Sometimes referred to as “Dad rifles,” some love to hate Pulse rifles. They claim Pulses require no skill and are too easy to use, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, some of them are considered to be among the best weapons in the entire game.
Today we cover every Pulse Rifle in Destiny 2, including both Exotic and Legendaries, as well as the best rolls for PvE and PvP.
Updated as of Season of the Wish (S23). See Updates.
Destiny 2 Best Pulse Rifles: Top-tier Options
This Tier list features the Top-tier Exotic and Legendary Pulses right now, including the Insidious:
Destiny 2 Pulse Rifles: The complete list
This database includes every viable Pulse currently in the game:
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo | Element | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No Time to Explain | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Beyond Light | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Beyond Light Campaign | No | Beyond Light | Season 12 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | ||
Outbreak Perfected | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Zero Hour | Yes | Free-to-Play | Season 6 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | ||
Bad Juju | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Forsaken Pack | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvE | Exotic Kiosk | No | Forsaken Pack | Season 7 | Kinetic | No | |||
Vigilance Wing | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvP | Exotic Engram | No | Free-to-Play | Season 1 | Kinetic | No | |||
Revision Zero | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | The Witch Queen | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvE | Operation: Seraph's Shield | Yes | Witch Queen | Season 19 | Kinetic | Craftable | |||
Graviton Lance | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Void | Best ❘ S | PvE | Exotic Engram | No | Free-to-Play | Season 1 | Energy | No | Top-tier | ||
Collective Obligation | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Void | The Witch Queen | Yes | Primary | Void | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Vow of the Disciple Raid | No | Witch Queen | Season 16 | Energy | No | Top-tier | ||
Sacred Provenance | Pulse Rifle | Aggressive Burst | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Shadowkeep | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvE | Garden of Salvation Raid | No | Shadowkeep | Season 8 | Kinetic | No | |||
Cold Denial | Pulse Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvP | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Kinetic | No | |||
The Time-Worn Spire | Pulse Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | No | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Iron Banner | No | Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | ||
The Messenger | Pulse Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Lightfall | No | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Trials of Osiris | No | Lightfall | Season 13 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | Kinetic Tremors | |
Hailing Confusion | Pulse Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Weak ❘ C | - | Europa | No | Free-to-Play | Season 12 | Kinetic | No | |||
Chattering Bone | Pulse Rifle | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Forsaken Pack | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Last Wish Raid | Yes | Forsaken Pack | Season 4 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | Kinetic Tremors | |
Legal Action II | Pulse Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvP | Xûr | No | Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Kinetic | No | |||
Piece of Mind | Pulse Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | The Witch Queen | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Vox Obscura | Yes | Witch Queen | Season 16 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | ||
Syncopation-53 | Pulse Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Stasis | Average ❘ B | PvP | Gunsmith | Yes | Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Kinetic | Craftable | |||
Perses-D | Pulse Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Stasis | Weak ❘ C | - | Gunsmith | No | Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Kinetic | No | |||
New Purpose | Pulse Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Stasis | Deluxe Edition | Yes | Primary | Stasis | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Duality Dungeon | No | Deluxe Edition | Season 17 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | ||
Smite of Merain | Pulse Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvE | King's Fall Raid | Yes | Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | ||
Stay Frosty | Pulse Rifle | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Stasis | Average ❘ B | PvP | Event: Dawning | No | Free-to-Play | Season 19 | Kinetic | No | |||
Disparity | Pulse Rifle | Aggressive Burst | Legendary | Primary | Stasis | The Witch Queen | Yes | Primary | Stasis | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Operation: Seraph's Shield | Yes | Witch Queen | Season 19 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | ||
Autumn Wind | Pulse Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvP | Playlist: Crucible | No | Free-to-Play | Season 20 | Kinetic | No | |||
Battle Scar | Pulse Rifle | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Lost Sector | No | Free-to-Play | Season 20 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | Kinetic Tremors | |
Different Times | Pulse Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Strand | Season 21 | Yes | Primary | Strand | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Seasonal activity | Yes | Season 21 | Season 21 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | ||
Nightshade | Pulse Rifle | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Strand | Average ❘ B | PvP | Recovered Red War | No | Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Kinetic | No | |||
Psi Hermetic V | Pulse Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Stasis | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Lost Sector | No | Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | ||
Belisarius-D | Pulse Rifle | Aggressive Burst | Legendary | Primary | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Strand | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Crucible Competitive | No | Free-to-Play | Season 23 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | ||
Relentless | Pulse Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Strand | Ongoing... | - | Prophecy Dungeon | No | Free-to-Play | Season 23 | Kinetic | No | |||
Blast Furnace | Pulse Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | No | Primary | Kinetic | Ongoing... | - | Onslaught Activity | No | Into the Light | Kinetic | No | |||||
Stars in Shadow | Pulse Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Weak ❘ C | - | Playlist: Crucible | No | Free-to-Play | Season 12 | Energy | No | |||
The Third Axiom | Pulse Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Arc | Weak ❘ C | - | Vanguard Focusing | No | Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Energy | No | |||
Premonition | Pulse Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Void | Shadowkeep | Yes | Primary | Void | Weak ❘ C | - | Pit of Heresy Dungeon | No | Shadowkeep | Season 13 | Energy | No | |||
Last Perdition | Pulse Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Void | Weak ❘ C | - | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Energy | No | |||
Jian 7 Rifle | Pulse Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Arc | Worst ❘ D | - | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 10 | Energy | No | |||
Gridskipper | Pulse Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Void | Average ❘ B | PvP | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Energy | No | |||
Darkest Before | Pulse Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Average ❘ B | PvP | Prophecy Dungeon | No | Free-to-Play | Season 23 | Energy | No | |||
Forge's Pledge | Pulse Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | No | Primary | Solar | Weak ❘ C | - | Iron Banner | No | Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Energy | No | |||
Jurassic Green | Pulse Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Seasonal | Primary | Solar | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Event: Festival of the Lost | No | Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Energy | No | Top-tier | Incandescent | |
BxR-55 Battler | Pulse Rifle | Legacy PR-55 | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Dares of Eternity | Yes | Free-to-Play | 30th Anniversary event | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Incandescent | |
Ogma PR6 | Pulse Rifle | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Average ❘ B | PvE | Gunsmith | No | Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Energy | No | |||
Insidious | Pulse Rifle | Aggressive Burst | Legendary | Primary | Arc | The Witch Queen | Yes | Primary | Arc | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Vow of the Disciple Raid | Yes | Witch Queen | Season 16 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Bait and Switch | |
Horror's Least | Pulse Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Arc | Best ❘ S | PvP | Nightfall: The Ordeals | No | Free-to-Play | Season 17 | Energy | No | Top-tier | ||
Yesteryear | Pulse Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Void | Average ❘ B | PvE + PvP | Playlist: Gambit | No | Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Energy | No | Repulsor Brace | ||
Veles-X | Pulse Rifle | Aggressive Burst | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Void | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Exotic Kiosk | No | Free-to-Play | Season 19 | Energy | No | Top-tier | ||
Jorum's Claw | Pulse Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Average ❘ B | PvP | Iron Banner | No | Free-to-Play | Season 20 | Energy | No | Incandescent | ||
Phyllotactic Spiral | Pulse Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Lightfall | Yes | Primary | Arc | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Neomuna | Yes | Lightfall | Season 20 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Voltshot | |
Outlast | Pulse Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Season 21 | Yes | Primary | Solar | Average ❘ B | PvP | Fishing | No | Season 21 | Season 21 | Energy | No | |||
Oversoul Edict | Pulse Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Arc | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Crota's End Raid | Yes | Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Voltshot,Sword Logic | |
Adhortative | Pulse Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Season 23 | Yes | Primary | Solar | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Undying | Yes | Season 23 | Season 23 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Incandescent | |
Scalar Potential | Pulse Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Season 23 | Yes | Primary | Arc | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Seasonal activity | Yes | Season 23 | Season 23 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | ||
Elsie's Rifle | Pulse Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Void | No | Primary | Void | Ongoing... | - | Onslaught Activity | No | Into the Light | Energy | No |
These are the different Tier levels used for our list:
- S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapons in our Tier List.
- A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapons, but not on the same level as S Tier Choices.
- B Tier – Average: Decent choices that can be lethal in the hands of a skilled player.
- C Tier – Weak: The middle of the pack, somewhat mediocre.
- D Tier – Worst: Lagging behind the competition, these don’t have much to offer.
Best Destiny 2 Pulse Rifles in 2024
Ready to dig deeper into the absolute best Pulses in Destiny 2 right now? These are the cream of the crop, our favorites (for PvE and PvP):
5. Elsie’s Rifle
Excels in PvP
Based on how High-Impact frames are performing in PvP, it’s safe to say that this will be a killer PvP weapon. It’s got slightly less range than The Messenger, but outside of that? Elsie has it beat, even having 10 more recoil direction, meaning Arrowhead Break is a perfect addition to make it stable as can be.
For PvE, High-Impact pulses trend on the lower end of usage. Their slower rate of fire and clunkiness do not make for good PvE weapons, but their range can be of benefit if scouts aren’t an artifact anti-champion option. Most of the time, people will be using Aggresives and Rapid Fires over High-Impacts, so probably keep this in PvP. These are the top Elsie’s Rifle God Rolls:
- PvP God roll: Zen Moment (also good: Keep Away) + Kill Clip (also good: Headseeker)
How to get it: Elsie’s Rifle is a Brave weapon from the Onslaught activity.
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo | Element | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Elsie's Rifle | Pulse Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Void | No | Primary | Void | Ongoing... | - | Onslaught Activity | No | Into the Light | Energy | No |
4. Revision Zero
Excels in PVE
A two-in-one weapon, Revision Zero is here to switch things up.
A craftable exotic from Season of the Seraph, Revision Zero is just as powerful as it is interesting. Boasting intrinsic Anti-Barrier capabilities and a sniper mode, Rev can achieve peak performance in any PvE content. It truly shines in the endgame, where the higher base damage, thanks to being an exotic primary, can pick off ads with ease, and it can now one-shot barriers thanks to the Season 23 buff!
Exotic Perk: “Precision hits grant targeting data. Swap to the alternate scope, loading high-damage rounds based on the amount of targeting data. Strong against Barrier Champions. Increased movement speed and target acquisition when moving while aiming down sights.”
How to get it: Revision Zero can be acquired from the Operation: Seraph’s Shield Exotic Mission.
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo | Element | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revision Zero | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | The Witch Queen | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvE | Operation: Seraph's Shield | Yes | Witch Queen | Season 19 | Kinetic | Craftable |
3. Outbreak Perfected
Excels in PVE
A Day One raid staple, Outbreak Perfected is the true workhorse of the game.
Once a secret mission reward, Outbreak can be acquired by any player through the Monument to Lost Light in the Tower, and it’s one of few exotics recommended to new players for a good reason. Alone it can dish out exceptional damage, but when paired with others, it can shred bosses and high-tier enemies with ease as the nanites stack quicker, meaning longer uptime and better damage. All for the low cost of simply hitting critical shots.
If a primary DPS weapon is missing from your life, pick up Outbreak today!
Exotic Perk: “This weapon creates SIVA nanite swarms on rapid hits, and precision kills and does more damage to enemies based on the number of SIVA nanites that attach to them.”
How to get it: Outbreak Perfected can be purchased at the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower.
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo | Element | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Outbreak Perfected | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Zero Hour | Yes | Free-to-Play | Season 6 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier |
2. No Time to Explain: Best PvP Pulse Rifle
Excels in PvE and PvP
I don’t even have time to explain why No Time to Explain is S-tier
Ok, maybe I do. Returning with part of its D1 functionality, NTTE quickly became a PvP nightmare when it was released in Beyond Light, and no amount of nerfs have been able to take that away. While it falls slightly behind the likes of The Messenger in terms of stats, the Time-Slip portal is a non-denominational Arc Buddy, granting you free damage so long as you’ve hit 10 crits or shots against Stasis-affected targets. Did I also mention that each of those hits returns a bullet to the mag?
Exotic Perk: “Precision shots and shots against combatants slowed or frozen by Stasis will return to the magazine. At 10 stacks of Rewind Again, a small portal will open, shooting bullets from an alternate timeline version of this weapon. Precision hits extend the portal’s duration.”
How to get it: No Time to Explain can be acquired by completing the Beyond Light campaign.
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo | Element | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No Time to Explain | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Beyond Light | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Beyond Light Campaign | No | Beyond Light | Season 12 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier |
1. BxR-55 Battler: Best PvE Pulse Rifle
Excels in PvE and PvP
The OG of all pulses, the BxR-55 Battler, or just the Battler, is one of the best legendary pulses in the game.
Dropping from Dares of Eternity, the Battler is a reskin of the classic Halo burst rifle, and it even demonstrates that in its intrinsically better hip fire accuracy. This lets it play much better in close-quarters situations, and the perks are just icing on the cake. Kill Clip turns it into a two-burst machine, and Killing Wind will help push out that two-burst range even more. In PvE, even though pulses are a tough sell, the Battler performs just as well against these aliens as it did in Halo.
Hop into Dares today to start getting that pattern so you, too, can own a piece of history.
- PvE God roll: Outlaw + Incandescent
- PvP God roll: Killing Wind + Kill Clip
How to get it: BxR-55 Battler can be acquired by completing Dares of Eternity runs or turning in Treasure keys at Xûr’s in Eternity.
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo | Element | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BxR-55 Battler | Pulse Rifle | Legacy PR-55 | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Dares of Eternity | Yes | Free-to-Play | 30th Anniversary event | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Incandescent |
Pulse Rifles and the PvP Meta: TTK
We already covered which Pulses are top-tier (and should be farmed) and which ones can be safely ignored. But how do they compare to other primary weapons in PvP?
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 |
Submachine Guns | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ► SMGs remain a staple of the PvP meta. SMGs absolutely shred enemies at close range and as soon as their top option is nerfed, a new top-tier SMG is introduced to replace it. SMGs have been, and seemingly will remain, meta for a long time to come. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (720 RPM) - Example: The Immortal | 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 |
Auto Rifles | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ► After a couple of recent changes and buffs, Auto Rifles are feeling great to use right now, especially in the more casual Crucible playlists. While they may not have the juice to compete with some of the top dogs, they are still a solid pick and can help you frag out with relative ease. ► Best Archetype: Precision (450 RPM) - Example: Ammit AR2 | 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.
When it comes to PvP, top Pulses can dominate the Crucible:
- | Weapon Type | Archetype | Optimal TTK | Optimal Kill | Body Shot TTK | Specs | --- | Best in Class |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pulse Rifle | Adaptive 390 RPM | 0.93 | 5 crit 2 body | 1.47 | High handling, decent range | The Third Axiom | ||
Pulse Rifle | Lightweight 450 RPM | 0.87 | 7 crit 1 body | 1.33 | Excellent handling, low range | BxR-55 Battler | ||
Pulse Rifle | Rapid Fire 540 RPM | 0.80 | 7 crit 2 body | 1.40 | High aim assist, low range | Piece of Mind | ||
Pulse Rifle | High-Impact 340 RPM | 0.67 | 5 crit 1 body | 1.20 | High range, low aim assist | The Messenger | ||
Pulse Rifle | Aggressive 450 RPM | 0.73 | 7 crit 1 body | 1.60 | Excellent range, low aim assist | Insidious | ||
Pulse Rifle | Exotic | 0.77 | 7 crit 1 body | 1.72 | 4-Burst mode | Revision Zero | ||
Pulse Rifle | Exotic | 0.7 | 8 crit | 1.20 | - | Vigilance Wing | ||
Pulse Rifle | Exotic | 0.87 | 7 crit 1 body | 1.33 | - | Bad Juju | ||
Pulse Rifle | Exotic | 0.87 | 7 crit 1 body | 1.33 | - | Outbreak Perfected | ||
Pulse Rifle | Exotic | 1.00 | 4 crit 2 body | 1.87 | - | Graviton Lance |
Some of the top Pulses are considered “Meta”, especially High-impact Pulses that can reach insane time-to-kills (TTK). Do keep in mind that TTKs aren’t everything. Versatility and ease of use also come into play. High-Impacts may offer one of the best TTKs in the game, but if you can’t land your shots, the archetype loses all its advantages.
If you’re looking for a more forgiving alternative, Rapid-Fires can be an excellent choice too.
Pulse Rifles and the PvE Meta: DPS
How do Pulses compare to other primary weapons in PvE?
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Submachine Guns | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► SMGs are doing very well right now. They have good DPS to tear through ads and beefier orange bar enemies, but also come with excellent perks. There are a plethora of good SMGs you can go for right now, like Funnelweb, Unforgiven, Every Waking Moment, or Extraordinary Rendition, the choice is completely yours. They may struggle slightly in super high-end content, but they are still definitely usable. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (750 RPM) - Example: Unforgiven | PVE Primaries |
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 | |
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 |
Auto Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Auto Rifles currently feel like a worse version of SMGs. They have a bit more range, but outside of the absolute top-shelf content such as Grandmaster Nightfalls, range isn't too much of a factor. And if you are actively tackling difficult content, Auto Rifles aren't exactly the best pick either, making Autos a decent, but outclassed option right now. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (720 RPM)- Example: Quicksilver Storm | 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 |
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 DPS chart includes the DPS numbers for every weapon in Destiny 2.
When it comes to actual DPS, Pulse rifles are average:
- | Weapon Type | Archetype | Sustained DPS | Mag DPS | Total Damage | Specs | --- | Best in Class | Change? | Ammo |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pulse Rifle | Exotic | 11328 | 14573 | With x5 "nanites" | Outbreak Perfected | Same | Primary | |||
Pulse Rifle | Exotic | 9843 | 9843 | 4-burst, Rounds + "Hunter's Trace" | Revision Zero | Primary | ||||
Pulse Rifle | Exotic | 6285 | 7117 | - | Graviton Lance | Same | Primary | |||
Pulse Rifle | Exotic | 5394 | 5394 | w/ Catalyst; "Time-skip Portal" | No Time to Explain | Same | Primary | |||
Pulse Rifle | Exotic | 5330 | 6316 | - | Vigilance Wing | Same | Primary | |||
Pulse Rifle | Rapid-Fire | 4152 | 4788 | High aim assist, low range | Piece of Mind | Same | Primary | |||
Pulse Rifle | Adaptive | 4039 | 4589 | High handling, decent range | The Third Axiom | Same | Primary | |||
Pulse Rifle | High-Impact | 3983 | 4465 | High range & recoil, low aim assist | The Messenger | Same | Primary | |||
Pulse Rifle | Aggressive Burst | 3943 | 4418 | Excellent range, low aim assist | Insidious | Same | Primary | |||
Pulse Rifle | Exotic | 3883 | 4589 | - | Collective Obligation | Primary | ||||
Pulse Rifle | Lightweight | 3839 | 4455 | Excellent handling, low range | Ogma PR6 | Same | Primary | |||
Pulse Rifle | Legacy PR-55 | 3804 | 4455 | Excellent handling, low range | BxR-55 Battler | Same | Primary | |||
Pulse Rifle | Exotic | 0 | 9810 | String of Curses x5 | Bad Juju | Primary |
Endgame content
Whereas Pulses could dominate any Crucible match, be it casual 6v6s or Trials of Osiris rounds, they struggled in PvE for the longest time. They had the range and ease of use to compete, but they simply dealt too little damage. Luckily, the recent buffs given to Pulses (plus the buffs planned for next season) allow them to finally compete and become viable options in PvE.
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 Breech Grenade Launchers and Best Destiny 2 Machine Guns, too.
You now know everything there is to know about Pulses in Destiny 2, whether that is for PvP or PvE content.
See latest Updates
- February 29, 2024: General updates and the inclusion of Pulse rifles from Season 23.
- October 19, 2023: General updates (based on the current sandbox) and the inclusion of Pulses from Seasons 20 to 22.
- December 15, 2022: General updates and the inclusion of Year 5 Pulses.
- April 10, 2021: The guide is published for the first time.
Stay tuned, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for next season!
On the darkest before review, it says gridskipper instead of darkest before in its description, in the very first section, overall a very useful tier list!
Graviton Lance is absolutely S-Tier with the recent meta changes.
Entry for Tarnished Mettle has been removed?