Destiny 2 Exotic Tier List: Best Exotics for PvE & PvP

It’s easy to get lost with the many exotics available in Destiny 2, especially when you’re new or have been away for a while. After all, there are so many of them, and new ones are added each season. Which Exotics are good and worth grinding for? How good are the latest ones?

As many of the best weapons in Destiny 2 are Exotics, this Tier list covers every single Destiny 2 Exotic in detail, including their main perks, and overall ranking.

Updated as of Season of the Witch (S22).

Best Destiny 2 Exotic weapons: Ranked from Best to Worst

These are the 100+ Exotic weapons currently available as of Season of the Deep (S21), excluding the brand-new Buried Bloodline Exotic sidearm.

What are Exotics?

Exotics are the highest-quality items available to players. Rare and hard to acquire, Exotics are extremely powerful weapons that offer game-changing perks and generally amazing aesthetics. Note that only one Exotic weapon can be equipped at once.

Primary Exotics

Name	Weapons	Type	Archetype	Ammo	Element	Requirements	In loot pool?	Rank	Source	Available?	Tier rank	Source ❘ DLC	Final Verdict	Released	Perks	Best of?
Wish-Keeper	Wish-Keeper	Combat Bow	Exotic	Primary	Strand	Season 23	Yes		Exotic Quest			Exotic Quest Season 23	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision hits and final blows build energy towards a Snareweaver arrow that can be fired from the hip. On impact, Snareweaver arrows create a pattern of traps that suspend nearby targets. This weapon deals bonus damage to suspended targets. Gain faster draw time for a short duration when you suspend or damage a suspended target with this weapon."	Season 23	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision hits and final blows build energy towards a Snareweaver arrow that can be fired from the hip. On impact, Snareweaver arrows create a pattern of traps that suspend nearby targets. This weapon deals bonus damage to suspended targets. Gain faster draw time for a short duration when you suspend or damage a suspended target with this weapon."
Tarrabah	Tarrabah	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Primary	Solar	Forsaken Pack	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Kiosk		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon stores power when dealing or receiving damage. Once full, hold reload to unleash the beast." ► With recent buffs to its main perk and stats, Tarrabah is an excellent option for anywhere in the game. If your Exotic slot is open, giving this thing a whirl in The Crucible or with a Solar 3.0 build is a great idea.	Season 4	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon stores power when dealing or receiving damage. Once full, hold reload to unleash the beast."	Top-tier
Lumina	Lumina	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Forsaken Pack	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Kiosk		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Kills with this weapon leave behind Remnants which convert your next hip fired shot into an ally-seeking Noble Round that heals them and grants both of you a weapon damage bonus for a short duration." ►Lumina is one of the most unique Exotics in Destiny 2, allowing you to heal allies and spread one of the most potent damage buffs in the game. If you're looking to optimize a DPS phase—or want to play a more significant support role—this is a fantastic pick. This applies to PvP too.	Season 7	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Kills with this weapon leave behind Remnants which convert your next hip fired shot into an ally-seeking Noble Round that heals them and grants both of you a weapon damage bonus for a short duration."	Top-tier
Osteo Striga	Osteo Striga	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	The Witch Queen	Yes	S › Best	The Witch Queen Campaign		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	The Witch Queen Campaign The Witch Queen	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a stream of sentient, toxic projectiles that track the targeted enemy. Landing a final blow or multiple precision hits triggers a burst that poisons nearby targets." ► Feeling extremely nice to use, Osteo Striga became an instant favorite for many. Its poison-spreading effect makes it one of the best ad-clear primaries in PVE, and its enemy-tracking bullets make it an easy-to-use option in PVP. Plus, you can craft your own. What's not to love?	Season 16	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a stream of sentient, toxic projectiles that track the targeted enemy. Landing a final blow or multiple precision hits triggers a burst that poisons nearby targets."	Top-tier
Sunshot	Sunshot	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Engram		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires explosive rounds. Targets killed with Sunshot explode in Solar energy." ► One of very few Lightweight Hand Cannons left in the game, Sunshot feels exceptionally great to use even while disregarding its exotic perk. However, looking at how many explosions you can set off with this weapon, it's clear why the community often regards Sunshot as both fun and a beast at ad clear.	Season 1	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires explosive rounds. Targets killed with Sunshot explode in Solar energy."	Top-tier
Trinity Ghoul	Trinity Ghoul	Combat Bow	Exotic	Primary	Arc	Forsaken Pack	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Engram		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Exotic Engram Forsaken Pack	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires an arrow that splits when released. Aiming down sights and fully drawing the bow both decrease the spread. Precision kills grant the next shot chain-lightning capabilities." ► Trinity Ghoul has always been brilliant for ad-clear, and that doesn't seem to be changing any time soon. Despite the more ability-focused meta we have right now, Trinity Ghoul is still a top contender for ad-clear in all PvE content.	Season 4	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires an arrow that splits when released. Aiming down sights and fully drawing the bow both decrease the spread. Precision kills grant the next shot chain-lightning capabilities."	Top-tier
Wish-Ender	Wish-Ender	Combat Bow	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Forsaken Pack	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Quest		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Exotic Quest Forsaken Pack	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "While aiming down sights with a fully drawn Bow, combatants behind walls are highlighted, and arrows pierce shields. Strong against Barrier Champions. One shot can over-penetrate multiple targets." ► Wish-Ender has never been this strong, nor popular. With the newfound intrinsic ability to deal with Anti Barrier Champions with ease, even in Master and Grandmaster levels, and the fact that it effectively hits 3 times per arrow due to its piercing perk, Wish-Ender is currently a monster in PvE.	Season 4	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "While aiming down sights with a fully drawn Bow, combatants behind walls are highlighted, and arrows pierce shields. Strong against Barrier Champions. One shot can over-penetrate multiple targets."	Top-tier
Vex Mythoclast	Vex Mythoclast	Fusion Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Vault of Glass Raid		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Vault of Glass Raid Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires a single bolt with each trigger pull. Defeating targets builds stacks of Overcharge. Swap firing modes when fully Overcharged to charge up and fire more powerful linear fusion shots." ► Vex is arguably one of the strongest fusions in the game. Not only does the catalyst grant a 20% damage boost on a kill, but the Overcharge shots do considerable damage to enemies. And thanks to exotic primaries doing 40% more damage to red bars, Vex can also contend in end-game content.	Season 14	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires a single bolt with each trigger pull. Defeating targets builds stacks of Overcharge. Swap firing modes when fully Overcharged to charge up and fire more powerful linear fusion shots."	Top-tier
Touch of Malice	Touch of Malice	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	King's Fall Raid		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	King's Fall Raid Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "The final round in the magazine deals bonus damage and then regenerates itself. Rapidly defeating three targets restores health. Precision hits drain combatants' life force and charge up a ball of darkness." ► Touch of Malice is one of the best Scouts in Destiny 2. It is the most accessible backup DPS option in the game making it a favoured pick in DPS situations. While it isn't a must for most players, as far as Scout Rifles go, it is definitely top tier.	Season 18	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "The final round in the magazine deals bonus damage and then regenerates itself. Rapidly defeating three targets restores health. Precision hits drain combatants' life force and charge up a ball of darkness."	Top-tier
Polaris Lance	Polaris Lance	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Kiosk		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP	Exotic Kiosk Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision hits return ammo to the mag. Landing 4 precision hits loads a delayed Solar explosive round for your next shot." ► Polaris Lance is an excellent pick. Landing back-to-back Perfect Fifth to trigger a Solar explosion is a very straightforward process, making this a simple, but effective, exotic.	Season 3	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision hits return ammo to the mag. Landing 4 precision hits loads a delayed Solar explosive round for your next shot."	Top-tier
Ace of Spades	Ace of Spades	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Forsaken Pack	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Kiosk		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP	Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision kills increase reload speed and cause the target to explode. Reloading after a kill increases damage. Grants radar while aiming down sights." ► Arguably the best 140 RPM hand cannon in the game, Ace of Spades has a lot to offer. With excellent base stats and some of the best perks around, namely Momento Mori, which is like Kill Clip on steroids and the ability to see your radar while zoomed in, this weapon has a bit of everything.	Season 4	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision kills increase reload speed and cause the target to explode. Reloading after a kill increases damage. Grants radar while aiming down sights."	Top-tier
Devil's Ruin	Devil's Ruin	Sidearm	Exotic	Primary	Solar	Shadowkeep	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk Shadowkeep	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Variable trigger. Press and release to fire individual shots. Hold to charge up a high-powered, staggering laser." ► Able to deal with Unstoppable Champions, this is a fun weapon that does decent damage and melts shotgun apes in PVP when in laser mode. You will rarely see it in the wild, but this weapon deserves more attention, especially now that primary ammo is unlimited.	Season 9	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Variable trigger. Press and release to fire individual shots. Hold to charge up a high-powered, staggering laser."	Top-tier
Traveler's Chosen	Traveler's Chosen	Sidearm	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Shadowkeep	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk Shadowkeep	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Final blows grant stacks of Gathering Light. Consuming stacks, grant melee, grenade, and class ability energy based on the number of stacks. Each stack of Gathering Light improves this weapon's reload, handling, and target acquisition." ► Capable of inflicting some of the best time-to-kill numbers, sidearms are considered a safe bet in PVP. And Traveler's Chosen is perhaps one of the best all-around sidearms in Destiny 2. It has the best base stats ever seen on a sidearm AND it features an extremely useful and consistent exotic perk.	Season 11	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Final blows grant stacks of Gathering Light. Consuming stacks, grant melee, grenade, and class ability energy based on the number of stacks. Each stack of Gathering Light improves this weapon's reload, handling, and target acquisition."	Top-tier
No Time to Explain	No Time to Explain	Pulse Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Beyond Light	Yes	A › Strong	Beyond Light Campaign		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Beyond Light Campaign Beyond Light	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision shots and shots against combatants affected by Stasis return to the magazine. At 10 stacks, a small portal will open, shooting bullets from an alternate timeline version of this weapon. Precision hits extend the portal's duration." ► An exceptional pick in PVP (and a fun one in PVE), No Time to Explain's ability to provide you with an extra set of bullets continues to be helpful in most areas of the game.	Season 12	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision shots and shots against combatants affected by Stasis return to the magazine. At 10 stacks, a small portal will open, shooting bullets from an alternate timeline version of this weapon. Precision hits extend the portal's duration."	Top-tier
Trespasser	Trespasser	Sidearm	Exotic	Primary	Arc	The Witch Queen	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk The Witch Queen	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Reloading after defeating a target causes the next burst to be a longer, more powerful superburst. Final blows with Unrepentant superbursts automatically reload your weapon and provide an Unrepentant superburst." ► Our favorite sidearm in the game, Trespasser is a monster with its exotic perk active. While it won't be the best choice in Master or Grandmaster content, it's exceptionally powerful and fun everywhere else, including PvE and PvP.	Season 17	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Reloading after defeating a target causes the next burst to be a longer, more powerful superburst. Final blows with Unrepentant superbursts automatically reload your weapon and provide an Unrepentant superburst."	Top-tier
Quicksilver Storm	Quicksilver Storm	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Strand	Lightfall	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk Lightfall	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Landing multiple hits turns your next shot into a homing micro-rocket. Landing multiple rockets loads a grenade." ► Quicksilver Storm is unique, particularly due to its ability to produce homing rockets that transform it into a grenade launcher hybrid. The exotic perks on offer here will be more useful in PvE, but the homing rockets alone will prove effective in PvP as well.	Season 18	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Landing multiple hits turns your next shot into a homing micro-rocket. Landing multiple rockets loads a grenade."	Top-tier
Riskrunner	Riskrunner	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Quest		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Quest Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "When taking Arc Damage, this weapon becomes more powerful and resists incoming Arc Damage. Shots fired can become chain lightning and return ammo. Kills extend the duration of the effect." ► Riskrunner can make you unstoppable, assuming you're taking arc damage (which includes throwing your arc grenade at your feet!). When its perk activates, you literally become an unkillable god able to lethal deal chain damage with ease.	Season 1	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "When taking Arc Damage, this weapon becomes more powerful and resists incoming Arc Damage. Shots fired can become chain lightning and return ammo. Kills extend the duration of the effect."	Top-tier
Skyburner's Oath	Skyburner's Oath	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Engram		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit (also good: Subsistence) + Rampage PvP God Roll: Surplus (also good: Rapid Hit) + Kill Clip ► After several buffs and reworks, Skyburner's Oath is now a competent option. That said, it feels weird to use. To most, it's a worse option than Polaris Lance, but that doesn't mean it can't get the job done.	Season 1	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit (also good: Subsistence) + Rampage PvP God Roll: Surplus (also good: Rapid Hit) + Kill Clip	Top-tier
Rat King	Rat King	Sidearm	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic 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." ► One of the most unique primary weapons available, Rat King is capable when used by yourself and quite strong when used in a Fireteam with other Rat King users.	Season 1	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic 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
The Huckleberry	The Huckleberry	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Engram		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Increased rate of fire and recoil while you're holding down the trigger. Kills with this weapon temporarily grant increased damage and partially reload the magazine." ► A powerhouse of a weapon, The Huckleberry isn't flashy but can clear ads like nothing else. Without the need to reload and pre-nerf Rampage on your side, nothing will be able to stand in your way. The recent buff to Exotic primary weapons further cemented it as one of the best Exotics in the game.	Season 3	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Increased rate of fire and recoil while you're holding down the trigger. Kills with this weapon temporarily grant increased damage and partially reload the magazine."	Top-tier
Outbreak Perfected	Outbreak Perfected	Pulse Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic 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." ► Outbreak Perfected's theme and great firing feel alone make it a popular PVE choice. And with buffs to Exotic primary weapon damage, it's now an excellent option for casual PVE content.	Season 6	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic 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."	Top-tier
Bad Juju	Bad Juju	Pulse Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Forsaken Pack	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Kills refill the magazine, increase damage for a short duration, and grant Super energy based on the number of kills. Fires full-auto." ► Bad Juju is one of the most underrated weapons in Destiny 2. It can be an absolute monster in PVE and gets even better with the catalyst. And with the recent buffs to Exotic primaries and pulse rifles, it can finally compete with the best.	Season 7	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Kills refill the magazine, increase damage for a short duration, and grant Super energy based on the number of kills. Fires full-auto."	Top-tier
Ticuu's Divination	Ticuu's Divination	Combat Bow	Exotic	Primary	Solar	Beyond Light	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Beyond Light	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Hipfiring this weapon fires multiple tracking projectiles. Targets marked explode upon death, or when struck again. Arrows fired while aiming down sights cause Sacred Flames to instantly detonate." ► Ticcu's Divination may require more work than Trinity Ghoul but it is nonetheless an excellent weapon capable of easily disposing of ads but also dealing serious damage to majors in PVE.	Season 13	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Hipfiring this weapon fires multiple tracking projectiles. Targets marked explode upon death, or when struck again. Arrows fired while aiming down sights cause Sacred Flames to instantly detonate."	Top-tier
Cryosthesia 77K	Cryosthesia 77K	Sidearm	Exotic	Primary	Stasis	Beyond Light	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Beyond Light	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic 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." ► Now that Stasis can counter Champions, Cryothesia is finally a viable weapon for end-game content. While getting it to freeze champions is easier said than done, it is nevertheless another tool to have in your pocket, especially if you are a sidearm fan.	Season 14	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic 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
Collective Obligation	Collective Obligation	Pulse Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Void	The Witch Queen	Yes	A › Strong	Vow of the Disciple Raid		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Vow of the Disciple Raid The Witch Queen	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon leeches Void debuffs when damaging targets that are suppressed, weakened, or volatile. Once charged, damage from this weapon applies the same Void debuffs that were leeched. Weapon automatically reloads when you gain Devour, a Void overshield, or become invisible." ► With the ability to debuff everything in sight, Collective Obligation can do things no other weapon can. That being said, you're almost required to create a build with it to make it worth your exotic slot. While this weapon has potential, having to work so hard to make your exotic feel "exotic" isn't great.	Season 16	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon leeches Void debuffs when damaging targets that are suppressed, weakened, or volatile. Once charged, damage from this weapon applies the same Void debuffs that were leeched. Weapon automatically reloads when you gain Devour, a Void overshield, or become invisible."	Top-tier
Hierarchy of Needs	Hierarchy of Needs	Combat Bow	Exotic	Primary	Solar	Deluxe Edition	Yes	A › Strong	Spire of the Watcher Dungeon		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Spire of the Watcher Dungeon Deluxe Edition	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision hits and final blows build Guidance Ring energy. Arrows fired through a Guidance Ring release seeking projectiles, which do more damage based on distance traveled." ► Hierarchy of Needs is very unique, and it also happens to be excellent at boss damage. It actually beats Outbreak Perfected and Touch of Malice for the top spot in Primary DPS, making it a staple backup weapon. It does a shedload of damage and still has all the benefits of being a bow.	Season 19	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision hits and final blows build Guidance Ring energy. Arrows fired through a Guidance Ring release seeking projectiles, which do more damage based on distance traveled."	Top-tier
Verglas Curve	Verglas Curve	Combat Bow	Exotic	Primary	Stasis	Season 20	Yes	A › Strong	Season Pass		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Season Pass Season 20	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Final blows with this weapon grant Stasis arrows. Your next hip-fire shot will fire all of them in a single volley. Stasis arrows freeze targets on contact and create Stasis crystals when affecting the environment." ► While Verglas received minor buffs to make its gameplay loop more consistent, needing to kill a target in order to activate its main trait holds it back from S-tier. However, that's not to say it isn't a monster once it gets going, freezing almost everything it sees.	Season 20	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Final blows with this weapon grant Stasis arrows. Your next hip-fire shot will fire all of them in a single volley. Stasis arrows freeze targets on contact and create Stasis crystals when affecting the environment."	Top-tier
Necrochasm	Necrochasm	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Crota's End Raid		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Crota's End Raid Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision final blows with this weapon trigger a Cursed Thrall explosion. Final blows with Cursed Thrall explosions refill the magazine." ► Necrochasm is a classic that has made a welcome return. The exotic perk on this weapon makes it a great option for crowd control in PvE. Chain explosions via the Cursebringer exotic perk and you will find yourself with a bottomless magazine, high rate of fire, and absurd stability.	Season 22	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision final blows with this weapon trigger a Cursed Thrall explosion. Final blows with Cursed Thrall explosions refill the magazine."	Top-tier
MIDA Multi-Tool	MIDA Multi-Tool	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Exotic Kiosk Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon boosts move speed. Radar stays active while aiming down sights." ► MIDA Multi-Tool is still one of the strongest Scout Rifle picks in PvP. It provides an increased movement speed, High-Caliber Rounds that flinch your opponent, and a reasonably competitive time-to-kill. It isn't the 'best' option because it is out-damaged by High-Impact Scout rifles such as Jade Rabbit or Polaris Lance.	Season 1	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon boosts move speed. Radar stays active while aiming down sights."	Top-tier
Crimson	Crimson	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Engram		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires a 3-round burst. Kills with this weapon heal the wielder. Precision kills also refill the magazine." ► Effectively a Hand Cannon version of Red Death from Destiny 1, Crimson is often a misunderstood weapon and typically receives mixed reviews. But just like The Last Word, Crimson can be very good for PvP, provided you're using a controller.	Season 2	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires a 3-round burst. Kills with this weapon heal the wielder. Precision kills also refill the magazine."	Top-tier
The Jade Rabbit	The Jade Rabbit	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Engram		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Chain body shots to gain bonus damage on your next precision shot, return ammo to the magazine, and increases its stability." ► The Jade Rabbit is a simple, yet effective pick inside of PvP. A clean scope, solid base stats, and Zen Moment all make for a an extremely solid Scout that almost anyone could succeed with.	Season 2	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Chain body shots to gain bonus damage on your next precision shot, return ammo to the magazine, and increases its stability."	Top-tier
SUROS Regime	SUROS Regime	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Engram		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "The bottom half of each magazine deals bonus damage and can return health on kill. Holding down the trigger increases rate of fire." ► SUROS Regime's ability to combine a higher damage per bullet and a faster rate of fire can absolutely shred opposing Guardians. This makes SUROS an incredibly oppressive option if used correctly. It has fallen slightly behind, though, especially in this current long-range meta.	Season 3	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "The bottom half of each magazine deals bonus damage and can return health on kill. Holding down the trigger increases rate of fire."	Top-tier
Le Monarque	Le Monarque	Combat Bow	Exotic	Primary	Void	Forsaken Pack	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Arrows fired quickly after a full draw become poison arrows. Precision hits with poison arrows spread poison to nearby enemies." ► Le Monarque is a ridiculously oppressive pick in PvP as it can be combined with a Hand Cannon to deliver blindingly fast combo kills with relative ease. It also comes with intrinsic Overload Arrows, which, combined with its poison effect, are highly effective against Overload Champions. This makes Le Monarque an incredible pick for PvE too.	Season 5	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Arrows fired quickly after a full draw become poison arrows. Precision hits with poison arrows spread poison to nearby enemies."	Top-tier
Hawkmoon	Hawkmoon	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Beyond Light	Yes	A › Strong	Xûr		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Xûr Beyond Light	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Final blows and precision hits with Hawkmoon grant stacks of Paracausal Charge. The final round in the magazine deals bonus damage based on the number of stacks. Stowing Hawkmoon on the final round removes this bonus." ► Hawkmoon is one of the strongest Exotic Hand Cannons in PvP. It can consistently 2-tap (and even 1-tap) opposing Guardians, provided you are accurate enough. In the hands of an experienced player, Hawkmoon is definitely something to fear.	Season 12	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Final blows and precision hits with Hawkmoon grant stacks of Paracausal Charge. The final round in the magazine deals bonus damage based on the number of stacks. Stowing Hawkmoon on the final round removes this bonus."	Top-tier
Dead Man's Tale	Dead Man's Tale	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Beyond Light	Yes	A › Strong	Presage		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Presage Beyond Light	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Chaining precision hits grants bonus damage and quickens reload speed. Future drops of this weapon will have random rolls. PvE God Roll: Vorpal Weapon (also good: Killing Wind) ► Dead Man's Tale has been reworked to receive improved stats and an increased rate of fire, instead of the plain increased damage it used to offer. While this lowers the potency of Dead Man's Tale, it remains a powerful option due to its high damage per shot and incredible range.	Season 13	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Chaining precision hits grants bonus damage and quickens reload speed. Future drops of this weapon will have random rolls. PvE God Roll: Vorpal Weapon (also good: Killing Wind)	Top-tier
Revision Zero	Revision Zero	Pulse Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	The Witch Queen	Yes	A › Strong	Operation: Seraph's Shield		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Operation: Seraph's Shield The Witch Queen	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic 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." ► Some have called Revision Zero the Pulse Rifle version of the Hawkmoon due to its charge function through precision hits. Charging up Sniper shots makes for quite a versatile weapon, but there will be better options if you just want a solid dueling Pulse Rifle.	Season 19	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic 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."	Top-tier
Graviton Lance	Graviton Lance	Pulse Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Engram		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Second shot of a burst rips a hole through space-time, doing high damage and recoil with no falloff. Kills with this weapon cause enemies to detonate and spawn tracking Void projectiles." ► Over the summer, Graviton Lance received a whopping 67% PvE damage buff, making it tear through enemies with ease, especially with its AoE detonations. Plus, its catalyst now provides Vorpal Weapon. On the PvP side of things, it can still compete in longer range maps.	Season 1	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Second shot of a burst rips a hole through space-time, doing high damage and recoil with no falloff. Kills with this weapon cause enemies to detonate and spawn tracking Void projectiles."
Monte Carlo	Monte Carlo	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Shadowkeep	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Engram		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE	Exotic Engram Shadowkeep	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Dealing damage with this weapon reduces melee cooldown and can fully charge your melee with each kill. Melee kills and kills with this weapon increase damage." ► Monte Carlo is a decent auto rifle with a clean aesthetic and nice stats overall. Its exotic perk grants you melee energy with hits and kills, and on top of that, it also comes with an exotic version of Swashbuckler, which is a nice touch and pairs really well with melee-focused playstyles.	Season 8	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Dealing damage with this weapon reduces melee cooldown and can fully charge your melee with each kill. Melee kills and kills with this weapon increase damage."
Tommy's Matchbook	Tommy's Matchbook	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Solar	Shadowkeep	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Kiosk		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Shadowkeep	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Sustained fire with this weapon overheats it, increasing damage but burning the user. Overheat damage is reduced while hip firing." ► Tommy's Matchbook can be a powerhouse in both Crucible and PvE. It has a charge-up mechanic that will increase your damage at the cost of burning yourself. It pairs with Warlocks using a healing rift / well, and there are Titan exotics that excel here. These are, however, niche use cases.	Season 10	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Sustained fire with this weapon overheats it, increasing damage but burning the user. Overheat damage is reduced while hip firing."
Centrifuse	Centrifuse	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	B › Average	Season Pass		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE	Season Pass Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Sprinting, sliding, and firing this weapon builds a temporary electrostatic charge, increasing range and reload speed. Final blows with high charge cause explosions, and maximum charge explosions blind targets." ► Sprinting with Centrifuse will charge up its arc damage output. It works like a toned-down take on Zhalo Supercell from Destiny 1. The weapon is solid in PvE as it is great at crowd control when the perk is charged, but otherwise this is a fairly tame exotic option.	Season 21	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Sprinting, sliding, and firing this weapon builds a temporary electrostatic charge, increasing range and reload speed. Final blows with high charge cause explosions, and maximum charge explosions blind targets."
Vigilance Wing	Vigilance Wing	Pulse Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Engram		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvP	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires a 5-round burst. When a nearby ally is killed, gain health regeneration, and increased movement speed." ► Vigilance Wing has always been a solid choice for PVP; in recent times, however, it's gotten outclassed. Without a buff soon, Vigilance Wing may drop down into the lower half of pulse rifles.	Season 1	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires a 5-round burst. When a nearby ally is killed, gain health regeneration, and increased movement speed."
Fighting Lion	Fighting Lion	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Engram		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvP	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Grenade projectiles will bounce off surfaces. Hold to fire, and release to detonate. Direct hits do more damage to enemy shields. Rapid kills against grenade-damaged enemies refill the magazine." ► The Fighting Lion can be one of the most fun weapons to use but also one of the most annoying weapons to fight against. Mastering the Fighting Lion playstyle in the Crucible can yield excellent results. However, it takes time to master and it requires quite a niche playstyle.	Season 1	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Grenade projectiles will bounce off surfaces. Hold to fire, and release to detonate. Direct hits do more damage to enemy shields. Rapid kills against grenade-damaged enemies refill the magazine."
Hard Light	Hard Light	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Engram		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvP	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Rounds fired from this weapon have reduced damage falloff, over-penetrate targets, and ricochet off hard surfaces dealing extra damage. It can also change its damage type." ► The days of Hard Light's domination over the Crucible are long gone, and these days it sits in the middle of the pack. It does have its niche uses and fun ways to ricochet kill enemies, but many Legendary alternatives surpass it in both PvE and PvP.	Season 1	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Rounds fired from this weapon have reduced damage falloff, over-penetrate targets, and ricochet off hard surfaces dealing extra damage. It can also change its damage type."
The Last Word	The Last Word	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Forsaken Pack	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Kiosk		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvP	Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires full auto. Hip-fire shots deal bonus precision damage while increasing reload speed and accuracy." ► The Last Word is notorious for being way better on a controller than on mouse and keyboard. These days, it's much less common in The Crucible; however, it's still an alright pick for controller players who don't have much else to run.	Season 5	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires full auto. Hip-fire shots deal bonus precision damage while increasing reload speed and accuracy."
Thorn	Thorn	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Forsaken Pack	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Kiosk		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvP	Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Rounds pierce targets and deal damage over time. Kills leave behind Remnants which, when absorbed, increase damage." ► Once one of the greats, Thorn has slowly drifted out of the meta. While it can still be strong in the hands of a skilled PvP player, it is outmatched by other exotic Hand Cannons like Ace of Spades and Hawkmoon, and can't hold a candle to options like The Immortal or No Time to Explain.	Season 6	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Rounds pierce targets and deal damage over time. Kills leave behind Remnants which, when absorbed, increase damage."
Symmetry	Symmetry	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Arc	Shadowkeep	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Kiosk		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvP	Exotic Kiosk Shadowkeep	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision hits build up Dynamic Charge. Swapping to Arc Seeker mode increases damage and partially reloads the magazine. Arc Seekers track toward combatants you target." ► Symmetry is an unique weapon that can easily catch opponents off guard. However, its main perk will be less effective against better players, neutering its value in more challenging PvP settings. That said, you can still frag out with it in more casual settings.	Season 9	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision hits build up Dynamic Charge. Swapping to Arc Seeker mode increases damage and partially reloads the magazine. Arc Seekers track toward combatants you target."
Final Warning	Final Warning	Sidearm	Exotic	Primary	Strand	Lightfall	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Quest		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvP	Exotic Quest Lightfall	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic 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." ► While Final Warning may be a fun option inside of the Crubile, it isn't meta-defining and doesn't change the game too much. There are better options that don't take up your exotic slot.	Season 20	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic 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."
Sweet Business	Sweet Business	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Quest		Average ❘ B	Exotic Quest Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Larger magazine. Increased accuracy when firing from the hip. Picking up ammo for this weapon immediately reloads it." ► Sweet Business is fun, but that's about it. It can have an excellent TTK when it's ramped up, but when enemies hear a revved-up Sweet Business, they will simply either take cover or peek shoot. This renders the Sweet Business mostly ineffective.	Season 1	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Larger magazine. Increased accuracy when firing from the hip. Picking up ammo for this weapon immediately reloads it."
Sturm	Sturm	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Kiosk		Average ❘ B	Exotic Kiosk Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Kills fill the magazine of the equipped Energy weapon from reserves. Kills with Drang reload this weapon and provides bonus damage." ► Sturm is a pretty niche pick. Even if you play into the gameplay loop of using this gun by equipping Drang, it just feels like a lot of work for not too much payoff. While unique and fun at times, Sturm can't be considered a top-tier pick right now.	Season 1	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Kills fill the magazine of the equipped Energy weapon from reserves. Kills with Drang reload this weapon and provides bonus damage."
Cerberus+1	Cerberus+1	Auto Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Engram		Average ❘ B	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Shoots erratic bullets from all gun barrels at the same time. Aiming this weapon reduces the spread of its projectiles." ► To say Cerberus+1 is a niche option is an understatement. Cerberus is excellent at dealing with Titan Barricades, especially Citan's Rampart barricades, but other than that, this is a poor weapon, too erratic to do anything notable with.	Season 4	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Shoots erratic bullets from all gun barrels at the same time. Aiming this weapon reduces the spread of its projectiles."
Malfeasance	Malfeasance	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Quest		Average ❘ B	Exotic Quest Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Shoot tainted slugs that burrow into the enemy. Stacking enough slugs causes them all to explode. Bonus damage against Taken enemies and Gambit invaders." ► One of the more interesting Hand Cannons on this list, Malfeasance still really hasn't found a solid place in the game. While it does excel at killing Taken and invaders in Gambit, that's an incredibly small niche. Plus, it's a part of the most lacking archetype, making it a poor choice everywhere else.	Season 4	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Shoot tainted slugs that burrow into the enemy. Stacking enough slugs causes them all to explode. Bonus damage against Taken enemies and Gambit invaders."
The Manticore	The Manticore	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Primary	Void	The Witch Queen	Yes	C › Weak	Exotic Kiosk		Weak ❘ C	Exotic Kiosk The Witch Queen	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Dealing damage while grounded charges antigrav repulsors. Dealing damage while airborne extends antigrav repulsors. Dealing damage while airborne increases this weapon's damage output." ► The Manticore can completely catch opponents off guard if they refuse to take its airborne damage buff seriously. However, skilled players will quickly adapt and catch on to the Manticore's strategy and use you as a sitting duck when in the air.	Season 19	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Dealing damage while grounded charges antigrav repulsors. Dealing damage while airborne extends antigrav repulsors. Dealing damage while airborne increases this weapon's damage output."
Wicked Implement	Wicked Implement	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	-	Exotic Quest		-	Exotic Quest Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Rapidly landing precision hits causes targets to become slowed. Precision final blows create a Stasis shard that returns to you. Collecting Stasis shards refills the magazine." ►	Season 21	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Rapidly landing precision hits causes targets to become slowed. Precision final blows create a Stasis shard that returns to you. Collecting Stasis shards refills the magazine."

ℹ️ Did you know that Primary ammo Exotics deal +40% more damage to Minor (red bar) enemies than their Legendary counterparts?

Special Exotics

Name	Weapons	Type	Archetype	Ammo	Element	Requirements	In loot pool?	Rank	Source	Available?	Tier rank	Source ❘ DLC	Final Verdict	Released	Perks	Best of?
Buried Bloodline	Buried Bloodline	Sidearm	Exotic	Special	Void	Deluxe Edition	Yes		Warlord's Ruin Dungeon			Warlord's Ruin Dungeon Deluxe Edition	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires two tracking bolts that leech health from the target. Rapid final blows with this weapon grant Devour to the wielder."	Season 23	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires two tracking bolts that leech health from the target. Rapid final blows with this weapon grant Devour to the wielder."
Witherhoard	Witherhoard	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	Shadowkeep	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Kiosk		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk Shadowkeep	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Projectiles fired blight the target or nearby area on impact. Blighted targets take damage over time and blight the nearby area on death." ► Even a few nerfs to this GL couldn't knock it out of the top spot. A true fire-and-forget weapon, Witherhoard can deal with all manner of enemies in just a few shots. Whether it is used as part of a damage rotation, or just to lock an area down, Witherhoard reigns supreme.	Season 11	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Projectiles fired blight the target or nearby area on impact. Blighted targets take damage over time and blight the nearby area on death."	Top-tier
Cloudstrike	Cloudstrike	Sniper Rifle	Exotic	Special	Arc	Beyond Light	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Quest		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Quest Beyond Light	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision final blows generate a lightning bolt at the target's location. Rapid precision hits create a lightning storm at the point of impact." ► Cloudstrike is a monster in all areas of the game. It pumps out substantial damage in PvE compared to other snipers, and it can easily eliminate an entire team of Guardians in The Crucible. Plus, it's super fun and satisfying to use. What's not to love?	Season 12	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision final blows generate a lightning bolt at the target's location. Rapid precision hits create a lightning storm at the point of impact."	Top-tier
Ager's Scepter	Ager's Scepter	Trace Rifle	Exotic	Special	Stasis	Beyond Light	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Kiosk		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk Beyond Light	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Final blows with this weapon generate a slowing burst around the defeated target. Stasis final blows transfer ammo to this weapon's magazine from reserves." ► Ager's Scepter is one of the strongest kinetic special weapon choices right now, allowing you to slow and freeze with ease. With its absurd stats, perks, and an S-Tier catalyst, this trace rifle is a staple for anyone wanting to create a Stasis build or just clear ads.	Season 15	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Final blows with this weapon generate a slowing burst around the defeated target. Stasis final blows transfer ammo to this weapon's magazine from reserves."	Top-tier
Forerunner	Forerunner	Sidearm	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Quest		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Quest Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic 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." ► What was once a PvP menace has now found its way into PvE as a result of the recent sidearm buffs. While most classes can find usability, Hunters will appreciate this sidearm even more when paired with Mechaneer's Tricksleeves.	30th Anniversary event	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic 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
The Navigator	The Navigator	Trace Rifle	Exotic	Special	Strand	Deluxe Edition	Yes	S › Best	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon Deluxe Edition	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Firing this weapon at an ally grants Woven Mail to both the user and the target. Dealing sustained damage severs the target." ► The Navigator is exceptionally unique. Its ability to continuously grant you and your allies Woven Mail is invaluable and rivals the support capabilities of Lumina and Divinity. Regardless of whether or not you're running a Strand build, The Navigator is an absurd support weapon that's extremely powerful in high-end PvE content.	Season 21	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Firing this weapon at an ally grants Woven Mail to both the user and the target. Dealing sustained damage severs the target."	Top-tier
Merciless	Merciless	Fusion Rifle	Exotic	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Engram		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Non-lethal hits make this weapon charge faster. Reloading immediately after a kill increases weapon damage for a short time." ► Merciless is unmatched in the Fusion Rifle department. With the changes to the Conserve Momentum perk lasting through reloading, Merciless became a beast overnight and can put out some ridiculous burst damage.	Season 1	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Non-lethal hits make this weapon charge faster. Reloading immediately after a kill increases weapon damage for a short time."	Top-tier
Izanagi's Burden	Izanagi's Burden	Sniper Rifle	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	Forsaken Pack	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Kiosk		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Holding reload consumes the magazine and loads a round with additional range and damage." ► A powerhouse of a weapon, Izanagi's Burden can reach some incredible DPS numbers, especially when combined with an Auto-Loading Holster Rocket Launcher. While this combo is slightly more demanding than some other DPS options, it is well worth the effort to unlock this beast's potential.	Season 5	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Holding reload consumes the magazine and loads a round with additional range and damage."	Top-tier
Arbalest	Arbalest	Linear Fusion Rifle	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	Lightfall	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Quest		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Exotic Quest Lightfall	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires slugs that cause massive damage to enemy shields. Strong against Barrier Champions. Breaking an enemy's shield with this weapon makes them more vulnerable to Kinetic damage." ► Arbalest continues to dominate in every area of the game, even through nerfs to both its damage and aim assist. With the ability to bypass Barrier Champion and elemental shields in 1-2 shots (even on Grandmaster difficulty), Arbalest will remain an unstoppable force.	Season 6	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires slugs that cause massive damage to enemy shields. Strong against Barrier Champions. Breaking an enemy's shield with this weapon makes them more vulnerable to Kinetic damage."	Top-tier
Divinity	Divinity	Trace Rifle	Exotic	Special	Arc	Shadowkeep	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Quest		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Exotic Quest Shadowkeep	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Sustained damage with this weapon envelops the target in a field that weakens and disrupts them." ► Divinity has been a great choice since it was released back in Shadowkeep. Even though a recent nerf reduced its debuff potential to 15%, this trace rifle still proves its worth through the ability to make crits way easier to hit. Plus, it's still considered the best Overload weapon in the game.	Season 8	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Sustained damage with this weapon envelops the target in a field that weakens and disrupts them."	Top-tier
Dead Messenger	Dead Messenger	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Special	Void	The Witch Queen	Yes	S › Best	Vox Obscura		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Vox Obscura The Witch Queen	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "One-shot handheld Grenade Launcher. Projectiles release a fan of three energy waves on contact with the ground. You can change damage type, cycling between Solar, Arc, and Void." ► While its potency in PvP was toned down, Dead Messenger continues to excel in PvE. Lacking the range of a typical wave frame, the tri-shot allows for a more direct approach, and the ability to swap between three energy types means perfect synergy with any Light subclass!	Season 16	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "One-shot handheld Grenade Launcher. Projectiles release a fan of three energy waves on contact with the ground. You can change damage type, cycling between Solar, Arc, and Void."	Top-tier
Conditional Finality	Conditional Finality	Shotgun	Exotic	Special	Stasis	Lightfall	Yes	S › Best	Root of Nightmares Raid		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Root of Nightmares Raid Lightfall	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Dual barrels split into Stasis and Solar damage. Landing nearly all Stasis pellets will freeze targets; landing nearly all Solar pellets will ignite targets." ► Conditional Finality is remarkable. In PvE, it has Champion stunning capabilities and excellent potential damage with a hot-swap setup, rivaling even Izanagi's Burden. In PvP, it has great handling, solid 1-hit kill range, and can take down supers with its Freeze-Ignite effect.	Season 20	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Dual barrels split into Stasis and Solar damage. Landing nearly all Stasis pellets will freeze targets; landing nearly all Solar pellets will ignite targets."	Top-tier
The Chaperone	The Chaperone	Shotgun	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	Beyond Light	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Quest		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP	Exotic Quest Beyond Light	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a single-slug precision round. Precision kills briefly grant bonus handling, range, and precision damage with this weapon." ► It certainly requires more skill than your average pellet shotgun, but in the right hands, The Chaperone is the deadliest shotgun in the entire game. Because of its excellent base stats and Precision-slug frame, The Chaperone has the longest one-hit kill distance of any shotgun in the game, provided you can hit your headshots.	Season 4	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a single-slug precision round. Precision kills briefly grant bonus handling, range, and precision damage with this weapon."	Top-tier
Duality	Duality	Shotgun	Exotic	Special	Solar	Beyond Light	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Kiosk		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP	Exotic Kiosk Beyond Light	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a pellet spread in hip-fire or a single high-damage slug while aiming. Pellet final blows grant a stacking precision damage and reload speed buff. Precision hits with slugs extend the duration." ► Duality is still, to this day, one of the most potent Special Weapons in the game. It is the king of shotgun versatility, and in the hands of a skilled player, it can turn any lobby upside-down with its unique Pellet/Slug Shotgun playstyle. It's also a very stylish weapon netting it some bonus points.	Season 12	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a pellet spread in hip-fire or a single high-damage slug while aiming. Pellet final blows grant a stacking precision damage and reload speed buff. Precision hits with slugs extend the duration."	Top-tier
Coldheart	Coldheart	Trace Rifle	Exotic	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Engram		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon shoots a steady cold fusion-powered laser that does exponentially more damage the longer it remains on a target." ► Originally, Coldheart's exotic perk was simply that it was a trace rifle. But finally, after years and years of community persuading, Bungie added a unique trait to it: the ability to generate Ionic Traces. While this doesn't put it on the level of Divinity or Ager's Scepter, it provides an excellent addition to those on an Arc subclass.	Season 1	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon shoots a steady cold fusion-powered laser that does exponentially more damage the longer it remains on a target."	Top-tier
Bastion	Bastion	Fusion Rifle	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	Shadowkeep	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Shadowkeep	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Charge to fire 3 spreads of Kinetic slugs. This weapon fires staggering projectiles. Strong against Unstoppable Champions." ►While not the PvP menace it used to be, recent changes have made Bastion a powerhouse in end-game PvE. As a Kinetic fusion, it can also take advantage of the 10% extra damage to Kinetic weapons. Still outclassed by other exotics, these changes make it more justifiable than before.	Season 9	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Charge to fire 3 spreads of Kinetic slugs. This weapon fires staggering projectiles. Strong against Unstoppable Champions."	Top-tier
Telesto	Telesto	Fusion Rifle	Exotic	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Engram		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fusion projectiles attach and detonate with a delayed Void blast. Multikills with this weapon immediately reload your equipped Kinetic and Energy weapons from reserves." ► Telesto is a menace in PVP: Setting traps, getting multikills and shutting down Supers are all possible. And now that it can synergize with Void 3.0 it's even more usable. You'll find a place for it in any loadout.	Season 2	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fusion projectiles attach and detonate with a delayed Void blast. Multikills with this weapon immediately reload your equipped Kinetic and Energy weapons from reserves."	Top-tier
Jötunn	Jötunn	Fusion Rifle	Exotic	Special	Solar	Forsaken Pack	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Hold down the trigger to charge up a tracking shot that explodes and burns on impact. Energy matched shield explosion disorients enemies." ► Jötunn's tracking shots have long been a menace in casual PvP, and with its catalyst granting it Cornered, there's never been a better time to pick up the Terrifying Toaster. On the PvE side, Jotuun has Incandescent via its catalyst, making a perfect Solar 3.0 weapon to toy around with.	Season 5	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Hold down the trigger to charge up a tracking shot that explodes and burns on impact. Energy matched shield explosion disorients enemies."	Top-tier
Lorentz Driver	Lorentz Driver	Linear Fusion Rifle	Exotic	Special	Void	Beyond Light	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Kiosk		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk Beyond Light	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Final blows on marked targets generate telemetry patterns which, when picked up, grant bonus ability energy. Collecting 3 telemetry patterns without dying grants bonus damage for a long duration. Also, a precision final blow with this weapon creates an implosion that pulls in nearby targets and damages them with an additional detonation." ► A true menace in PVP when it was first released, Lorentz Driver has become a fun but off-meta choice in all areas of the game. While it can still excel in niche scenarios, newer weapons have taken the meta away from Lorentz.	Season 15	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Final blows on marked targets generate telemetry patterns which, when picked up, grant bonus ability energy. Collecting 3 telemetry patterns without dying grants bonus damage for a long duration. Also, a precision final blow with this weapon creates an implosion that pulls in nearby targets and damages them with an additional detonation."
Vexcalibur	Vexcalibur	Glaive	Exotic	Special	Void	Lightfall	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Quest		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Quest Lightfall	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Blocking damage with your shield gradually bestows Void overshields to yourself and nearby allies. Deal additional melee damage while protected by an overshield. Defeating targets with melee final blows while the overshield is active will refresh it." ► While the weapon does have tons of potential, Vexcalibur doesn't hold up while wielding it. Having a Void Overshield can be nice, but other support-based weapons like Lumina and The Navigator (or other non-exotic glaives) are much better.	Season 20	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Blocking damage with your shield gradually bestows Void overshields to yourself and nearby allies. Deal additional melee damage while protected by an overshield. Defeating targets with melee final blows while the overshield is active will refresh it."
Wavesplitter	Wavesplitter	Trace Rifle	Exotic	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Engram		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Laser damage has three power levels that oscillate while the trigger is held down. Collecting an Orb of Light grants a short period of maximum power." ► Especially after the armor mod changes that came with Lightfall, Wavesplitter is hugely underrated. While it still falls in the middle of the pack on this list, its ability to suppress large groups of enemies is unparalleled, making it extremely valuable in any PvE activity.	Season 4	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Laser damage has three power levels that oscillate while the trigger is held down. Collecting an Orb of Light grants a short period of maximum power."
Eriana's Vow	Eriana's Vow	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Special	Solar	Shadowkeep	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Kiosk		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Shadowkeep	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires special shield-piercing ammunition. Bonus damage when aiming down sights on the opening shot of an attack." ► Previously a no-brainer in activities with Barrier Champions, Eriana's Vow now sits in the shadow of its main competitor: Arbalest. While still an extremely fun and unique gun that's worth using once in a while, this weapon just hasn't been able to keep up with the meta.	Season 8	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires special shield-piercing ammunition. Bonus damage when aiming down sights on the opening shot of an attack."
The Fourth Horseman	The Fourth Horseman	Shotgun	Exotic	Special	Solar	Shadowkeep	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Kiosk		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Shadowkeep	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon's rate of fire is increased significantly and fires full auto. Each successive shot has more damage and more spread." ► Boasting some of the highest burst DPS in the entire game, The Fourth Horseman is an "all or nothing" weapon. It can deal with Majors easily, but as you delve into more challenging content, the Fourth Horseman can become quite a risky weapon to opt for, making it a pretty middle-of-the-pack option.	Season 10	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon's rate of fire is increased significantly and fires full auto. Each successive shot has more damage and more spread."
Delicate Tomb	Delicate Tomb	Fusion Rifle	Exotic	Special	Arc	The Witch Queen	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Kiosk		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk The Witch Queen	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a wide horizontal spread when shot from the hip. Final blows with this weapon have a chance to generate Ionic Traces. Collecting an Ionic Trace overcharges this weapon's next shot, jolting targets on hit." ► Even though Jolt's damage is getting reigned in, Delicate Tomb continues to be a solid pick for Arc 3.0 builds, especially now that Jolt stuns Overload Champions. While there are certainly better options, with the right build, Delicate Tomb can put in serious work.	Season 18	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a wide horizontal spread when shot from the hip. Final blows with this weapon have a chance to generate Ionic Traces. Collecting an Ionic Trace overcharges this weapon's next shot, jolting targets on hit."
Lord of Wolves	Lord of Wolves	Shotgun	Exotic	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Engram		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvP	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a powerful short-range burst of Solar damage. Hold to swap to a longer, more powerful burst." ► Lord of Wolves dominated the meta for a good part of early 2022. But Season 17's changes to the Special ammo economy and a specific nerf to the weapon, hurt the Lord of Wolves. However, despite the nerfs, it remains an extremely easy shotgun to use with very high levels of lethality.	Season 4	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a powerful short-range burst of Solar damage. Hold to swap to a longer, more powerful burst."
Edge of Action	Edge of Action	Glaive	Exotic	Special	Void	The Witch Queen	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Quest		Average ❘ B	Exotic Quest The Witch Queen	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "When weapon energy is full, consume it before firing to make your next shot deploy a protective shield on impact.." ► Edge of Action slowly became the best of the three class-specific glaives. That's because of its interactions with Helm of Saint-14 and its general ease of use. All that said, it still can be hard making the call to use your exotic slot on a glaive, and the exotic perk can be tedious to proc at times, making it average on our list.	Season 16	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "When weapon energy is full, consume it before firing to make your next shot deploy a protective shield on impact.."
Edge of Intent	Edge of Intent	Glaive	Exotic	Special	Solar	The Witch Queen	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Quest		Average ❘ B	Exotic Quest The Witch Queen	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "When weapon energy is full, consume it before firing to make your next shot deploy a healing turret on impact." ► Warlocks have the most average of the three Exotic glaives: It doesn't offer as many build opportunities as the Titan one does, but it's also not utterly useless as the Hunter one. Sure, the healing turret is a nice tool in your kit to have, but there are way more powerful synergies you can experiment with for more potent effects.	Season 16	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "When weapon energy is full, consume it before firing to make your next shot deploy a healing turret on impact."
Tessellation	Tessellation	Fusion Rifle	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	The Final Shape	Yes	B › Average	Pre-order bonus		Average ❘ B	Pre-order bonus The Final Shape	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon adapts its damage type to match your equipped subclass. Final blows grant grenade energy. Consume your grenade to load a large projectile that generates an elemental explosion on impact." ► As far as pre-order exotics go, Tessellation is continuing the trend of them being OP. Not only does it come with built-in Demolitionist, but the projectile fired after consuming your grenade can deal near rocket levels of damage. All for the cost of a grenade and a shot of special.	Season 22	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon adapts its damage type to match your equipped subclass. Final blows grant grenade energy. Consume your grenade to load a large projectile that generates an elemental explosion on impact."
Borealis	Borealis	Sniper Rifle	Exotic	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	C › Weak	Exotic Engram		Weak ❘ C	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Holding changes this weapon's damage type. Breaking an enemy shield with that shield's energy type grants bonus damage for the rest of the magazine." ► You would think that Borealis would succeed now that Match Game is an important part of endgame content. However, Dead Messenger and Arbalest do a way better job at this, and Borealis has almost nothing else going for it, making it a subpar option.	Season 1	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Holding changes this weapon's damage type. Breaking an enemy shield with that shield's energy type grants bonus damage for the rest of the magazine."
Prometheus Lens	Prometheus Lens	Trace Rifle	Exotic	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	C › Weak	Exotic Engram		Weak ❘ C	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a Solar trace beam and generates a damaging heat field that grows while the weapon continues to fire. Kills with this weapon return a fraction of the ammo used." ► Other than the notorious "Laser Tag Weekend" that it caused, Prometheus Lens has never seen much use. While it can be a fun alternative to other special weapons at times (and can excel, to a certain extent, with ammo-based mods), there aren't many scenarios where Prometheus is utilized.	Season 2	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a Solar trace beam and generates a damaging heat field that grows while the weapon continues to fire. Kills with this weapon return a fraction of the ammo used."
Ruinous Effigy	Ruinous Effigy	Trace Rifle	Exotic	Special	Void	Shadowkeep	Yes	C › Weak	Exotic Kiosk		Weak ❘ C	Exotic Kiosk Shadowkeep	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Final blows with this weapon collapse victims into Void Transmutation spheres. Transmutation spheres you create can be picked up and wielded as weapons by you or your allies." ► One of the most "exotic" feeling weapons Destiny 2 has to offer, Ruinous Effigy easily beats out most other options in terms of fun factor. Plus, with various buffs to this weapon's special abilities (such as its drain and ball slam), Ruinous can be an excellent major-killing option in low-tier PVE.	Season 11	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Final blows with this weapon collapse victims into Void Transmutation spheres. Transmutation spheres you create can be picked up and wielded as weapons by you or your allies."
Edge of Concurrence	Edge of Concurrence	Glaive	Exotic	Special	Arc	The Witch Queen	Yes	D › Worst	Exotic Quest		Worst ❘ D	Exotic Quest The Witch Queen	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "When weapon energy is full, consume it before firing to make your next shot track targets across the ground and unleash chain lightning on impact." ► Hunters are known to sometimes get the short end of the stick, and this happens to be one of those times. Edge of Concurrence and its chain lightning abilities are exceptional in theory, but other exotics already do this significantly better (namely Trinity Ghoul and Riskrunner). All that said, it's hard to recommend Edge of Concurrence, even with Arc 3.0.	Season 16	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "When weapon energy is full, consume it before firing to make your next shot track targets across the ground and unleash chain lightning on impact."
Ex Diris	Ex Diris	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Special	Arc	Season 22	Yes	-	Season Pass		-	Season Pass Season 22	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon enrages when dealing or taking sustained damage, gaining increased rate of fire while enraged. Final blows with this weapon create a loyal moth. The moth will seek out nearby targets and detonate, damaging and blinding them."	Season 22	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon enrages when dealing or taking sustained damage, gaining increased rate of fire while enraged. Final blows with this weapon create a loyal moth. The moth will seek out nearby targets and detonate, damaging and blinding them."

Heavy Exotics

Name	Weapons	Type	Archetype	Ammo	Element	Requirements	In loot pool?	Rank	Source	Available?	Tier rank	Source ❘ DLC	Final Verdict	Released	Perks	Best of?
Dragon's Breath	Dragon's Breath	Rocket Launcher	Exotic	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes		Season Pass			Season Pass Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Rockets embed themselves in struck targets and periodically eject incendiary fuel that inflicts Scorch. The longer this weapon goes without firing, the more fuel the next rocket contains. Igniting nearby targets partially replenishes fuel. This weapon refills itself from reserves upon gaining maximum fuel."	Season 23	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Rockets embed themselves in struck targets and periodically eject incendiary fuel that inflicts Scorch. The longer this weapon goes without firing, the more fuel the next rocket contains. Igniting nearby targets partially replenishes fuel. This weapon refills itself from reserves upon gaining maximum fuel."
Two-Tailed Fox	Two-Tailed Fox	Rocket Launcher	Exotic	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Engram		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Shoots two rockets, one Void and one Solar, that can track onto the same target. The Void rocket suppresses enemies. The Solar rocket causes damage over time." ► Two-Tailed Fox's catalyst turns it into one of the best Rocket Launchers in the game. While it is outpaced by options like Hothead with Explosive Light and Wolfpack Rounds, it requires no setup, can be used solo, and is incredibly accessible, making it a top option for New Lights wanting to deal some solid damage.	Season 4	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Shoots two rockets, one Void and one Solar, that can track onto the same target. The Void rocket suppresses enemies. The Solar rocket causes damage over time."	Top-tier
Thunderlord	Thunderlord	Machine Gun	Exotic	Heavy	Arc	Forsaken Pack	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Engram		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Engram Forsaken Pack	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Kills with this weapon generate lightning strikes from above and increase reload speed for a short time." ► One of the all-time Destiny greats, Thunderlord is the cream of the crop when it comes to Machine Guns. With a good archetype, an excellent exotic perk, and a brilliant catalyst, Thunderlord easily lands in the S tier. It excels everywhere: Ad clear, DPS, and even PvP!	Season 4	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Kills with this weapon generate lightning strikes from above and increase reload speed for a short time."	Top-tier
Gjallarhorn	Gjallarhorn	Rocket Launcher	Exotic	Heavy	Solar	30th Anniversary	Yes	S › Best	Grasp of Avarice Dungeon		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Grasp of Avarice Dungeon 30th Anniversary	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Rounds fired split into tracking cluster missiles upon detonation. Gain increased handling and reload speed when standing near allies. Firing this weapon also grants Wolfpack Rounds to nearby allies wielding non-Exotic Rocket Launchers." ► While significant damage nerfs in PvE have caused Gjallarhorn to fall into a purely-support pick for most, it continues to dominate the meta in most areas of the game. If your fireteam runs rocket launchers for a raid or dungeon boss encounter, you're nearly guaranteed to see one player running this exotic.	30th Anniversary event	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Rounds fired split into tracking cluster missiles upon detonation. Gain increased handling and reload speed when standing near allies. Firing this weapon also grants Wolfpack Rounds to nearby allies wielding non-Exotic Rocket Launchers."	Top-tier
Anarchy	Anarchy	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Heavy	Arc	Forsaken Pack	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Kiosk		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Grenades stick to surfaces and chain Arc bolts to other mines. It also has the Moving Target perk." ► While it's time in the sun is long over, Anarchy still sits among the best Heavy GLs, though it suffers heavily from its ammo reserves being cut down. Still, it remains the only stacking damage over time effect, so do with that as you will.	Season 5	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Grenades stick to surfaces and chain Arc bolts to other mines. It also has the Moving Target perk."	Top-tier
Leviathan's Breath	Leviathan's Breath	Combat Bow	Exotic	Heavy	Void	Shadowkeep	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Kiosk		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Shadowkeep	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a massive heavy bolt that stuns unshielded combatants. Strong against Unstoppable Champions. When fully drawn, the bolt creates a large concussive blast that knocks combatants back." ► With a catalyst and a direct buff, Leviathan's Breath has gone from zero to hero. Not only does it make short work of Champions and apply Volatile, but it's also able to one-shot any super in PvP!	Season 8	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a massive heavy bolt that stuns unshielded combatants. Strong against Unstoppable Champions. When fully drawn, the bolt creates a large concussive blast that knocks combatants back."	Top-tier
The Lament	The Lament	Sword	Exotic	Heavy	Solar	Beyond Light	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Quest		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Exotic Quest Beyond Light	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Revving the blade increases damage, shield bypass, and adds shield piercing to all attacks. You also gain stacks when dealing damage with revved attacks. Additional stacks increase the damage and damage resistance of heavy attacks." ► Despite some of its targeting issues, the Lament remains one of the best swords in the game. Its Lifesteal perk is a powerful tool, and its ability to shred through high-health targets or Barrier Champions makes it a fun and powerful weapon.	Season 12	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Revving the blade increases damage, shield bypass, and adds shield piercing to all attacks. You also gain stacks when dealing damage with revved attacks. Additional stacks increase the damage and damage resistance of heavy attacks."	Top-tier
Parasite	Parasite	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Heavy	Solar	The Witch Queen	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Quest		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Exotic Quest The Witch Queen	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires Hive worms which explode on impact. The size and damage of the explosion scales with the number of enemies you've defeated just before firing this weapon. Taking damage from your own worm projectile detonation empowers your weapons for a short time." ► Arguably the most unique gun in the game, Parasite fires live explosive worms instead of regular grenades. If you can get lots of Worm's Hunger stacks, this weapon can do some insane damage. Its unmatched burst damage and extremely high fun factor combine to make Parasite an extremely strong option in PVE.	Season 16	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires Hive worms which explode on impact. The size and damage of the explosion scales with the number of enemies you've defeated just before firing this weapon. Taking damage from your own worm projectile detonation empowers your weapons for a short time."	Top-tier
Grand Overture	Grand Overture	Machine Gun	Exotic	Heavy	Arc	The Witch Queen	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Kiosk		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk The Witch Queen	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Heavy slug launcher that charges, then fires full auto while the trigger is held. Land hits with the slug launcher to load missiles and then fire to launch all missiles in a single volley." ► Grand Overture is one of the best picks for burst DPS right now. Only rivaled by Parasite, Grand Overture can be used in a myriad of situations. This machine gun is perfect for encounters that require burst damage, but it also delivers solid total damage numbers.	Season 16	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Heavy slug launcher that charges, then fires full auto while the trigger is held. Land hits with the slug launcher to load missiles and then fire to launch all missiles in a single volley."	Top-tier
Heir Apparent	Heir Apparent	Machine Gun	Exotic	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Seasonal	A › Strong	Event: Guardian Games		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Event: Guardian Games Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon can be fired only when fully spun up. While at full health, spinning up this weapon protects you with an Arc Shield." ► Heir Apparent is not only a very fun option, it's a surprisingly competent weapon too. While it's not a great DPS option, it can still provide you with an extra layer of safety thanks to its beefy overshield. Plus, it can generate Super energy remarkably fast due to its 900 RPM damage profile.	Season 10	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon can be fired only when fully spun up. While at full health, spinning up this weapon protects you with an Arc Shield."	Top-tier
Eyes of Tomorrow	Eyes of Tomorrow	Rocket Launcher	Exotic	Heavy	Solar	Beyond Light	Yes	A › Strong	Deep Stone Crypt Raid		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Deep Stone Crypt Raid Beyond Light	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon is capable of tracking and firing at multiple targets simultaneously. Killing four or more combatants in a single volley increases the damage of the next volley." ► Even though recent buffs benefited Eyes of Tomorrow in PvE, it still doesn't hold up to other options like Gjallarhorn. However, its absurd tracking continues to make it a near-irreplaceable pick in 6v6 PvP and Gambit.	Season 12	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon is capable of tracking and firing at multiple targets simultaneously. Killing four or more combatants in a single volley increases the damage of the next volley."	Top-tier
Legend of Acrius	Legend of Acrius	Shotgun	Exotic	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires blasts of high-damage Arc energy that over penetrates enemies. Its radar detects enemies from farther away." ► Legend of Acrius can put out some incredible damage numbers in the right scenario. With its Trench Barrel catalyst, Legend of Acrius is slowly returning to its former glory and packs an incredible punch to any close-range boss.	Season 1	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires blasts of high-damage Arc energy that over penetrates enemies. Its radar detects enemies from farther away."	Top-tier
Tractor Cannon	Tractor Cannon	Shotgun	Exotic	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Engram		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon emits a powerful impulse that pushes enemies away, suppresses their abilities, and makes them more vulnerable to all incoming damage." ► Tractor Cannon is still one of the game's most fun weapons and remains quite a powerful option. Being able to suppress enemies in PvP and weaken enemies in PvE is really useful. Plus, booping people out of the map or against the walls in PVP will never gets old.	Season 1	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon emits a powerful impulse that pushes enemies away, suppresses their abilities, and makes them more vulnerable to all incoming damage."	Top-tier
Sleeper Simulant	Sleeper Simulant	Linear Fusion Rifle	Exotic	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "The weapon's laser over penetrates enemies and refracts off hard surfaces." ► Sleeper Simulant has always been a great pick but is often ignored by the community. Whether this is because of the plethora of other great options or that Sleeper is uses an exotic slot, but using this as a burst-damage weapon isn't a bad option.	Season 3	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "The weapon's laser over penetrates enemies and refracts off hard surfaces."	Top-tier
Xenophage	Xenophage	Machine Gun	Exotic	Heavy	Solar	Shadowkeep	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Quest		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Quest Shadowkeep	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires high-powered explosive ammunition. Aiming this weapon increases its effective range and zoom magnification." ► While Xenophage was once at the top of the damage rankings, it has been tapered down quite a bit with nerfs. You'll find that other Exotics, such as Thunderlord and Heir Apparent, will out-damage it, but its uniquely high range and fire rate still give it a useful role in the sandbox.	Season 8	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires high-powered explosive ammunition. Aiming this weapon increases its effective range and zoom magnification."	Top-tier
Black Talon	Black Talon	Sword	Exotic	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Engram		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Can fire heavy projectile attacks. Heavy attacks are stronger with full energy. Most attacks partially bypass elemental shields." ► With the ability to one-shot enemies at range in PvP and decent burst damage in PvE, Black Talon is strong Exotic. There are other best-in-class alternatives, but Black Talon remains viable.	Season 4	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Can fire heavy projectile attacks. Heavy attacks are stronger with full energy. Most attacks partially bypass elemental shields."	Top-tier
Deathbringer	Deathbringer	Rocket Launcher	Exotic	Heavy	Void	Shadowkeep	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Quest		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Quest Shadowkeep	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires remotely detonated projectiles that drop Void orbs on combatants. Hold to fire, release to detonate. The further a Void orb falls, the more powerful its detonation becomes." ► One of the more fun weapons to run in Destiny 2, Deathbringer has sadly always been too inconsistent to become meta. While its catalyst helps this problem a bit, it can be challenging to get max damage out of Deathbringer while still having all its void orbs track your target.	Season 8	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires remotely detonated projectiles that drop Void orbs on combatants. Hold to fire, release to detonate. The further a Void orb falls, the more powerful its detonation becomes."
The Prospector	The Prospector	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Engram		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Hold to fire grenades. Release to detonate all live grenades simultaneously. Grenades stick to surfaces and set targets on fire." ► While the buffs to Heavy GLs have helped Prospector see some love again, the full auto changes have rendered a large portion of its exotic perk useless. However, it still sits among the best single mag DPS for its class, so a future change could make it meta once more.	Season 1	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Hold to fire grenades. Release to detonate all live grenades simultaneously. Grenades stick to surfaces and set targets on fire."
Whisper of the Worm	Whisper of the Worm	Sniper Rifle	Exotic	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Kiosk		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Higher base precision damage. Rapidly landing three precision hits refills the magazine and missing a shot has a chance to return ammo." ► Whisper of the Worm is still a solid option for total damage. However, it is far from where it once was. Requiring constant precision and hogging the exotic slot, Whisper of the Worm demands a lot for a total damage that is lower than options like Cataclysmic. That being said, some small buffs could see Whisper become an absolute powerhouse.	Season 3	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Higher base precision damage. Rapidly landing three precision hits refills the magazine and missing a shot has a chance to return ammo."
One Thousand Voices	One Thousand Voices	Fusion Rifle	Exotic	Heavy	Solar	Forsaken Pack	Yes	B › Average	Last Wish Raid		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE	Last Wish Raid Forsaken Pack	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Charging this weapon unleashes a giant continuous beam of death. The beam superheats its targets upon impact, causing delayed explosions." ► While One Thousand Voices still suffers from having low reserves, the addition of scorch stacks allows it to ignite targets. However, even with Ember of Ashes, it can only ignite twice per mag, which isn't enough love for this once-monster exotic. If used in teamplay, however, it could be a sleeper pick.	Season 4	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Charging this weapon unleashes a giant continuous beam of death. The beam superheats its targets upon impact, causing delayed explosions."
Heartshadow	Heartshadow	Sword	Exotic	Heavy	Void	Deluxe Edition	Yes	B › Average	Duality Dungeon		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE	Duality Dungeon Deluxe Edition	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Heavy attacks made with full Sword energy turn you invisible and fire exploding Void projectiles. Remaining invisible grants this weapon increased damage. Hitting a target with this weapon’s projectiles while invisible weakens them." ► While Heartshadow is incredibly fun to use, it is unfortunately outclassed and out-damaged by many other options. Plus, the debuff it provides is simply not worth your Exotic slot, let alone your Heavy slot.	Season 17	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Heavy attacks made with full Sword energy turn you invisible and fire exploding Void projectiles. Remaining invisible grants this weapon increased damage. Hitting a target with this weapon’s projectiles while invisible weakens them."
Winterbite	Winterbite	Glaive	Exotic	Heavy	Stasis	Lightfall	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Quest		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE	Exotic Quest Lightfall	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a large ball of energy that locks onto nearby targets and freezes them. Blocking damage with your shield increases movement speed while shielding." ► Winterbite faced a myriad of bugs that technically transformed it into one of the best weapons Destiny has ever seen; however, as those bugs are fixed, Winterbite true nature is being revealed: Winterbite is mediocre. Why freeze enemies when you can simply kill them?	Season 20	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a large ball of energy that locks onto nearby targets and freezes them. Blocking damage with your shield increases movement speed while shielding."
The Wardcliff Coil	The Wardcliff Coil	Rocket Launcher	Exotic	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	B › Average	Exotic Engram		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvP	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires a volley of rockets and automatically reloads on ammo pickup." ► An outstanding choice for the Crucible, The Wardcliff Coil guarantees kills in any Crucible mode. As long as you don't accidentally blow yourself up, Wardcliff is a reliable and fun option for any PvP player.	Season 1	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires a volley of rockets and automatically reloads on ammo pickup."
D.A.R.C.I.	D.A.R.C.I.	Sniper Rifle	Exotic	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	C › Weak	Exotic Engram		Weak ❘ C	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Aim at an enemy to activate Personal Assistant and view critical information. When Personal Assistant is active, this weapon has better target acquisition and deals significantly more precision damage." ► D.A.R.C.I. used to be one of the worst Exotics in the entire game. It was easily surpassed by snipers only requiring Special ammo and its Personal Assistant perk was a joke. Bungie finally gave it a buff, including a 20% damage increase, which helps it a little.	Season 1	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Aim at an enemy to activate Personal Assistant and view critical information. When Personal Assistant is active, this weapon has better target acquisition and deals significantly more precision damage."
The Colony	The Colony	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	C › Weak	Exotic Engram		Weak ❘ C	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon's grenades are insectoid robots that chase targets and explode close to them." ► The Colony is a bit of a joke right now in both PvE and PvP. It is notoriously easy to avoid in the Crucible by simply jumping and is near useless in PvE due to its lack of damage. It also hogs up your exotic slot, making it not worth your time.	Season 2	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon's grenades are insectoid robots that chase targets and explode close to them."
Truth	Truth	Rocket Launcher	Exotic	Heavy	Void	Forsaken Pack	Yes	C › Weak	Exotic Kiosk		Weak ❘ C	Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon's rockets have tracking and detonate when they are within close proximity of their targets." ► Because it has insane tracking, but nothing more, Truth has always only excelled in Gambit. However, nowadays, it even gets outclassed there; newer tracking options such as Gjallarhorn and Eyes of Tomorrow can sadly do the job better.	Season 7	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon's rockets have tracking and detonate when they are within close proximity of their targets."
Salvation's Grip	Salvation's Grip	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Heavy	Stasis	Beyond Light	Yes	C › Weak	Exotic Quest		Weak ❘ C	Exotic Quest Beyond Light	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon's projectiles create Stasis crystals and freeze nearby targets. Charging this weapon increases the freeze radius and amount of Stasis crystals created." ► Thanks to a minor rework, Salvation's Grip now functions like a normal GL when uncharged, making it slightly better than it used to be. However, it still is not worth giving up your exotic slot to, unless you plan on doing some whacky stuff.	Season 12	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon's projectiles create Stasis crystals and freeze nearby targets. Charging this weapon increases the freeze radius and amount of Stasis crystals created."
Deterministic Chaos	Deterministic Chaos	Machine Gun	Exotic	Heavy	Void	Lightfall	Yes	C › Weak	Exotic Quest		Weak ❘ C	Exotic Quest Lightfall	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "While holding down the trigger, every fourth bullet becomes a heavy projectile that weakens targets on impact. Every fourth heavy projectile also makes targets volatile on impact." ► Deterministic Chaos isn't too great. Other Exotic Machine guns like Thunderlord outclass it, and it lacks the versatility to be considered a meta option. While its concept is fun to mess around with, there are plenty of better options.	Season 20	Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "While holding down the trigger, every fourth bullet becomes a heavy projectile that weakens targets on impact. Every fourth heavy projectile also makes targets volatile on impact."
Worldline Zero	Worldline Zero	Sword	Exotic	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	D › Worst	Exotic Kiosk		Worst ❘ D	Exotic Kiosk Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Press while sprinting to launch a heavy blink attack. Attacks partially bypass elemental shields." ► Worldline Zero has seen an unfortunate fall from grace. Previously the king of speedrunning with Shatterdive Skating or Warlock Skating, Worldline Zero's quirks have been removed, and it is now sadly one of the worst weapons in the game.	Season 3	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Press while sprinting to launch a heavy blink attack. Attacks partially bypass elemental shields."
The Queenbreaker	The Queenbreaker	Linear Fusion Rifle	Exotic	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	D › Worst	Exotic Engram		Worst ❘ D	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a long-range precision Arc bolt that blinds enemies on hit. It has a slower charge time and deals greater damage." ► The Queenbreaker's Bow is probably one of the worst weapons in the game right now. It is easily outclassed by Legendary Linear Fusion Rifles in terms of DPS. In fact, even Special ammo Linear Fusion Rifles such as Arbalest or Lorentz Driver outclass it.	Season 4	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a long-range precision Arc bolt that blinds enemies on hit. It has a slower charge time and deals greater damage."

These are the different Tier levels used for the 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.

The list starts with S Tier and moves down until it reaches the Bottom Tier.  Also, you can filter and sort the list however you prefer!

How to get Exotics in Destiny 2

There are several ways you can find Exotic weapons in Destiny 2. Some Exotics require you to complete a very specific quest or challenge, while others can be randomly found in the wild. This post covers all the new Exotics and explains how to easily get them. But if you’re looking for older Exotics, this is how you can acquire them all:

1. Decrypting Exotic engrams

Exotic engrams can randomly drop when playing the game. Your luck will certainly play a role here, but the more you play, the more chances you’ll have to find an Exotic in the wild. Random Exotic engrams can drop either from defeated enemies or when completing activities.

If you want to increase your odds, you’ll want to tackle more specific, difficult activities. Most Year 1 Exotics, such as Merciless and Trinity Ghoul, can be acquired via Exotic engrams.

An Exotic engram found in the wild

2. Completing Exotic quests

Quest Exotics: The most iconic exotics are often tied to Exotic quests of varying degrees of difficulty and length. Exotic quests are, for the most part, long and complicated, each deserving a good tutorial. Be warned that several Exotic quests were recently removed from the game and put into the DCV (Destiny Content Vault).

To get started, you can head to our comprehensive guide featuring every Destiny 2 exotic quest still available (including video guides).

3. Buying Exotics at The Monument to Lost Lights

The Monument to Lost Lights (aka, the “Exotics Kiosk”) is a fairly new method to acquire Exotics weapons that were previously connected to old Season Passes and Exotic quests that are no longer available in-game. Either way, the Monument to Lost Lights has all of those exotics for sale.

You can read all about it in our Monument to Lost Lights guide, including the cost to acquire each Exotic and a complete tier list to help you decide what to get next.

The Monument to Lost Lights

4. Buying Exotics from Xur every weekend

Xur is an infamous NPC that appears every weekend (from Friday’s reset to Tuesday’s reset) and offers a different Exotic weapon and Exotic armor (one per class) every weekend. Xur also sells a random Exotic Engram that can contain either a weapon or armor piece.

5. Claiming Exotics from the Season Pass

The easier Exotics available to you can be found in the Season Pass. Both the Paid and Free tracks of the Season Pass offer a handful of Exotic engrams. All you need do is earn the XP to unlock them before the season is over.

6. Resetting your Valor and Infamy

Resetting your Valor and Infamy will reward you with an Ascendant Shard for the first reset of the Season each, and then Exotic engrams for every subsequent reset that same season.

7. Completing Nightfall: The Ordeals at the highest difficulties

As mentioned before, Exotic engrams have a higher chance of dropping from end-game activities. If collecting exotics is your priority, Nightfall: The Ordeals are for you. There isn’t a single activity that rewards as many Exotic engrams as high-difficulty Nightfalls do.

Farming Master and Grandmaster Nightfalls are no easy feat, but if you find the right team, research the best strategies, and can pull it off, you won’t know what to do with so many Exotic engrams.

8. Completing Raids & Dungeons

A select handful of exotics can only drop from raid or dungeon bosses, such as the brand-new the Collective Obligation pulse rifle, which can only drop from the Vow of the Disciple raid, or The Navigator trace rifle, which can only drop from the Ghost of the Deep dungeon.

Note that Bungie has introduced a system that allows you to complete specific triumphs and/or challenges to improve your Exotic drop rates.

So, in conclusion, what is the best way to get Exotics in Destiny 2?

The best method to get Exotics in Destiny 2 will depend on your (and your team’s) skill level. If you’re a seasoned player able to easily put together a competent Fireteam, farming Nightfall: The Ordeals will net you the fastest results. If you’re a new player who mostly plays solo, you’ll want to visit Xur religiously every weekend and ensure you unlock all of your Season Pass Exotic engrams.

Destiny 2 Exotics in-depth

How many Exotics are there?

Despite being the rarest and most powerful items available, the game has been receiving a healthy quantity of new Exotics each season. As of Season of the Lost (Season 15), a total of 83 Exotic weapons have been released so far.

The easiest Exotics to get in Destiny 2

As you start your adventures,  you’ll want to focus on the most accessible Exotics first. Luckily, all but a few raid and quest-exclusive Exotics are fairly easy to acquire, as long as you’re prepared to grind. Most exotics can be found via Exotic engrams, which means that every method that rewards Exotic engrams (Season Pass, Xur, Rank resets, etc) will help you find new Exotic weapons and armor easily.

Upgrading your Exotics: Catalysts

Unlike Legendary weapons that can be upgraded by simply spending some resources, Exotics require specific items called Catalyst. Not every Exotic has a catalyst, and finding the catalysts that do exist are lengthy and difficult affairs, but most of them grant significant improvements and can sometimes transform average weapons into powerhouses.

Our Catalyst guide covers every catalyst in the game, including how to find them, their benefits, and how to unlock them.

Latest changes

Things change fast in Destiny 2, especially the Meta. The weapons we call the best one day can completely change the next. All it takes are a few minor changes on Bungie’s end. For that reason, this ranking will be updated at least once per season.

Changes introduced this season:

The following exotics were added to the ranking:

• Touch of Malice
• Quicksilver Storm
• Delicate Tomb

The following weapons significantly moved in the ranking as a result of recent buffs/nerfs:

• Dead Man’s Tale nerfed
• Le Monarque, Wish-Ender buffed