Destiny 2 Energy Weapons Guide & Complete List

Playing Destiny 2 is all about chasing the strongest weapon. That becomes obvious the second you start playing. However, true power comes from a great loadout, not a single weapon. For that reason, you will soon find yourself chasing the best D2 weapons per slot: Kinetic, Energy, and Heavy.

In this guide, we cover the best Energy weapons in Destiny 2, explain what makes them special, and provide you with a comprehensive list, including every Energy weapon in the game.

Checkmark icon V3Updated as of Season of the Witch (S22).

What are Energy weapons in Destiny 2?

Energy weapons are those that can only sit on your Guardian’s Energy slot. But unlike Kinetic weapons, Energy weapons can do elemental damage: Either Solar, Arc, or Void damage.

Kinetic weapons may be able to deal more damage to unshielded enemies, but Special weapons can tear through enemy shields, as long as you use a matching element.

Destiny 2 element icons OLD art

Kinetic and Energy weapons do have one thing in common: They both include Primary and Special ammo weapons. The more expensive Heavy ammo is reserved for Power weapons.

Ammo art Destiny 2

Pro tip: You can easily tell whether a weapon sits in the Kinetic or Energy slot simply by looking at its icon orientation. Special weapons point to the right.

Best Energy weapons in Destiny 2: Tier list

The list below includes what we consider the top-tier Energy weapons in the game for PvE and PvP.

ArtNameTypeArchetypeRarityAmmo?Element?RequirementsIn loot pool?AmmoElementTierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Choir of One art Destiny 2Choir of OneAuto RifleExoticExoticSpecialVoidEpisode 1: EchoesYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialVoid Void
S › Best
PvEExotic QuestCheckmark icon V3 YesEP1 Echoes Icon (final) Destiny 2
Episode 1: Echoes
The Final ShapeEnergyCraftableTop-tier
Destiny 2 Divinity artDivinityTrace RifleExoticExoticSpecialArcShadowkeep PackYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
S › Best
PvEExotic QuestError icon V2 NoShadowkeep Icon (final) Destiny 2
Shadowkeep Pack
Season 8EnergyNoTop-tier
Destiny 2 Graviton Lance artGraviton LancePulse RifleExoticExoticPrimaryVoidFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryVoid Void
S › Best
PvEExotic EngramError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 1EnergyNoTop-tier
Destiny 2 Lord of Wolves artLord of WolvesShotgunExoticExoticSpecialSolarFree-to-PlayYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
S › Best
PvEExotic EngramError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 4EnergyNoTop-tier
Red Death Reformed art Destiny 2Red Death ReformedPulse RifleExoticExoticPrimarySolarFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimarySolar Solar
S › Best
PvE + PvPSeason PassError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
The Final ShapeEnergyNoTop-tier
Still Hunt art Destiny 2Still HuntSniper RifleExoticExoticSpecialSolarThe Final ShapeYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
S › Best
PvEExotic QuestError icon V2 NoThe Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
The Final ShapeEnergyNoTop-tier
Destiny 2 Sunshot artSunshotHand CannonExoticExoticPrimarySolarFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimarySolar Solar
S › Best
PvEExotic EngramError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 1EnergyNoTop-tier
Destiny 2 Trinity Ghoul artTrinity GhoulCombat BowExoticExoticPrimaryArcForsaken PackYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryArc Arc
S › Best
PvEExotic EngramError icon V2 NoForsaken Icon (final) Destiny 2
Forsaken Pack
Season 4EnergyNoTop-tier
Acasia's Dejection artAcasia's DejectionTrace RifleAdaptiveLegendarySpecialSolarLightfallYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
S › Best
PvERoot of Nightmares RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesLightfall Icon (final) Destiny 2
Lightfall
Season 20EnergyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent,Reconstruction
Albedo Wing art Destiny 2Albedo WingGlaiveAggressiveLegendarySpecialArcFree-to-PlayYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
S › Best
PvE + PvPEvent: DawningError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 23EnergyNoTop-tier
Ammit AR2 artAmmit AR2Auto RiflePrecisionLegendaryPrimarySolarFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimarySolar Solar
S › Best
PvE + PvPGunsmithCheckmark icon V3 YesDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 18EnergyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent
Beloved artBelovedSniper RifleAdaptiveLegendarySpecialSolarBeyond Light PackYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
S › Best
PvPPresageCheckmark icon V3 YesBeyond Light Icon (final) Destiny 2
Beyond Light Pack
Season 17EnergyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent
BxR-55 Battler artBxR-55 BattlerPulse RifleLegacy PR-55LegendaryPrimarySolarFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimarySolar Solar
S › Best
PvE + PvPDares of EternityCheckmark icon V3 YesDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
30th Anniversary eventEnergyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent
CALUS Mini-Tool artCALUS Mini-ToolSubmachine GunMIDA SynergyLegendaryPrimarySolarBeyond Light PackYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimarySolar Solar
S › Best
PvEPresageCheckmark icon V3 YesBeyond Light Icon (final) Destiny 2
Beyond Light Pack
Season 17EnergyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent
Chronophage art Destiny 2ChronophageTrace RifleAdaptiveLegendarySpecialVoidEpisode 1: EchoesYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialVoid Void
S › Best
PvEEchoes ActivitiesCheckmark icon V3 YesEP1 Echoes Icon (final) Destiny 2
Episode 1: Echoes
The Final ShapeEnergyCraftableTop-tier
Claws of the Wolf art Destiny 2Claws of the Wolf
Pulse RifleRapid-FireLegendaryPrimaryVoidFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryVoid Void
S › Best
PvEIron BannerError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
The Final ShapeEnergyNoTop-tier
Compass Rose artCompass RoseShotgunPrecisionLegendarySpecialSolarFree-to-PlayTimed-EventSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
S › Best
PvPEvent: SolsticeError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 14EnergyNoTop-tierIncandescent
Drang (Baroque) artDrang (Baroque)SidearmTogether ForeverLegendaryPrimarySolarBeyond Light PackYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimarySolar Solar
S › Best
PvE + PvPPresageCheckmark icon V3 YesBeyond Light Icon (final) Destiny 2
Beyond Light Pack
Season 17EnergyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent
Elsie's Rifle art Destiny 2Elsie's RiflePulse RifleHigh-ImpactLegendaryPrimaryVoidFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryVoid Void
S › Best
PvPOnslaught ActivityError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Into the LightEnergyNoTop-tier
Exalted Truth artExalted TruthHand CannonAdaptiveLegendaryPrimaryVoidThe Final ShapeYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryVoid Void
S › Best
PvE + PvPTrials of OsirisError icon V2 NoThe Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
Season 19EnergyNoTop-tierRepulsor Brace
Forbearance art v2ForbearanceGrenade LauncherWaveLegendarySpecialArcThe Witch QueenYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
S › Best
PvEVow of the Disciple RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Season 16EnergyCraftableTop-tierBait and Switch
Forbearance (Brave) art Destiny 2Forbearance (Brave)Grenade LauncherWaveLegendarySpecialArcFree-to-PlayYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
S › Best
PvEOnslaught ActivityError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Into the LightEnergyNoTop-tierBait and Switch
Gnawing Hunger artGnawing HungerAuto RifleAdaptiveLegendaryPrimaryVoidFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryVoid Void
S › Best
PvE + PvPDrifter FocusingError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 11EnergyNoTop-tier
Greasy Luck art Destiny 2Greasy LuckGlaiveRapid-FireLegendarySpecialSolarLightfall Dungeon KeyYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
S › Best
PvE + PvPGhost of the Deep DungeonError icon V2 NoLightfall Icon (final) Destiny 2
Lightfall Dungeon Key
Season 21EnergyNoTop-tierIncandescent
Heliocentric QSc artHeliocentric QScSidearmLightweightLegendaryPrimarySolarFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimarySolar Solar
S › Best
PvE + PvPLost SectorError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 22EnergyNoTop-tierIncandescent
Horror's Least artHorror's LeastPulse RifleRapid-FireLegendaryPrimaryArcFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryArc Arc
S › Best
PvPNightfall: The OrdealsError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 17EnergyNoTop-tier
IKELOS SG v1.0.2 Destiny 2 artIKELOS_SG_v1.0.3ShotgunRapid-FireLegendarySpecialSolarThe Witch QueenYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
S › Best
PvEOperation: Seraph's ShieldCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Season 19EnergyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent
IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.2 artIKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3Submachine GunAggressiveLegendaryPrimaryArcThe Witch QueenYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryArc Arc
S › Best
PvE + PvPOperation: Seraph's ShieldCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Season 19EnergyCraftableTop-tierVoltshot
Joxer's Longsword art Destiny 2Joxer's LongswordPulse RifleLegendaryPrimaryVoidFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryVoid Void
S › Best
PvE + PvPPlaylist: CrucibleError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Episode 3EnergyNoTop-tier
Judgment of Kelgorath artJudgment of KelgorathGlaiveAggressiveLegendarySpecialSolarThe Witch QueenYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
S › Best
PvEOperation: Seraph's ShieldCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Season 19EnergyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent
Keen Thistle art Destiny 2Keen ThistleSniper RifleAggressiveLegendarySpecialSolarThe Final ShapeYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
S › Best
PvE + PvPTrials of OsirisError icon V2 NoThe Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
Episode 3EnergyNoTop-tier
Lotus-Eater art Destiny 2Lotus-EaterSidearmRocket-AssistedLegendarySpecialVoidFree-to-PlayYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialVoid Void
S › Best
PvENightfall: The OrdealsError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Episode 3EnergyNoTop-tier
Matador 64 artMatador 64ShotgunPrecisionLegendarySpecialArc30th AnniversaryYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
S › Best
PvPGrasp of Avarice DungeonError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 30th anniversary icon
30th Anniversary
30th Anniversary eventEnergyNoTop-tier
Mechabre new art Destiny 2MechabreSniper RifleAggressiveLegendarySpecialArcFree-to-PlayTimed-EventSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
S › Best
PvPEvent: Festival of the LostError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Episode 2EnergyNoTop-tierVoltshot
Mercurial Overreach art Destiny 2Mercurial OverreachSniper RifleAdaptiveLegendarySpecialArcFree-to-PlayYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
S › Best
PvPCrucible CompetitiveError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 21EnergyNoTop-tier
Non-Denouement FINAL art Destiny 2Non-DenouementCombat BowPrecisionLegendaryPrimaryArcThe Final ShapeYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryArc Arc
S › Best
PvE + PvPSalvation's Edge RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
The Final ShapeEnergyCraftableTop-tierVoltshot,Chaos Reshaped
Nullify FINAL art Destiny 2NullifyPulse RifleHeavy BurstLegendaryPrimarySolarThe Final ShapeYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimarySolar Solar
S › Best
PvE + PvPSalvation's Edge RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
The Final ShapeEnergyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent,Chaos Reshaped
Point of the Stag artPoint of the StagCombat BowPrecisionLegendaryPrimaryArcFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryArc Arc
S › Best
PvE + PvPIron BannerError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 10EnergyNoTop-tier
Prophet of Doom Destiny 2 artProphet of DoomShotgunPrecisionLegendarySpecialArcShadowkeep PackYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
S › Best
PvPGarden of Salvation RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesShadowkeep Icon (final) Destiny 2
Shadowkeep Pack
Season 8EnergyCraftableTop-tier
Psychopomp art 2 Destiny 2PsychopompGrenade LauncherArea DenialLegendarySpecialArcEpisode 3: HereticYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
S › Best
PvEHeretical ActivitiesError icon V2 NoEpisode 3 Heresy Icon Destiny 2
Episode 3: Heretic
Episode 3EnergyNoTop-tier
Scavenger's Fate art Destiny 2Scavenger's FateShotgunPrecisionLegendarySpecialVoidEpisode 2: RevenantYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialVoid Void
S › Best
PvPRevenant ActivitiesError icon V2 NoEP2 Revenant icon Destiny 2
Episode 2: Revenant
Episode 2EnergyNoTop-tier
Shayura's Wrath artShayura's WrathSubmachine GunPrecisionLegendaryPrimaryVoidThe Final ShapeYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryVoid Void
S › Best
PvE + PvPTrials of OsirisError icon V2 NoThe Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
Season 14EnergyNoTop-tier
Techeun Force art Destiny 2Techeun ForceFusion RifleAdaptiveLegendarySpecialArcForsaken PackYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
S › Best
PvE + PvPLast Wish RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesForsaken Icon (final) Destiny 2
Forsaken Pack
Season 4EnergyCraftableTop-tierReconstruction
The Eremite artThe EremiteFusion RifleHigh-ImpactLegendarySpecialSolarFree-to-PlayYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialSolar Solar
S › Best
PvEXûrCheckmark icon V3 YesDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 22EnergyCraftableTop-tier
The Riposte art Destiny 2The RiposteAuto RifleLightweightLegendaryPrimaryVoidFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryVoid Void
S › Best
PvPCrucible CompetitiveError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
The Final ShapeEnergyNoTop-tier
The Summoner artThe SummonerAuto RifleAdaptiveLegendaryPrimarySolarThe Final ShapeYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimarySolar Solar
S › Best
PvE + PvPTrials of OsirisError icon V2 NoThe Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
Season 23EnergyNoTop-tierIncandescent
Trustee Destiny 2 artTrusteeScout RifleRapid-FireLegendaryPrimarySolarBeyond Light PackYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimarySolar Solar
S › Best
PvE + PvPDeep Stone Crypt RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesBeyond Light Icon (final) Destiny 2
Beyond Light Pack
Season 12EnergyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent,Reconstruction
Under Your Skin artUnder Your SkinCombat BowPrecisionLegendaryPrimaryVoidThe Witch QueenYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryVoid Void
S › Best
PvEVox ObscuraCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Season 16EnergyCraftableTop-tier
Unexpected Resurgenc art Destiny 2Unexpected ResurgenceGlaiveAdaptiveLegendarySpecialArcThe Final ShapeYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialArc Arc
S › Best
PvE + PvPTrials of OsirisError icon V2 NoThe Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
Season 21EnergyNoTop-tierVoltshot
Unvoiced art Destiny 2UnvoicedShotgunPinpoint SlugLegendarySpecialVoidThe Final Shape Dungeon KeyYesSpecial ammo Destiny 2 SpecialVoid Void
S › Best
PvE + PvPSundered Doctrine DungonError icon V2 NoThe Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape Dungeon Key
Episode 3EnergyNoTop-tier
Vouchsafe artVouchsafeScout RifleLightweightLegendaryPrimaryVoidFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryVoid Void
S › Best
PvEShattered Throne DungeonError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 13EnergyNoTop-tier
Yesterday's Question art Destiny 2Yesterday's QuestionHand CannonHeavy BurstLegendaryPrimaryArcThe Final ShapeYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryArc Arc
S › Best
PvETrials of OsirisError icon V2 NoThe Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
Episode 2EnergyNoTop-tier
Zaouli’s Bane artZaouli’s BaneHand CannonAdaptiveLegendaryPrimarySolarFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimarySolar Solar
S › Best
PvEKing's Fall RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 18EnergyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent

As a reminder, these are the different Tier levels used for our rankings:

  • S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapon types.
  • A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapon types, 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.

Energy weapons list: The complete list

In case you’re looking for something much more specific (i.e., an Energy precision Fusion rifle) that you couldn’t find above, this list includes every viable Energy weapon in Destiny 2:

[table “3” not found /]

Before you go…

Looking for more weapons? The following guides cover the other two weapon slots in the game:

By now, you know everything there is to know about Energy weapons in Destiny 2: What makes them special, how to recognize them, and which ones are the best. This will hopefully help you get one step closer to the perfect loadout, combining top-tier armor, mods, and weapons.

About The Author

Ric Molina
Ric Molina
I've been covering gaming since 2012, and some of my work has been featured by large brands, including MSN.com, Forbes, Rock Paper Shotgun, and more. I've been obsessed with Destiny 2 (and now Diablo 4) for years now, and I hope to provide new and returning players with the guides and resources I wish I had when I first started.
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