Best Shotguns in Destiny 2: Tier List (Heresy Meta)

Several nerfs & buffs to specific archetypes and traits have 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 all Shotguns in Destiny 2 and their best rolls for PvE and PvP.

Update based on Episode 3: Heresy. See Updates.

Top Tier Shotguns (Episode 3)

This Tier list features the best Exotic and Legendary Shotguns right now:

Item	Weapon	Type	Archetype	Ammo?	Element?	Requirements	Rank	Source	Tier Rank	Source ❘ DLC	Verdict	Released	Perks	Best of?
Tractor Cannon	Tractor Cannon Shotgun	Shotgun	Exotic	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	S+ > Meta	Exotic Engram	❘ 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." ► Tractor Cannon is arguably one of the strongest weapons in Destiny 2, thanks to the debuffing properties it has. The ability to increase your Fireteam's damage by 30% while maintaining acceptable damage yourself by using Mint Retrograde with a Lucky Pants or Peacekeepers combo is incredible, meriting Tractor Cannon the S+ spot.	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
Conditional Finality	Conditional Finality Shotgun	Shotgun	Exotic	Special	Stasis	Lightfall	S › Best	Root of Nightmares Raid	❘ 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 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.	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
A Sudden Death	A Sudden Death Shotgun	Shotgun	Aggressive	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	S › Best	Prophecy Dungeon	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Prophecy Dungeon Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: One-Two Punch (also good:Discord) + Trench Barrel (also good: Redirection) PvP God Roll: Slideshot or Threat Detector + Opening Shot or Closing Time ► A Sudden Death has had a minor perk overhaul, but in doing so has become one of the best pellet shotguns out, rolling with premier perks for both PvE and PvP.	Season 23	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: One-Two Punch (also good:Discord) + Trench Barrel (also good: Redirection) PvP God Roll: Slideshot or Threat Detector + Opening Shot or Closing Time	Top-tier
Unvoiced	Unvoiced Shotgun	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Special	Void	The Final Shape Dungeon Key	S › Best	Sundered Doctrine Dungon	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Sundered Doctrine Dungon The Final Shape Dungeon Key	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Pinpoint Slug PvE God Roll: Redirection or Envious Arsenal + Bait and Switch PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf (also good: Killing Wind) + Closing Time ► Unvoiced is an incredibly unique Shotgun as it comes with two damage perks, making it hit like an absolute truck. Redirection was recently buffed, and when paired with the spectacular Bait and Switch, Unvoiced becomes an incredibly powerful option.	Episode 3	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Pinpoint Slug PvE God Roll: Redirection or Envious Arsenal + Bait and Switch PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf (also good: Killing Wind) + Closing Time	Top-tier
Precipial	Precipial Shotgun	Shotgun	Precision	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	S › Best	Kepler	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Kepler Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: One-Two Punch or Repulsor Brace + Vorpal Weapon or Destabilizing Rounds PvP God Roll: Threat Detector (also good: Lone Wolf) + Opening Shot (also good: Slideshot) ► Precipial comes with an abundance of great PvE and PvP perks. While it may be missing a couple of key perks for PvE specifically, its high base stats combined with some solid PvP perks make it a fantastic option.	The Edge of Fate	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: One-Two Punch or Repulsor Brace + Vorpal Weapon or Destabilizing Rounds PvP God Roll: Threat Detector (also good: Lone Wolf) + Opening Shot (also good: Slideshot)	Top-tier
IKELOS_SG_v1.0.3	IKELOS_SG_v1.0.3 Shotgun	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Special	Solar	The Witch Queen	S › Best	Operation: Seraph's Shield	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Operation: Seraph's Shield Witch Queen	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
Perfect Paradox	Perfect Paradox Shotgun	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Special	Kinetic	Episode 1: Echoes	S › Best	Dawn Engrams	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Dawn Engrams Episode 1: Echoes	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Field Prep (also good: Pugilist) + One-Two Punch ► Perfect Paradox is the go-to Shotgun for any player running a melee build. The weapon's Rapid-Fire archetype massively favours it, as well as the 'Cast No Shadows' Origin Trait, boosting the weapon's synergy with melee-focused playstyles even more.	The Final Shape	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Field Prep (also good: Pugilist) + One-Two Punch	Top-tier
The Chaperone	The Chaperone Shotgun	Shotgun	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	Beyond Light Pack	S › Best	Exotic Quest	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Exotic Quest Beyond Light Pack	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." ► The Chaperone is the champion of slug shotguns. Remarkable range and rather easy to use, once you get used to it. If you manage to master The Chaperone, you can take over any lobby you like.	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
Prophet of Doom	Prophet of Doom Shotgun	Shotgun	Precision	Special	Arc	Shadowkeep Pack	S › Best	Garden of Salvation Raid	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Garden of Salvation Raid Shadowkeep Pack	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP 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.	Season 8	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Threat Detector + Closing Time (also good: Opening Shot)	Top-tier
Matador 64	Matador 64 Shotgun	Shotgun	Precision	Special	Arc	30th Anniversary	S › Best	Grasp of Avarice Dungeon	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Grasp of Avarice Dungeon 30th Anniversary	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Threat Detector (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Opening Shot ► Matador 64 has been one of the most potent and most used Shotguns in the Crucible for some time now which is no surprise thanks to the powerful perks and excellent base stats of the weapon.	30th Anniversary event	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Threat Detector (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Opening Shot	Top-tier
The Inquisitor	The Inquisitor Shotgun	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Special	Arc	The Final Shape	S › Best	Trials of Osiris	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Trials of Osiris The Final Shape	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Pinpoint Slug PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf (also good: Threat Detector) + Closing Time or Opening Shot ► The Inquisitor currently sits at the top of PvP Shotguns. Remarkably popular and deceptively easy to use, it is the perfect weapon to complement almost every single weapon type, and can shut down any opponent using close-range primaries with ease.	Season 18	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Pinpoint Slug PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf (also good: Threat Detector) + Closing Time or Opening Shot	Top-tier
Deadlock	Deadlock Shotgun	Shotgun	Precision	Special	Stasis	Free-to-Play	S › Best	Crucible Competitive	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Crucible Competitive Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Threat Detector or Lone Wolf + Closing Time (also good: Opening Shot) ► Deadlock is a favourite for many players. Generally speaking, if you are using a Primary weapon in the Energy slot and you don't fancy a Slug Shotgun, you are going to be using Deadlock. It is a staple of the Kinetic slot for Shotguns, and rightfully deserves a spot at the top.	Episode 2	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Threat Detector or Lone Wolf + Closing Time (also good: Opening Shot)	Top-tier
MIDA Macro-Tool	MIDA Macro-Tool Shotgun	Shotgun	MIDA Synergy	Special	Arc	The Edge of Fate	S › Best	Crucible Ops	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Crucible Ops The Edge of Fate	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: MIDA Synergy PvP 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.	Ash & Iron	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: MIDA Synergy PvP God Roll: Threat Detector (also good: Slideshot) + Opening Shot (also good: Closing Time)	Top-tier
Heritage	Heritage Shotgun	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Special	Kinetic	Beyond Light Pack	A › Strong	Deep Stone Crypt Raid	❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Deep Stone Crypt Raid Beyond Light Pack	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Pinpoint Slug PvE God Roll: Reconstruction (also good: Auto-Loading Holster) + Recombination PvP God Roll:Slideshot + Offhand Strike ► Heritage might not be the staple it once was due to power creep, but it still holds its own as the best Kinetic Slug Shotgun in the game. While it isn't an instant pick anymore, you can definitely still say Heritage is very strong.	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
Wastelander M5	Wastelander M5 Shotgun	Shotgun	Lightweight	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Dares of Eternity	❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Dares of Eternity Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Lead From Gold + 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: Lead From Gold + One-Two Punch PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion (also good: Slideshot) + Opening Shot	Top-tier
Imperial Decree	Imperial Decree Shotgun	Shotgun	Aggressive	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Engram Focusing	❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Engram Focusing Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Rolls: Auto-Loading Holster + Trench Barrel (also good: Surrounded) PvP God Rolls: Slideshot or Threat Detector + Opening Shot ► Imperial Decree is the best of the Aggressive Frame Shotguns bunch. In PvP, it has some delightful perks like Opening Shot and Threat Detector, and in PvE, it is one of the top picks for an Aggressive Trench Barrel Shotgun.	Season 20	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Rolls: Auto-Loading Holster + Trench Barrel (also good: Surrounded) PvP God Rolls: Slideshot or Threat Detector + Opening Shot	Top-tier
Someday	Someday Shotgun	Shotgun	Precision	Special	Kinetic	The Final Shape	A › Strong	The Pale Heart	❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	The Pale Heart The Final Shape	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Lead From Gold + Recombination or Cascade Point PvP God Roll: Threat Detector + Opening Shot ► Someday is still a top Shotgun; however, it has some outrageously stiff competition in the Kinetic slot, namely Deadlock and Chaperone. It simply isn't on the same tier as those weapons, meaning it has to drop down a tier.	The Final Shape	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Lead From Gold + Recombination or Cascade Point PvP God Roll: Threat Detector + Opening Shot	Top-tier
Lord of Wolves	Lord of Wolves Shotgun	Shotgun	Exotic	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Exotic Engram	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a powerful short-range burst of Solar damage. Hold to swap to a longer, more powerful burst." ► Lord of Wolves may not be the absolute boss-melting monster it once was, but it still holds some weight as a swap exotic for quick bursts of DPS, only being outclassed by a few select options. With respectable total damage, too, Lord of Wolves is still a remarkable weapon.	Season 4	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a powerful short-range burst of Solar damage. Hold to swap to a longer, more powerful burst."	Top-tier
Until Its Return	Until Its Return Shotgun	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Special	Strand	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Xûr	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Xûr Free-to-Play	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
Felwinter's Lie	Felwinter's Lie Shotgun	Shotgun	Aggressive	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk	❘ A Excels in: PvP	Exotic Kiosk Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvP Preferred Perks: Surplus + Opening Shot (also good: Slideshot) ► Felwinter's Lie is the shotgun you use if you don't have a good Matador 64 or Compass Rose. It is a solid Shotgun with Opening Shot, and you can't go wrong with it, but it will be outclassed by the best-in-class alternatives.	Season 10	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvP Preferred Perks: Surplus + Opening Shot (also good: Slideshot)	Top-tier
Duality	Duality Shotgun	Shotgun	Exotic	Special	Solar	Beyond Light Pack	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk	❘ A Excels in: PvP	Exotic Kiosk Beyond Light Pack	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	Shotgun	Precision	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Shattered Throne Dungeon	❘ A Excels in: PvP	Shattered Throne Dungeon Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Quickdraw (also good: Surplus) + Snapshot Sights ► Retold Tale is one of my personal favorites due to the excellent feel of the weapon, the presence of Quickdraw, and its Precision Frame archetype. However, it is undeniable that the lack of Opening Shot hurts it, and when compared to other energy-slot Precision Frame Shotguns, it falls a bit short.	Season 13	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Quickdraw (also good: Surplus) + Snapshot Sights	Top-tier
Compass Rose	Compass Rose Shotgun	Shotgun	Precision	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Event: Solstice	❘ A Excels in: PvP	Event: Solstice Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Slickdraw (also good: Threat Detector) + Opening Shot (also good: Snapshot Sights) ► Perhaps not getting the credit it truly deserves, Compass Rose is a potent, yet underused PvP option. It comes with Slickdraw, giving a constant 100 Handling, as well as Opening Shot, a staple of PvP Shotguns. While there may be better options out there, Compass Rose is no slouch.	Season 14	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Slickdraw (also good: Threat Detector) + Opening Shot (also good: Snapshot Sights)	Top-tier
Fractethyst	Fractethyst Shotgun	Shotgun	Precision	Special	Stasis	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Xûr	❘ A Excels in: PvP	Xûr Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Quickdraw (also good: Slideshot) + Opening Shot ► Fractethyst has fallen from the top of the meta due to slight power creep introduced with options like Deadlock and Someday in particular. While Fractethyst can still contend, it can be outclassed.	Season 15	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Quickdraw (also good: Slideshot) + Opening Shot	Top-tier
Scavenger's Fate	Scavenger's Fate Shotgun	Shotgun	Precision	Special	Void	Episode 2: Revenant	A › Strong	Revenant Activities	❘ A Excels in: PvP	Revenant Activities Episode 2: Revenant	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Slideshot or Lone Wolf + Closing Time ► Similar to Someday, Scavenger's Fate suffers from stiff competition. Having to compete with options such as The Inquisitor, Matador 64, and Prophet of Doom is borderline unfair, and while Scavenger's Fate is still a great option, it is a step below the competition.	Episode 2	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Slideshot or Lone Wolf + Closing Time	Top-tier
Astral Horizon	Astral Horizon Shotgun	Shotgun	Aggressive	Special	Kinetic	Renegades	A › Strong	Trials of Osiris	❘ A Excels in: PvP	Trials of Osiris Renegades	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvP God Roll: Slideshot (also good: Threat Detector) + Opening Shot (also good: Closing Time) ► Excelling in PvP and doing just enough in PvE to be a decent Shotgun, it’s clear to see why Astral Horizon keeps coming back year after year. This is a workhorse Shotgun to add to the loadout, especially to bring to the Crucible.	Renegades	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvP God Roll: Slideshot (also good: Threat Detector) + Opening Shot (also good: Closing Time)	Top-tier

Destiny 2 Shotguns: Complete List

These are all the viable Shotguns currently in the game:

Art	Name	Type	Archetype	Rarity	Requirements	Ammo	Element	Tier	Excels	Source	Craftable?	Requires	Released	Slot	Ammo?	Element?	Can be Crafted?	Best of?	Rank
	Conditional Finality	Shotgun	Exotic	Exotic	Lightfall	Special	Stasis	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Root of Nightmares Raid	No	Lightfall	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Special	Stasis	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Duality	Shotgun	Exotic	Exotic	Beyond Light Pack	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvP	Exotic Kiosk	No	Beyond Light Pack	Season 12	Energy	Special	Solar	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Legend of Acrius	Shotgun	Exotic	Exotic	Free-to-Play	Heavy	Arc	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Kiosk	No	Free-to-Play	Season 1	Heavy	Heavy	Arc	No		B › Average
	Lord of Wolves	Shotgun	Exotic	Exotic	Free-to-Play	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Exotic Engram	No	Free-to-Play	Season 4	Energy	Special	Solar	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Slayer's Fang	Shotgun	Exotic	Exotic	Episode 2: Revenant	Special	Void	C › Weak	-	Exotic Quest	No	Episode 2: Revenant	Episode 2	Energy	Special	Void	No		C › Weak
	The Chaperone	Shotgun	Exotic	Exotic	Beyond Light Pack	Special	Kinetic	S › Best	PvP	Exotic Quest	No	Beyond Light Pack	Season 4	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	The Fourth Horseman	Shotgun	Exotic	Exotic	Shadowkeep Pack	Special	Solar	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Kiosk	No	Shadowkeep Pack	Season 10	Energy	Special	Solar	No		B › Average
	Tractor Cannon	Shotgun	Exotic	Exotic	Free-to-Play	Heavy	Void	S+ > Meta	PvE	Exotic Engram	No	Free-to-Play	Season 1	Heavy	Heavy	Void	No	Top-tier	S+ > Meta
	A Sudden Death	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Void	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Prophecy Dungeon	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Special	Void	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Arcane Embrace	Shotgun	Heavy Burst	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Arc	B › Average	PvE	Eerie Engram	No	Free-to-Play	Ash & Iron	Energy	Special	Arc	No		B › Average
	Astral Horizon	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Renegades	Special	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvP	Trials of Osiris - Week 1	No	Renegades	Renegades	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Basso Ostinato	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Lightfall	Special	Void	B › Average	PvE	Terminal Overload	No	Lightfall	Season 20	Energy	Special	Void	No		B › Average
	Blasphemer	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	Moon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 13	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	No		D › Worst
	Bonechiller	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Void	D › Worst	-	Europa	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Special	Void	No		D › Worst
	Compass Rose	Shotgun	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvP	Solstice Engram	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	Special	Solar	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Dead Weight	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Arc	B › Average	PvE	Playlist: Gambit	No	Free-to-Play	Season 17	Energy	Special	Arc	No		B › Average
	Deadlock	Shotgun	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Stasis	S › Best	PvP	Crucible Competitive	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Special	Stasis	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Deadpan Delivery	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Arc	C › Weak	-	Recovered Red War	No	Free-to-Play	Season 22	Energy	Special	Arc	No		C › Weak
	Ded Gramarye IV	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Arc	C › Weak	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	The Final Shape	Energy	Special	Arc	No		C › Weak
	Felwinter's Lie	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvP	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Special	Solar	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	First In, Last Out	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Arc	C › Weak	PvE	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	Special	Arc	No		C › Weak
	Fortissimo-11	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Vanguard Focusing	No	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	No		B › Average
	Found Verdict	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Arc	B › Average	PvP	Vault of Glass Raid	Yes	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Special	Arc	Craftable		B › Average
	Fractethyst	Shotgun	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Stasis	A › Strong	PvP	Xûr	No	Free-to-Play	Season 15	Kinetic	Special	Stasis	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Gunnora's Axe	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Arc	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Special	Arc	No		B › Average
	Hand in Hand	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Arc	C › Weak	-	Lost Sector	No	Free-to-Play	Season 20	Energy	Special	Arc	No		C › Weak
	Hawthorne’s Field-Forged Shotgun	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Renegades	Special	Stasis	B › Average	PvE	Seasonal activity	No	Renegades	Renegades	Kinetic	Special	Stasis	No		B › Average
	Heritage	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Beyond Light Pack	Special	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Deep Stone Crypt Raid	Yes	Beyond Light Pack	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	IKELOS_SG_v1.0.3	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	The Witch Queen	Special	Solar	S › Best	PvE	Operation: Seraph's Shield	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 19	Energy	Special	Solar	Craftable	Top-tier	S › Best
	Imperial Decree	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Engram Focusing	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 20	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Last Man Standing	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Solar	D › Worst	-	Gambit Ops	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Special	Solar	No		D › Worst
	Legato-11	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Solar	B › Average	PvE + PvP	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Episode 2	Energy	Special	Solar	No		B › Average
	Matador 64	Shotgun	Precision	Legendary	30th Anniversary	Special	Arc	S › Best	PvP	Grasp of Avarice Dungeon	No	30th Anniversary	S29 - Updated	Energy	Special	Arc	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	MIDA Macro-Tool	Shotgun	MIDA Synergy	Legendary	The Edge of Fate	Special	Arc	S › Best	PvP		No	The Edge of Fate	Ash & Iron	Energy	Special	Arc	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Mindbender's Ambition	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Solar	B › Average	PvP	Nightfall: The Ordeals	No	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Energy	Special	Solar	No		B › Average
	Nessa's Oblation	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Lightfall	Special	Void	B › Average	PvE	Root of Nightmares Raid	Yes	Lightfall	S29 - Updated	Energy	Special	Void	Craftable		B › Average
	No Reprieve	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Stasis	D › Worst	-	Xûr	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Kinetic	Special	Stasis	Craftable		D › Worst
	One Small Step	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE	Moon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	No		B › Average
	Perfect Paradox	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Episode 1: Echoes	Special	Kinetic	S › Best	PvE	World Drops	No	Episode 1: Echoes	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Precipial	Shotgun	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Void	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Kepler	No	Free-to-Play	The Edge of Fate	Energy	Special	Void	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Prophet of Doom	Shotgun	Precision	Legendary	Shadowkeep Pack	Special	Arc	S › Best	PvP	Garden of Salvation Raid	Yes	Shadowkeep Pack	S29 - Updated	Energy	Special	Arc	Craftable	Top-tier	S › Best
	Pure Recollection	Shotgun	Heavy Burst	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Void	B › Average	PvE		No	Free-to-Play	The Edge of Fate	Energy	Special	Void	No		B › Average
	Python	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Void			Gambit Ops	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - New	Energy	Special	Void	No
	Ragnhild-D	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Gunsmith	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	Craftable		C › Weak
	Reckless Endangerment	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	Solo Ops	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	No		D › Worst
	Retold Tale	Shotgun	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvP	Shattered Throne Dungeon	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Special	Void	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Retrofuturist	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Void	C › Weak	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 13	Energy	Special	Void	No		C › Weak
	Riiswalker	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Kinetic	B › Average	PvP	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	No		B › Average
	Scavenger's Fate	Shotgun	Precision	Legendary	Episode 2: Revenant	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvP	Revenant Activities	No	Episode 2: Revenant	Episode 2	Energy	Special	Void	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Seventh Seraph CQC-12	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Solar	C › Weak	-	Xûr	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Special	Solar	No		C › Weak
	Sojourner's Tale	Shotgun	Precision	Legendary	Episode 2: Revenant	Special	Solar	B › Average	PvE	Splicer Engrams	No	Episode 2: Revenant	Episode 2	Energy	Special	Solar	No		B › Average
	Someday	Shotgun	Precision	Legendary	The Final Shape	Special	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	The Pale Heart	Yes	The Final Shape	The Final Shape	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Starscape Null	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	The Edge of Fate	Special	Solar	B › Average	PvE	The Desert Perpetual Epic Raid	No	The Edge of Fate	S29 - Updated	Energy	Special	Solar	No		B › Average
	Supercluster	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	Lightfall	Special	Strand	B › Average	PvE	Starcrossed	Yes	Lightfall	Season 23	Kinetic	Special	Strand	Craftable		B › Average
	Swordbreaker	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Strand	B › Average	PvE	Crota's End Raid	Yes	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Special	Strand	Craftable		B › Average
	The Comedian	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Void	C › Weak	-	Nightfall: The Ordeals	No	Free-to-Play	Season 15	Energy	Special	Void	No		C › Weak
	The Deicide	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Void	B › Average	PvE	Xûr	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	Special	Void	No		B › Average
	The Inquisitor	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	The Final Shape	Special	Arc	S › Best	PvP	Trials of Osiris - Lighthouse	No	The Final Shape	S29 - Updated	Energy	Special	Arc	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Threat Level	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE	Pantheon	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - New	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Toil and Trouble	Shotgun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	No		C › Weak
	Trachinus	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	The Edge of Fate	Special	Stasis	C › Weak	-	Reclamation Engram	No	The Edge of Fate	The Edge of Fate	Kinetic	Special	Stasis	No		C › Weak
	Until Its Return	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Strand	A › Strong	PvE	Xûr	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 21	Kinetic	Special	Strand	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Unvoiced	Shotgun	Pinpoint Slug	Legendary	The Final Shape Dungeon Key	Special	Void	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Sundered Doctrine Dungon	No	The Final Shape Dungeon Key	S29 - Updated	Energy	Special	Void	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Wastelander M5	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Dares of Eternity	Yes	Free-to-Play	30th Anniversary event	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Wishbringer	Shotgun	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Solar	C › Weak	-	Playlist: Crucible	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	Special	Solar	No		C › Weak
	Without Remorse	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Beyond Light Pack	Special	Solar	C › Weak	-	Presage	Yes	Beyond Light Pack	Season 17	Energy	Special	Solar	Craftable		C › Weak
	Xenoclast IV	Shotgun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Arc	C › Weak	-	Vanguard Focusing	No	Free-to-Play	Season 12	Energy	Special	Arc	No		C › Weak

Tier Ranks used for our list:

• 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.

Best D2 Shotguns Today

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. Unvoiced

Excels in PvE

While Unvoiced isn’t potent enough to change the game, it definitely has some rolls that push it into an upper class of weapons.

Destabilizing Rounds in the third column is a rare sight, but running an ad-clear centered perk on a shotgun isn’t the best plan. Instead, opting for damage-based options such as Envious Arsenal, Fourth Time’s the Charm, and Bait and Switch is the play for PvE.

As for The Crucible, Unvoiced is simply alright. Lone Wolf and Closing Time are the highlights of the perk pool here, but they don’t entirely compare to options available on other slug shotguns. Unvoiced is A-Tier for PvE and A-tier for PvP. These are the top Unvoiced God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Fourth Time’s the Charm (also good: Envious Arsenal) + Bait and Switch

How to get it: Unvoiced can be acquired from the Sundered Doctrine Dungeon.

Name: Unvoiced

Type: Shotgun Archetype: Pinpoint Slug

Ammo: Special Element: Void

Craftable: No Released: Episode 3

Source: Sundered Doctrine Dungon Requires: The Final Shape Dungeon Key

4. 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 a very well-rounded option, dealing solid damage to beefy enemies, making it a brilliant weapon to take into any content. It is also incredibly unique and can deal serious damage due to the shattering and igniting effects applied.

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

3. Matador 64

Excels in PvP

Matador 64 is a powerhouse in the Crucible, mainly thanks to its archetype. Precision Frame shotguns fire pellets in an oval shape, which is more or less the entire outline of a guardian at the right range. This makes them highly desirable for PvP.

Matador 64 can be easily considered S Tier for PvP, thanks to its archetype, perk selection, and top-tier stats. These are the top Matador 64 God Rolls:

• PvP God roll: Perpetual Motion or Threat Detector + Opening Shot or Killing Wind

How to get it: Matador 64 can be acquired from the Grasp of Avarice Dungeon.

Name: Matador 64

Type: Shotgun Archetype: Precision

Ammo: Special Element: Arc

Craftable: No Released: 30th Anniversary event

Source: Grasp of Avarice Dungeon Requires: 30th Anniversary

2. Deadlock

Excels in PvP

Deadlock will shine brightest in PvP, holding the most desirable perks to take into the Crucible and carrying a magnificent long barrel to ensure opponents have nowhere to hide when Deadlock comes to the arena. It’s no letdown in PvE either and hangs with some of the best Shotguns in Destiny 2. These are the top Deadlock God Rolls:

• PvP God roll: Threat Detector (also good: Slideshot, Lone Wolf) + Opening Shot (also good: Closing Time)

How to get it: Deadlock is a Crucible Comp Weapon that can be acquired from the Competitive PvP mode.

Name: Deadlock

Type: Shotgun Archetype: Precision

Ammo: Special Element: Stasis

Craftable: No Released: Episode 2

Source: Crucible Competitive Requires: Free-to-Play

1. 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 from 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

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
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

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 brilliant right now. Outside of Sniper Rifles, Fusion Rifles are the traditional 'backup damage' weapons due to options like Scatter Signal or Cartesian Coordinate. On top of this, you can use Fusions like Riptide for some utility instead, or even Merciless as a unique burst DPS option. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (500ms Charge Time) - Example: Scatter Signal	PVE Specials
Sniper Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► Sniper Rifles have continued to grow into a strong Special Weapon subtype. With options like The Supremacy, Ikelos Sniper Rifle, and Still Hunt, it's very common for Sniper Rifles to be included in DPS rotations. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (140 RPM) - Example: Supremacy	PVE Specials
Shotguns	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► Shotguns are pretty decent right now. Slug Shotguns aren't as strong as they once were, and Shotguns have mostly been demoted to being a funnel for One-Two Punch Melee builds. However, they are definitely still capable, and can be used in a general loadout. ► Best Archetype: Lightweight (90 RPM) - Example: Wastelander M5	PVE Specials
Grenade Launchers	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► Grenade Launchers are brilliant right now. They are versatile and are arguably the best pick in almost all areas. GLs have excellent ad control through Blinding Grenades or Wave Frame GLs like Forbearance, and they also have good boss damage in certain hot-swap builds due to Spike Grenades. Simply put, having a strong arsenal of Grenade Launchers is something you should definitely try to do as a player looking to get into high-level content. ► Best Archetype: Wave-Frame - Example: Forbearance	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.

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.