Best Sidearms in Destiny 2: Tier List (Edge of Fate)

Sidearms are some of the most slept-on weapons in Destiny 2. Many Guardians are convinced that sidearms are too limited in range, and they see no reason to use one instead of a Pulse rifle or SMG. But the truth is, Sidearms have the highest damage output in the entire game, and that applies to PvP and PvE. This guide covers all Sidearms in Destiny 2 and their best rolls for PvE and PvP.

Updated as of The Edge of Fate. See Updates.

Top Tier Sidearms

These are the best Exotic and Legendary sidearms right now (those we consider A-Tier or better):

Weapon	Tier Rank	Source ❘ DLC	Verdict	Archetype	Ammo	Element
Drang (Baroque) Sidearm	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Presage Mission Beyond Light Pack	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Together Forever PvE God Roll: Wellspring + Incandescent PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: Swashbuckler) + Rampage ► One of the strongest sidearms in the game, Drang (Baroque), is back and has excellent rolls for every part of the game. Incandescent alone makes it great for PvE (although not as good as CALUS Mini-Tool), and it's high zoom stat and well-rounded first column make it a good PvP pick too.	Together Forever	Primary	Solar
Heliocentric QSc Sidearm	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	World Drops Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Heal Clip + Incandescent (also good: Surrounded) PvP God Roll: Moving Target + Kill Clip (also good: Precision Instrument) ► A sidearm for all content, Heliocentric is a world drop worth farming for. Even non-sidearm enjoyers will get a kick out of this. Solid stats, solid perks, solid synergy, and target farmable? What more could you want?	Lightweight	Primary	Solar
Returned Memory Sidearm	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Crucible Ops Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-Assisted PvE God Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Lead from Gold) + Incandescent ► Returned Memory functions almost identically to the fan-favorite Aberrant Action, making it a great pick for new and returning players. While it won’t get you far in The Crucible, this gun is a great choice for PvE players of all skill levels!	Rocket-Assisted	Special	Solar
Compact Defender Sidearm	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Lawless Destination Renegades	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Dynamic Heat Weapon PvE God Roll: Destabilizing Rounds (also good: Cooling Baubles) + Thermal Atomization or Desperate Measures (also good: Repulsor Brace) ► Held back only by the rather high heat per shot, the Compact Defender is a devastatingly effective weapon in such a small package. Sporting Destabilizing Rounds in Column 3, this is a Void and/or sidearm user's dream come true.	Dynamic Heat Weapon	Primary	Void
Evening SI4 Sidearm	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Fireteam Ops Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Subsistence or Heal Clip + Incandescent or Desperate Measures (also good: Burning Ambition) ► Evening SI4 is a sidearm you don't want to miss. The 3-round burst frame makes it tear through foes with ease, and a special interaction with Incandescent and the Accelerated Assault origin trait means you can have both an AoE perk and damage perk at the same time!	Adaptive	Primary	Solar
Tinasha's Mastery Sidearm	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Iron Banner Focusing Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-Assisted PvE God Roll: Air Trigger (also good: Loose Change) + Chill Clip ► Like all Rocket Sidearm, this weapon performs extremely well in PvE. On top of that, as a Stasis weapon, it features the coveted Chill Clip perk. Also, it is the only Rocket Sidearm with the Air Trigger perk, which grants a Reload Speed buff while airborne and a free Reserve mod. Overall, it is best to ignore this weapon for PvP.	Rocket-Assisted	Special	Stasis
Lotus-Eater Sidearm	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Pinnacle Ops Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-Assisted PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace (also good: Feeding Frenzy or Reconstruction) + Destabilizing Rounds ► Overall, Lotus-Eater is a monster inside of PvE thanks to the current state of Rocket Sidearms, as well as the buffs to Destabilizing Rounds. In PvP, it won’t make many waves due to Rocket Sidearms not being as strong there.	Rocket-Assisted	Special	Void
Forgiveness Sidearm	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Trials of Osiris - Week 1 Renegades	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive Burst PvE God Roll: Voltshot (also good: Demolitionist) + Surrounded (also good: Desperate Measures) PvP God Roll: Zen Moment (also good: Lone Wolf, Tap the Trigger) Headseeker (also good: Kill clip) ► A standout in PvP, Forgiveness is a must-have for anyone looking to up their game in The Crucible. This sidearm is no slouch in PvE either, with its range of damage-boosting perks. Forgiveness is easily one of the best Sidearms in Destiny 2 right now.	Aggressive Burst	Primary	Arc

Destiny 2 Sidearms: Complete List

Art	Name	Type	Ammo	Element	Tier	Excels	Source	Last Update
	Buried Bloodline	Sidearm	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvE	Warlord's Ruin Dungeon	Monument of Triumph
	Cryosthesia 77K	Sidearm	Primary	Stasis	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Kiosk	Season 14
	Devil's Ruin	Sidearm	Primary	Solar	C › Weak	-	Exotic Kiosk	Season 9
	Final Warning	Sidearm	Primary	Strand	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Exotic Quest	Lightfall DLC
	Forerunner	Sidearm	Special	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Exotic Quest	30th Anniversary
	Rat King	Sidearm	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvP	Exotic Kiosk	Season 1
	Traveler's Chosen	Sidearm	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Exotic Kiosk	Season 11
	Trespasser	Sidearm	Primary	Arc	C › Weak	-	Exotic Kiosk	Season 17
	A Swift Verdict	Sidearm	Primary	Void	B › Average	PvP	Xûr	Season 15
	Aberrant Action	Sidearm	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Encore Mission	The Final Shape DLC
	Allied Demand	Sidearm	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvP	Iron Banner Focusing	Monument of Triumph
	Anonymous Autum	Sidearm	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Crucible Focusing	Monument of Triumph
	Boudica-C	Sidearm	Primary	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Gunsmith	Season 18
	Brass Attacks	Sidearm	Primary	Void	C › Weak	-	World Drops	Monument of Triumph
	Breachlight	Sidearm	Primary	Strand	A › Strong	-	Xûr	The Final Shape DLC
	Brigand's Law	Sidearm	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Xûr	Season 18
	Buzzard	Sidearm	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Vanguard Focusing	Monument of Triumph
	Compact Defender	Sidearm	Primary	Void	S › Best	PvE	Lawless Destination	Renegades DLC
	Controlling Vision	Sidearm	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Xûr	The Final Shape DLC
	Division	Sidearm	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	To be confirmed...	Episode 3
	Drang	Sidearm	Primary	Solar	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Seasonal Engram	Ash & Iron
	Drang (Baroque)	Sidearm	Primary	Solar	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Presage Mission	Season 17
	Empirical Evidence	Sidearm	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE	Throne World Destination	Monument of Triumph
	Enigma's Draw	Sidearm	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	Xûr	Season 10
	Evening SI4	Sidearm	Primary	Solar	S › Best	PvE	Fireteam Ops Engram	Renegades DLC
	Farewell	Sidearm	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Xûr	Season 14
	Faustus Decline	Sidearm	Primary	Stasis	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Seasonal Engram	Edge of Fate DLC
	Fimbulwinter Stitch	Sidearm	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Dawning Engram	Monument of Triumph
	Fioritura-59	Sidearm	Primary	Void	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Gunsmith	Season 19
	Forgiveness	Sidearm	Primary	Arc	S › Best	PvP	Trials of Osiris - Week 1	Edge of Fate DLC
	Heliocentric QSc	Sidearm	Primary	Solar	S › Best	PvE + PvP	World Drops	Monument of Triumph
	High Albedo	Sidearm	Primary	Kinetic			Europa Destination	Monument of Triumph
	Indebted Kindness	Sidearm	Special	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Warlord's Ruin Dungeon	Monument of Triumph
	Insurmountable	Sidearm	Primary	Void	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Kell's Fall Mission	Episode 2
	Last Dance	Sidearm	Primary	Arc	C › Weak	-	Vanguard Focusing	Monument of Triumph
	Liminal Vigil	Sidearm	Primary	Stasis	A › Strong	PvP	Spire of the Watcher Dungeon	Monument of Triumph
	Lonesome	Sidearm	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Gambit Focusing	Monument of Triumph
	Lotus-Eater	Sidearm	Special	Void	S › Best	PvE	Pinnacle Ops	Monument of Triumph
	Mykel's Reverence	Sidearm	Primary	Strand	B › Average	PvE	Root of Nightmares Raid	Monument of Triumph
	Peacebond	Sidearm	Primary	Stasis	A › Strong	PvE	Iron Banner Focusing	Monument of Triumph
	Punching Out	Sidearm	Primary	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Fireteam Ops	Monument of Triumph
	Redback-5si	Sidearm	Primary	Solar	C › Weak	-	Gunsmith	Witch Queen DLC
	Returned Memory	Sidearm	Special	Solar	S › Best	PvE	Crucible Ops Engram	Edge of Fate DLC
	Senuna SI6	Sidearm	Primary	Stasis	A › Strong	PvP	Lost Sector	Lightfall DLC
	Seventh Seraph SI-2	Sidearm	Primary	Void	B › Average	-	Cosmodrome Destination	Monument of Triumph
	Spoiler Alert	Sidearm	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Vanguard Focusing	Monument of Triumph
	The Call	Sidearm	Special	Strand	A › Strong	PvE	The Pale Heart Destination	Monument of Triumph
	The Fool's Remedy	Sidearm	Primary	Solar	B › Average	-	Xûr	Season 11
	The Keening	Sidearm	Primary	Arc	B › Average	PvE	Crucible Ops	Monument of Triumph
	The Vision	Sidearm	Primary	Arc	C › Weak	-	Xûr	Season 14
	Tinasha's Mastery	Sidearm	Special	Stasis	S › Best	PvE	Iron Banner Focusing	Monument of Triumph
	Unfall	Sidearm	Special	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Fireteam Ops Engram	Ash & Iron

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.

Top 5 Sidearms: Deep Dive

5. Lotus-Eater

Excels in PvE

Lotus-Eater excels in PvE thanks to the brilliant perk pool available on the weapon. Repulsor Brace is always a hit for Void-lovers, and the newly buffed Destabilizing Rounds perk immediately turned some heads to this weapon. Lotus-Eater is also the very first Void Rocket Sidearm, finally allowing Void build-crafters to fully take advantage of this powerful archetype.

However, despite its projected strength in PvE, Lotus-Eater won’t be making any waves in PvP. Its poor perk pool, combined with the fact that Rocket Sidearms simply aren’t too strong in the Crucible, means that Lotus-Eater is one to miss for PvP players. These are the top Lotus-Eater God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Repulsor Brace (also good: Feeding Frenzy or Reconstruction) + Destabilizing Rounds

Name: Lotus-Eater

Type: Sidearm Archetype: Rocket-Assisted

Ammo: Special Element: Void

Craftable: No Last Update: Monument of Triumph

Source: Pinnacle Ops Requires: Free-to-Play

4. Heliocentric QSc

Excels in PvE and PvP

While not potent enough to be even close to considered a part of the meta, Heliocentric QSc has enough going for it that it may be worth farming for. In PvE, this weapon has more good perks than bad. From buildcrafting options like Demolitionist and Incandescent to generically potent ones such as Frenzy and Heal Clip, there’s no end to the opportunities Heliocentric provides. While it likely won’t replace your go-to hand cannon or submachine gun, the weapon provides enough utility to at least be considered as a backup Champion weapon.

In The Crucible, Heliocentric falls into the same category. While it can outclass similar options at optimal range, the weapon is unlikely to win over players who aren’t traditionally sidearm fans. These are the top Heliocentric QSc God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Heal Clip + Incandescent (also good: Surrounded)
• PvP God roll: Moving Target + Kill Clip (also good: Precision Instrument)

Name: Heliocentric QSc

Type: Sidearm Archetype: Lightweight

Ammo: Primary Element: Solar

Craftable: No Last Update: Monument of Triumph

Source: World Drops Requires: Free-to-Play

3. Tinasha’s Mastery

Excels in PvE

Like all Rocket Sidearm, this weapon performs extremely well in PvE. On top of that, as a Stasis weapon, it features one of the most highly coveted Stasis perks, Chill Clip. But it’s also the only Rocket Sidearm to roll with Air Trigger. While at first glance it might seem like a PvP perk, it’s far more than that thanks to a buff. Not only does it grant a Reload Speed buff while airborne, but it also grants a free Reserve mod, which is vital as all Rocket Sidearms had their reserves cut back a bit. 

In PvP, it’s probably going to follow other Rocket Sidearms, too. By which I mean that they’re probably worse than Glaives. They have an extremely low TTK and really only function as a swap weapon, though not a very good one as each shot only does 50 total damage within optimal range. Safe to say, ignore this for PvP. These are the top Tinasha’s Mastery God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Air Trigger (also good: Loose Change) + Chill Clip (also good: Desperate Measures)

Name: Tinasha's Mastery

Type: Sidearm Archetype: Rocket-Assisted

Ammo: Special Element: Stasis

Craftable: No Last Update: Monument of Triumph

Source: Iron Banner Focusing Requires: Free-to-Play

2. Forgiveness

Excels in PvP

The first sidearm with an Adept variant; many have been waiting for something like it. Sadly, it only partially lived up to expectations. Its base stats are easily best in class and can benefit even more from Adept mods, giving it a great feel at base. However, its perks are fairly niche for PvP, making a lot of players pass on this weapon for now. These are the top Forgiveness God Rolls:

• PvP God roll: Moving Target + Rampage

Name: Forgiveness

Type: Sidearm Archetype: Aggressive Burst

Ammo: Primary Element: Arc

Craftable: No Last Update: Edge of Fate DLC

Source: Trials of Osiris - Week 1 Requires: Renegades

1. Returned Memory

Excels in PvE

Returned Memory has pretty much everything a weapon needs to be meta: a strong frame, outstanding perks, and an easy way to obtain it. In PvE, Returned Memory functions almost identically to Aberrant Action, a top-tier Solar rocket sidearm from Episode: Echoes. You’re mainly looking for Heal Clip and Incandescent here, which both function great on their own but can be pushed even further with a potent Solar build.

As for The Crucible, Returned Memory is slightly below average, which is where most other rocket sidearms land. You’re typically better off running a sniper rifle, fusion rifle, or shotgun in nearly every scenario. These are the top Returned Memory God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Lead from Gold (also good: Demolitionist) + One for All (also good: Desperate Measures)

Name: Returned Memory

Type: Sidearm Archetype: Rocket-Assisted

Ammo: Special Element: Solar

Craftable: No Last Update: Edge of Fate DLC

Source: Crucible Ops Engram Requires: Free-to-Play

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

Sidearms and the PvE Meta: DPS

Weapon Type	Rank	Tier	Trend	Role ❘ Current State	Category
Pulse Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► Pulse Rifles are in a great place right now. They offer good range and pretty decent damage, allowing you to take down some beefier targets nicely. There are also some excellent pulses in the game right now, like Insidious, Sacred Provenance, or New Purpose. Unfortunately, High-Impact and Aggressive frames are the only archetypes worth your time, as the others rely on Exotic Perks or god rolls to compete. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (450 RPM) - Example: Insidious	PVE Primaries
Hand Cannons	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► Hand Cannons have shot up the rankings thanks to the changes introduced this Season, all the way up to the S tier. They have solid range and can dispatch enemies with complete ease in almost all difficulties. Hand Cannons have truly taken over the spotlight with their most recent buffs, and they shouldn't be leaving it any time soon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (140 RPM) - Example: Fatebringer	PVE Primaries
Auto Rifles	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► Auto Rifles are in a good place right now, options like Khvostov are incredibly potent, and utility picks such as No Hesitation make Auto Rifles a very solid option for those wanting to use a good Primary Weapon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Khvostov 76-0X	PVE Primaries
Combat Bows	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A	-	► Bows are a high-damage, high-range option for players who prefer to keep their distance. The main issue with bows is that they are slow at clearing ads (outside of Trinity Ghoul). and when you have to deal with ads up close, bows can massively struggle. However, their solid range and excellent damage make them a strong option. ► Best Archetype: Precision - Example: Under Your Skin	PVE Primaries
Submachine Guns	B › Average	Average ❘ B		► SMGs are not so hot anymore, due to the buffs to other weapon archetypes, as well as the prevalence of ability usage at close range, there is little space for SMGs to compete these days. ►Best Archetype- Aggressive (750 RPM) - Example: Unforgiven	PVE Primaries
Scout Rifles	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► Scout Rifles are the definition of average right now. They can do the job just fine, you can plink away at enemies from a safe distance in high-level content; however, when it comes down to it, most players will prefer to use a Hand Cannon or SMG as they simply do the same job better and faster. Scouts aren't bad at all, but they certainly aren't a go-to ► Best Archetype: Lightweight (200 RPM) - Example: Tarnished Mettle	PVE Primaries
Sidearms	C › Weak	Weak ❘ C	-	► Aside from a few select sidearms with certain perks, there really isn't much of a reason to use Sidearms. They have slightly higher damage numbers than SMGs, but typically come with significantly less range. Outside of top-tier weapons like a god-roll Brigand's Law or High Albedo, there is no real reason to run a sidearm. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (491 RPM) - Example: High Albedo	PVE Primaries

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

Sidearms and the PvP Meta: TTK

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

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. This TTK guide includes the TTK figures for every weapon in Destiny 2. That said, TTK is only half of the picture. With limited range as a downside but extremely high burst damage as an upside, Sidearms can wreak havoc in PvP, provided you are willing to get close and personal.

Before you go…

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