Fusion Rifles are a staple of any loadout in Destiny 2. Whether you’ll be tearing it up against other Guardians in the Crucible, or fighting wave after wave of ads in the Root of Nightmares raid, you will find a Fusion Rifle that is just right for the occasion. With that said, there are some clear stand-outs in their class.
This guide covers every Fusion Rifle in Destiny 2, including both Exotic and Legendary Fusions, as well as the best rolls for PvE and PvP.
Destiny 2 Fusion Rifles Tier List: Top-tier Options
This Tier list features the Top-tier Exotic and Legendary Fusion Rifles in the game and covers both PvE and PvP:
Destiny 2 Fusion Rifles: The complete list
This database includes every viable Fusion currently in the game:
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo | Element | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo? | Element? | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Arbalest | Linear Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Kinetic | Lightfall | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | Exotic Quest | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall | Season 6 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Aurvandil FR6 | Fusion Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Special | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 19 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Bastion | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Kinetic | Shadowkeep | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Shadowkeep | Season 9 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Briar's Contempt | Linear Fusion Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Lightfall | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Root of Nightmares Raid | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall | Season 20 | Heavy | Craftable | Top-tier | |
![]() | Burden of Guilt | Fusion Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Stasis | Lightfall | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | PvE + PvP | Trials of Osiris | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall | Season 17 | Kinetic | No | ||
![]() | Cartesian Coordinate | Fusion Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Cataclysmic | Linear Fusion Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | The Witch Queen | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | Vow of the Disciple Raid | ![]() | ![]() The Witch Queen | Season 16 | Heavy | Craftable | Top-tier | |
![]() | Coriolis Force | Fusion Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Special | Void | Beyond Light | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | PvE | Empire Hunts | ![]() | ![]() Beyond Light | Season 12 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Corsair's Wrath | Linear Fusion Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Weak ❘ C | - | Xûr | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 12 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Delicate Tomb | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Arc | The Witch Queen | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | PvE | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() The Witch Queen | Season 18 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Deliverance | Fusion Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Special | Stasis | The Witch Queen | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | Vow of the Disciple Raid | ![]() | ![]() The Witch Queen | Season 16 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | |
![]() | Dream Breaker | Fusion Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Weak ❘ C | - | Moon | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Exile's Curse | Fusion Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Special | Arc | Lightfall | No | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | PvP | Trials of Osiris | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall | Season 10 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Fire and Forget | Linear Fusion Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Seasonal activity | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 19 | Heavy | Craftable | Top-tier | |
![]() | Glacioclasm | Fusion Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Special | Void | Free-to-Play | Seasonal | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Event: Dawning | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 12 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Hollow Words | Fusion Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Special | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Weak ❘ C | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Iota Draconis | Fusion Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Weak ❘ C | - | Xûr | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Iterative Loop | Fusion Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Arc | Lightfall | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Neomuna | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall | Season 20 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | |
![]() | Jötunn | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Solar | Forsaken Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Forsaken Pack | Season 5 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Laser Painter | Linear Fusion Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Playlist: Gambit | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 21 | Heavy | No | ||||
![]() | Likely Suspect | Fusion Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Throne World | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | |
![]() | Loaded Question | Fusion Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Special | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Nightfall: The Ordeals | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 21 | Energy | No | ||||
![]() | Lorentz Driver | Linear Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Void | Beyond Light | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Beyond Light | Season 15 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Main Ingredient | Fusion Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Special | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvP | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Merciless | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | Exotic Engram | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 1 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Midhas’s Reckoning | Fusion Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Special | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | PvE + PvP | King's Fall Raid | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Energy | Craftable | ||
![]() | Null Composure | Fusion Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | PvE | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | One Thousand Voices | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | Forsaken Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | PvE | Last Wish Raid | ![]() | ![]() Forsaken Pack | Season 4 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | PLUG ONE.1 | Fusion Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Special | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Nightfall: The Ordeals | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Pressurized Precision | Fusion Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Iron Banner | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 21 | Kinetic | No | ||||
![]() | Reed's Regret | Linear Fusion Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Stasis | Lightfall | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | Trials of Osiris | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall | Season 15 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Riptide | Fusion Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | Playlist: Crucible | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 17 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Royal Executioner | Fusion Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Solar | Season 20 | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Seasonal activity | ![]() | ![]() Season 20 | Season 20 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | |
![]() | Sailspy Pitchglass | Linear Fusion Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Ongoing... | - | Seasonal activity | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Heavy | Craftable | ||
![]() | Sleeper Simulant | Linear Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 3 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Snorri FR5 | Fusion Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Special | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvP | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Stormchaser | Linear Fusion Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Deluxe Edition | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | Duality Dungeon | ![]() | ![]() Deluxe Edition | Season 17 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Taipan-4fr | Linear Fusion Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Heavy | Craftable | Top-tier | |
![]() | Tarantula | Linear Fusion Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Weak ❘ C | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Techeun Force | Fusion Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Arc | Forsaken Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Worst ❘ D | - | Last Wish Raid | ![]() | ![]() Forsaken Pack | Season 4 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Telesto | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Exotic Engram | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 2 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | The Epicurean | Fusion Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Special | Void | Deluxe Edition | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | - | Duality Dungeon | ![]() | ![]() Deluxe Edition | Season 17 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | |
![]() | The Queenbreaker | Linear Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Worst ❘ D | - | Exotic Engram | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 4 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | The Wizened Rebuke | Fusion Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Special | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | PvP | Iron Banner | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 17 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Threaded Needle | Linear Fusion Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | PvE | Unobtainable | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Timelines' Vertex | Fusion Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Weak ❘ C | - | Xûr | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 10 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Trinary System | Fusion Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Average ❘ B | - | Playlist: Gambit | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Vex Mythoclast | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | Vault of Glass Raid | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Zealot's Reward | Fusion Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Void | Shadowkeep | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Garden of Salvation Raid | ![]() | ![]() Shadowkeep | Season 8 | Energy | No | Top-tier |
These are the different Tier levels used for our list:
- S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapons in our Tier List.
- A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapons, but not on the same level as S Tier Choices.
- B Tier – Average: Decent choices that can be lethal in the hands of a skilled player.
- C Tier – Weak: The middle of the pack, somewhat mediocre.
- D Tier – Worst: Lagging behind the competition, these don’t have much to offer.
Best Destiny 2 Fusion Rifles in 2023
Ready to dig deeper into the absolute best Fusions in Destiny 2 right now? These are the cream of the crop, our favorites (for PvE and PvP):
5. Vex Mythoclast
Excels in PvE
Defeating targets builds stacks of Overcharge. Swap firing modes when fully Overcharged to charge up and fire more powerful linear fusion shots.
Returning from D1 and more lethal than ever, Vex Mythoclast lives up to its legendary status.
Now that exotic primaries do 40% more damage to red bar enemies, Vex’s Overcharged rounds are a reliable way to help put down beefier targets in end-game content, and the 20% damage buff after a kill will help get there quicker.
Vex is also able to take advantage of any mod or perk that modifies fusions, so for Solar Warlocks running Rain of Fire, this is a must-have weapon. While it might take a while to acquire, once you do, you might never put it down.
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.”
How to get it: Vex Mythoclast can be acquired by completing the Vault of Glass raid.
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo | Element | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo? | Element? | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Vex Mythoclast | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | Vault of Glass Raid | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Energy | No | Top-tier |
4. Snorri FR5
Excels in PvP
A fusion to surpass Main Ingredient, Snorri FR5 is a solid, if not difficult to find, PvP weapon.
Introduced in Witch Queen, Snorri FR5 has been making waves thanks to its consistency. Having better base stats than Main Ingredient means that with the god roll, you’re looking at perfect recoil direction and stability. Or, if you prefer a more fast-paced approach, Successful Warm-Up knocks down the charge time to 480 without sacrificing anything else.
If the god roll Main Ingredient alluded you, Snorri is a worthy replacement.
PvP God roll:
- Perk 1: Firmly Planted
- Perk 2: High-Impact Reserves (also good: Successful Warmup)
How to get it: Snorri FR5 can be randomly acquired as end-of-match activities or via the Gunsmith, Legendary engrams, and Prime engrams.
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo | Element | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo? | Element? | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Snorri FR5 | Fusion Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Special | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvP | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Energy | No | Top-tier |
3. Merciless
Excels in PvE
Once held back by its exotic perk, Merciless is now worthy of its name.
While it’s no secret fusion rifles can deal some serious damage in PvE, Merciless reigns supreme in this department. Now that it can maintain its higher charge time after a kill, Merciless can hit for High-Impact numbers on a rapid-fire charge time.
Tack on Impetus’ 66% damage buff, and you can see why many players are coming to accept this long neglected fusion into their hearts.
Exotic Perk: “Non-lethal hits make this weapon charge faster. Reloading immediately after a kill increases weapon damage for a short time.”
How to get it: Merciless can be acquired via Exotic engrams or from Xûr.
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo | Element | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo? | Element? | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Merciless | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | Exotic Engram | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 1 | Energy | No | Top-tier |
1. Iterative Loop
Excels in PVE and PVP
Coming from Neomuna, Iterative Loop is as powerful as it is rare, and a worthy addition to the game.
In PvE, Iterative Loop dominates through its prized perk: Voltshot. While Reservoir Burst exists on others, Voltshot synergizes with Arc 3.0, as well as having a less strict activation.
Iterative is also a monster in PvP thanks to the Rapid-Fire TTK buff. With its god roll and impressive stats, Iterative can compete with even the best of shotguns. If you’re looking for a versatile fusion, Iterative is the one for you.
PvP God roll:
- Perk 1: Under Pressure
- Perk 2: Kickstart
PvE God roll:
- Perk 1: Compulsive Reloader
- Perk 2: Voltshot
How to get it: Iterative Loop can be acquired by completing activities in Neomuna.
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo | Element | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo? | Element? | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Iterative Loop | Fusion Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Arc | Lightfall | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Neomuna | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall | Season 20 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier |
1. Riptide
Excels in PvE
A Crucible drop, Riptide is a PvE powerhouse that’s never been easier to acquire.
In Lightfall, Bungie made a major overhaul to combating champions, with Stasis coming out on top thanks to freeze no longer resetting the stun. As a result, what was once seen as a liability in Chill Clip is now the king of verb-based stunning and a must-have for any Champion-containing content.
Not only this, but reduced costs to focus engrams at Shaxx means that it is cheaper for people to get their roll, and the resetting system means you could end up with a multi-perk drop! Hop into Crucible and snag your roll today!
PvE God roll:
- Perk 1: Auto-Loading Holster
- Perk 2: Chill Clip
How to get it: Riptide can be acquired via Engram Focusing or completing Crucible Playlist activities.
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo | Element | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo? | Element? | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Riptide | Fusion Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE | Playlist: Crucible | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 17 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier |
Fusion Rifles and the PvP Meta: TTK
We covered in detail the Fusions that are considered top-tier (and should be farmed) and the ones that can be safely ignored. But how do they compare to other Special weapons in PvP?
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Shotguns | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ![]() | ► Shotguns received a significant change in Season 19 that made their pellet spread more consistent overall. With pre-determined spread patterns per archetype, and the reversal of some widely disliked nerfs, Shotguns are coming back. ► Best Archetype: Lightweight (65 RPM)- Example: Matador 64 | PVP Specials |
![]() Linear Fusion Rifles | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► The special ammo Linear Fusion category of weapon is rather barren, but the two weapons that occupy it, Arbalest and Lorentz Driver, are both forces to be reckoned with. While they have received some deserved nerfs throughout Seasons 17-19, they remain a solid choice for players wanting a long-range option. | PVP Specials |
![]() Sniper Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Sniper Rifles are in an excellent place right now. After the nerfs to Linear Fusion Rifles, it only makes sense that Sniper usage picks up, and with options that come stacked with aim assist and excellent perks like Defiance of Yasmin or Beloved, it's easy to see why Snipers have risen up the ranks. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (90 RPM)- Example: Beloved | PVP Specials |
![]() Trace Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | ![]() | ► Trace Rifles are quite a niche pick and will fall short as a competitive option in most players' hands. Even once you learn to master Trace Rifles, you'll be better off with a Special weapon that can provide a one-hit-kill t rather than one that can be out-dueled by a Primary weapon. ► All Archetypes are 1000 RPM - Best Option: Coldheart | PVP Specials |
![]() Glaives | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Glaives are somewhat of a sleeper pick. However, with the Season 19 buffs and hit registration improvements they received, they can be quite annoying to play against. However, they do remain heavily outclassed by other mid to long-range options, and can't compete at close range due to the lackluster melee. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (55 RPM)- Example: The Enigma | PVP Specials |
![]() Fusion Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ![]() | ► Fusion Rifles have seen buff after buff, and with Season of the Haunted, they finally saw a slight nerf. However, this change hasn't altered the state of Fusion Rifles enough to consider them noticeably weaker than before. They are able to cover the close-medium range excellently and a good Fusion Rifle player can be incredibly hard to beat. ► Best Archetype: Precision (780ms Charge Time) - Example: Main Ingredient | PVP Specials |
![]() Grenade Launchers | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Grenade Launchers remain the most 'annoying' option in PvP. The ability to flush players out from cover is not lost on players in PvP, and being able to 1-hit kill with certain rolls allows Grenade Launchers to be a highly tactical, but also lethal option. They also serve as an excellent 'hot-swap' choice to allow for easy cleanups with your Primary weapon. ► Best Archetype: Wave Frame - Example: Dead Messenger | PVP Specials |
Remember that when it comes to PvP, TTK is perhaps the most important factor. As you know, the lower the TTK, the faster you can kill your opponent. We have a TTK guide/chart that includes TTK figures, but that mostly applies to Primary weapons, not Specials.
Suffice it to say: When it comes to PvP, top Fusions can dominate a Crucible lobby. The many nerfs and buffs in the game are slowly changing the PvP meta and Fusions appear to be clear winners.
Fusion Rifles and the PvE Meta: DPS
How do Fusions compare to other Special weapons in PvE?
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Shotguns | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Shotguns overall are pretty good right now. There are a good number of Pellet and Slug shotguns that can be used in most content, and shotguns are also an integral part of many melee builds thanks to the shotgun-exclusive '1-2 Punch' perk. However, their severe lack of range makes them a risky pick for high-level content. ► Best Archetype: Pinpoint Slug - Example: Heritage | PVE Specials |
![]() Grenade Launchers | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Grenade Launchers are brilliant right now. They are versatile and are arguably the best pick in almost all areas. They can have excellent add control through Blinding Grenades or the Wave Frame archetype, and they can also deal good boss damage in a 'hotswap' build with Spike Grenades. Simply put, having a strong arsenal of Grenade Launchers is something you should definitely prioritize if you're looking to get into high-level content. ► All Breach Grenade Launchers share the same archetype | PVE Specials |
![]() Sniper Rifles | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | ![]() | ► Sniper Rifles are not in a great place right now. They are completely outclassed by Linear Fusion Rifles in terms of DPS and are also lacking at ad clear/major killing by Shotguns and Grenade Launchers. Snipers are also quite difficult to use as they are precision-based weapons. They can be used as a backup DPS weapon if you don't have access to an Arbalest, for example, but right now, they are too niche to recomment. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (140 RPM) - Example: Succession | PVE Specials |
![]() Fusion Rifles | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ![]() | ► Fusion Rifles are pretty good right now. They have slightly more range than Shotguns, making them a safer pick in high-level content, however, they lack a top-tier perk such as '1-2 Punch' to rise to S-tier status. Still, they remain a consistent pick for mid to high-level content. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (500ms Charge Time) - Example: Cartesian Coordinate | PVE Specials |
![]() Glaives | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Glaives require a bit of getting used to, but when you do, they can grant you crazy levels of damage resistance. However, they are quite a risky pick, especially if you haven't learned how to master them first. Glaives are also one-dimensional. There is basically no reason to use their melee attack, which is unfortunate as that is probably the most fun part of the Glaives. ► All Glaives share the same archetype | PVE Specials |
![]() Linear Fusion Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ![]() | ► There are only two Linear Fusion Rifles that use Special ammo, but when one of them is arguably the strongest weapon in the game, they have to be ranked S tier. Arbalest is an absolute must-have if you want to take endgame content seriously. Lorentz Driver is an okay option, but Arbalest is completely overpowered and is an excellent pick for whatever content you throw at it. | PVE Specials |
![]() Trace Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Trace Rifles are a strange pick. Legendary Trace Rifles are a very niche pick right now, but Exotic trace Rifles are all pretty good. Wavesplitter can do well with certain builds, and Divinity is always a good pick, even despite the nerfs. | PVE Specials |
Keep in mind that when it comes to PvE, DPS is one of the most important factors. As you know, the higher the DPS, the more damage you can deal to a Boss or Major. This D2 DPS chart includes the DPS numbers for every weapon in Destiny 2.
When it comes to actual DPS, Fusions are well-placed, and offer the benefit of having longer ranges that shotguns:
- | Weapon Type | Archetype | Average DPS | Burst DPS | Total Damage | Specs | --- | Best in Class | Change? | Ammo |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Linear Fusion Rifle | Exotic | 21,799 | 25,351 | 396,792 | With Catalyst | ![]() | Sleeper Simulant | Buffed | Heavy |
![]() | Linear Fusion Rifle | Aggressive | 15,559 | 17,367 | 381,218 | - | ![]() | Stormchaser | New | Heavy |
![]() | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | 16,556 | 17,991 | 273,456 | - | ![]() | One Thousand Voices | Same | Heavy |
![]() | Linear Fusion Rifle | Exotic | 15,182 | 17,844 | 389,320 | With Marksman Sights | ![]() | The Queenbreaker | Buffed | Heavy |
![]() | Linear Fusion Rifle | Precision | 14,979 | 17,844 | 356,880 | - | ![]() | Reed's Regret | Buffed | Heavy |
![]() | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | 14,699 | 16,216 | 206,880 | - | ![]() | Merciless | Same | Special |
![]() | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | 12,171 | 13,918 | 255,528 | - | ![]() | Bastion | Same | Special |
![]() | Fusion Rifle | Rapid-Fire | 11,224 | 12,355 | 161,406 | - | ![]() | Cartesian Coordinate | Same | Special |
![]() | Linear Fusion Rifle | Exotic | 11,325 | 13,412 | 287,500 | - | ![]() | Arbalest | Same | Special |
![]() | Linear Fusion Rifle | Exotic | 11,325 | 13,412 | 287,500 | - | ![]() | Lorentz Driver | Same | Special |
![]() | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | 9,771 | 11,033 | 225,075 | - | ![]() | Jötunn | Same | Special |
![]() | Fusion Rifle | Aggressive | 9,677 | 10,774 | 250,236 | - | ![]() | Coriolis Force | Same | Special |
![]() | Fusion Rifle | Exotic | 9,675 | 10,532 | 312,963 | With Catalyst | ![]() | Telesto | Same | Special |
![]() | Fusion Rifle | Adaptive | 9,109 | 9,881 | 153,552 | - | ![]() | Trinary System | Same | Special |
![]() | Fusion Rifle | Precision | 8,112 | 9,148 | 188,685 | - | ![]() | Deliverance | Same | Special |
![]() | Fusion Rifle | High-Impact | 8,917 | 9,917 | 233,025 | - | ![]() | Glacioclasm | Same | Special |
![]() | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | 3,601 | - | 740,985 | - | ![]() | Witherhoard | Same | Special |
Endgame content
For the record, while Fusion rifles can hold their own in most PvE content, they aren’t the top choice for Master and Grandmaster content. For the most difficult activities, you want a longer-range option that allows you to easily peek shoot.
Your turn
You now know everything there is to know about Fusion rifles in Destiny 2, whether that is for PVP or PVE content.
See latest Updates
- May 19, 2023: General updates and the inclusion of Season 18, 19, and 20 Fusions.
- April 10, 2022: The guide is published for the first time.
Stay tuned, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for next season!
Update “It’s the season of void”
Hey, author here! Things got a little mixed up, tier list has been updated.