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.
Update based on Episode 3: Heresy. See Updates.
Top Tier Sidearms (Episode 3)
These are the best Exotic and Legendary sidearms right now:
Item | Weapons | Type | Archetype | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Rank | Source | Available? | Tier rank | Source ❘ DLC | Final Verdict | Released | Perks | Best of? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Drang (Baroque) | ![]() Drang (Baroque) Sidearm | Sidearm | Together Forever | Primary | Solar | Beyond Light Pack | Yes | S › Best | Presage | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Presage![]() Beyond Light Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Wellspring + Incandescent PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: Swashbuckler) + Rampage ► One of the strongest sidearms in the game, Drang (Baroque), is back and has excellent rolls for every part of the game. Incandescent alone makes it great for PvE (although not as good as CALUS Mini-Tool), and it's high zoom stat and well-rounded first column make it a good PvP pick too. | Season 17 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Wellspring + Incandescent PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: Swashbuckler) + Rampage | Top-tier |
Heliocentric QSc | ![]() Heliocentric QSc Sidearm | Sidearm | Lightweight | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Lost Sector | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Lost Sector![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Heal Clip + Incadescent (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? | Season 22 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Heal Clip + Incadescent (also good: Surrounded) PvP God Roll: Moving Target + Kill Clip (also good: Precision Instrument) | Top-tier |
The Call | ![]() The Call Sidearm | Sidearm | Rocket-Assisted | Special | Strand | The Final Shape | Yes | S › Best | The Pale Heart | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | The Pale Heart![]() The Final Shape | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Lead from Gold (also good: Demolitionist) + One for All (also good: Desperate Measures) ► In PvE, The Call is outstanding. While its offerings mostly coincide with Indebted Kindness, its unique Strand element allows it to roll with more unique options as well. Regardless, The Call’s outstanding archetype and well-rounded perk pool are sure to make the weapon a PvE staple. | The Final Shape | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Lead from Gold (also good: Demolitionist) + One for All (also good: Desperate Measures) | Top-tier |
Tinasha's Mastery | ![]() Tinasha's Mastery Sidearm | Sidearm | Rocket-Assisted | Special | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Iron Banner | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Iron Banner![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Air Trigger (also good: Loose Change) + Chill Clip (also good: Desperate Measures) ► 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. | Episode 2 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Air Trigger (also good: Loose Change) + Chill Clip (also good: Desperate Measures) | Top-tier |
Lotus-Eater | ![]() Lotus-Eater Sidearm | Sidearm | Rocket-Assisted | Special | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Nightfall: The Ordeals | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Nightfall: The Ordeals![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace (also good: Feeding Frenzy or Reconstruction) + Destabilizing Rounds ► Overall, Lotus-Eater will be 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. | Episode 3 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace (also good: Feeding Frenzy or Reconstruction) + Destabilizing Rounds | Top-tier |
Forerunner | ![]() Forerunner Sidearm | Sidearm | Exotic | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Quest | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Exotic Quest![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires full auto with increased rate of fire. Deals increased precision damage to unshielded targets. Tapping the trigger gives it less recoil and improves accuracy." ► Forerunner is incredibly powerful in both PvE and PvP. Based on usage, Forerunner doesn't seem that good, but in PvP, it is incredibly frustrating to play against. In PvE, it can easily take care of high-priority enemies like Tormentors, making it an outstanding option all-around. | 30th Anniversary event | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires full auto with increased rate of fire. Deals increased precision damage to unshielded targets. Tapping the trigger gives it less recoil and improves accuracy." | Top-tier |
Forgiveness | ![]() Forgiveness Sidearm | Sidearm | Aggressive Burst | Primary | Arc | The Final Shape | Yes | A › Strong | Trials of Osiris | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Trials of Osiris![]() The Final Shape | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Demolitionist + Adrenaline Junkie PvP God Roll: Moving Target + Adrenaline Junkie ► 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. | Season 17 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Demolitionist + Adrenaline Junkie PvP God Roll: Moving Target + Adrenaline Junkie | Top-tier |
Boudica-C | ![]() Boudica-C Sidearm | Sidearm | Precision | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Gunsmith | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Gunsmith![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Pugilist (also good: Threat Detector) + Swashbuckler PvP God Roll: Threat Detector + Swashbuckler (also good: Multikill Clip) ► For a precision frame, Boudica outshines all others. While this world drop sidearm might be hard to find, the rolls on this make it the best 260 RPM out there right now, so it is indeed worth your time. | Season 18 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Pugilist (also good: Threat Detector) + Swashbuckler PvP God Roll: Threat Detector + Swashbuckler (also good: Multikill Clip) | Top-tier |
Final Warning | ![]() Final Warning Sidearm | Sidearm | Exotic | Primary | Strand | Lightfall | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Quest | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Exotic Quest![]() Lightfall | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Holding down the trigger marks targets and loads multiple bullets, which fire in a burst with increased stability on trigger release. Hitting a marked target with a fully charged burst will unravel them. Hipfiring Projectiles will track marked targets and deal increased body shot damage. Aiming Projectiles have greatly increased velocity and deal extra critical hit damage." ► Final Warning is a bit of a gimmick weapon, but it definitely has its merits. In PvP, it can be incredibly frustrating to play against, but the weapon does have a noticeable skill curve to be used effectively against good players. In PvE, with the catalyst, Final Warning can do incredible damage and burst Majors, or be a good swap weapon when out of ammo. | Season 20 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Holding down the trigger marks targets and loads multiple bullets, which fire in a burst with increased stability on trigger release. Hitting a marked target with a fully charged burst will unravel them. Hipfiring Projectiles will track marked targets and deal increased body shot damage. Aiming Projectiles have greatly increased velocity and deal extra critical hit damage." | Top-tier |
Insurmountable | ![]() Insurmountable Sidearm | Sidearm | Precision | Primary | Void | Episode 2: Revenant | Yes | A › Strong | Revenant Activities | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Revenant Activities![]() Episode 2: Revenant | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Demolitionist (also good: Repulsor Brace) + Desperate Measures (also good: One for All or Destabilizing Rounds PvP God Roll: To the Pain (also good: Lone Wolf) + Closing Time ► While it might not be as strong as other sidearms, Insurmountable is still powerful in its own right. Not only does it have a solid grenade build combo, but with Destabilizing Rounds being buffed, you also have a solid Void synergy combo too! | Episode 2 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Demolitionist (also good: Repulsor Brace) + Desperate Measures (also good: One for All or Destabilizing Rounds PvP God Roll: To the Pain (also good: Lone Wolf) + Closing Time | Top-tier |
Anonymous Autum | ![]() Anonymous Autum Sidearm | Sidearm | Lightweight | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Playlist: Crucible | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Playlist: Crucible![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Eddy Current + Voltshot or Frenzy PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf + Precision Instrument or Kill Clip ► Reprised with an extremely powerful perk pool, Anonymous Autmn is worth the Crucible grind. Rolling with both Arc and general perks, this sidearm has a bit of everything for everyone. | Episode 2 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Eddy Current + Voltshot or Frenzy PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf + Precision Instrument or Kill Clip | Top-tier |
Division | ![]() Division Sidearm | Sidearm | Heavy Burst | Primary | Arc | Episode 3: Heretic | Yes | A › Strong | Heretical Activities | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Heretical Activities![]() Episode 3: Heretic | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Eddy Current + Voltshot PvP God Roll: To the Pain + Sword Logic ► While non-rocket sidearms have been overshadowed as of recent, Division tries its best to stand out among other new primary weapons. To this end, Divison does excel in casual activities, but quickly falls flat when entering more competitive environments. | Episode 3 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Eddy Current + Voltshot PvP God Roll: To the Pain + Sword Logic | Top-tier |
Cryosthesia 77K | ![]() Cryosthesia 77K Sidearm | Sidearm | Exotic | Primary | Stasis | Beyond Light Pack | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Exotic Kiosk![]() Beyond Light Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Press and release to fire individual shots. Hold to fire a Charged Shot when Liquid Cooling is active. Final blows with this weapon enable a Charged Shot for a short duration. Targets hit by this shot are instantly frozen." ► Cryosthesia is an incredibly frustrating weapon to play against in the Crucible, but it has a hard time competing with the top meta picks in terms of raw duelling potential. This sidearm is definitely powerful, but there are better options out there. | Season 14 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Press and release to fire individual shots. Hold to fire a Charged Shot when Liquid Cooling is active. Final blows with this weapon enable a Charged Shot for a short duration. Targets hit by this shot are instantly frozen." | Top-tier |
Peacebond | ![]() Peacebond Sidearm | Sidearm | Adaptive | Primary | Stasis | Free-to-Play | No | A › Strong | Iron Banner | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Iron Banner![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Headstone (also good: Subsistence) + Rimestealer or Frenzy (also good: Desperate Measures) ► Returning with a refreshed perk pool, Peacebond aims to deliver on the hype it once had. Putting Headstone in column 3 makes this a cut above the rest and opens column 4 for damage perks that let this sidearm shine. | Season 15 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Headstone (also good: Subsistence) + Rimestealer or Frenzy (also good: Desperate Measures) | Top-tier |
Punching Out | ![]() Punching Out Sidearm | Sidearm | SUROS Rapid-Fire | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Vanguard Focusing | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Vanguard Focusing![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Over Flow + Kill Clip ► Punching Out is a strong sidearm that can truly excel with the right roll. For instance, Over Flow + Kill Clip on this full Auto Suros Sidearm can make it a beast in PvE (and PvP to some extent). | Season 15 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Over Flow + Kill Clip | Top-tier |
Brigand's Law | ![]() Brigand's Law Sidearm | Sidearm | Rapid-Fire | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Xûr | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Xûr![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Threat Detector + Voltshot (also good: Surrounded) ► Brigand's Law is one of the best primaries in the game, and it's easy to see why. Voltshot pairs very nicely with any Arc build, Threat Detector and Surrounded will almost always be active, and the origin trait lets it punch out at range! | Season 18 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Threat Detector + Voltshot (also good: Surrounded) | Top-tier |
Indebted Kindness | ![]() Indebted Kindness Sidearm | Sidearm | Rocket-Assisted | Special | Arc | Lightfall Dungeon Key | Yes | A › Strong | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon![]() Lightfall Dungeon Key | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Beacon Rounds (also good: Impulse Amplifier) + Voltshot (also good: Adagio) ► Dropping from Warlord's Ruin, Indebted Kindess is the hot weapon to farm for. With the right roll, this goofy little sidearm can actually be the highest DPS special weapon in the game thanks to Adagio or Surrounded. It can even turn into a different damage type thanks to Permeability. | Season 23 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Beacon Rounds (also good: Impulse Amplifier) + Voltshot (also good: Adagio) | Top-tier |
Buried Bloodline | ![]() Buried Bloodline Sidearm | Sidearm | Exotic | Special | Void | Lightfall Dungeon Key | Yes | A › Strong | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon![]() Lightfall Dungeon Key | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires two tracking bolts that leech health from the target. Rapid final blows with this weapon grant Devour to the wielder." ► Buried Bloodline is a very unique and fun exotic to use. It allows you to obtain Devour on non-void subclasses, which is immensely strong and works brilliantly with builds that are all about spamming Grenades as much as possible. | Season 23 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires two tracking bolts that leech health from the target. Rapid final blows with this weapon grant Devour to the wielder." | Top-tier |
Aberrant Action | ![]() Aberrant Action Sidearm | Sidearm | Rocket-Assisted | Special | Solar | Episode 1: Echoes | Yes | A › Strong | Echoes Activities | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Echoes Activities![]() Episode 1: Echoes | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Beacon Rounds) + Incandescent (also good: Demolitionist) ► Without Lead from Gold, many high-end PvE players will naturally opt for Aberrant Action’s predecessors. However, its ability to roll with Solar-related perks can’t be understated, and this is the primary draw to the weapon. | The Final Shape | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Beacon Rounds) + Incandescent (also good: Demolitionist) | Top-tier |
Rat King | ![]() Rat King Sidearm | Sidearm | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Exotic Kiosk![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This fully automatic weapon becomes stronger when nearby allies also have it equipped. Reloading immediately after a kill grants a brief period of invisibility." ► The change to Rat King's recoil has massively boosted its strength in PvP. It's feels like an absolute laser beam and is amazing for 1v3 situations thanks to its invisibility and regen capabilities. | Season 1 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This fully automatic weapon becomes stronger when nearby allies also have it equipped. Reloading immediately after a kill grants a brief period of invisibility." | Top-tier |
Liminal Vigil | ![]() Liminal Vigil Sidearm | Sidearm | Aggressive Burst | Primary | Stasis | Witch Queen Dungeon Key | Yes | A › Strong | Spire of the Watcher Dungeon | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Spire of the Watcher Dungeon![]() Episode 3: Heretic | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Rolls: Tap the Trigger + Desperado (also good: Surrounded) ► The only non-Pulse rifle to get Desperado, Liminal Vigil is a powerhouse of a sidearm. Tap the Trigger will always be active, giving you a significant advantage over others, while Desperado will let you lower the already insane TTK even more. Pair it with a sniper to really wreck the house. | Season 19 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Rolls: Tap the Trigger + Desperado (also good: Surrounded) | Top-tier |
Senuna SI6 | ![]() Senuna SI6 Sidearm | Sidearm | Omolon Adaptive | Primary | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Lost Sector | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Lost Sector![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Rolls: Under Pressue + Headseaker ► Senuna has some stiff competition in its slot, but Headseeker's recent buff has let it shine. While it has some decent PvE rolls too, this is easily one of the best PvP sidearms out there. | Season 20 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Rolls: Under Pressue + Headseaker | Top-tier |
Drang | ![]() Drang Sidearm | Sidearm | Adaptive | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Gunsmith | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | Gunsmith![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP Roll: Moving Target + Rangefinder ► An extremely easy weapon to get straight from the Gunsmith, you will be better off chasing the Drang (Baroque) version of this weapon. | Season 12 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP Roll: Moving Target + Rangefinder | Top-tier |
Destiny 2 Sidearms: Complete List
Art | Name | 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Buried Bloodline | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Void | Lightfall Dungeon Key | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall Dungeon Key | Season 23 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Cryosthesia 77K | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Stasis | Beyond Light Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Beyond Light Pack | Season 14 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Devil's Ruin | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Solar | Shadowkeep Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE + PvP | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Shadowkeep Pack | Season 9 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Final Warning | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Strand | Lightfall | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE + PvP | Exotic Quest | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall | Season 20 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Forerunner | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE + PvP | Exotic Quest | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | 30th Anniversary event | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Rat King | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvP | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 1 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Traveler's Chosen | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Shadowkeep Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE + PvP | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Shadowkeep Pack | Season 11 | Kinetic | No | ||
![]() | Trespasser | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Arc | The Witch Queen | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE + PvP | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Witch Queen | Season 17 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | A Swift Verdict | Sidearm | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvP | Xûr | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Aberrant Action | Sidearm | Rocket-Assisted | Legendary | Special | Solar | Episode 1: Echoes | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE | Echoes Activities | ![]() | ![]() Episode 1: Echoes | The Final Shape | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Incandescent |
![]() | Allied Demand | Sidearm | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvP | Iron Banner | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Kinetic | No | ||
![]() | Anonymous Autum | Sidearm | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE + PvP | Playlist: Crucible | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Episode 2 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Boudica-C | Sidearm | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE + PvP | Gunsmith | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Brass Attacks | Sidearm | Aggressive Burst | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Breachlight | Sidearm | Heavy Burst | Legendary | Primary | Strand | Episode 1: Echoes | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | - | Dawn Engrams | ![]() | ![]() Episode 1: Echoes | The Final Shape | Kinetic | No | ||
![]() | Brigand's Law | Sidearm | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE | Xûr | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Voltshot |
![]() | Buzzard | Sidearm | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Nightfall: The Ordeals | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 20 | Kinetic | No | Kinetic Tremors | |
![]() | Controlling Vision | Sidearm | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | The Final Shape | Kinetic | No | ||
![]() | Division | Sidearm | Heavy Burst | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Episode 3: Heretic | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE + PvP | Heretical Activities | ![]() | ![]() Episode 3: Heretic | Episode 3 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Drang | Sidearm | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | - | Gunsmith | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 12 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Drang (Baroque) | Sidearm | Together Forever | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Beyond Light Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE + PvP | Presage | ![]() | ![]() Beyond Light Pack | Season 17 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Incandescent |
![]() | Empirical Evidence | Sidearm | Aggressive Burst | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE | Throne World | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Kinetic | Craftable | ||
![]() | Enigma's Draw | Sidearm | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 10 | Kinetic | No | ||
![]() | Farewell | Sidearm | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Kinetic | No | ||
![]() | Fioritura-59 | Sidearm | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE + PvP | Gunsmith | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 19 | Energy | No | Repulsor Brace | |
![]() | Forgiveness | Sidearm | Aggressive Burst | Legendary | Primary | Arc | The Final Shape | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE + PvP | Trials of Osiris | ![]() | ![]() The Final Shape | Season 17 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Heliocentric QSc | Sidearm | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE + PvP | Lost Sector | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Energy | No | Top-tier | Incandescent |
![]() | High Albedo | Sidearm | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Europa | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 12 | Kinetic | No | ||
![]() | Indebted Kindness | Sidearm | Rocket-Assisted | Legendary | Special | Arc | Lightfall Dungeon Key | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall Dungeon Key | Season 23 | Energy | No | Top-tier | Voltshot |
![]() | Insurmountable | Sidearm | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Void | Episode 2: Revenant | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE + PvP | Revenant Activities | ![]() | ![]() Episode 2: Revenant | Episode 2 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Last Dance | Sidearm | Omolon Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Liminal Vigil | Sidearm | Aggressive Burst | Legendary | Primary | Stasis | Witch Queen Dungeon Key | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvP | Spire of the Watcher Dungeon | ![]() | ![]() Episode 3: Heretic | Season 19 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Lonesome | Sidearm | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Kinetic | No | ||
![]() | Lotus-Eater | Sidearm | Rocket-Assisted | Legendary | Special | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE | Nightfall: The Ordeals | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Episode 3 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Mykel's Reverence | Sidearm | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Strand | Lightfall | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE | Root of Nightmares Raid | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall | Season 20 | Kinetic | Craftable | ||
![]() | Peacebond | Sidearm | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Stasis | Free-to-Play | No | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE | Iron Banner | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Punching Out | Sidearm | SUROS Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE | Vanguard Focusing | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Redback-5si | Sidearm | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Gunsmith | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Senuna SI6 | Sidearm | Omolon Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvP | Lost Sector | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 20 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Seventh Seraph SI-2 | Sidearm | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | - | Xûr | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 10 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Spoiler Alert | Sidearm | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Kinetic | No | ||
![]() | The Call | Sidearm | Rocket-Assisted | Legendary | Special | Strand | The Final Shape | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE | The Pale Heart | ![]() | ![]() The Final Shape | The Final Shape | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | |
![]() | The Fool's Remedy | Sidearm | SUROS Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | No | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | - | Iron Banner | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | The Keening | Sidearm | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE | Playlist: Crucible | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | The Vision | Sidearm | Omolon Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Xûr | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Tinasha's Mastery | Sidearm | Rocket-Assisted | Legendary | Special | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE | Iron Banner | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Episode 2 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier |
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 Sidearms Today
If you’re prepared to only chase the best of the best, these are the 5 absolute best sidearms in the game right now:
5. Drang (Baroque)
Excels in PvP
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.
- PvE God roll: Wellspring + Incandescent
- PvP God roll: Moving Target + Rampage
How to get it: Drang (Baroque) can be acquired from the Presage Exotic Mission.
![]() Name: Drang (Baroque) | Type: SidearmArchetype: Together Forever | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: Season 17 | Source: PresageRequires: Beyond Light Pack |
4. Lotus-Eater
Excels in PvE
Overall, Lotus-Eater will be 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. These are the top Lotus-Eater God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Repulsor Brace (also good: Feeding Frenzy or Reconstruction) + Destabilizing Rounds
How to get it: Lotus-Eater is a Nightfall weapon.
![]() Name: Lotus-Eater | Type: SidearmArchetype: Rocket-Assisted | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: Episode 3 | Source: Nightfall: The OrdealsRequires: 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 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. These are the top Tinasha’s Mastery God Rolls:
- PvE God roll:Air Trigger (also good: Loose Change) + Chill Clip (also good: Desperate Measures)
How to get it: Tinasha’s Mastery is an Iron Banner weapon.
![]() Name: Tinasha's Mastery | Type: SidearmArchetype: Rocket-Assisted | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: Episode 2 | Source: Iron BannerRequires: Free-to-Play |
2. Heliocentric QSc
Excels in PvE and PvP
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? 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)
How to get it: Heliocentric QSc can be acquired from Legend/Expert Lost Sectors.
![]() Name: Heliocentric QSc | Type: SidearmArchetype: Lightweight | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: Season 22 | Source: Lost SectorRequires: Free-to-Play |
1. The Call
Excels in PvE
In PvE, The Call is outstanding. While its offerings mostly coincide with Indebted Kindness, its unique Strand element allows it to roll with more unique options as well. Regardless, The Call’s outstanding archetype and well-rounded perk pool are sure to make the weapon a PvE staple. These are the top The Call God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Lead from Gold (also good: Demolitionist) + One for All (also good: Desperate Measures)
How to get it: The Call is a Pale Heart Weapon that can be acquired within the Pale Heart destination.
![]() Name: The Call | Type: SidearmArchetype: Rocket-Assisted | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: The Final Shape | Source: The Pale HeartRequires: The Final Shape |
![]() Name: Refusal of the Call | Type: GlaiveArchetype: Adaptive | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: Episode 3 | Source: Heresy ActivitiesRequires: Episode 3: Heretic |
Sidearms and the Meta
How do Sidearms compare to other Primary weapons in PvE and PvP?
The PvE Meta
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.
The PvP Meta
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Hand Cannons | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Hand Cannons feel great right now and can deal with all the other meta options, provided they are in the hands of a skilled player. They are unbelievably forgiving in terms of aim-assist and can compete at solid ranges. Hand Cannons are the jack of all trades, and while they may not dominate up close or far away, they are incredibly scary to face in a mid-range duel. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Igneous Hammer | PVP Primaries |
![]() Pulse Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Pulse Rifles have seen a resurgence in the past few seasons, with constant buffs to all types of Pulse Rifles. It is hard not to find success with one due to the high-flinch potential of Rapid-Fire Pulses or the lethal time-to-kill of High-Impact Pulses. ► Best Archetype: High-Impact (340 RPM) - Example: The Messenger | PVP Primaries |
![]() Auto Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ![]() | ► Auto Rifles are remarkably easy to use. Options like Khvostov or The Summoner both excel at medium range, and if you can close the gap on Pulse Rifles, you can easily take advantage of the high flinch factor and solid time-to-kill that Auto Rifles have. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Khvostov 7G-0X | PVP Primaries |
![]() Sidearms | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Sidearms have lost their place at the top of the meta, but they remain a solid pick, especially for players using a Controller, as they inherently have manageable stability with a rapid time-to-kill. Honestly, the main reason they've lost their place at the top is due to how powerful SMGs are right now. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (325 RPM) - Example: Forgiveness | PVP Primaries |
![]() Submachine Guns | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ![]() | ► SMGs have lost a little bit of power as aggressive play isn't as prevalent as it once was, but you can definitely still succeed with certain SMGs, especially on close-range maps. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (720 RPM) - Example: Unending Tempest | PVP Primaries |
![]() Combat Bows | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Bows are incredibly unique. They have a remarkably slow time to kill, however, this isn't where Bows shine. Hotswap builds with bows can be incredibly potent and don't require much learning either. Bows also provide incredible value when teamshooting opponents. Despite this, Bows on their own are quite mediocre and need something behind them to really shine. ► Best Archetype: Precision (Slower Draw Time) - Example: Strident Whistle | PVP Primaries |
![]() Scout Rifles | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | - | ► Scout Rifles are struggling right now. In most situations, the maps are too small to benefit the long range of a Scout rifle. An Aggressive or High-Impact Pulse Rifle will better serve your needs. Plus, Scout Rifles are abysmal up close. There are one or two outliers that shine but, on the whole, Scout Rifles are in a weak spot. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (260 RPM) - Example: Fang of Ir Yût | PVP Primaries |
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. 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.
You now know everything there is to know about sidearms in Destiny 2, whether that is for PvP or PvE content.
See latest Updates
- March 13, 2025: Inclusion of Sidearms from Episode 3 and updates based on the Episode: Heresy’s meta.
- August 21, 2024: General updates according to The Final Shape Meta and the inclusion of Sidearms from Episode 1.
- February 29, 2024: General updates and the inclusion of Sidearms from Seasons 22 and 23.
- July 17, 2023: General updates (based on the current sandbox) and the inclusion of Season 18 to 21 sidearms.
- Oct 14, 2022: The guide is published for the first time.
Stay tuned, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for next season!
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