Heavy Grenade launchers dominated for years until Bungie progressively buffed other weapon types in an effort to bring balance to the PvE meta. Bungie clearly overdid it, and GLs quickly became the worst Heavy weapons in the game. But after a few buffs, are Power Grenade launchers finally competitive?
This guide covers every Grenade launcher in Destiny 2, including Exotic and Legendaries, as well as the best rolls for PvE and PvP.
Updated as of Season of the Wish (S23). See Updates.
Destiny 2 Best Grenade Launchers: Top-tier Options
This Tier list features the Top-tier Exotic and Legendary GLs and covers both PvE and PvP, including the Hullabaloo:
Item | Weapons | Type | Archetype | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Rank | Source | Available? | Tier rank | Source ❘ DLC | Final Verdict | Released | Perks | Best of? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Parasite | Parasite | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | The Witch Queen | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Quest | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Exotic Quest 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 | |
Wendigo GL3 | Wendigo GL3 | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Nightfall: The Ordeals | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play | Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Rolls: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Field Prep) + Explosive Light (also good: Cascade Point) ► Wendigo GL3's old curated roll is still available, and with spike grenades, it's actually better than its original incarnation for PvE. Try out Cascade Point for a different spin on DPS. For PvP, Grenade Launchers are top-tier, and the Wendigo GL3 is no exception. Impulse Amplifier + Rangefinder allows for a projectile speed of 58m/s, making securing kills remarkably easy with this weapon. | Season 19 | Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Rolls: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Field Prep) + Explosive Light (also good: Cascade Point) | Top-tier | |
Marsilion-C | Marsilion-C | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Lost Sector | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Lost Sector Free-to-Play | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Rolls: Envious Assassin (also good: Field Prep) + Explosive Light ► The only Rapid Fire to get the coveted Explosive Light perk, Marsilion-C is a standout in its frame. While it lacks Auto-Loading Holster, changes to Envious Assassin will make it irrelevant, and make this GL worth the farm. | Season 20 | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Rolls: Envious Assassin (also good: Field Prep) + Explosive Light | Top-tier | |
Regnant | Regnant | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Heavy | Void | Season 20 | Yes | A › Strong | Seasonal activity | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Seasonal activity Season 20 | Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Rolls: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Envious Assassin) + Explosive Light (also good: Destabilising Rounds) ► Regnant might be a Void Wendigo on paper, but the ability to use all 7 Explosive Light shots in one mag makes it just that much better. Plus, it doubles as a perfect ad clear weapon with destabilizing rounds, making explosions out of explosions. | Season 20 | Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Rolls: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Envious Assassin) + Explosive Light (also good: Destabilising Rounds) | Top-tier | |
Memory Interdict | Memory Interdict | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Xûr | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Xûr Free-to-Play | Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvP God Roll: Impulse Amplifier (also good: Quickdraw )+ Danger Zone ► Memory Interdict is a fan favourite for PvP. With a perk such as Impulse Amplifier, you can easily take down opponents due to the massively increased velocity. And with Danger Zone, you can ensure you'll deal at least some damage with your shots in case you need to follow-up. | Season 14 | Slot: Void | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvP God Roll: Impulse Amplifier (also good: Quickdraw )+ Danger Zone | Top-tier | |
Cataphract GL3 | Cataphract GL3 | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Heavy | Strand | Lightfall | Yes | A › Strong | Trials of Osiris | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Trials of Osiris Lightfall | Slot: Strand | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvP God Rolls: Impulse Amplifier + Vorpal Weapon ► Grenade Launchers are reliable options for PvP as they can typically secure very easy kills on multiple targets if you are accurate. On top of that, Cataphract features great stats and all the right perks to excel in high stakes PvP. | Season 22 | Slot: Strand | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvP God Rolls: Impulse Amplifier + Vorpal Weapon | Top-tier | |
Typhon GL5 | Typhon GL5 | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Heavy | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Gunsmith | Strong ❘ A | Gunsmith Free-to-Play | Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Impulse Amplifier + Explosive Light (also good: Chill Klip) ► With changes to grenade hit detection, Typhon GL5 is a solid option for both PvE and PvP, even if it lacks Auto-Loading Holster. It also earns points for being one of two world Heavy GLs to get Explosive Light. | Season 16 | Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Impulse Amplifier + Explosive Light (also good: Chill Klip) | Top-tier |
D2 Grenade Launchers: The Complete List
This database includes every viable GL 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anarchy | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Arc | Forsaken Pack | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Average ❘ B | PvE | Exotic Kiosk | No | Forsaken Pack | Season 5 | Heavy | No | |||
The Prospector | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Weak ❘ C | PvE | Exotic Engram | No | Free-to-Play | Season 1 | Heavy | No | |||
Salvation's Grip | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Stasis | Beyond Light | Yes | Heavy | Stasis | Worst ❘ D | - | Exotic Quest | No | Beyond Light | Season 12 | Heavy | No | |||
The Colony | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Void | Worst ❘ D | - | Exotic Engram | No | Free-to-Play | Season 2 | Heavy | No | |||
Parasite | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | The Witch Queen | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Best ❘ S | PvE | Exotic Quest | No | Witch Queen | Season 16 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | ||
Interference VI | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Average ❘ B | - | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 10 | Heavy | No | |||
Swarm of the Raven | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | No | Heavy | Void | Average ❘ B | - | Iron Banner | No | Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Heavy | No | |||
Blast Battue | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Weak ❘ C | - | Lost Sector | No | Free-to-Play | Season 12 | Heavy | No | |||
Berenger's Memory | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Void | Weak ❘ C | - | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Heavy | No | |||
Outrageous Fortune | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Worst ❘ D | - | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Heavy | No | |||
Crowd Pleaser | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Void | Average ❘ B | PvE | Playlist: Gambit | No | Free-to-Play | Season 12 | Heavy | No | |||
Memory Interdict | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Void | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Xûr | No | Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | ||
Love and Death | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Weak ❘ C | - | Moon | No | Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Heavy | No | |||
Canis Major | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Average ❘ B | PvE | Xûr | No | Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Heavy | No | |||
Typhon GL5 | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Stasis | Strong ❘ A | - | Gunsmith | No | Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | Explosive Light | |
Tarnation | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | The Witch Queen | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Weak ❘ C | - | Wellspring | Yes | Witch Queen | Season 16 | Heavy | Craftable | |||
Cry Mutiny | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Average ❘ B | PvE | Exotic Kiosk | No | Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Heavy | No | |||
Wendigo GL3 | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Nightfall: The Ordeals | No | Free-to-Play | Season 19 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | Explosive Light | |
Dimensional Hypotrochoid | Grenade Launcher | Wave | Legendary | Heavy | Stasis | Lightfall | Yes | Heavy | Stasis | Average ❘ B | PvE | Neomuna | Yes | Lightfall | Season 20 | Heavy | Craftable | |||
Marsilion-C | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Lost Sector | Yes | Free-to-Play | Season 20 | Heavy | Craftable | Top-tier | Incandescent,Explosive Light | |
Regnant | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Season 20 | Yes | Heavy | Void | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Seasonal activity | Yes | Season 20 | Season 20 | Heavy | Craftable | Top-tier | Destabilizing Rounds,Repulsor Brace,Explosive Light | |
Koraxis's Distress | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Strand | Lightfall | Yes | Heavy | Strand | Average ❘ B | - | Root of Nightmares Raid | Yes | Lightfall | Season 20 | Heavy | Craftable | Reconstruction | ||
Cataphract GL3 | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Strand | Lightfall | Yes | Heavy | Strand | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Trials of Osiris | No | Lightfall | Season 22 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | Bait and Switch | |
Acosmic GSp | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Void | Weak ❘ C | - | Event: Festival of the Lost | No | Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Heavy | No | |||
Hullabaloo | Grenade Launcher | Wave | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Ongoing... | - | Event: Guardian Games | No | Free-to-Play | Season 23 | Heavy | No | |||
Edge Transit | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | No | Heavy | Void | Ongoing... | - | Onslaught Activity | No | Into the Light | Heavy | No |
These are the different Tier levels used for our list:
- S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapons in our Tier List.
- A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapons, but not on the same level as S Tier Choices.
- B Tier – Average: Decent choices that can be lethal in the hands of a skilled player.
- C Tier – Weak: The middle of the pack, somewhat mediocre.
- D Tier – Worst: Lagging behind the competition, these don’t have much to offer.
Best GLs in Destiny 2 in 2024
Ready to dig deeper into the absolute best GLs in Destiny 2 right now? These are the cream of the crop, our favorites (for PvE and PvP):
5. Parasite
Excels in PVE
Dropping from a post-Witch Queen mission, Parasite is THE ruler of single mag damage. Now, that’s partially due to it having only one shot loaded at a time, but the other part is due to its perk letting you hit around 600k damage in that single shot, and all for the low cost of killing 20 enemies with other guns. What’s more is that if you get hit by the explosion, you get a 15% damage buff to all guns, letting you get in even more extra damage.
Talk to Mara after the WQ campaign to start your quest for this monster exotic now!
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”.
How to get it:
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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Parasite | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | The Witch Queen | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Best ❘ S | PvE | Exotic Quest | No | Witch Queen | Season 16 | Heavy | No | Top-tier |
4. Anarchy
Excels in PVE
Once the king of free damage, Anarchy’s time has since passed, but it remains one of the best Heavy GLs.
A raid drop from Scourge, now purchasable at the Monument to Lost Light, Anarchy still ranks high on this list, even if it’s seen a fair share of nerfs. While Witherhoard is objectively better for damage over time, Anarchy is able to stack with others, making it a good pick for the old double slug meta or possibly even snipers.
Head into some raids and grab those 240 spoils so that this exotic GL can be yours!
Exotic Perk: “Grenades stick to surfaces and chain Arc bolts to other mines. It also has the Moving Target perk.”
How to get it: Anarchy can be purchased at the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower.
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo | Element | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anarchy | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Arc | Forsaken Pack | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Average ❘ B | PvE | Exotic Kiosk | No | Forsaken Pack | Season 5 | Heavy | No |
3. Regnant
Excels in PVE
While Regnant might seem like a Void Wendigo, it is much more than that.
Many joke that Regnant, with its roll of Auto-Loading Holster + Explosive Light, is just a craftable Wendigo, but that downplays the true standout perks here, being Envious Assassin + Destabilizing Rounds. Since Heavy GLs, for the most part, won’t be outclassing rockets for DPS, this leans heavily into the large ad clear fantasy, making short work of them in any content. These are the top Regnant God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Envious Assassin + Destabilizing Rounds
How to get it: Regnant is hard to acquire these days. Xûr may randomly sell it on weekends from time to time.
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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regnant | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Season 20 | Yes | Heavy | Void | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Seasonal activity | Yes | Season 20 | Season 20 | Heavy | Craftable | Top-tier | Destabilizing Rounds,Repulsor Brace,Explosive Light |
2. Wendigo GL3
Excels in PVE
A fan favorite from the past, Wendigo returned to uproarious applause.
Oldheads might remember when this was THE grenade launcher to have, but as the frame has gotten knocked down a few pegs since then, Wendigo is unfortunately not the powerhouse it once was, especially with rockets taking the limelight. While it has its old static roll, it also has some new fun ones, such as Cascade Point for that sweet rapid fire feeling. These are the top Wendigo GL3 God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Auto Loading Holster + Explosive Light
How to get it: Wendigo GL3 can be acquired by completing Nightfall: The Ordeals (the highest difficulties have increased drop rates).
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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wendigo GL3 | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Nightfall: The Ordeals | No | Free-to-Play | Season 19 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | Explosive Light |
1. Cataphract GL3
Excels in PVE
Yet another meta PvE weapon stuck in Trials.
Cataphract caught everyone’s attention in Season 22 when it was revealed it could roll with Bait and Switch, which is not only a massive 35% buff, but it lasts far longer than Explosive Light, making it a top DPS grenade launcher. Tack on the fact that Envious Assassin lets you unload almost all of your ammo, and it’s easy to see why this is our #1 Heavy Grenade Launcher. These are the top Cataphract GL3 God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Envious Assassin + Bait and Switch
How to get it: Cataphract GL3 can be acquired via Trials of Osiris (engrams and rank ups).
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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cataphract GL3 | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Strand | Lightfall | Yes | Heavy | Strand | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Trials of Osiris | No | Lightfall | Season 22 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | Bait and Switch |
Grenade Launchers and the PvP Meta: TTK
We covered which Grenade Launchers are considered top-tier (and should be farmed) and which ones can be safely ignored. But how do they compare to other Heavy weapons in PvP?
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rocket Launchers | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Rocket Launchers remain a staple in many players' loadouts. They can provide high-range one-shot kills, and can also do AoE damage which can potentially allow you to clear teams if they are close enough together. ► Best Archetype: Precision (15 RPM) - Example: Gjallarhorn | PVP Heavies |
Grenade Launchers | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Heavy Grenade Launchers are an incredible option for those who are confident in landing their direct hits. They can functionally serve as a Rocket Launcher, but instead of coming with only a single shot, Grenade Launchers can bring 3, which, of course, means more potential kills. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Memory Interdict | PVP Heavies |
Machine Guns | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Machine Guns are still an incredible option for Control as they can provide many kills. However, they do require multiple shots to kill which can lead to you potentially being Sniped or peak-shot by a Primary Weapon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (450 RPM) - Example: Corrective Measure | PVP Heavies |
Linear Fusion Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | ► Linear fusion rifles are in the middle of an identity crisis. They are stronger than sniper rifles and have more aim assistance, but they still require Heavy ammo and a headshot to one-shot an enemy. On top of that, they also have a charge time to take into account. Compared to a sniper rifle that fires immediately and only uses Special ammo, Linear Fusion rifles make little sense for the Crucible. | PVP Heavies | |
Swords | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | - | ► Swords are perhaps the most fun option (especially with Eager Edge); however, they are too inconsistent to warrant any competitive use. Furthermore, benefitting from third-person view is no longer possible without Heavy ammo, making the only niche usage swords had redundant. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive/Lightweight- Examples: Half-Truths/Quickfang | PVP Heavies |
This TTK guide includes the TTKs for every weapon in Destiny 2. But Heavy weapons follow different rules (except machine guns). These are supposed to be the most powerful weapons in the entire game, and the expectation is that they one-shot enemy guardians. This is why TTK is not applicable here.
For PVP, you want your Power weapon to be as reliable and consistent as possible. If you’re looking for a more forgiving weapon, a rocket launcher will be a better option. Having said that, Grenade Launchers get more ammo. Therefore, players who can master Grenade Launchers can easily secure a few kills per ammo brick.
Grenade Launchers and the PvE Meta: DPS
How do GLs compare to other Heavy weapons in PvE?
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rocket Launchers | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ► Main role: Burst Damage (Secondary role: Add Clear) ► If an S+ category existed, Rocket Launchers would be there. They absolutely dominate the DPS meta for any boss that isn't Crota and easily outclass other options thanks to their flexibility in damage rotations and their ability to be spammed at bosses. Rockets are incredibly strong right now, and it wouldn't be surprising if they received some tuning soon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (20 RPM) - Example: The Hothead | PVE Heavies | |
Machine Guns | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ► Main role: Add Clear ► With the nerf to double-special loadouts, players can't mindlessly spam Machine Guns at enemies anymore and be rewarded for it. However, Machine guns are still excellent at ad clear and remain decent for DPS. That said, for DPS, they are massively outclassed by Rocket Launchers. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (900 RPM) - Example: Retrofit Escapade | PVE Heavies | |
Swords | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ► Main roles: Add Clear & Single Target damage (i.e. Boss damage). ► Swords are in a good spot right now. In fact, they are the go-to option for Crota in Crota's End. However, this is only because of a modifier that increases Sword damage against Crota. Outside of this specific boss, Swords are a decent option that doesn't excel simply because they are out-damaged by other heavy weapons. ► Best Archetype: Whirlwind - Example: Falling Guillotine | PVE Heavies | |
Linear Fusion Rifles | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ► Main role: Single Target damage (Secondary role: Burst Damage) ► Linear Fusion Rifles might not be the top dogs anymore, but they are still serious contenders when it comes to total damage. Options like Cataclysmic and Briar's Contempt can still see some use in today's meta. However, despite their strengths, most situations do not require the amount of total damage that Linear Fusions offer, and if they do, options like Leviathan's Breath can fill that void very easily. ► Best Archetype: Precision (533 RPM) - Example: Reed's Regret | PVE Heavies | |
Grenade Launchers | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Main role: Add Clear (Secondary role: Single Target Damage). ► Grenade Launchers are on the rise, and with a couple of changes, we could see them soar to the top of the pile. For now, though, they remain a mediocre option with a couple of outliers, such as the Cataphract GL3, which is mainly good because it has Bait and Switch, not because it's a Grenade Launcher. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Cataphract GL3 | PVE Heavies |
Exotic Sniper Rifles | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | - | ► Main role: Single Target damage ► Exotic Snipers still require more help. D.A.R.C.I remains a complete joke, and Whisper of the Worm isn't strong enough to bring the ranking up. While Whisper is a surprisingly decent option, it requires a teammate using Divinity in most situations, unless you are very consistent with your shots. And even then, Rocket Launchers are still superior DPS options. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (72 RPM) - Example: Whisper of the Worm | PVE Heavies |
According to Bungie, these are the different roles for Heavy weapons:
Role | Explanation | Target Weapon types |
Add Clear | Clearing weaker enemies faster than you could with a primary ammo weapon. For most content, primaries do the add clear job perfectly well, so this is most useful in high-difficulty PvE. | Main: Machine Guns, Grenade Launchers, Swords
Secondary: Rocket Launchers |
Single Target Damage | Burning down a boss. | Main: Linear Fusion Rifles, Exotic Snipers, Swords
Secondary: Grenade Launchers, Machine Guns |
Burst Damage | Burning down a champion quickly, or for bosses with multiple damage phases, clearing a phase quickly. | Main: Rocket Launchers
Secondary: Linear Fusion Rifles |
Keep in mind that when it comes to PvE, DPS is one of the most important factors. As you know, the higher the DPS, the more damage you can deal to a Boss or Major. This DPS chart includes the DPS numbers for every weapon in Destiny 2.
When it comes to actual DPS, GLs are decent:
- | Weapon Type | Archetype | Sustained DPS | Mag DPS | Total Damage | Specs | --- | Best in Class | Change? | Ammo |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grenade Launcher | Exotic | 32139 | 32139 | 467950 | x20 Averaged | Parasite | Same | Heavy | ||
Grenade Launcher | Exotic | 31433 | 49979 | 346771 | - | The Prospector | Same | Heavy | ||
Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | 27019 | 37692 | 358074 | - | Memory Interdict | Same | Heavy | ||
Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | 25569 | 37715 | 346978 | - | Berenger's Memory | Same | Heavy | ||
Grenade Launcher | Exotic | 22014 | 32618 | 251622 | - | The Colony | Same | Heavy | ||
Grenade Launcher | Compressed Wave | 20777 | 33600 | 319200 | With Spike Grenades | Dimensional Hypotrochoid | Same | Heavy | ||
Grenade Launcher | Exotic | 16027 | 16027 | Max "Enrage" | Ex Diris | Special | ||||
Grenade Launcher | Exotic | 10630 | 10630 | 1013420 | - | Anarchy | Same | Heavy | ||
Grenade Launcher | Exotic | 9779 | 9779 | - | Witherhoard | Same | Special | |||
Grenade Launcher | Double Fire | 9490 | 9490 | 322854 | - | Wilderflight | Same | Special | ||
Grenade Launcher | Lightweight | 7757 | 7757 | 289041 | - | Ignition Code | Same | Special | ||
Grenade Launcher | Exotic | 7555 | 7555 | /w Catalyst | Fighting Lion | Same | Primary | |||
Grenade Launcher | Wave | 6741 | 6741 | 251160 | - | Forbearance | Same | Special | ||
Grenade Launcher | Exotic | 6741 | 6741 | 251160 | - | Dead Messenger | Special | |||
Grenade Launcher | Exotic | 3410 | 3922 | 70596 | - | Salvation's Grip | Heavy |
Before you go…
Are you looking for top-tier Primary and Special weapons to round out your loadout? We cover the Best Destiny 2 Sidearms and Best Destiny 2 Sniper Rifles, too.
You now know everything there is to know about Grenade Launchers in Destiny 2, whether that is for PVP or PVE content.
See latest Updates
- March 4, 2024: General updates and the inclusion of Grenade launchers from Seasons 22 and 23.
- Aug 21, 2023: General updates and the inclusion of GLs from Years 5 and 6.
- June 12, 2022: The guide is published for the first time.
Stay tuned, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for next season!
Lingering Dread is missing from the main list and does not have a tier ranking.
Prodigal Return, Harsh Language, Explosive Personality, and Deafening Whisper are all missing from the list.
Forbearance is missing from the main list and does not have a rank.
Hey mate, author here. This list is for Heavy GLs. If you’d like to see our breach loader list, it’s here:
https://www.blueberries.gg/weapons/breech-grenade-launchers/
Oh my God, lol.
Thank you / so sorry / thank you.