Best Hand Cannons in Destiny 2: Tier List & God Rolls (S27)

Hand cannons have been at the top of the PvP Meta since the early days of Destiny 1. 10 years later, they remain at the top for the Crucible. And thanks to a few notable buffs recently released, Hand Cannons have become meta for PvE too. This guide covers all Hand Cannons in Destiny 2 and their God rolls for PvE and PvP.

Updated as of The Edge of Fate. See Updates.

Chapters

Top Tier Hand Cannons for PvE & PvP

These are the best Exotic and Legendary Hand Cannons right now (those we consider A-Tier or better):

Item	Weapon	Type	Archetype	Ammo?	Element?	Requirements	Rank	Source	Tier Rank	Source ❘ DLC	Verdict	Released	Perks	Best of?
Exalted Truth	Exalted Truth Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Primary	Void	The Final Shape	S › Best	Trials of Osiris	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris The Final Shape	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Destabilizing Rounds + One for All or Repulsor Brace PvP God Roll: Slideshot or Keep Away + Precision Instrument or Opening Shot ► Exalted Truth’s newest version is arguably one of the best hand cannons in the game. With a host of options for both PvE and PvP, this hand cannon is something to chase for all players.	Season 19	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Destabilizing Rounds + One for All or Repulsor Brace PvP God Roll: Slideshot or Keep Away + Precision Instrument or Opening Shot	Top-tier
Warden's Law	Warden's Law Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Heavy Burst	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	S › Best	Nightfall: The Ordeals	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Heavy Burst PvE God Roll: Fourth Time's the Charm (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Vorpal Weapon (also good: Frenzy ) PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: Discord) + Kill Clip ► While Warden's Law is only known for one thing (absurdly high DPS with the Hunter's Lucky Pants), it does exceptionally well at it. Although it definitely isn't a meta pick outside of that one use case, that alone bursts it above most of the pack; plus, it's an extremely fun and unique gun to use regardless!	Season 22	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Heavy Burst PvE God Roll: Fourth Time's the Charm (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Vorpal Weapon (also good: Frenzy ) PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: Discord) + Kill Clip	Top-tier
Sunshot	Sunshot Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	S › Best	Exotic Engram	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires explosive rounds. Targets killed with Sunshot explode in Solar energy." ► Sunshot is a top-of-the-line primary weapon and still dominates in all forms of content. It is perfect for almost all types of PvE content, and you can't really go wrong with it at all.	Season 1	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires explosive rounds. Targets killed with Sunshot explode in Solar energy."	Top-tier
Zaouli’s Bane	Zaouli’s Bane Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	S › Best	King's Fall Raid	❘ S Excels in: PvE	King's Fall Raid Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Explosive Payload + Incandescent ► On top of offering excellent base stats (which can only be expected from a raid weapon), the Zaouli's Bane can also roll with an extremely lethal and unique perk combination: Explosive Payload + Incandescent. With a strong Solar 3.0 Build, a Zaouli's Bane with Incandescent can be a monster in mid to high-end PvE content.	Season 18	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Explosive Payload + Incandescent	Top-tier
Word of Crota	Word of Crota Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Precision	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	S › Best	Crota's End Raid	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Crota's End Raid Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace or Dragonfly + Destabilizing Rounds ► Word of Crota is pretty decisively the best 180RPM hand cannon currently available, offering absolutely strong perks like Destabilizing Rounds and Sword Logic. 180 RPM hand cannons can take a bit to get used to, but if you can stand their vertical kickback, Word of Crota is the play.	Season 22	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace or Dragonfly + Destabilizing Rounds	Top-tier
Midnight Coup	Midnight Coup Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	S › Best	Onslaught Activity	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Onslaught Activity Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Firefly or Explosive Payload + Frenzy or One for All ► Midnight Coup offers a plethora of perks. While the classic Outlaw and Rampage combo is still strong, Midnight Coup offers insane perk combinations that set it apart, and help it excel, be it for ad clear or taking down Majors.	Into the Light	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Firefly or Explosive Payload + Frenzy or One for All	Top-tier
Yesterday's Question	Yesterday's Question Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Heavy Burst	Primary	Arc	The Final Shape	S › Best	Trials of Osiris	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Trials of Osiris The Final Shape	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Heavy Burst PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Vorpal Weapon (also good: Voltshot) ► Yesterday's Question is effectively an energy slot version of Warden's Law. Nation of Beasts and similar options may continue to be more popular picks for those who don't like the Heavy Burst frame, but these weapons combined with Lucky Pants are a force to be reckoned with.	Episode 2	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Heavy Burst PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Vorpal Weapon (also good: Voltshot)	Top-tier
Unloved	Unloved Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Heavy Burst	Primary	Strand	The Final Shape Dungeon Key	S › Best	Sundered Doctrine Dungon	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Sundered Doctrine Dungon The Final Shape Dungeon Key	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Heavy Burst PvE God Roll: Dragonfly (also good: Hatchling) + Frenzy (also good: Elemental Honing) ► Unloved is a decent utility option in PvE, especially as Heavy Burst Hand Cannons are quite good for damage.	Episode 3	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Heavy Burst PvE God Roll: Dragonfly (also good: Hatchling) + Frenzy (also good: Elemental Honing)	Top-tier
Uncivil Discourse	Uncivil Discourse Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Dynamic Heat Weapon	Special	Arc	Renegades	S › Best	Renegades Destination	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Renegades Destination Renegades	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Dynamic Heat Weapon PvE God Roll: Air Trigger (also good: Cooling Baubles) + Precision Instrument (also good: Frenzy ) ► In PvE, Uncivil Discourse has flown straight into the high-end of the meta with excellent damage potential when taking on the toughest opponents. It takes this power into PvP too, lethal at range and feels very smooth in play when pushing for the win.	Renegades	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Dynamic Heat Weapon PvE God Roll: Air Trigger (also good: Cooling Baubles) + Precision Instrument (also good: Frenzy )	Top-tier
Hawkmoon	Hawkmoon Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Beyond Light Pack	S › Best	Xûr	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Xûr Beyond Light Pack	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Final blows and precision hits with Hawkmoon grant stacks of Paracausal Charge. The final round in the magazine deals bonus damage based on the number of stacks. Stowing Hawkmoon on the final round removes this bonus." ► Hawkmoon is one of the strongest Exotic Hand Cannons in PvP. It can consistently 2-tap (and even 1-tap) opposing Guardians, provided you are accurate enough. In the hands of an experienced player, Hawkmoon is definitely something to fear.	Season 12	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Final blows and precision hits with Hawkmoon grant stacks of Paracausal Charge. The final round in the magazine deals bonus damage based on the number of stacks. Stowing Hawkmoon on the final round removes this bonus."	Top-tier
Rose	Rose Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Lightweight	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	S › Best	Playlist: Crucible	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Playlist: Crucible Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvP God Rolls: Moving Target + Explosive Payload (also good: Eye of the Storm) ► Rose was a reward from competitive PvP, so it makes sense that it's a monster in The Crucible. The weapon has absurd stats and perks that allow it to rocket past its competition. Sure, it's harder to obtain than other options, but this grind is easily worth it if you're an avid Crucible player.	Season 19	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvP God Rolls: Moving Target + Explosive Payload (also good: Eye of the Storm)	Top-tier
Mos Athanor IV	Mos Athanor IV Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	S › Best	Crucible Ops	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Crucible Ops Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf or Slideways + Precision Instrument (also good: Adagio) ► Mos Athanor IV is going to be the PvP hand cannon staple going forward into the Gear Tier era, and is simply essential for any PvP player.	Renegades	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf or Slideways + Precision Instrument (also good: Adagio)	Top-tier
Corundum Hammer	Corundum Hammer Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Primary	Strand	Renegades	S › Best	Trials of Osiris	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Trials of Osiris Renegades	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvP God Roll: Slideshot + Opening Shot or Explosive Payload ► While it's unlikely that Corundum Hammer will outshine its competition, it doesn’t really need to. What is offered here is something players have been wanting for a good while: a solid Strand handcannon for PvP, and we finally have it.	Renegades	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvP God Roll: Slideshot + Opening Shot or Explosive Payload	Top-tier
Fatebringer	Fatebringer Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Vault of Glass Raid	❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Vault of Glass Raid Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Explosive Payload + Frenzy (also good: Firefly ) PvP God Roll: Explosive Payload or Opening Shot and Eye of the Storm ► Overall, Fatebringer is amazing in PvE thanks to the Origin Trait and solid perk combos available on the weapon. In PvP, Fatebringer is a good competitor, but it is slightly worse than some of the top options.	Episode 3	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Explosive Payload + Frenzy (also good: Firefly ) PvP God Roll: Explosive Payload or Opening Shot and Eye of the Storm	Top-tier
Phoneutria Fera	Phoneutria Fera Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Spread Shot	Primary	Solar	The Edge of Fate	A › Strong	Seasonal Events	❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Seasonal Events The Edge of Fate	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Spread Shot PvE God Roll: Threat Detector or Proximity Power + Surrounded or Incandescent (also good: One-Two Punch) PvP God Roll: Slideshot or Threat Detector (also good: Barrel Constrictor) + Swashbuckler or One-Two Punch ► An excellent first outing for this new hand cannon frame. While the harsh drop-off will take some getting used to, Phoneutria is both fun and powerful in all manner of content. Truly the start of something great.	The Edge of Fate	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Spread Shot PvE God Roll: Threat Detector or Proximity Power + Surrounded or Incandescent (also good: One-Two Punch) PvP God Roll: Slideshot or Threat Detector (also good: Barrel Constrictor) + Swashbuckler or One-Two Punch	Top-tier
Agape	Agape Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Heavy Burst	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Kepler	❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Kepler Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Heavy Burst PvE God Roll: Heal Clip + Incandescent or Firefly PvP God Roll: Encore or Moving Target + Precision Instrument ► Agape is Solar’s answer to weapons like Unloved and the Maahes HC4 in PvE, and a potential problem in PvP. The ability to 2 burst with Precision Instrument and a serviceable weapon stat makes Agape something special.	The Edge of Fate	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Heavy Burst PvE God Roll: Heal Clip + Incandescent or Firefly PvP God Roll: Encore or Moving Target + Precision Instrument	Top-tier
Aureus Neutralizer	Aureus Neutralizer Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Spread Shot	Primary	Kinetic	The Edge of Fate	A › Strong	Trials of Osiris	❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris The Edge of Fate	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Spread Shot PvE God Roll: Vorpal Weapon or Grave Robber + Trench Barrel or Cascade Point (also good: One-Two Punch) PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf + Closing Time or Opening Shot ► The second Spread Shot Hand Cannon, Aureus Neutralizer puts a greater focus on melee. The presence of options like Trench Barrel, Grave Robber, and even Cascade Point add something unique to the weapon, making it a strong pick.	The Edge of Fate	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Spread Shot PvE God Roll: Vorpal Weapon or Grave Robber + Trench Barrel or Cascade Point (also good: One-Two Punch) PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf + Closing Time or Opening Shot	Top-tier
Nation of Beasts	Nation of Beasts Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Primary	Arc	Forsaken Pack	A › Strong	Last Wish Raid	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Last Wish Raid Forsaken Pack	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Dragonfly (also good: Eddy Current) + Voltshot (also good: Collective Action) ► Nation of Beasts was treated well with the Last Wish weapon refresh. While it's not the absolute strongest option out there, it's one of the best pairings for Arc builds in PvE.	Season 4	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Dragonfly (also good: Eddy Current) + Voltshot (also good: Collective Action)	Top-tier
Ancient Gospel	Ancient Gospel Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Primary	Void	Shadowkeep Pack	A › Strong	Garden of Salvation Raid	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Garden of Salvation Raid Shadowkeep Pack	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Destabilizing Rounds + Explosive Payload ► Garden of Salvation loot finally got a refresh, and it caused weapons like Ancient Gospel to finally have a place in the meta once more. Especially with Destabilizing Rounds in the first column, Ancient Gospel is a great option for Void subclass users.	Season 8	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Destabilizing Rounds + Explosive Payload	Top-tier
Posterity	Posterity Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Precision	Primary	Arc	Beyond Light Pack	A › Strong	Deep Stone Crypt Raid	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Deep Stone Crypt Raid Beyond Light Pack	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Reconstruction (also good: Rapid Hit) + One for All (also good: Rampage) ► With an extremely strong perk pool and amazing stats, Posterity is easily one of the best 180 RPM Hand Cannon in the game. The problem is it belongs to the weak Precision Frame archetype... While it isn't the best choice now, it might be worth picking up a roll you like when 180s get buffed.	Season 12	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Reconstruction (also good: Rapid Hit) + One for All (also good: Rampage)	Top-tier
Maahes HC4	Maahes HC4 Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Heavy Burst	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	World loot pool	❘ A Excels in: PvE	World loot pool Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Heavy Burst PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit or Repulsor Brace + Frenzy or Destabilizing Rounds ► As with many other Void weapons in the game, Maahes HC4 greatly benefitted from the recent Destabilizing Rounds buff. Despite it not recieving too much press, this weapon is outstanding as both a workhorse option and one to synergize with Void builds.	The Final Shape	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Heavy Burst PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit or Repulsor Brace + Frenzy or Destabilizing Rounds	Top-tier
Graviton Spike	Graviton Spike Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Primary	Arc	The Edge of Fate	A › Strong	Exotic Quest	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Quest The Edge of Fate	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Swap between fast-firing Arc mode or slow-firing Stasis mode. Final blows and precision hits overcharge the opposing mode to enable additional effects. While overcharged, each mode expends a portion of overcharge for additional effects on final blows or precision hits: - Arc mode calls down lightning strikes. - Stasis mode creates an explosion and a formation of Stasis crystals." ► Graviton Spike is fun to use in PvE, if nothing else. While it hasn't proven worthy to have a spot in the meta just yet, the base version is strong, its catalysts are great, and it's an amazing way to build Transcendence energy!	The Edge of Fate	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Swap between fast-firing Arc mode or slow-firing Stasis mode. Final blows and precision hits overcharge the opposing mode to enable additional effects. While overcharged, each mode expends a portion of overcharge for additional effects on final blows or precision hits: - Arc mode calls down lightning strikes. - Stasis mode creates an explosion and a formation of Stasis crystals."	Top-tier
Modified B-7 Pistol	Modified B-7 Pistol Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Dynamic Heat Weapon	Primary	Stasis	Renegades	A › Strong	Renegades Destination	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Renegades Destination Renegades	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Dynamic Heat Weapon PvE God Roll: Rimestealer or Firefly + Headstone or Crystalline Corpsebloom ► While it might not stack up in PvP like its contemporaries, the Modified B-7 Pistol is a blast to use in PvE, thanks in no small part to the double AoE roll on there that turns any room into an explosion fest.	Renegades	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Dynamic Heat Weapon PvE God Roll: Rimestealer or Firefly + Headstone or Crystalline Corpsebloom	Top-tier
Sarpedon-D	Sarpedon-D Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Spread Shot	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Pinnacle Ops	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Pinnacle Ops Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Spread Shot PvE God Roll: Trickle Charge (also good: Proximity Power) + Rolling Storm (also good: One-Two Punch, Trench Barrel) ► Sapedon-D is a solid addition to the Spread Shot Hand Cannon collection. Leaning into its Arc element yields great results and sets it apart from the rest. Well worth the chase and diving into Pinnacle Ops while it’s available.	Renegades	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Spread Shot PvE God Roll: Trickle Charge (also good: Proximity Power) + Rolling Storm (also good: One-Two Punch, Trench Barrel)	Top-tier
Ace of Spades	Ace of Spades Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Forsaken Pack	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk	❘ A Excels in: PvP	Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision kills increase reload speed and cause the target to explode. Reloading after a kill increases damage. Grants radar while aiming down sights." ► Arguably one of the best Exotic hand cannons in the game, Ace of Spades has a lot to offer. With excellent base stats and some of the best perks around, namely Momento Mori, which is like Kill Clip on steroids, and the ability to see your radar while zoomed in, this weapon has a bit of everything.	Season 4	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision kills increase reload speed and cause the target to explode. Reloading after a kill increases damage. Grants radar while aiming down sights."	Top-tier
The Last Word	The Last Word Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Forsaken Pack	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk	❘ A Excels in: PvP	Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires full auto. Hip-fire shots deal bonus precision damage while increasing reload speed and accuracy." ► The Last Word has seen some use lately with the recent rework to Radiant Dance Machines, but given this weapon is only truly viable on controller without any Exotic Armour help, The Last Word can't be seen as strong as it's competition.	Season 5	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires full auto. Hip-fire shots deal bonus precision damage while increasing reload speed and accuracy."	Top-tier
Thorn	Thorn Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Forsaken Pack	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk	❘ A Excels in: PvP	Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Rounds pierce targets and deal damage over time. Kills leave behind Remnants which, when absorbed, increase damage." ► Thorn is a very strong option in PvP, and a fun option in PvE. While it doesn't beat some of the top Hand Cannon options, it is still remarkably powerful.	Season 6	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Rounds pierce targets and deal damage over time. Kills leave behind Remnants which, when absorbed, increase damage."	Top-tier
Crimil's Dagger	Crimil's Dagger Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Iron Banner	❘ A Excels in: PvP	Iron Banner Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvP God Roll: Rangefinder (also good: Outlaw ) + Kill Clip ► Though Aggressive Frame Hand Cannons were significantly nerfed a while ago, Crimil's can still two-tap with Kill Clip active. However, without the perk active, Crimil's Dagger (and any other 120 RPM hand cannon) lags behind the competition in PVP.	Season 11	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvP God Roll: Rangefinder (also good: Outlaw ) + Kill Clip	Top-tier
Judgment	Judgment Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Prophecy Dungeon	❘ A Excels in: PvP	Prophecy Dungeon Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf or Keep Away (also good: Slideshot) + Precision Instrument or Opening Shot ► While this is definitely the most potent version of Judgment to date, it still has to fight for a place in one of the most competitive weapon archetypes: hand cannons. Depending on what you're looking for, this isn't a bad choice, but it's also not definitively better than other options.	Season 23	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf or Keep Away (also good: Slideshot) + Precision Instrument or Opening Shot	Top-tier
Luna's Howl	Luna's Howl Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Precision	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Onslaught Activity	❘ A Excels in: PvP	Onslaught Activity Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Encore or Eye of the Storm + Magnificent Howl or Kill Clip ► Given that Magnificent Howl was nerfed, Luna’s won’t be as overpowered as it used to be. However, its new suite of perks makes it one of the most powerful 140s for PvP, plus, it has the stats of a precision frame in terms of accuracy. This is a perfect dueling weapon for the hand cannon aficionados.	Into the Light	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Encore or Eye of the Storm + Magnificent Howl or Kill Clip	Top-tier
The Palindrome	The Palindrome Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Nightfall: The Ordeals	❘ A Excels in: PvP	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvP God Roll: Explosive Payload (also good: Elemental Capacitor) + Magnificent Howl (also good: Opening Shot) ► Even with its new element, The Palindrome fails to compete with top dogs like Sunshot and Agape. Regardless, the weapon offers a solid selection of perks that allow it to excel, especially for those wanting an Arc option.	Episode 3	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvP God Roll: Explosive Payload (also good: Elemental Capacitor) + Magnificent Howl (also good: Opening Shot)	Top-tier
Solemn Remembrance	Solemn Remembrance Hand Cannon	Hand Cannon	Precision	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Crucible Competitive	❘ A Excels in: PvP	Crucible Competitive Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf or Slideshot (also good: Zen Moment) + Opening Shot or Precision Instrument ► Solemn Remembrance isn’t necessarily a bad weapon, but it’s nothing to write home about, at least in PvE. In PvP, it is a consistent option that will serve you well, but many will prefer other options.	The Edge of Fate	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf or Slideshot (also good: Zen Moment) + Opening Shot or Precision Instrument	Top-tier

Destiny 2 Hand Cannons: Complete List

Art	Name	Type	Archetype	Rarity	Requirements	Ammo	Element	Tier	Excels	Source	Craftable?	Requires	Released	Slot	Ammo?	Element?	Can be Crafted?	Best of?	Rank
	Ace of Spades	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Exotic	Forsaken Pack	Primary	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvP	Exotic Kiosk	No	Forsaken Pack	Season 4	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Crimson	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Exotic	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvP	Exotic Engram	No	Free-to-Play	Season 2	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		B › Average
	Eriana's Vow	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Exotic	Shadowkeep Pack	Special	Solar	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Kiosk	No	Shadowkeep Pack	Season 8	Energy	Special	Solar	No		B › Average
	Graviton Spike	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Exotic	The Edge of Fate	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Exotic Quest	No	The Edge of Fate	The Edge of Fate	Energy	Primary	Arc	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Hawkmoon	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Exotic	Beyond Light Pack	Primary	Kinetic	S › Best	PvP	Xûr	No	Beyond Light Pack	Season 12	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Lumina	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Exotic	Forsaken Pack	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk	No	Forsaken Pack	Season 7	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		B › Average
	Malfeasance	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Exotic	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Quest	No	Free-to-Play	Season 4	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		B › Average
	Sturm	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Exotic	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	Ongoing...	-	Exotic Kiosk	No	Free-to-Play	Season 1	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		Ongoing
	Sunshot	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Exotic	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	S › Best	PvE	Exotic Engram	No	Free-to-Play	Season 1	Energy	Primary	Solar	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	The Last Word	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Exotic	Forsaken Pack	Primary	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvP	Exotic Kiosk	No	Forsaken Pack	Season 5	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Thorn	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Exotic	Forsaken Pack	Primary	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvP	Exotic Kiosk	No	Forsaken Pack	Season 6	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Turncoat	Hand Cannon	Exotic	Exotic	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void			Season Pass	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - New	Energy	Primary	Void	No
	Agape	Hand Cannon	Heavy Burst	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Kepler	No	Free-to-Play	The Edge of Fate	Energy	Primary	Solar	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Ancient Gospel	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Shadowkeep Pack	Primary	Void	A › Strong	PvE	Garden of Salvation Raid	Yes	Shadowkeep Pack	S29 - Updated	Energy	Primary	Void	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Annual Skate	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	D › Worst	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 15	Energy	Primary	Solar	No		D › Worst
	Aureus Neutralizer	Hand Cannon	Spread Shot	Legendary	The Edge of Fate	Primary	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris - Week 3	No	The Edge of Fate	The Edge of Fate	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Austringer	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Beyond Light Pack	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Presage	Yes	Beyond Light Pack	Season 17	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	Craftable		B › Average
	Better Devils	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Strand	C › Weak	-	Crucible Ops	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Strand	No		C › Weak
	Bold Endings	Hand Cannon	Heavy Burst	Legendary	The Final Shape	Primary	Stasis	B › Average	-	The Pale Heart	Yes	The Final Shape	The Final Shape	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	Craftable		B › Average
	Bottom Dollar	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void	D › Worst	-	Playlist: Gambit	No	Free-to-Play	Season 13	Energy	Primary	Void	No		D › Worst
	Cantata-57	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	B › Average	PvP	Gunsmith	No	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Energy	Primary	Arc	No		B › Average
	Combined Action	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	D › Worst	-	Lost Sector	No	Free-to-Play	Season 21	Energy	Primary	Arc	No		D › Worst
	Corundum Hammer	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Renegades	Primary	Strand	S › Best	PvP	Trials of Osiris - Week 1	No	Renegades	Renegades	Kinetic	Primary	Strand	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Crimil's Dagger	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvP	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Crisis Inverted	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	D › Worst	-	Playlist: Crucible	No	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Energy	Primary	Arc	No		D › Worst
	D.F.A.	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	Pinnacle Ops	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		D › Worst
	Dire Promise	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 10	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		C › Weak
	Epochal Integration	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Seasonal activity	No	Free-to-Play	Season 21	Energy	Primary	Solar	No		B › Average
	Exalted Truth	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	The Final Shape	Primary	Void	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris - Week 3	No	The Final Shape	S29 - Updated	Energy	Primary	Void	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Exuviae	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Legendary	Episode 2: Revenant	Primary	Stasis	B › Average	PvE	Revenant Activities	No	Episode 2: Revenant	Episode 2	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	No		B › Average
	Eyasluna	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	30th Anniversary	Primary	Stasis	S › Best	PvP	Grasp of Avarice Dungeon	No	30th Anniversary	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Fatebringer	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Vault of Glass Raid	Yes	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Finite Impactor	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Ash & Iron	Energy	Primary	Solar	No		B › Average
	Frontier's Cry	Hand Cannon	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	D › Worst	-	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Energy	Primary	Solar	No		D › Worst
	Igneous Hammer	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Legendary	The Final Shape	Primary	Solar	S › Best	PvP	Trials of Osiris - Lighthouse	No	The Final Shape	S29 - Updated	Energy	Primary	Solar	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	IKELOS_HC_v1.0.3	Hand Cannon	Precision	Legendary	The Witch Queen	Primary	Void	D › Worst	-	Operation: Seraph's Shield	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 19	Energy	Primary	Void	Craftable		D › Worst
	IRONWOOD 03	Hand Cannon	Spread Shot	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void	A › Strong	PvE	Distortions	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - New	Energy	Primary	Void	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Judgment	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Stasis	A › Strong	PvP	Prophecy Dungeon	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Kept Confidence	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Strand	C › Weak	-	Xûr	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 22	Kinetic	Primary	Strand	Craftable		C › Weak
	Kindled Orchid	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Arena Ops	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - New	Energy	Primary	Void	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Loud Lullaby	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	Moon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		D › Worst
	Luna's Howl	Hand Cannon	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	A › Strong	PvP	Onslaught Activity	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Primary	Solar	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Maahes HC4	Hand Cannon	Heavy Burst	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void	A › Strong	PvE	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	The Final Shape	Energy	Primary	Void	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Malediction	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	Solo Ops	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		D › Worst
	Midnight Coup	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	S › Best	PvE	Onslaught Activity	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Modified B-7 Pistol	Hand Cannon	Dynamic Heat Weapon	Legendary	Renegades	Primary	Stasis	A › Strong	PvE	Renegades Destination	No	Renegades	Renegades	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Mos Athanor IV	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void	S › Best	PvP		No	Free-to-Play	Renegades	Energy	Primary	Void	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Nation of Beasts	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Forsaken Pack	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Last Wish Raid	Yes	Forsaken Pack	S29 - Updated	Energy	Primary	Arc	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Nature of the Beast	Hand Cannon	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	D › Worst	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	Primary	Arc	No		D › Worst
	Optative	Hand Cannon	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void	C › Weak	-	Undying	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Energy	Primary	Void	Craftable		C › Weak
	Phoneutria Fera	Hand Cannon	Spread Shot	Legendary	The Edge of Fate	Primary	Solar	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Reclamation Engram	No	The Edge of Fate	The Edge of Fate	Energy	Primary	Solar	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Posterity	Hand Cannon	Precision	Legendary	Beyond Light Pack	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Deep Stone Crypt Raid	Yes	Beyond Light Pack	S29 - Updated	Energy	Primary	Arc	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Pure Poetry	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	Vanguard Focusing	No	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		D › Worst
	Rose	Hand Cannon	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	S › Best	PvP	Crucible Competitive	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Round Robin	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Legendary	Lightfall	Primary	Strand	C › Weak	-	Neomuna	Yes	Lightfall	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Strand	Craftable		C › Weak
	Sarpedon-D	Hand Cannon	Spread Shot	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvE		No	Free-to-Play	Renegades	Energy	Primary	Arc	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Service Revolver	Hand Cannon	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic			Fireteam Ops	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - New	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No
	Seventh Seraph Officer Revolver	Hand Cannon	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	PvE	Xûr	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		D › Worst
	Sightline Survey	Hand Cannon	Precision	Legendary	Episode 1: Echoes	Primary	Arc	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Echoes Activities	Yes	Episode 1: Echoes	The Final Shape	Energy	Primary	Arc	Craftable		B › Average
	Sixth Sense	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Strand			Lawless Engram	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - New	Kinetic	Primary	Strand	No
	Solemn Lie	Hand Cannon	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc			Crucible Competitive	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - New	Energy	Primary	Arc	No
	Solemn Remembrance	Hand Cannon	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Stasis	A › Strong	PvP	Crucible Competitive	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Something New	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Stasis	C › Weak	-	Solstice Engram	No	Free-to-Play	Season 17	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	No		C › Weak
	Spare Rations	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	S › Best	PvP	Gambit Ops	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Survivor's Epitaph	Hand Cannon	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvP	Crucible Ops	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		B › Average
	Targeted Redaction	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void	D › Worst	-	Xûr	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 21	Energy	Primary	Void	Craftable		D › Worst
	The Palindrome	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvP	Pinnacle Ops	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Primary	Arc	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	The Steady Hand	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 12	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		D › Worst
	Triple Laureate	Hand Cannon	Spread Shot	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Stasis	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Event: Guardian Games	No	Free-to-Play	Renegades	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	True Prophecy	Hand Cannon	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	PvP	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 10	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		C › Weak
	Trust	Hand Cannon	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Gambit Ops	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Primary	Solar	No		B › Average
	Uncivil Discourse	Hand Cannon	Dynamic Heat Weapon	Legendary	Renegades	Special	Arc	S › Best	PvE	Renegades Destination	No	Renegades	Renegades	Energy	Special	Arc	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Unloved	Hand Cannon	Heavy Burst	Legendary	The Final Shape Dungeon Key	Primary	Strand	S › Best	PvE	Sundered Doctrine Dungon	No	The Final Shape Dungeon Key	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Strand	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Vulpecula	Hand Cannon	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Stasis	D › Worst	-	Xûr	No	Free-to-Play	Season 15	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	No		D › Worst
	Waking Vigil	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	B › Average	PvP	Shattered Throne Dungeon	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Primary	Arc	No		B › Average
	Warden's Law	Hand Cannon	Heavy Burst	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Nightfall: The Ordeals	No	Free-to-Play	Season 22	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Word of Crota	Hand Cannon	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void	S › Best	PvE	Crota's End Raid	Yes	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Primary	Void	Craftable	Top-tier	S › Best
	Yesterday's Question	Hand Cannon	Heavy Burst	Legendary	The Final Shape	Primary	Arc	S › Best	PvE	Trials of Osiris	No	The Final Shape	Episode 2	Energy	Primary	Arc	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Zaouli’s Bane	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	S › Best	PvE	King's Fall Raid	Yes	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Primary	Solar	Craftable	Top-tier	S › Best

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.

Top 5 Hand Cannons: Deep Dive

5. Agape

Excels in PvE

gape has pretty much everything you could really want on a Hand Cannon: good base damage, strong utility perks, and good AoE potential. However, it can be difficult to get past the VERY clunky feel of the weapon, thanks to the obnoxious scope and the cadence of the Double Fire archetype. However, if you can get past that, Agape is objectively a very strong weapon.

In PvP, Agape has serious potential. While the clunky scope and Double Fire awkwardness remain, the potential potency of the weapon can’t be understated. In testing, an Agape with enhanced Precision Instrument was able to two-burst an enemy guardian while I had approximately 130 weapon stat. This is remarkably strong as it grants you a 0.57 time to kill on every guardian (unless they invest in the Health stat). However, other combinations are just as strong, but without half the difficulty or clunkiness. For example, Precision Instrument on a 180 RPM Hand Cannon and a respectable Weapons stat can yield similar results to Agape. These are the top Agape God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Heal Clip + Incandescent or Firefly

Name: Agape

Type: Hand Cannon Archetype: Heavy Burst

Ammo: Primary Element: Solar

Craftable: No Released: The Edge of Fate

Source: Kepler Requires: Free-to-Play

4. Graviton Spike

Excels in PVE and PVP

Graviton Lance is a beast of a weapon. It clears out entire rooms thanks to its explosive capabilities. It also synergizes well with certain builds, making it an excellent option right now.

• Exotic Perk: “Second shot of a burst rips a hole through space-time, doing high damage and recoil with no falloff. Kills with this weapon cause enemies to detonate and spawn tracking Void projectiles.”

Name: Graviton Spike

Type: Hand Cannon Archetype: Exotic

Ammo: Primary Element: Arc

Craftable: No Released: The Edge of Fate

Source: Exotic Quest Requires: The Edge of Fate

3. Aureus Neutralizer

Excels in PVE and PVP

Aureus Neutralizer is a very solid option thanks to the Spread-Shot archetype being pretty decent inside of PvE. The base damage of this weapon archetype is remarkably high, and the presence of perks like Trench Barrel, synergized with Grave Robber, can only boost this further. Of course, there is also notable synergy with One-Two Punch, being an infinite ammo option allowing for consistent, close-range brawling. Alternatively, if you’re interested in going for a more DPS-focused roll, Vorpal Weapon and Cascade Point can work great, especially if you decide to pair this weapon with Lucky Pants to boost the DPS even higher.

In PvP, Aureus Neutralizer is a strong option thanks to how easy the gun can be to use. While it won’t outperform other options at range, it can be used like a pocket shotgun, but with infinite ammo. With how limited Special Ammo can be at times, it can be handy to have this in your pocket for times where you want something potent at close range. This strength is amplified by some of its perks, making Aureus Neutralizer a strong pick in the right hands. These are the top Aureus Neutralizer God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Grave Robber (also good: Vorpal Weapon or Threat Remover) + Trench Barrel or One-Two Punch (also good: Cascade Point)
• PvP God roll: Lone Wolf + Closing Time or Opening Shot

Name: Aureus Neutralizer

Type: Hand Cannon Archetype: Spread Shot

Ammo: Primary Element: Kinetic

Craftable: No Released: The Edge of Fate

Source: Trials of Osiris Requires: The Edge of Fate

2. Word of Crota

Excels in PvE

With a relatively diverse perk pool full of top-tier picks, Word of Crota is a must-have hand cannon. For those looking for a new weapon for their Void builds, Repulsor Brace and Destabilizing Rounds are clear winners. If you instead want a more simplistic combination, Demolitionist, Enlightened Action, Sword Logic, Rampage, and Precision Action are all outstanding.

The main disappointment most players face when looking at Word of Crota is its frame. Precision frame hand cannons, while slightly underrated in PvE, just don’t meet the mark compared to their slower rate of fire counterparts. Especially in The Crucible, running a 180 RPM hand cannon places you at an immediate disadvantage. These are the top Word of Crota God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Repulsor Brace (also good: Demolitionist) + Sword Logic (also good: Destabilizing Rounds)

Name: Word of Crota

Type: Hand Cannon Archetype: Precision

Ammo: Primary Element: Void

Craftable: Yes Released: Season 22

Source: Crota's End Raid Requires: Free-to-Play

1. Sunshot

Excels in PvE

Sunshot has consistently been an outstanding weapon throughout Destiny 2’s history, but recently has become one of the best PvE weapons in the game. Even without any synergies, Sunshot is able to dominate most PvE activities. With relatively high damage per shot and explosions that do a fair bit of work as well, Sunshot is perhaps the smoothest-feeling ad clearing hand cannon Destiny 2 has to offer.

Finding synergies within the Solar subclasses, however, is where Sunshot takes off. Both Solar subclasses and Sunshot are absurdly powerful on their own, but utilizing fragments like Ember of Empyrean or Solar-based seasonal mods pushes their potency to its limit. While some cases may call for different hand cannons or primary weapons entirely, Sunshot is both fun and strong, making it one of the best weapons currently obtainable in Destiny 2.

Exotic Perk: “This weapon fires explosive rounds. Targets killed with Sunshot explode in Solar energy.”

Name: Sunshot

Type: Hand Cannon Archetype: Exotic

Ammo: Primary Element: Solar

Craftable: No Released: Season 1

Source: Exotic Engram Requires: Free-to-Play

Hand Cannons in the Meta

We covered which Hand Cannons are considered top-tier (and should be farmed) and which ones can be safely ignored. But how do they compare to other primary weapons?

PvE Meta

Weapon Type	Rank	Tier	Trend	Role ❘ Current State	Category
Pulse Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► Pulse Rifles are in a great place right now. They offer good range and pretty decent damage, allowing you to take down some beefier targets nicely. There are also some excellent pulses in the game right now, like Insidious, Sacred Provenance, or New Purpose. Unfortunately, High-Impact and Aggressive frames are the only archetypes worth your time, as the others rely on Exotic Perks or god rolls to compete. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (450 RPM) - Example: Insidious	PVE Primaries
Hand Cannons	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► Hand Cannons have shot up the rankings thanks to the changes introduced this Season, all the way up to the S tier. They have solid range and can dispatch enemies with complete ease in almost all difficulties. Hand Cannons have truly taken over the spotlight with their most recent buffs, and they shouldn't be leaving it any time soon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (140 RPM) - Example: Fatebringer	PVE Primaries
Auto Rifles	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► Auto Rifles are in a good place right now, options like Khvostov are incredibly potent, and utility picks such as No Hesitation make Auto Rifles a very solid option for those wanting to use a good Primary Weapon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Khvostov 76-0X	PVE Primaries
Combat Bows	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A	-	► Bows are a high-damage, high-range option for players who prefer to keep their distance. The main issue with bows is that they are slow at clearing ads (outside of Trinity Ghoul). and when you have to deal with ads up close, bows can massively struggle. However, their solid range and excellent damage make them a strong option. ► Best Archetype: Precision - Example: Under Your Skin	PVE Primaries
Submachine Guns	B › Average	Average ❘ B		► SMGs are not so hot anymore, due to the buffs to other weapon archetypes, as well as the prevalence of ability usage at close range, there is little space for SMGs to compete these days. ►Best Archetype- Aggressive (750 RPM) - Example: Unforgiven	PVE Primaries
Scout Rifles	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► Scout Rifles are the definition of average right now. They can do the job just fine, you can plink away at enemies from a safe distance in high-level content; however, when it comes down to it, most players will prefer to use a Hand Cannon or SMG as they simply do the same job better and faster. Scouts aren't bad at all, but they certainly aren't a go-to ► Best Archetype: Lightweight (200 RPM) - Example: Tarnished Mettle	PVE Primaries
Sidearms	C › Weak	Weak ❘ C	-	► Aside from a few select sidearms with certain perks, there really isn't much of a reason to use Sidearms. They have slightly higher damage numbers than SMGs, but typically come with significantly less range. Outside of top-tier weapons like a god-roll Brigand's Law or High Albedo, there is no real reason to run a sidearm. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (491 RPM) - Example: High Albedo	PVE Primaries

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.

PvP Meta

Weapon Type	Rank	Tier	Trend	Role ❘ Current State	Category
Hand Cannons	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► Hand Cannons feel great right now and can deal with all the other meta options, provided they are in the hands of a skilled player. They are unbelievably forgiving in terms of aim-assist and can compete at solid ranges. Hand Cannons are the jack of all trades, and while they may not dominate up close or far away, they are incredibly scary to face in a mid-range duel. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Igneous Hammer	PVP Primaries
Pulse Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► Pulse Rifles have seen a resurgence in the past few seasons, with constant buffs to all types of Pulse Rifles. It is hard not to find success with one due to the high-flinch potential of Rapid-Fire Pulses or the lethal time-to-kill of High-Impact Pulses. ► Best Archetype: High-Impact (340 RPM) - Example: The Messenger	PVP Primaries
Auto Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► Auto Rifles are remarkably easy to use. Options like Khvostov or The Summoner both excel at medium range, and if you can close the gap on Pulse Rifles, you can easily take advantage of the high flinch factor and solid time-to-kill that Auto Rifles have. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Khvostov 7G-0X	PVP Primaries
Sidearms	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A	-	► Sidearms have lost their place at the top of the meta, but they remain a solid pick, especially for players using a Controller, as they inherently have manageable stability with a rapid time-to-kill. Honestly, the main reason they've lost their place at the top is due to how powerful SMGs are right now. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (325 RPM) - Example: Forgiveness	PVP Primaries
Submachine Guns	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► SMGs have lost a little bit of power as aggressive play isn't as prevalent as it once was, but you can definitely still succeed with certain SMGs, especially on close-range maps. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (720 RPM) - Example: Unending Tempest	PVP Primaries
Combat Bows	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► Bows are incredibly unique. They have a remarkably slow time to kill, however, this isn't where Bows shine. Hotswap builds with bows can be incredibly potent and don't require much learning either. Bows also provide incredible value when teamshooting opponents. Despite this, Bows on their own are quite mediocre and need something behind them to really shine. ► Best Archetype: Precision (Slower Draw Time) - Example: Strident Whistle	PVP Primaries
Scout Rifles	C › Weak	Weak ❘ C	-	► Scout Rifles are struggling right now. In most situations, the maps are too small to benefit the long range of a Scout rifle. An Aggressive or High-Impact Pulse Rifle will better serve your needs. Plus, Scout Rifles are abysmal up close. There are one or two outliers that shine but, on the whole, Scout Rifles are in a weak spot. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (260 RPM) - Example: Fang of Ir Yût	PVP Primaries

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. That said, TTK is only half of the picture. With decent range and the ability to peek-shoot (shoot and cover), hand cannons are extremely powerful dueling weapons. There’s a reason the vast majority of elite PvP players main a hand cannon. Hand cannons are not the easiest to master, but they do have a high skill ceiling. Those who know how to master hand cannons will often come out on top in most of their duels in The Crucible.

Before you go…

Are you looking for a top-tier Special and Heavy weapon to round out your loadout? We cover the Best Destiny 2 Trace Rifles and Best Destiny 2 Linear Fusion Rifles, too.