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

by | Aug 21, 2023

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.

Checkmark icon V3Updated 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:

NameWeaponsTypeArchetypeAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?RankSourceAvailable?Tier rankSource ❘ DLCFinal VerdictReleasedPerksBest of?
AnarchyDestiny 2 Anarchy
Anarchy
Grenade LauncherExoticHeavyArcForsaken PackYesS › BestExotic KioskCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE
Exotic Kiosk
Forsaken Destiny 2 icon
Forsaken Pack
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 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 Arc | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 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
ParasiteParasite art
Parasite
Grenade LauncherExoticHeavySolarThe Witch QueenYesS › BestExotic QuestCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE
Exotic Quest
The Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
The Witch Queen
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 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 Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 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 GL3Wendigo GL3 art

Wendigo GL3
Grenade LauncherAdaptiveHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongNightfall: The OrdealsCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
Nightfall: The Ordeals
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 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 Arc | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Rolls: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Field Prep) + Explosive Light (also good: Cascade Point)
Top-tier
Marsilion-CMarsilion-C art
Marsilion-C
Grenade LauncherRapid-FireHeavySolarFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongLost SectorCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
Lost Sector
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 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 Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

PvE God Rolls: Envious Assassin (also good: Field Prep) + Explosive Light
Top-tier
RegnantRegnant art
Regnant
Grenade LauncherAdaptiveHeavyVoidSeason 20YesA › StrongSeasonal activityCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
Seasonal activity
Lightfall Preorder icon
Season 20
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 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 Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Rolls: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Envious Assassin) + Explosive Light (also good: Destabilising Rounds)
Top-tier
Typhon GL5Typhon GL5 art
Typhon GL5
Grenade LauncherAdaptiveHeavyStasisFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongWorld loot poolCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



World loot pool
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Stasis Stasis | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 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 Stasis | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 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:

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?Ammo?Element?TierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Destiny 2 AnarchyAnarchyGrenade LauncherExoticExoticHeavyArcForsaken PackYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
Best

S

PvEExotic KioskError icon V2Forsaken Destiny 2 icon
Forsaken Pack
Season 5HeavyNoTop-tier
Parasite artParasiteGrenade LauncherExoticExoticHeavySolarThe Witch QueenYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
Best

S

PvEExotic QuestError icon V2The Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
The Witch Queen
Season 16HeavyNoTop-tier
Salvation's Grip Destiny 2Salvation's GripGrenade LauncherExoticExoticHeavyStasisBeyond LightYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStasis Stasis
Weak

C

-Exotic QuestError icon V2Beyond Light Destiny 2 icon
Beyond Light
Season 12HeavyNo
Destiny 2 The Colony artThe ColonyGrenade LauncherExoticExoticHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
Weak

C

-Exotic EngramError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 2HeavyNo
Destiny 2 The Prospector artThe ProspectorGrenade LauncherExoticExoticHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
Average

B

PvEExotic EngramError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 1HeavyNo
Acosmic GSp artAcosmic GSpGrenade LauncherRapid-FireLegendaryHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void-Event: Festival of the LostError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 22HeavyNo
Berengers Memory Destiny 2 artBerenger's MemoryGrenade LauncherRapid-FireLegendaryHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
Weak

C

-World loot poolError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 11HeavyNo
Blast Battue Destiny 2 artBlast BattueGrenade LauncherAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
Weak

C

-Lost SectorError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 12HeavyNo
Canis Major artCanis MajorGrenade LauncherRapid-FireLegendaryHeavySolarFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
Average

B

PvEXûrError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 15HeavyNo
Cataphract GL3 artCataphract GL3Grenade LauncherAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyStrandLightfallYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStrand Element Strand-Trials of OsirisError icon V2Lightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Season 22HeavyNo
Crowd Pleaser Destiny 2 artCrowd PleaserGrenade LauncherAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
Average

B

PvEPlaylist: GambitError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 12HeavyNo
Cry Mutiny artCry MutinyGrenade LauncherAdaptiveLegendaryHeavySolarFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
Average

B

PvEExotic KioskError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 18HeavyNo
Dimensional Hypotrochoid artDimensional HypotrochoidGrenade LauncherWaveLegendaryHeavyStasisLightfallYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStasis Stasis
Average

B

PvENeomunaCheckmark icon V3Lightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Season 20HeavyCraftable
Destiny 2 Interference VIInterference VIGrenade LauncherAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
Average

B

-World loot poolError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 10HeavyNo
Koraxis's Distress artKoraxis's DistressGrenade LauncherRapid-FireLegendaryHeavyStrandLightfallYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStrand Element Strand
Average

B

-Root of Nightmares RaidCheckmark icon V3Lightfall Preorder icon
Lightfall
Season 20HeavyCraftableReconstruction
Love and Death artLove and DeathGrenade LauncherRapid-FireLegendaryHeavySolarFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
Weak

C

-MoonError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 14HeavyNo
Marsilion-C artMarsilion-CGrenade LauncherRapid-FireLegendaryHeavySolarFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
Strong

A

PvELost SectorCheckmark icon V3Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 20HeavyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent,Explosive Light
Memory Interdict artMemory InterdictGrenade LauncherAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
Average

B

PvPWorld loot poolError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 14HeavyNo
Outrageous Fortune Destiny 2 artOutrageous FortuneGrenade LauncherRapid-FireLegendaryHeavySolarFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
Worst

D

-World loot poolError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 11HeavyNo
Regnant artRegnantGrenade LauncherAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyVoidSeason 20YesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
Strong

A

PvESeasonal activityCheckmark icon V3Lightfall Preorder icon
Season 20
Season 20HeavyCraftableTop-tierDestabilizing Rounds,Repulsor Brace,Explosive Light
Swarm of the Raven Destiny 2Swarm of the RavenGrenade LauncherRapid-FireLegendaryHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayNoHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
Average

B

-Iron BannerError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 11HeavyNo
Tarnation artTarnationGrenade LauncherRapid-FireLegendaryHeavyArcThe Witch QueenYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
Weak

C

-WellspringCheckmark icon V3The Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
The Witch Queen
Season 16HeavyCraftable
Typhon GL5 artTyphon GL5Grenade LauncherAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyStasisFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStasis Stasis
Strong

A

-World loot poolError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 16HeavyNoTop-tierExplosive Light
Wendigo GL3 art
Wendigo GL3Grenade LauncherAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
Strong

A

PvENightfall: The OrdealsError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 19HeavyNoTop-tierExplosive 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):

 

Parasite Grenade launcher featured

5. Parasite

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 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:

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?Ammo?Element?TierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Parasite artParasiteGrenade LauncherExoticExoticHeavySolarThe Witch QueenYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
Best

S

PvEExotic QuestError icon V2The Witch Queen Destiny 2 icon
The Witch Queen
Season 16HeavyNoTop-tier

Anarchy grenade launcher Destiny 2 featured

4. Anarchy

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 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.

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?Ammo?Element?TierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Destiny 2 AnarchyAnarchyGrenade LauncherExoticExoticHeavyArcForsaken PackYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
Best

S

PvEExotic KioskError icon V2Forsaken Destiny 2 icon
Forsaken Pack
Season 5HeavyNoTop-tier

 

Regnant Grenade launcher screen Destiny 2

Regnant God rolls, Destiny 2

3. Regnant

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 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.

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?Ammo?Element?TierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Regnant artRegnantGrenade LauncherAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyVoidSeason 20YesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
Strong

A

PvESeasonal activityCheckmark icon V3Lightfall Preorder icon
Season 20
Season 20HeavyCraftableTop-tierDestabilizing Rounds,Repulsor Brace,Explosive Light

 

Wendigo GL3 grenade launcher

2. Wendigo GL3

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 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).

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?Ammo?Element?TierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Wendigo GL3 art
Wendigo GL3Grenade LauncherAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
Strong

A

PvENightfall: The OrdealsError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 19HeavyNoTop-tierExplosive Light

 

Typhon GL5 Grenade launcher featured

1. Typhon GL5

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 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.

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?Ammo?Element?TierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Typhon GL5 artTyphon GL5Grenade LauncherAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyStasisFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStasis Stasis
Strong

A

-World loot poolError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 16HeavyNoTop-tierExplosive 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 RankTierTrendRole ❘ Current StateCategory
Rocket launcher weapon type Destiny 2
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 launcher weapon type Destiny 2
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 gun weapon type Destiny 2
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 rifle weapon type Destiny 2
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
Sword weapon type Destiny 2
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 RankTierTrendRole ❘ Current StateCategory
Rocket launcher weapon type Destiny 2
Rocket Launchers
S › Best
Best

S

Trend upMain 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 gun weapon type Destiny 2
Machine Guns
A › Strong
Strong

A

Trend upMain 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
Sword weapon type Destiny 2
Swords
A › Strong
Strong

A

Trend upMain 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 rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Linear Fusion Rifles
A › Strong
Strong

A

Trend downMain 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 launcher weapon type Destiny 2
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
Sniper rifle weapon type Destiny 2
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 TypeArchetypeAverage DPSBurst DPSTotal DamageSpecs---Best in ClassChange?Ammo
Grenade launcher weapon type Destiny 2Grenade Launcher

Exotic

22,720-293,776At x20 AveragedParasite artParasiteSameHeavy
Grenade launcher weapon type Destiny 2Grenade Launcher

Exotic

23,33329,059169,072-Destiny 2 The Prospector artThe ProspectorSameHeavy
Grenade launcher weapon type Destiny 2Grenade LauncherAdaptive20,19124,078144,468With Spike GrenadesMemory Interdict artMemory InterdictSameHeavy
Grenade launcher weapon type Destiny 2Grenade LauncherRapid-Fire16,87624,570147,420With Spike Grenades class=Berenger's MemorySameHeavy
Grenade launcher weapon type Destiny 2Grenade LauncherPrecision17,07521,043227,268With Spike GrenadesSameHeavy
Grenade launcher weapon type Destiny 2Grenade Launcher

Exotic

15,59318,965113,792-Destiny 2 The Colony artThe ColonySameHeavy
Grenade launcher weapon type Destiny 2Grenade LauncherLightweight6,77915,617197,809With Spike GrenadesIgnition Code artIgnition CodeSameSpecial
Grenade launcher weapon type Destiny 2Grenade LauncherLightweight6,24114,376182,096-Ignition Code artIgnition CodeSameSpecial
Grenade launcher weapon type Destiny 2Grenade LauncherWave6,24114,376182,096-Forbearance art v2ForbearanceSameSpecial
Grenade launcher weapon type Destiny 2Grenade Launcher

Exotic

5,2569,713161,883With CatalystDestiny 2 Fighting Lion artFighting LionSamePrimary
Fusion rifle weapon type Destiny 2Grenade Launcher

Exotic

3,601-740,985-Witherhoard art Destiny 2WitherhoardSameSpecial
Grenade launcher weapon type Destiny 2Grenade Launcher

Exotic

-->6,418385,080-Destiny 2 AnarchyAnarchySameHeavy

Your turn

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

We keep our content up to date! These are the latest changes made to this guide:
  • 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!

About The Author

Wyatt Lamb
Wyatt Lamb
If you asked any of my friends what I like to do with Destiny 2, they’d probably say “break it”. Build the biggest DPS, clear ads the fastest, zip zoom across the room; that’s my game. And with Blueberries.gg, I hope to show you all how to top the charts and make your friends go “wow”. You can find Wyatt on Twitter.
More from Wyatt Lamb
5 Comments
  1. Veggies

    Lingering Dread is missing from the main list and does not have a tier ranking.

    Reply
  2. VEggies

    Prodigal Return, Harsh Language, Explosive Personality, and Deafening Whisper are all missing from the list.

    Reply
  3. VEggies

    Forbearance is missing from the main list and does not have a rank.

    Reply
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