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 all Grenade launchers in Destiny 2 and their best rolls for PvE and PvP.
Update based on Episode 3: Heresy. See Updates.
Top Tier Heavy Grenade Launchers (Episode 3)
These are the best Exotic and Legendary Grenade Launchers right now:
Item | Weapons | Type | Archetype | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Rank | Source | Available? | Tier rank | Source ❘ DLC | Final Verdict | Released | Perks | Best of? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wicked Sister | ![]() Wicked Sister Grenade Launcher | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Heavy | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Playlist: Vanguard | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Playlist: Vanguard![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Envious Assassin) + Bait and Switch (also good: Cascade Point) PvP God Roll: Impulse Amplifier (also good: Danger Zone) + Reverberation ► Bungie clearly wanted to make sure there was no shortage of S-tier grenade launchers, with Wicked Sister being the third one to receive the Envious Arsenal + Bait and Switch roll. The catch, however, as a Vanguard weapon, it will take a lot of luck or resets to get it. | Episode 2 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Envious Assassin) + Bait and Switch (also good: Cascade Point) PvP God Roll: Impulse Amplifier (also good: Danger Zone) + Reverberation | Top-tier |
Edge Transit | ![]() Edge Transit Grenade Launcher | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Onslaught Activity | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Onslaught Activity![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Cascade Point) + Bait and Switch ► Edge Transit's refresh has turned it into a meta DPS weapon. Envious Assassin lets it virtually load its entire reserves into one mag, and Bait and Switch is still as powerful as ever. Cascade Point is a good alternative to Envious in certain loadouts. | Into the Light | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Cascade Point) + Bait and Switch | Top-tier |
Bitter/Sweet | ![]() Bitter/Sweet Grenade Launcher | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Heavy | Arc | Episode 2: Revenant | Yes | S › Best | Revenant Activities | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Revenant Activities![]() Episode 2: Revenant | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal + Bait and Switch ► Yet another grenade launcher with the Envious Arsenal + Bait and Switch combo, Bitter/Sweet is one of the strongest out there. It might not be a rapid-fire, but it still packs a punch all the same. | Episode 2 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal + Bait and Switch | Top-tier |
VS Chill Inhibitor | ![]() VS Chill Inhibitor Grenade Launcher | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Heavy | Stasis | The Final Shape Dungeon Key | Yes | S › Best | Vesper's Host Dungeon | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Vesper's Host Dungeon![]() The Final Shape Dungeon Key | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Demolitionist) + Bait and Switch ► A gun so good, Bungie accidentally made the god roll almost impossible to get. VS Chill Inhibitor rolls with a devestating combo of Envious Arsenal and Bait and Switch, both of which activate off of the same conditions, and makes for a solid DPS weapon. | Episode 2 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Demolitionist) + Bait and Switch | Top-tier |
Wendigo GL3 | ![]() Wendigo GL3 Grenade Launcher | 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: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() PvE God Rolls: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Field Prep) + Explosive Light (also good: Cascade Point) | Top-tier |
Parasite | ![]() Parasite Grenade Launcher | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | The Witch Queen | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Quest | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Exotic Quest![]() Witch Queen | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires Hive worms which explode on impact. The size and damage of the explosion scales with the number of enemies you've defeated just before firing this weapon. Taking damage from your own worm projectile detonation empowers your weapons for a short time." ► Arguably the most unique gun in the game, Parasite fires live explosive worms instead of regular grenades. If you can get lots of Worm's Hunger stacks, this weapon can do some insane damage. Its unmatched burst damage and extremely high fun factor combine to make Parasite an extremely strong option in PVE. | Season 16 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Fires Hive worms which explode on impact. The size and damage of the explosion scales with the number of enemies you've defeated just before firing this weapon. Taking damage from your own worm projectile detonation empowers your weapons for a short time." | Top-tier |
Typhon GL5 | ![]() Typhon GL5 Grenade Launcher | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Heavy | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Gunsmith | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Gunsmith![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Impulse Amplifier + Explosive Light (also good: Chill Klip) | Top-tier |
Marsilion-C | ![]() Marsilion-C Grenade Launcher | 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: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() PvE God Rolls: Envious Assassin (also good: Field Prep) + Explosive Light | Top-tier |
Regnant | ![]() Regnant Grenade Launcher | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Heavy | Void | Lightfall | Yes | A › Strong | Avalon | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Avalon![]() Lightfall | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() PvE God Rolls: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Envious Assassin) + Explosive Light (also good: Destabilising Rounds) | Top-tier |
Memory Interdict | ![]() Memory Interdict Grenade Launcher | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Xûr | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Xûr![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Impulse Amplifier (also good: Quickdraw )+ Danger Zone | Top-tier |
Cataphract GL3 | ![]() Cataphract GL3 Grenade Launcher | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Heavy | Strand | The Final Shape | Yes | A › Strong | Trials of Osiris | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Trials of Osiris![]() The Final Shape | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() PvP God Rolls: Impulse Amplifier + Vorpal Weapon | Top-tier |
💠 We cover Special ammo Breech-Loaded Grenade launchers here.
Heavy Grenade Launchers: Complete List
Art | Name | 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 | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Forsaken Pack | Season 5 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Parasite | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | The Witch Queen | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE | Exotic Quest | ![]() | ![]() Witch Queen | Season 16 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Salvation's Grip | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Stasis | Beyond Light Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | Exotic Quest | ![]() | ![]() Beyond Light Pack | Season 12 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | The Colony | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | Exotic Engram | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 2 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | The Prospector | Grenade Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | Exotic Engram | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 1 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Acosmic | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Event: Festival of the Lost | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Episode 2 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Berenger's Memory | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Bitter/Sweet | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Episode 2: Revenant | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE | Revenant Activities | ![]() | ![]() Episode 2: Revenant | Episode 2 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Blast Battue | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Lost Sector | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 12 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Canis Major | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE | Xûr | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Cataphract GL3 | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Strand | The Final Shape | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvP | Trials of Osiris | ![]() | ![]() The Final Shape | Season 22 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | Bait and Switch |
![]() | Crowd Pleaser | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Playlist: Gambit | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 12 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Cry Mutiny | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Dimensional Hypotrochoid | Grenade Launcher | Wave | Legendary | Heavy | Stasis | Lightfall | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE | Neomuna | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall | Season 20 | Heavy | Craftable | ||
![]() | Edge Transit | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE | Onslaught Activity | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Into the Light | Heavy | No | Top-tier | Bait and Switch |
![]() | Hullabaloo | Grenade Launcher | Wave | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE | Event: Guardian Games | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 23 | Heavy | No | Voltshot | |
![]() | Interference VI | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 10 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Koraxis's Distress | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Strand | Lightfall | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | - | Root of Nightmares Raid | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall | Season 20 | Heavy | Craftable | Reconstruction | |
![]() | Love and Death | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Moon | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Marsilion-C | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | 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 | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvP | Xûr | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Outrageous Fortune | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Regnant | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Lightfall | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE | Avalon | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall | 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 | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | - | Iron Banner | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Tarnation | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | The Witch Queen | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Wellspring | ![]() | ![]() Witch Queen | Season 16 | Heavy | Craftable | ||
![]() | Typhon GL5 | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE | Gunsmith | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | Explosive Light |
![]() | VS Chill Inhibitor | Grenade Launcher | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Heavy | Stasis | The Final Shape Dungeon Key | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE | Vesper's Host Dungeon | ![]() | ![]() The Final Shape Dungeon Key | Episode 2 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Wendigo GL3 | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE + PvP | Nightfall: The Ordeals | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 19 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | Explosive Light |
![]() | Wicked Sister | Grenade Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE + PvP | Playlist: Vanguard | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Episode 2 | Heavy | No | Top-tier |
Tier Ranks used for our list:
- S+ Tier – Meta: Weapons so good they singlehandedly shifted the current meta
- S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapons.
- A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapons, but not on the same level as S Tier Choices.
- B Tier – Average: Either decent weapons or weapons that fit a very specific niche/use case.
- C Tier – Weak: Mediocre weapons that are easily outclassed by the competition.
- D Tier – Worst: Weapons that don’t have much to offer and don’t deserve your attention.
Best D2 Grenade Launchers Today
If you’re prepared to only chase the best of the best, these are the 5 absolute best Heavy GLs in the game:
5. Cataphract GL3
Excels in PvE
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. These are the top Cataphract GL3 God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Envious Assassin + Bait and Switch
How to get it: Cataphract GL3 is a Trials of Osiris Weapon that can be acquired from Trials completions, Engrams, and/or rank-ups.
![]() Name: Cataphract GL3 | Type: Grenade LauncherArchetype: Adaptive | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: Season 22 | Source: Trials of OsirisRequires: The Final Shape |
4. Bitter/Sweet
Excels in PvE
Yet another grenade launcher with the Envious Arsenal + Bait and Switch combo, Bitter/Sweet is one of the strongest out there. It might not be a rapid-fire, but it still packs a punch all the same. These are the top Bitter/Sweet God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Envious Arsenal + Bait and Switch
How to get it: Bitter/Sweet is a Revenant Weapon from Episode 2.
![]() Name: Bitter/Sweet | Type: Grenade LauncherArchetype: Adaptive | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: Episode 2 | Source: Revenant ActivitiesRequires: Episode 2: Revenant |
3. VS Chill Inhibitor
Excels in PvE
A gun so good, Bungie accidentally made the god roll almost impossible to get. VS Chill Inhibitor rolls with a devestating combo of Envious Arsenal and Bait and Switch, both of which activate off of the same conditions, and makes for a solid DPS weapon. These are the top VS Chill Inhibitor God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Demolitionist) + Bait and Switch
How to get it: VS Chill Inhibitor can be acquired from the Vesper’s Host Dungeon.
![]() Name: VS Chill Inhibitor | Type: Grenade LauncherArchetype: Rapid-Fire | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: Episode 2 | Source: Vesper's Host DungeonRequires: The Final Shape Dungeon Key |
2. Wicked Sister
Excels in PvE
Bungie clearly wanted to make sure there was no shortage of S-tier grenade launchers, with Wicked Sister being the third one to receive the Envious Arsenal + Bait and Switch roll. The catch, however, as a Vanguard weapon, it will take a lot of luck or resets to get it.. These are the top Wicked Sister God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Envious Assassin) + Bait and Switch (also good: Cascade Point)
How to get it: Wicked Sister is a Vanguard Weapon that can be acquired from Activity completions, Engram focusing, and/or rank-ups.
![]() Name: Wicked Sister | Type: Grenade LauncherArchetype: Adaptive | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: Episode 2 | Source: Playlist: VanguardRequires: Free-to-Play |
1. Edge Transit
Excels in PvE
Edge Transit’s refresh has turned it into a meta DPS weapon. Envious Assassin lets it virtually load its entire reserves into one mag, and Bait and Switch is still as powerful as ever. Cascade Point is a good alternative to Envious in certain loadouts. These are the top Edge Transit God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Cascade Point) + Bait and Switch
How to get it: Edge Transit is an Onslaught weapon that can be acquired from activity completions, Engrams, and/or rank-ups.
![]() Name: Edge Transit | Type: Grenade LauncherArchetype: Adaptive | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: Into the Light | Source: Onslaught ActivityRequires: Free-to-Play |
Grenade Launchers and the Meta
How do Grenade launchers compare to other Heavy weapons in PvE and PvP?
The PvE Meta
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Exotic Sniper Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ![]() | ► Main role: Single Target damage ► The recent buffs to certain Snipers, like Whisper of the Worm, and the Sniper's Meditation artifact mod make Exotic Sniper Rifles an easy, accessible, and powerful DPS option on bosses like The Witness in particular. Any boss that has a reasonable crit spot and a decently lengthed damage phase can be destroyed by Whisper right now, and you should definitely take advantage of it. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (72 RPM) - Example: Whisper of the Worm | PVE Heavies |
![]() Grenade Launchers | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ![]() | ► Main role: Add Clear (Secondary role: Single Target Damage). ► Grenade Launchers have finally reached the apex of the DPS meta. Grenade Launchers like Edge Transit and Cataphract GL3 with Envious Assassin and Bait and Switch are incredibly powerful thanks to the amount of burst damage they can put out. Because of this, it's safe to say that Grenade Launchers belong in the top tier of PvE Heavies. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Edge Transit | 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 pretty decent right now. In fact, they are the go-to option for Crota in Crota's End and for the Herald of Finality in Salvation's Edge. However, this is only because of the design of the boss fight and a specific buff to Sword damage against Crota. Outside of these bosses, Swords are a decent but mediocre option as they are simply out-damaged by other heavy weapons. ► Best Archetype: Whirlwind - Example: Falling Guillotine | PVE Heavies |
![]() Rocket Launchers | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ![]() | ► Main role: Burst Damage (Secondary role: Add Clear) ► Rockets aren't as good as they used to be, but they are still definitely usable. In most relevant content such as the most recent raid, Salvation's Edge, Rockets aren't too popular (outside of Still Hunt rotations). Despite this Rockets are still a competitive option, and they do some solid burst damage. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (20 RPM) - Example: Apex Predator | 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 |
Remember that DPS is one of the most important factors when it comes to PvE. 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.
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 |
The PvP Meta
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 |
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. This TTK guide includes the TTK figures 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.
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 19, 2025: Inclusion of Grenade launchers from Episodes 2 & 3 and updates based on the Episode: Heresy’s meta.
- 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.
You guys really need to change the title to add “Heavy Weapon” maybe in ( ) after Grenade Launcher. 99% of players skim right past any intro as we are all looking for the list and rolls, not the intro to the page.
I was dumbfounded at first not seeing Harsh Language until I realized no breach loaders /specials were on the list. Then I saw your comment.
Your missing Empty Vessel I just had drop on 4/17/24
Love the site! Thanks for all the hard work.
Regnant is rated an A on this list and and S here:
https://www.blueberries.gg/weapons/regnant-god-rolls/
Just figured you would want consistency =)