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 ones are good and worth grinding for? And a question that applies to veteran players, too: How good are the latest Exotics?
As most of the best weapons in Destiny 2 are Exotics, this Tier list covers every single Destiny 2 Exotic in detail, including their difficulty to obtain, main perks, and overall ranking.
Best Destiny 2 Exotic weapons: Ranked from Best to Worst
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.
These are the 101 Exotic weapons currently available as of the release of Season of the Seraph (S19), including the brand-new Exotic bow from the Spire of the Watcher dungeon:
Name | Weapons | Type | Archetype | Ammo | Element | Requirements | In loot pool? | Rank | Source | Available? | Tier rank | Source ❘ DLC | Final Verdict | Released | Perks |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunshot | ![]() Sunshot | Hand Cannon | Exotic | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Engram | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Exotic Engram![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires explosive rounds. Targets killed with Sunshot explode in Solar energy." ► The only remaining lightweight frame (150 RPM) hand cannon in the game, Sunshot is a one-of-a-kind weapon that destroys ads. While there are non-exotic options that could replace this, there's no question that Sunshot is extremely fun to use and nice to shoot. | Season 1 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires explosive rounds. Targets killed with Sunshot explode in Solar energy." |
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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This weapon stores power when dealing or receiving damage. Once full, hold reload to unleash the beast." ► Now that Tarrabah's perk is significantly easier to proc, it has become an extremely popular choice in PVE (especially with Solar 3.0 builds). And since it's now tied for the highest SMG zoom stat at 16, this beast of a weapon can excel in PVP too. | Season 4 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This weapon stores power when dealing or receiving damage. Once full, hold reload to unleash the beast." |
Witherhoard | ![]() Witherhoard | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Exotic Kiosk![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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." ► Witherhoard is the quintessential Grenade Launcher. It can deal good damage, lock down an area, stagger an enemy, deal with ads, and all that while being super easy to use. Witherhoard is also a counter to some 'meta' playstyles in PvP due to its AoE effect, hard countering a Ward of Dawn, or a Lorley Splendor Shield. | Season 11 | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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." |
No Time to Explain | ![]() No Time to Explain | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Beyond Light | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Quest | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Exotic Quest![]() Beyond Light | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
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: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
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: ![]() ![]() 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." ► Despite its slight perk differences compared to Destiny 1, Destiny 2's Gjallarhorn continues its reign as king. Because of its tracking and Wolfpack Rounds in PvP and its perk that buffs nearby allies' rocket launchers in PvE, it's uncommon not to see anyone running Gjallarhorn in most activities. | 30th Anniversary event | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Osteo Striga | ![]() Osteo Striga | Submachine Gun | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | The Witch Queen | Yes | S › Best | Deluxe Edition | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Deluxe Edition![]() The Witch Queen | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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 in both PVE and PVP, 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 Osteo Striga God roll. What's not to love? | Season 16 | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Dead Messenger | ![]() Dead Messenger | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | Special | Void | Deluxe Edition | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Quest | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Exotic Quest![]() Deluxe Edition | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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." ► Dead Messenger is one of the most potent weapons in the game. Excelling in both PvP and PvE, this Wave Frame Grenade Launcher is not only remarkably easy to use, but it can also completely nullify the Match Game modifier with its ability to change elements. | Season 16 | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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." |
The Huckleberry | ![]() The Huckleberry | Submachine Gun | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Engram | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Exotic Engram![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Trinity Ghoul | ![]() Trinity Ghoul | Combat Bow | Exotic | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Engram | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Exotic Engram![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "While aiming down sights with a fully-drawn bow, enemies behind walls are highlighted. Piercing arrowheads damage the target on entry and exit. 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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "While aiming down sights with a fully-drawn bow, enemies behind walls are highlighted. Piercing arrowheads damage the target on entry and exit. One-shot can over-penetrate multiple targets." |
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: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Holding reload consumes the magazine and loads a round with additional range and damage." |
Outbreak Perfected | ![]() Outbreak Perfected | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Exotic Kiosk![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Arbalest | ![]() Arbalest | Linear Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Engram | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Exotic Engram![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires slugs that cause massive damage to enemy shields. Strong against ![]() ► 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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires slugs that cause massive damage to enemy shields. Strong against ![]() |
Divinity | ![]() Divinity | Trace Rifle | Exotic | Special | Arc | Shadowkeep | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Quest | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Exotic Quest![]() Shadowkeep | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Sustained damage with this weapon envelops the target in a field that weakens and ![]() ► 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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Sustained damage with this weapon envelops the target in a field that weakens and ![]() |
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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Revving the blade increases damage, shield bypass, and adds ![]() ► Despite some of its targeting issues, the Lament remains arguably the best sword (and one of the best weapons) 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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Revving the blade increases damage, shield bypass, and adds ![]() |
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: ![]() ![]() 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 finally back. Whilst largely untouched compared to D1, the addition of its new perk "Charged with Blight," combined with the abundance of healing now available, makes Touch of Malice a primary ammo DPS monster. Perhaps the best DPS primary in the game right now. | Season 18 | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Hierarchy of Needs | ![]() Hierarchy of Needs | Combat Bow | Exotic | Primary | Solar | Deluxe Edition | Yes | S › Best | Spire of the Watcher Dungeon | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Spire of the Watcher Dungeon![]() Deluxe Edition | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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 bonuses of being a bow. | Season 19 | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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. |
The Jade Rabbit | ![]() The Jade Rabbit | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Engram | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP | Exotic Engram![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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 one of the most potent options in PvP right now, with a very easy-to-use scope, excellent stability and a perk that furthers the potency and ease of use of High-Impact scout rifles. | Season 2 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Chain body shots to gain bonus damage on your next precision shot, return ammo to the magazine, and increases its stability." |
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: ![]() ![]() 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 its 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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires a single-slug precision round. Precision kills briefly grant bonus handling, range, and precision damage with this weapon." |
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: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Le Monarque | ![]() Le Monarque | Combat Bow | Exotic | Primary | Void | Forsaken Pack | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP | Exotic Kiosk![]() Forsaken Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Arrows fired quickly after a full draw become poison arrows. Precision hits with poison arrows spread poison to nearby enemies." |
Duality | ![]() Duality | Shotgun | Exotic | Special | Solar | Beyond Light | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP | Exotic Kiosk![]() Beyond Light | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Hawkmoon | ![]() Hawkmoon | Hand Cannon | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Beyond Light | Yes | S › Best | Xûr | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP | Xûr![]() Beyond Light | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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." ► Many didn't like that Hawkmoon is not the same weapon it was in Destiny 1. But Hawkmoon is arguably the strongest Exotic Hand Cannon in PvP. It can provide very consistent 2 taps and even 1 taps, provided you are accurate enough. Hawkmoon will take some time to get used to, but once you do, it will be hard to go back to any other gun. | Season 12 | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Tractor Cannon | ![]() Tractor Cannon | Shotgun | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Engram | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Exotic Engram![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This weapon emits a powerful impulse that pushes enemies away, suppresses their abilities, and makes them more vulnerable to all incoming damage." |
Telesto | ![]() Telesto | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Special | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Engram | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Exotic Engram![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Thunderlord | ![]() Thunderlord | Machine Gun | Exotic | Heavy | Arc | Forsaken Pack | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Engram | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Exotic Engram![]() Forsaken Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Kills with this weapon generate lightning strikes from above and increase reload speed for a short time." ► Thunderlord is still (arguably) the king of machine guns for ad clear. Its ability to speed up its rate of fire and rain down lightning on enemies is no joke, even in higher-level content. However, Thunderlord receives a lot of flak for being an Exotic that may not be worth your exotic slot, especially when there are legendaries that can almost keep up with it. | Season 4 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Kills with this weapon generate lightning strikes from above and increase reload speed for a short time." |
Jötunn | ![]() Jötunn | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Special | Solar | Forsaken Pack | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Exotic Kiosk![]() Forsaken Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Hold down the trigger to charge up a tracking shot that explodes and burns on impact. Energy matched shield explosion disorients enemies." ► With its tracking shots, Jotunn can be a very niche but fun perk for PvP and can prove useful in PvE environments where the boss may be moving around a lot. Best used in casual PvP playlists, as an experienced player will know how to dodge the tracking shot reliably. | Season 5 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Hold down the trigger to charge up a tracking shot that explodes and burns on impact. Energy matched shield explosion disorients enemies." |
Lumina | ![]() Lumina | Hand Cannon | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Forsaken Pack | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Exotic Kiosk![]() Forsaken Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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." ► Ever since it received a wide variety of stat and damage buffs in Season 16, Lumina has become an amazing hand cannon. It feels great to use, and the 35% buff it gives is rare to come by. Plus, with Solar 3.0, you can expect to see some new builds with this weapon very soon. | Season 7 | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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." |
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: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Cloudstrike | ![]() Cloudstrike | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | Special | Arc | Beyond Light | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Quest | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Exotic Quest![]() Beyond Light | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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 perhaps one of the most slept-on Special weapons in PvP right now. Many believe it doesn't deserve the Exotic slot but when used right, it can be terribly devastating, especially in situations that force enemy players to group and capture specific objectives or hold choke points. Bonus: Cloudstrike is damn fun to use. | Season 12 | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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." |
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: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Dead Man's Tale | ![]() Dead Man's Tale | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Beyond Light | Yes | A › Strong | Xûr | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Xûr![]() Beyond Light | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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) |
Forerunner | ![]() Forerunner | Sidearm | Exotic | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Quest | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Exotic Quest![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires full auto with increased rate of fire. Deals increased precision damage to unshielded targets. Tapping the trigger gives it less recoil and improves accuracy." ► Forerunner is a fun, powerful, and accurate weapon. And while it can reach an insane time-to-kill in PvP (in theory), it does require you to pace your shots. With insane recoil and limited ammo, this weapon requires a player with a good aim to excel. | 30th Anniversary event | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires full auto with increased rate of fire. Deals increased precision damage to unshielded targets. Tapping the trigger gives it less recoil and improves accuracy." |
Trespasser | ![]() Trespasser | Sidearm | Exotic | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Season Pass | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Season Pass![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
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: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This weapon lobs large, explosive, seeking slugs when firing from the hip. When aiming down sights, the slugs travel fast and straight, with higher damage and a lower rate of fire." ► Skyburner's Oath received a significant buff with the launch of Season 17. Hipfire shots now apply scorch, which, when stacked high enough, causes an ignition. However, you are locked to hipfiring your weapon to take advantage of this. To maximize the potential of Skyburner's, you also have to run a Solar subclass, limiting you further. | Season 1 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This weapon lobs large, explosive, seeking slugs when firing from the hip. When aiming down sights, the slugs travel fast and straight, with higher damage and a lower rate of fire." |
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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "The weapon's laser over penetrates enemies and refracts off hard surfaces." ► Sleeper Simulant has fallen under the community's radar over the past couple of seasons. Not only is it a strong DPS option, but its high damage per shot allows for substantial burst damage against Champions. The only downside, of course, is that it's an Exotic. | Season 3 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "The weapon's laser over penetrates enemies and refracts off hard surfaces." |
One Thousand Voices | ![]() One Thousand Voices | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | Forsaken Pack | Yes | A › Strong | Last Wish Raid | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Last Wish Raid![]() Forsaken Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Charging this weapon unleashes a giant continuous beam of death. The beam superheats its targets upon impact, causing delayed explosions." ► "Charging this weapon unleashes a giant continuous beam of death"... What more do you need to know? 1K is a fun addition to any PvE loadout and, if used right, can be deadly in PvP and wipe the floor when invading in Gambit. | Season 4 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Charging this weapon unleashes a giant continuous beam of death. The beam superheats its targets upon impact, causing delayed explosions." |
Anarchy | ![]() Anarchy | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | Heavy | Arc | Forsaken Pack | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Exotic Kiosk![]() Forsaken Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Grenades stick to surfaces and chain Arc bolts to other mines. It also has the Moving Target perk." ► Anarchy, to this day, still has the strongest damage over time effect for boss damage. In high-end content, Anarchy still holds strong and is still a decent pick for Raids or high difficulty Nightfalls as you can also deal DPS with a high damage Special weapon such as a Sniper or Fusion Rifle. | Season 5 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Grenades stick to surfaces and chain Arc bolts to other mines. It also has the Moving Target perk." |
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: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Eriana's Vow | ![]() Eriana's Vow | Hand Cannon | Exotic | Special | Solar | Shadowkeep | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Exotic Kiosk![]() Shadowkeep | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires special ![]() ► 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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires special ![]() |
Leviathan's Breath | ![]() Leviathan's Breath | Combat Bow | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Shadowkeep | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Exotic Kiosk![]() Shadowkeep | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires a massive heavy bolt that ![]() ► Leviathan's Breath is an interesting option these days. In certain scenarios, such as the Insight Terminus Nightfall, it can actually be a solid pick, especially with its catalyst. | Season 8 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires a massive heavy bolt that ![]() |
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: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Parasite | ![]() Parasite | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | The Witch Queen | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Quest | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Exotic Quest![]() The Witch Queen | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
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: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Heartshadow | ![]() Heartshadow | Sword | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Deluxe Edition | Yes | A › Strong | Duality Dungeon | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Duality Dungeon![]() Deluxe Edition | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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 does require you to change your playstyle a bit due to its unique perks and heavy attack, it can be extremely useful in the right hands. Not only are Invisibility and Weaken irreplaceable buffs for PVE, but they also allow this sword to have great synergy with a Void subclass. Plus, Heartshadow is extremely fun to use! | Season 17 | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Quicksilver Storm | ![]() Quicksilver Storm | Auto Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Lightfall Pre-Order | Yes | A › Strong | Pre-order bonus | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Pre-order bonus![]() Lightfall Pre-Order | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Landing multiple hits turns your next shot into a homing micro-rocket. Landing multiple rockets loads a grenade." ► Quicksilver Storm is a fun and unique weapon. Combining an Auto Rifle with a Rocket Launcher and a Grenade Launcher, Quicksilver Storm is quite the all-rounder, however, it isn't quite fully there in terms of strength to be one of the greats. | Season 18 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Landing multiple hits turns your next shot into a homing micro-rocket. Landing multiple rockets loads a grenade." |
Delicate Tomb | ![]() Delicate Tomb | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Special | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Exotic Kiosk![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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." ► Delicate Tomb synergizes amazingly with Arc 3.0. Ionic Traces and Jolt are some of the better parts of the Arc changes, and with the ability to trigger both (on top of all of the synergies it can have with certain fragments), Delicate Tomb is a very solid pick. | Season 18 | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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." |
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: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This weapon boosts move speed. Radar stays active while aiming down sights." |
The Wardcliff Coil | ![]() The Wardcliff Coil | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Engram | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Exotic Engram![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires a volley of rockets and automatically reloads on ammo pickup." |
Polaris Lance | ![]() Polaris Lance | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Exotic Kiosk![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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 has skyrocketed up the ranks with the Scout Rifle buffs for PvP. With its exotic perk, Polaris behaves like a budget version of the Hawkmoon. Once you get that explosive shot primed, you can two-tap players with low enough Resilience or comfortably 1 crit 2 body opponents making the gun incredibly easy to use. | Season 3 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Precision hits return ammo to the mag. Landing 4 precision hits loads a delayed Solar explosive round for your next shot." |
Lord of Wolves | ![]() Lord of Wolves | Shotgun | Exotic | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Engram | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Exotic Engram![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires a powerful short-range burst of Solar damage. Hold to swap to a longer, more powerful burst." |
The Last Word | ![]() The Last Word | Hand Cannon | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Forsaken Pack | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Exotic Kiosk![]() Forsaken Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires full auto. Hip-fire shots deal bonus precision damage while increasing reload speed and accuracy." ► While The Last Word has been crazy on controller for years, mouse and keyboard users haven't had the same experience. Luckily, this weapon got buffed on M&K in Season 17, meaning you'll probably see a lot more of it. | Season 5 | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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 | A › Strong | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Exotic Kiosk![]() Forsaken Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Rounds pierce targets and deal damage over time. Kills leave behind Remnants which, when absorbed, increase damage." ► Considered a top tier PVP weapon for a long time, Thorn shows no signs of slowling down. The damage over time is a pain to fight against in PVP, and it's a super fun gun to use in PVE as well. Even if the meta doesn't favor Thorn, it's still a great option. | Season 6 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Rounds pierce targets and deal damage over time. Kills leave behind Remnants which, when absorbed, increase damage." |
Lorentz Driver | ![]() Lorentz Driver | Linear Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Special | Void | Beyond Light | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Exotic Kiosk![]() Beyond Light | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Xenophage | ![]() Xenophage | Machine Gun | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | Shadowkeep | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Quest | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | Exotic Quest![]() Shadowkeep | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires high-powered explosive ammunition. Aiming this weapon increases its effective range and zoom magnification." ► Xenophage has seen many ups and downs. Unnecessary changes turned it into a joke and the weapon remained in that state for a long time. But now that Xenophage was returned to its original state, it's once again an excellent PVE weapon that never disappoints. | Season 8 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires high-powered explosive ammunition. Aiming this weapon increases its effective range and zoom magnification." |
Devil's Ruin | ![]() Devil's Ruin | Sidearm | Exotic | Primary | Solar | Shadowkeep | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | Exotic Kiosk![]() Shadowkeep | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Variable trigger. Press and release to fire individual shots. Hold to charge up a high-powered, ![]() ► 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: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Variable trigger. Press and release to fire individual shots. Hold to charge up a high-powered, ![]() |
D.A.R.C.I. | ![]() D.A.R.C.I. | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | B › Average | Exotic Engram | ![]() | Average ❘ B | Exotic Engram![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Deathbringer | ![]() Deathbringer | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Shadowkeep | Yes | B › Average | Exotic Quest | ![]() | Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE + PvP | Exotic Quest![]() Shadowkeep | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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." |
Monte Carlo | ![]() Monte Carlo | Auto Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Shadowkeep | Yes | B › Average | Exotic Engram | ![]() | Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE + PvP | Exotic Engram![]() Shadowkeep | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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 + PvP | Exotic Kiosk![]() Shadowkeep | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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 literally melt opponents. It has an outrageous bodyshot time to kill of 0.77 seconds when the perk gets going and can rip through most enemies in PvE. However, as you enter harder content, or face better players, Tommy's Matchbook becomes MUCH harder to use, and requires a very skilled hand to succeed with. | Season 10 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Sustained fire with this weapon overheats it, increasing damage but burning the user. Overheat damage is reduced while hip firing." |
Heir Apparent | ![]() Heir Apparent | Machine Gun | Exotic | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | No | B › Average | Event: Guardian Games | ![]() | Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE + PvP | Event: Guardian Games |