick right now, as Precision Frame Shotguns are quite powerful in the current meta. Too bad it lacks some of the top tier perks to boost it into the S tier.	Season 14	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Quickdraw + Snapshot Sights (also good: Vorpal Weapon)	Top-tier

Destiny 2 Shotguns: The Complete List

This database includes every viable Shotgun 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?
	The Chaperone	Shotgun	Exotic	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	Beyond Light	Yes	Special	Kinetic	Best ❘ S	PvP	Exotic Quest	No	Beyond Light	Season 4	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Conditional Finality	Shotgun	Exotic	Exotic	Special	Stasis	Lightfall	Yes	Special	Stasis	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	Root of Nightmares Raid	No	Lightfall	Season 20	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	The Fourth Horseman	Shotgun	Exotic	Exotic	Special	Solar	Shadowkeep	Yes	Special	Solar	Average ❘ B	PvE	Exotic Kiosk	No	Shadowkeep	Season 10	Energy	No
	Duality	Shotgun	Exotic	Exotic	Special	Solar	Beyond Light	Yes	Special	Solar	Best ❘ S	PvP	Exotic Kiosk	No	Beyond Light	Season 12	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Lord of Wolves	Shotgun	Exotic	Exotic	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Solar	Weak ❘ C	PvP	Exotic Engram	No	Free-to-Play	Season 4	Energy	No
	Legend of Acrius	Shotgun	Exotic	Exotic	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Exotic Kiosk	No	Free-to-Play	Season 1	Heavy	No	Top-tier
	Tractor Cannon	Shotgun	Exotic	Exotic	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	Best ❘ S	PvE	Exotic Engram	No	Free-to-Play	Season 1	Heavy	No	Top-tier
	Toil and Trouble	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Kinetic	Weak ❘ C	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Kinetic	No
	Blasphemer	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Kinetic	Worst ❘ D	-	Moon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 13	Kinetic	No
	Astral Horizon	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Lightfall	Yes	Special	Kinetic	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Trials of Osiris	No	Lightfall	Season 10	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Heritage	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Beyond Light	Yes	Special	Kinetic	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	Deep Stone Crypt Raid	Yes	Beyond Light	Season 12	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier	Reconstruction
	Riiswalker	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	No	Special	Kinetic	Weak ❘ C	-	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Kinetic	No
	One Small Step	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Kinetic	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Moon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Fractethyst	Shotgun	Precision	Legendary	Special	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Stasis	Best ❘ S	PvP	Xûr	No	Free-to-Play	Season 15	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Wastelander M5	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Kinetic	Strong ❘ A	PvE + PvP	Dares of Eternity	Yes	Free-to-Play	30th Anniversary event	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier
	Reckless Endangerment	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Kinetic	Worst ❘ D	-	Exotic Kiosk	No	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Kinetic	No
	Ragnhild-D	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Kinetic	Weak ❘ C	-	Gunsmith	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Kinetic	Craftable
	Fortissimo-11	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Kinetic	Average ❘ B	PvE + PvP	Vanguard Focusing	No	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Kinetic	No
	No Reprieve	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Special	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Stasis	Worst ❘ D	-	Xûr	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Kinetic	Craftable
	Imperial Decree	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Kinetic	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Engram Focusing	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 20	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier
	Until Its Return	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Special	Strand	Season 21	Yes	Special	Strand	Best ❘ S	PvE	Seasonal activity	Yes	Season 21	Season 21	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier
	Swordbreaker	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Strand	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Strand	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Crota's End Raid	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 22	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier	Sword Logic
	Supercluster	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Special	Strand	Season 23	Yes	Special	Strand	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Seasonal activity	Yes	Season 23	Season 23	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier	Reconstruction
	Felwinter's Lie	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Solar	Average ❘ B	PvP	Exotic Kiosk	No	Free-to-Play	Season 10	Energy	No
	First In, Last Out	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Arc	Average ❘ B	PvE	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	No
	Xenoclast IV	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Arc	Average ❘ B	PvP	Vanguard Focusing	No	Free-to-Play	Season 12	Energy	No
	Wishbringer	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Solar	Weak ❘ C	-	Playlist: Crucible	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	No
	Retrofuturist	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Void	Average ❘ B	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 13	Energy	No
	IKELOS_SG_v1.0.3	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Solar	Best ❘ S	PvE	Operation: Seraph's Shield	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 19	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier	Incandescent
	Seventh Seraph CQC-12	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Solar	Weak ❘ C	-	Xûr	No	Free-to-Play	Season 10	Energy	No
	Prophet of Doom	Shotgun	Precision	Legendary	Special	Arc	Shadowkeep	Yes	Special	Arc	Average ❘ B	PvE + PvP	Garden of Salvation Raid	No	Shadowkeep	Season 8	Energy	No
	Bonechiller	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Void	Worst ❘ D	-	Europa	No	Free-to-Play	Season 12	Energy	No
	Retold Tale	Shotgun	Precision	Legendary	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Void	Best ❘ S	PvP	Shattered Throne Dungeon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 13	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Found Verdict	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Arc	Weak ❘ C	-	Vault of Glass Raid	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	No
	Sojourner's Tale	Shotgun	Precision	Legendary	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Solar	Average ❘ B	PvE	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	No
	The Deicide	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Void	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Xûr	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Compass Rose	Shotgun	Precision	Legendary	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Seasonal	Special	Solar	Strong ❘ A	PvP	Event: Solstice	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	No	Top-tier	Incandescent
	A Sudden Death	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Void	Average ❘ B	PvP	Prophecy Dungeon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Energy	No
	The Comedian	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Void	Weak ❘ C	-	Nightfall: The Ordeals	No	Free-to-Play	Season 15	Energy	No
	Matador 64	Shotgun	Precision	Legendary	Special	Arc	30th Anniversary	Yes	Special	Arc	Best ❘ S	PvP	Grasp of Avarice Dungeon	No	30th Anniversary	30th Anniversary event	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Without Remorse	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Special	Solar	Beyond Light	Yes	Special	Solar	Average ❘ B	PvP	Presage	Yes	Beyond Light	Season 17	Energy	Craftable		Incandescent
	Dead Weight	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Arc	Best ❘ S	PvE	Playlist: Gambit	No	Free-to-Play	Season 17	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Mindbender's Ambition	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Solar	Average ❘ B	PvP	Nightfall: The Ordeals	No	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Energy	No		Incandescent
	The Inquisitor	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Special	Arc	Lightfall	Yes	Special	Arc	Average ❘ B	PvP	Trials of Osiris	No	Lightfall	Season 18	Energy	No
	Gunnora's Axe	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Arc	Average ❘ B	PvE + PvP	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 19	Energy	No		Voltshot
	Basso Ostinato	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Special	Void	Lightfall	Yes	Special	Void	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Terminal Overload	No	Lightfall	Season 20	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Hand in Hand	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Arc	Weak ❘ C	-	Lost Sector	No	Free-to-Play	Season 20	Energy	No
	Nessa's Oblation	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Special	Void	Lightfall	Yes	Special	Void	Average ❘ B	PvE	Root of Nightmares Raid	Yes	Lightfall	Season 20	Energy	Craftable		Destabilizing Rounds,Repulsor Brace,Reconstruction
	Last Man Standing	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Special	Solar	Season 21	Yes	Special	Solar	Worst ❘ D	-	Fishing	No	Season 21	Season 21	Energy	No
	Deadpan Delivery	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Special	Arc	Weak ❘ C	-	Recovered Red War	No	Free-to-Play	Season 22	Energy	No

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 Shotguns in 2024

Ready to dig deeper into the absolute best Shotguns in Destiny 2 right now? These are the cream of the crop, our favorites (for PvE and PvP):

5. The Chaperone

Excels in PvP

Chaperone is deceptively easy to use. While it does have a bit of a learning curve, once players get past the early difficulties, Chaperone becomes one of the most consistent and straightforward weapons in the game.

Learning where to play and keeping your distance will be the hardest part, as it can be tempting to rush in and forget to aim like you have a pellet Shotgun, but if you take your time, the Chaperone will reward you.

Exotic Perk: “Fires a single-slug precision round. Precision kills briefly grant bonus handling, range, and precision damage with this weapon.”

How to get it: The Chaperone can be acquired by completing an Exotic quest.

Name: The Chaperone

Type: Shotgun Archetype: Exotic

Ammo: Special Element: Kinetic

Craftable: No Released: Season 4

Source: Exotic Quest Requires: Beyond Light

4. Dead Weight

Excels in PvE

Dead Weight comes with everything a PvE Shotgun user could ask for. Rapid-Fire Frame for deeper ammo reserves, One-Two Punch and Grave Robber for melee builds, and some good damage perks like Surrounded paired with Auto-Loading Holster, making it a good backup option.

While Dead Weight may not be craftable, it is such a versatile weapon in terms of its perk pool that every Shotgun aficionado should have in their arsenal as it is a true jack-of-all-trades weapon.

• PvE God roll: Subsistence + Frenzy (also good: Demolitionist)

How to get it: Dead Weight can be acquired by completing matches from the Gambit Playlist.

Name: Dead Weight

Type: Shotgun Archetype: Rapid-Fire

Ammo: Special Element: Arc

Craftable: No Released: Season 17

Source: Playlist: Gambit Requires: Free-to-Play

3. Heritage

Excels in PvE

Heritage is simply a monster. This slug Shotgun not only feels great to use, but it also comes with a great combination of Reconstruction and Recombination. Recombination provides a very high-damage shot at the start of the magazine after getting kills with other weapons, and Reconstruction’s magazine size increase allows you to continue to unload on a target, making it an excellent pick.

In addition, Heritage can be crafted and gain enhanced perks, meaning players can farm for the pattern and craft their own personal roll, as there are plenty of perks available on Heritage.

• PvE God roll: Reconstruction (also good: Auto-Loading Holster) + Recombination
• PvE God roll: Slideshot + Offhand Strike

How to get it: Heritage can be acquired from the Deep Stone Crypt raid.

Name: Heritage

Type: Shotgun Archetype: Pinpoint Slug

Ammo: Special Element: Kinetic

Craftable: Yes Released: Season 12

Source: Deep Stone Crypt Raid Requires: Beyond Light

2. Tractor Cannon

Excels in PvE

While unconventional, Tractor Cannon is one of the most important weapons in a Raid team. It provides a 30% debuff to any target, meaning other players, such as Hunters, can use high-damage supers instead of Shadowshot. This enables your team to deal much better damage overall, especially if you incorporate Special weapons into your DPS loadout when using the Tractor Cannon.

Essentially, when using Tractor Cannon, you should look to also deal damage with other Special weapons as you don’t need to constantly apply Tractor Cannon as the debuff lasts 10 seconds, meaning you don’t have to spam shots. This makes Tractor Cannon the ideal support weapon, and is a major boon to any fireteam.

Exotic Perk: “This weapon emits a powerful impulse that pushes enemies away, suppresses their abilities, and makes them more vulnerable to all incoming damage.”

How to get it: Tractor Cannon can be acquired via Exotic engrams or occasionally from Xûr.

Name: Tractor Cannon

Type: Shotgun Archetype: Exotic

Ammo: Heavy Element: Void

Craftable: No Released: Season 1

Source: Exotic Engram Requires: Free-to-Play

1. Conditional Finality

Excels in PVE and PVP

Conditional Finality is easily the best Shotgun in the game right now. It is versatile but also powerful in each of its use cases. It is a consistent Shotgun in The Crucible, putting enemies down at respectable ranges. It also has the ability to completely shut down any Super in the game by simply hitting all Shotgun pellets, freezing them, and allowing you to get a free kill on them. This is especially useful in Trials of Osiris against a Ward of Dawn.

In PvE, Conditional Finality has anti-champion uses as it counters Unstoppable Champions thanks to the freezing or ignition caused by the Shotgun. On top of this, it is simply a very well-rounded option, dealing solid damage to beefy enemies, making it a brilliant weapon to take into any content.

Exotic 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.”

How to get it: We cover How to get Conditional Finality here.

Name: Conditional Finality

Type: Shotgun Archetype: Exotic

Ammo: Special Element: Stasis

Craftable: No Released: Season 20

Source: Root of Nightmares Raid Requires: Lightfall

Shotguns and the PvP Meta: TTK

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

Weapon Type	Rank	Tier	Trend	Role ❘ Current State	Category
Shotguns	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► With the introduction of fixed (and consistent) pellet spread patterns per archetype and the reversal of some widely disliked nerfs, Shotguns are finally back. With consistent changes in the right direction, Shotguns are once more a staple pick among many PvP players. ► Best Archetype: Precision (65 RPM) - Example: Matador 64	PVP Specials
Sniper Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► Sniper Rifles are in an excellent spot right now. After the nerfs to Linear Fusion Rifles, it only makes sense that Sniper usage picked up. And with weapons that come stacked with aim assist and excellent perks, such as the 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
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
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

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. We have a TTK guide/chart that includes TTK figures, but that mostly applies to Primary weapons, not Specials.

For PvP, you want a Special weapon that can consistently get you a one-hit kill. Shotguns are quite consistent and can be easy to use, provided you can get close enough to your opponent. In the grand scheme of things, Shotguns are among the top Special weapons to bring to the Crucible.

Shotguns and the PvE Meta: DPS

How do Shotguns compare to other Special weapons in PvE?

Weapon Type	Rank	Tier	Trend	Role ❘ Current State	Category
Fusion Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S		►Fusion Rifles are absolutely insane right now. There were a ton of viable options already and newer options, such as The Eremite, can roll with perk combinations that can turn them into monsters. This, on top of certain Exotic options like Merciless, makes Fusion Rifles a staple option for either backup DPS or just general major clear. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (500ms Charge Time) - Example: Cartesian Coordinate	PVE Specials
Shotguns	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► Shotguns are excellent right now. They can be used in traditional hot-swap loadouts when combined with Tractor Cannon in a raid setting, and they remain strong at both major clear and burst damage. However, they can achieve some of the highest damage combos in the game due to their ease of use, high burst damage, and perks like One-Two Punch. ► Best Archetype: Lightweight (90 RPM) - Example: Wastelander M5	PVE Specials
Grenade Launchers	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► Grenade Launchers are brilliant right now. They are versatile and are arguably the best pick in almost all areas. They can have excellent add control through Blinding Grenades or the Wave Frame archetype, and they can also deal good boss damage in a 'hotswap' build with Spike Grenades. Simply put, having a strong arsenal of Grenade Launchers is something you should definitely prioritize if you're looking to get into high-level content. ► All Breach Grenade Launchers share the same archetype	PVE Specials
Sniper Rifles	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► Sniper Rifles have improved a tad, but not that much. They are still too slow for most players' liking, but they can still be a solid backup DPS option. These are commonly used in many longer-range DPS scenarios, but other than that, they remain mediocre. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (140 RPM) - Example: Supremacy	PVE Specials
Trace Rifles	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► With the nerfs to the double-special ammo economy, Trace Rifles have been knocked down a notch. Using a Primary weapon is just more efficient these days. However, they remain solid utility weapons and a go-to if players still want to run double-special lodouts. They also have a couple of solid Exotic options too, making them a decent pick right now.	PVE Specials
Glaives	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► Glaives require a bit of getting used to, but when you do, they can grant you crazy levels of damage resistance. However, they are quite a risky pick, especially if you haven't learned how to master them first. Glaives are also one-dimensional. There is basically no reason to use their melee attack, which is unfortunate as that is probably the most fun part of the Glaives. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (55 RPM) - Example: The Enigma	PVE Specials
Linear Fusion Rifles	C › Weak	Weak ❘ C		► Linear Fusion Rifles are difficult to rank as there are only two of them. While Arbalest is definitely a powerful weapon, it is by no means a must-pick anymore. And Lorentz Driver isn't exactly a serious contender for PvE. Overall, this archetype is quite weak, especially now that Arbalest isn't the top-pick it used to be.	PVE Specials

Keep in mind that when it comes to PvE, DPS is one of the most important factors. As you know, the higher the DPS, the more damage you can deal to a Boss or Major. This D2 DPS chart includes the DPS numbers for every weapon in Destiny 2.

When it comes to actual DPS, Shotguns are in a good place, but they require you to get up close and personal to enemies:

-	Weapon Type	Archetype	Sustained DPS	Mag DPS	Total Damage	Specs	---	Best in Class	Change?	Ammo
	Fusion Rifle	Exotic	31862	35866	525080	-		One Thousand Voices	Same	Heavy
	Linear Fusion Rifle	Exotic	29717	34498	703216	/w Catalyst		Sleeper Simulant	Buffed	Heavy
	Fusion Rifle	Exotic	23413	24551	451119	-		Merciless	Same	Special
	Linear Fusion Rifle	Exotic	20901	25186	483576	With "Marksman Sights"		The Queenbreaker	Buffed	Heavy
	Linear Fusion Rifle	Aggressive	19866	21459	712188	-		Stormchaser	New	Heavy
	Linear Fusion Rifle	Precision	18490	20453	500066	-		Reed's Regret	Buffed	Heavy
	Linear Fusion Rifle	Exotic	18170	20574	488819	-		Arbalest	Same	Special
	Fusion Rifle	Exotic	17963	20882	701631	-		Bastion	Same	Special
	Fusion Rifle	Exotic	16156	18956		/w Catalyst		Jötunn	Same	Special
	Linear Fusion Rifle	Exotic	15800	17891	425063	-		Lorentz Driver	Same	Special
	Fusion Rifle	Exotic	15126	16859	546240	-		Delicate Tomb		Special
	Fusion Rifle	Exotic	14047	15491	470316	/w Catalyst		Telesto	Same	Special
	Fusion Rifle	Aggressive	14030	14867	318752	-		Coriolis Force	Same	Special
	Fusion Rifle	High-Impact	13961	15043	431585	-		Glacioclasm	Same	Special
	Fusion Rifle	Rapid-Fire	13440	14519	360954	-		Cartesian Coordinate	Same	Special
	Fusion Rifle	Adaptive	13236	14607	388850	-		Trinary System	Same	Special
	Fusion Rifle	Exotic	12711	14853	406525	-		Tessellation		Special
	Fusion Rifle	Precision	10334	11331	334026	-		Deliverance	Same	Special

Before you go…

Are you looking for a top-tier Primary and Heavy weapon to round out your loadout? We cover the Best Destiny 2 SMGs and Best Destiny 2 Rocket Launchers, too.

You now know everything there is to know about shotties in Destiny 2, whether that is for PvP or PvE content.