Best Grenade Launchers in Destiny 2: Tier List for PvP and PvE

Heavy Grenade launchers completely dominated for years until Bungie progressively buffed other weapon types in an effort to bring balance to the PVE meta.

Grenade launchers were eventually left behind, and these days, they are considered the worst Heavy weapons in the game. But that isn’t the case with Special ammo grenade launchers, which get stronger each season.

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 Deep (S21). See Updates.

Destiny 2 Grenade Launchers Tier List: Top-tier Options

This Tier list features the Top-tier Exotic and Legendary GLs and covers both PvE and PvP:

Name	Weapons	Type	Archetype	Ammo	Element	Requirements	In loot pool?	Rank	Source	Available?	Tier rank	Source ❘ DLC	Final Verdict	Released	Perks	Best of?
Anarchy	Anarchy	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Heavy	Arc	Forsaken Pack	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Kiosk		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Grenades stick to surfaces and chain Arc bolts to other mines. It also has the Moving Target perk." ► While it's time in the sun is long over, Anarchy still sits among the best Heavy GLs, though it suffers heavily from its ammo reserves being cut down. Still, it remains the only stacking damage over time effect, so do with that as you will.	Season 5	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Grenades stick to surfaces and chain Arc bolts to other mines. It also has the Moving Target perk."	Top-tier
Parasite	Parasite	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Heavy	Solar	The Witch Queen	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Quest		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Exotic Quest The Witch Queen	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires Hive worms which explode on impact. The size and damage of the explosion scales with the number of enemies you've defeated just before firing this weapon. Taking damage from your own worm projectile detonation empowers your weapons for a short time." ► Arguably the most unique gun in the game, Parasite fires live explosive worms instead of regular grenades. If you can get lots of Worm's Hunger stacks, this weapon can do some insane damage. Its unmatched burst damage and extremely high fun factor combine to make Parasite an extremely strong option in PVE.	Season 16	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires Hive worms which explode on impact. The size and damage of the explosion scales with the number of enemies you've defeated just before firing this weapon. Taking damage from your own worm projectile detonation empowers your weapons for a short time."	Top-tier
Wendigo GL3	Wendigo GL3	Grenade Launcher	Adaptive	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	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) ► Not much can be said about Wendigo that hasn't been already. It's old curated roll is still available, and with spike grenades, is actually better than its original incarnation. Try out Cascade Point for a different spin on DPS.	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
Typhon GL5	Typhon GL5	Grenade Launcher	Adaptive	Heavy	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	World loot pool		Strong ❘ A	World loot pool 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

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	Best ❘ S	PvE	Exotic Kiosk		Forsaken Pack	Season 5	Heavy	No	Top-tier
	Parasite	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Heavy	Solar	The Witch Queen	Yes	Heavy	Solar	Best ❘ S	PvE	Exotic Quest		The Witch Queen	Season 16	Heavy	No	Top-tier
	Salvation's Grip	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Heavy	Stasis	Beyond Light	Yes	Heavy	Stasis	Weak ❘ C	-	Exotic Quest		Beyond Light	Season 12	Heavy	No
	The Colony	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	Weak ❘ C	-	Exotic Engram		Free-to-Play	Season 2	Heavy	No
	The Prospector	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	Average ❘ B	PvE	Exotic Engram		Free-to-Play	Season 1	Heavy	No
	Acosmic GSp	Grenade Launcher	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	-		Event: Festival of the Lost		Free-to-Play	Season 22	Heavy	No
	Berenger's Memory	Grenade Launcher	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	Weak ❘ C	-	World loot pool		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		Free-to-Play	Season 12	Heavy	No
	Canis Major	Grenade Launcher	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Solar	Average ❘ B	PvE	Xûr		Free-to-Play	Season 15	Heavy	No
	Cataphract GL3	Grenade Launcher	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Strand	Lightfall	Yes	Heavy	Strand	-		Trials of Osiris		Lightfall	Season 22	Heavy	No
	Crowd Pleaser	Grenade Launcher	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	Average ❘ B	PvE	Playlist: Gambit		Free-to-Play	Season 12	Heavy	No
	Cry Mutiny	Grenade Launcher	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Solar	Average ❘ B	PvE	Exotic Kiosk		Free-to-Play	Season 18	Heavy	No
	Dimensional Hypotrochoid	Grenade Launcher	Wave	Legendary	Heavy	Stasis	Lightfall	Yes	Heavy	Stasis	Average ❘ B	PvE	Neomuna		Lightfall	Season 20	Heavy	Craftable
	Interference VI	Grenade Launcher	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	Average ❘ B	-	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 10	Heavy	No
	Koraxis's Distress	Grenade Launcher	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Heavy	Strand	Lightfall	Yes	Heavy	Strand	Average ❘ B	-	Root of Nightmares Raid		Lightfall	Season 20	Heavy	Craftable		Reconstruction
	Love and Death	Grenade Launcher	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Solar	Weak ❘ C	-	Moon		Free-to-Play	Season 14	Heavy	No
	Marsilion-C	Grenade Launcher	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Solar	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Lost Sector		Free-to-Play	Season 20	Heavy	Craftable	Top-tier	Incandescent,Explosive Light
	Memory Interdict	Grenade Launcher	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	Average ❘ B	PvP	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 14	Heavy	No
	Outrageous Fortune	Grenade Launcher	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Solar	Worst ❘ D	-	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 11	Heavy	No
	Regnant	Grenade Launcher	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Season 20	Yes	Heavy	Void	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Seasonal activity		Season 20	Season 20	Heavy	Craftable	Top-tier	Destabilizing Rounds,Repulsor Brace,Explosive Light
	Swarm of the Raven	Grenade Launcher	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	No	Heavy	Void	Average ❘ B	-	Iron Banner		Free-to-Play	Season 11	Heavy	No
	Tarnation	Grenade Launcher	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	The Witch Queen	Yes	Heavy	Arc	Weak ❘ C	-	Wellspring		The Witch Queen	Season 16	Heavy	Craftable
	Typhon GL5	Grenade Launcher	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Stasis	Strong ❘ A	-	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 16	Heavy	No	Top-tier	Explosive Light
	Wendigo GL3	Grenade Launcher	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Free-to-Play	Season 19	Heavy	No	Top-tier	Explosive Light

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: Top 5

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

Rarely do we have an exotic name pair so nicely with the mechanic of its perk.

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		The 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	Best ❘ S	PvE	Exotic Kiosk		Forsaken Pack	Season 5	Heavy	No	Top-tier

Regnant God rolls, Destiny 2

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.

Head into the Defiant Battlegrounds to get your pattern for this royal GL.

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		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.

As before, Wendigo drops from Nightfalls, so get some friends and earn yours now!

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	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Free-to-Play	Season 19	Heavy	No	Top-tier	Explosive Light

1. Typhon GL5

 Excels in PVE

Our first world drop Heavy GL to get Explosive Light, Typhon is an example of a reskin done right.

While Typhon might just be a repainted Wendigo at first glance, the difference of Auto Loading Holster to Impulse Amplifier creates a massive benefit in the efficacy of this GL. Being able to reliably hit targets from farther away means less time spent lining up shots, and potentially getting killed in the process. Additionally, Chill Clip, while slightly nerfed, can still be a reliable way to manage all champion types.

All things considered, Typhon is one of few world drops worth saving, and a great Heavy GL to boot.

PVE God roll:

• Impulse Amplifier + Explosive Light

How to get it: Typhon GL5 can be randomly acquired as end-of-match activities, from 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?
	Typhon GL5	Grenade Launcher	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Stasis	Strong ❘ A	-	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 16	Heavy	No	Top-tier	Explosive Light

Grenade Launchers and the PvP Meta: TTK

We covered in detail the Grenade Launchers that are considered top-tier (and should be farmed) and the ones that 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:

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	Average DPS	Burst DPS	Total Damage	Specs	---	Best in Class	Change?	Ammo
	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	22,720	-	293,776	At x20 Averaged		Parasite	Same	Heavy
	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	23,333	29,059	169,072	-		The Prospector	Same	Heavy
	Grenade Launcher	Adaptive	20,191	24,078	144,468	With Spike Grenades		Memory Interdict	Same	Heavy
	Grenade Launcher	Rapid-Fire	16,876	24,570	147,420	With Spike Grenades		Berenger's Memory	Same	Heavy
	Grenade Launcher	Precision	17,075	21,043	227,268	With Spike Grenades			Same	Heavy
	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	15,593	18,965	113,792	-		The Colony	Same	Heavy
	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	6,779	15,617	197,809	With Spike Grenades		Ignition Code	Same	Special
	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	6,241	14,376	182,096	-		Ignition Code	Same	Special
	Grenade Launcher	Wave	6,241	14,376	182,096	-		Forbearance	Same	Special
	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	5,256	9,713	161,883	With Catalyst		Fighting Lion	Same	Primary
	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	3,601	-	740,985	-		Witherhoard	Same	Special
	Grenade Launcher	Exotic	-->	6,418	385,080	-		Anarchy	Same	Heavy

Your turn

You now know everything there is to know about Grenade Launchers in Destiny 2, whether that is for PVP or PVE content.