Best Machine Guns in Destiny 2: Tier List (Heresy Meta)

by | Mar 17, 2025

Machine guns have been underwhelming for a long time, but thanks to recent buffs, they have finally claimed their place in the meta. In fact, today’s top-tier machine guns can easily compete with the best weapons in the game.

This guide covers all Machine Guns in Destiny 2 and their best rolls for PvE and PvP.

Episode 3 Heresy Icon Destiny 2Update based on Episode 3: Heresy. See Updates.

Top Tier Machine Guns (Episode 3)

These are the best Exotic and Legendary Machine guns right now:

ItemWeaponsTypeArchetypeAmmo?Element?RequirementsIn loot pool?RankSourceAvailable?Tier rankSource ❘ DLCFinal VerdictReleasedPerksBest of?
CommemorationCommemoration Destiny 2 art
Commemoration
Machine Gun
Machine GunAdaptiveHeavyVoidBeyond Light PackYesS › BestDeep Stone Crypt RaidCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Deep Stone Crypt Raid
Beyond Light Icon (final) Destiny 2
Beyond Light Pack
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Reconstruction + Killing Tally (also good: Rampage)
PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Killing Tally

►Commemoration remains a top contender amongst machine guns even years after its introduction. Reconstruction paired with the 30% damage buff offered by Killing Tally, makes this a no-brainer option in PvE. Given that Machine Guns are some of the few heavy weapons in PvP that can reasonably get a lot of kills, it's easy to see why players will enjoy using Commemoration.
Season 12
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Reconstruction + Killing Tally (also good: Rampage)
PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Killing Tally
Top-tier
HammerheadHammerhead art Destiny 2
Hammerhead
Machine Gun
Machine GunAdaptiveHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesS › BestOnslaught ActivityCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Onslaught Activity
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Rampage (also good: Rewind Rounds) + Killing Tally (also good: Onslaught)
PvP God Roll: Rampage (also good: Under-Over) + Tap the Trigger

► The re-issued Hammerhead immediately jumped to the top of the meta. Adaptive Frame machine guns remain a great option due to their well-rounded stats, and the Hammerhead's great perk pool and strong stability can make it your favorite ad-clearing weapon, DPS-dealing weapon, or even your favorite PvP heavy weapon.
Into the Light
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Rampage (also good: Rewind Rounds) + Killing Tally (also good: Onslaught)
PvP God Roll: Rampage (also good: Under-Over) + Tap the Trigger
Top-tier
Watchful EyeWatchful Eye art Destiny 2
Watchful Eye
Machine Gun
Machine GunAggressiveHeavyArcEpisode 3: HereticYesS › BestHeretical ActivitiesCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Heretical Activities
Episode 3 Heresy Icon Destiny 2
Episode 3: Heretic
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Overflow or Field Prep + Jolting Feedback (also good: Killing Tally or Rolling Storm)
PvP God Roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction + Sword Logic

► Watchful Eye brings something new to the Machine Gun weapon type with strong Arc subclass perks.
Episode 3
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Overflow or Field Prep + Jolting Feedback (also good: Killing Tally or Rolling Storm)
PvP God Roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction + Sword Logic
Top-tier
Unwavering DutyUnwavering Duty art
Unwavering Duty
Machine Gun
Machine GunAdaptiveHeavySolarThe Final ShapeYesS › BestTrials of OsirisCheckmark icon V3
Best

S



Excels in:
PvE
Trials of Osiris
The Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Incandescent (also good: Killing Tally)

► Unwavering Duty is one of the best Machine guns in the game right now. While you do need to play Trials of Osiris to get it, it will be absolutely worth it if you're looking for a top-tier Solar Adaptive Frame.
Season 19
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Incandescent (also good: Killing Tally)
Top-tier
Corrective MeasureCorrective Measure art
Corrective Measure
Machine Gun
Machine GunAdaptiveHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongVault of Glass RaidCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Vault of Glass Raid
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Destabilizing Rounds or Firefly + Killing Tally or One for All
PvP God Roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction + High Impact Reserves

► Upgraded to an aggressive frame, Corrective Measure now has both the power and the perks to make it a top tier pick, especially with the origin trait doubling the mag!
Episode 3
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Destabilizing Rounds or Firefly + Killing Tally or One for All
PvP God Roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction + High Impact Reserves
Top-tier
XenophageDestiny 2 Xenophage
Xenophage
Machine Gun
Machine GunExoticHeavySolarShadowkeep PackYesA › StrongPit of Heresy DungeonCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
Pit of Heresy Dungeon
Shadowkeep Icon (final) Destiny 2
Shadowkeep Pack
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Fires high-powered explosive ammunition. Aiming this weapon increases its effective range and zoom magnification."

► While Xenophage was once at the top of the damage rankings, it has been tapered down quite a bit with nerfs. You'll find that other Exotics, such as Thunderlord and Heir Apparent, will out-damage it, but its uniquely high range and fire rate still give it a useful role in the sandbox.
Season 8
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Fires high-powered explosive ammunition. Aiming this weapon increases its effective range and zoom magnification."
Top-tier
Fixed OddsFixed Odds art
Fixed Odds
Machine Gun
Machine GunHigh-ImpactHeavySolarWitch Queen Dungeon KeyYesA › StrongDuality DungeonCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
Duality Dungeon
Episode 3 Heresy Icon Destiny 2
Episode 3: Heretic
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: High-Impact

PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy + Incandescent (also good: Rampage)

► A fan favorite, Fixed Odds is one of the best options among slow-firing Machine guns. Offering a fine selection of perks, Fixed Odds is a great pick and performs nicely in more difficult content featuring beefier enemies.
Season 17
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: High-Impact

PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy + Incandescent (also good: Rampage)
Top-tier
Retrofit EscapadeRetrofit Escapade art

Retrofit Escapade
Machine Gun
Machine GunRapid-FireHeavyVoidThe Witch QueenYesA › StrongOperation: Seraph's ShieldCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
Operation: Seraph's Shield
The Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

PvE God Roll: Fourth Time's the Charm + Target Lock (also good: Rampage)

► Retrofit Escapade remains one of the most popular heavy machine guns in the game due to its excellent damage output. While there are alternatives for higher damage output using other weapon types, Retrofit Escapade is a consistent and reliable weapon.
Season 19
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

PvE God Roll: Fourth Time's the Charm + Target Lock (also good: Rampage)
Top-tier
Circular LogicCircular Logic art
Circular Logic
Machine Gun
Machine GunAdaptiveHeavyStrandLightfallYesA › StrongTerminal OverloadCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
Terminal Overload
Lightfall Icon (final) Destiny 2
Lightfall
Slot: Strand Element Strand | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvGod Rolls: Feeding Frenzy + Hatchling (also good: Demolitionist)

► Adaptive Frame weapons remain one of the most popular machine gun archetypes, providing a perfect balance across stats. Circular Logic is also a Strand weapon and has the benefit of rolling with perks such as Hatchling, making it a great crowd-controlling weapon in PvE.
Season 20
Slot: Strand Element Strand | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvGod Rolls: Feeding Frenzy + Hatchling (also good: Demolitionist)
Top-tier
Song of Ir YûtSong of Ir Yût art
Song of Ir Yût
Machine Gun
Machine GunAdaptiveHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongCrota's End RaidCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
Crota's End Raid
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Reconstruction + Target Lock

► A candidate for best arc heavy machine gun in the game, the Cursed Thrall origin trait coupled with a great perk pool offered here make this weapon a PvE favorite.
Season 22
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Reconstruction + Target Lock
Top-tier
Marcato-45Marcato-45 art Destiny 2
Marcato-45
Machine Gun
Machine GunAdaptiveHeavyStrandFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongWorld loot poolCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
World loot pool
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Strand Element Strand | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Demolitonist (also good: Slice) + Hatchling (also good: Onslaught)

► A strand Machine Gun with a unique perk pool, Marcato-45 can be a great support weapon. Combine Slice and Hatchling, and you can really cut down on the damage that enemies are outputting on your fireteam. You can also go for a more straightforward PvE roll in Demolitionist and Onslaught.
Season 23
Slot: Strand Element Strand | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Demolitonist (also good: Slice) + Hatchling (also good: Onslaught)
Top-tier
Pro MemoriaPro Memoria art Destiny 2
Pro Memoria
Machine Gun
Machine GunAggressiveHeavyStrandThe Final ShapeYesA › StrongThe Pale HeartCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
The Pale Heart
The Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
Slot: Strand Element Strand | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Demolitionist + Frenzy

► Pro Memoria sports a new Frame called Aggressive. Aggressive frame machine guns deal higher damage, with the caveat of increased recoil. As a Strand machine gun with plenty of great perks, Pro Memoria makes a strong proposition for itself in the PvE space.

The Final Shape
Slot: Strand Element Strand | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Demolitionist + Frenzy
Top-tier
SpeleologistSpeleologist art Destiny 2
Speleologist
Machine Gun
Machine GunRapid-FireHeavySolarEpisode 1: EchoesYesA › StrongEchoes ActivitiesCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
Echoes Activities
EP1 Echoes Icon (final) Destiny 2
Episode 1: Echoes
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

PvE God Roll: Enlightened Action (also good: Envious Assassin) + Incandescent (also good: One for All)

► With a nice combination of Solar synergy and general strength, Speleologist is a great option for PvE-goers who don’t want to farm Trials or Duality for potential alternatives. While it doesn’t contain anything meta-defining, it gets the job done.
The Final Shape
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

PvE God Roll: Enlightened Action (also good: Envious Assassin) + Incandescent (also good: One for All)
Top-tier

Destiny 2 Machine Guns: Complete List

ArtNameTypeArchetypeRarityAmmo?Element?RequirementsIn loot pool?AmmoElementTierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Deterministic Chaos artDeterministic ChaosMachine GunExoticExoticHeavyVoidLightfallYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
C › Weak
-Exotic QuestError icon V2 NoLightfall Icon (final) Destiny 2
Lightfall
Season 20HeavyNo
Grand Overture artGrand OvertureMachine GunExoticExoticHeavyArcThe Witch QueenYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
C › Weak
-Exotic KioskError icon V2 NoThe Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Season 16HeavyNo
Destiny 2 Heir Apparent artHeir ApparentMachine GunExoticExoticHeavyArcFree-to-PlayTimed-EventHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
C › Weak
-Event: Guardian GamesError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 10HeavyNo
Destiny 2 Thunderlord artThunderlordMachine GunExoticExoticHeavyArcForsaken PackYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
B › Average
PvEExotic EngramError icon V2 NoForsaken Icon (final) Destiny 2
Forsaken Pack
Season 4HeavyNo
Destiny 2 XenophageXenophageMachine GunExoticExoticHeavySolarShadowkeep PackYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
A › Strong
PvEPit of Heresy DungeonError icon V2 NoShadowkeep Icon (final) Destiny 2
Shadowkeep Pack
Season 8HeavyNoTop-tier
A Fine Memorial artA Fine MemorialMachine GunAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
B › Average
PvEMoonError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 14HeavyNo
Archon's Thunder artArchon's ThunderMachine GunHigh-ImpactLegendaryHeavyStasisFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStasis Stasis
C › Weak
-Iron BannerError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Episode 2HeavyNo
Avalanche art Destiny 2AvalancheMachine GunAdaptiveLegendaryHeavySolarFree-to-PlayTimed-EventHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
B › Average
-Event: DawningError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 12HeavyNoIncandescent
Chain of Command artChain of CommandMachine GunAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyStasisFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStasis Stasis
C › Weak
PvEExotic KioskError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 17HeavyNo
Circular Logic artCircular LogicMachine GunAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyStrandLightfallYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStrand Element Strand
A › Strong
PvETerminal OverloadError icon V2 NoLightfall Icon (final) Destiny 2
Lightfall
Season 20HeavyNoTop-tier
Commemoration Destiny 2 artCommemorationMachine GunAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyVoidBeyond Light PackYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
S › Best
PvE + PvPDeep Stone Crypt RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesBeyond Light Icon (final) Destiny 2
Beyond Light Pack
Season 12HeavyCraftableTop-tierRepulsor Brace,Reconstruction
Corrective Measure artCorrective MeasureMachine GunAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
A › Strong
PvE + PvPVault of Glass RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Episode 3HeavyCraftableTop-tier
Eleatic Principle artEleatic PrincipleMachine GunRapid-FireLegendaryHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
C › Weak
-XûrCheckmark icon V3 YesDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 22HeavyCraftable
Fixed Odds artFixed OddsMachine GunHigh-ImpactLegendaryHeavySolarWitch Queen Dungeon KeyYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
A › Strong
PvEDuality DungeonCheckmark icon V3 YesEpisode 3 Heresy Icon Destiny 2
Episode 3: Heretic
Season 17HeavyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent
Hammerhead art Destiny 2HammerheadMachine GunAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
S › Best
PvE + PvPOnslaught ActivityError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Into the LightHeavyNoTop-tier
Marcato-45 art Destiny 2Marcato-45Machine GunAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyStrandFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStrand Element Strand
A › Strong
PvEWorld loot poolError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 23HeavyNoTop-tier
Planck's Stride artPlanck's StrideMachine GunRapid-FireLegendaryHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
C › Weak
-XûrCheckmark icon V3 YesDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 18HeavyCraftable
Pro Memoria art Destiny 2Pro MemoriaMachine GunAggressiveLegendaryHeavyStrandThe Final ShapeYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStrand Element Strand
A › Strong
PvEThe Pale HeartCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
The Final ShapeHeavyCraftableTop-tierBait and Switch
Qua Furor V art Destiny 2Qua Furor VMachine GunAggressiveLegendaryHeavyStasisFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStasis StasisWorld loot poolError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Episode 3HeavyNo
Qua Xaphan V artQua Xaphan VMachine GunHigh-ImpactLegendaryHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
B › Average
PvEPlaylist: GambitError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 22HeavyNo
Qullim’s Terminus art Qullim’s TerminusMachine GunHigh-ImpactLegendaryHeavyStasisFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStasis Stasis
B › Average
PvEKing's Fall RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 18HeavyCraftable
Recurrent Impact artRecurrent ImpactMachine GunRapid-FireLegendaryHeavyStasisThe Witch QueenYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyStasis Stasis
B › Average
PvEVox ObscuraCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Season 16HeavyCraftable
Retrofit Escapade art
Retrofit EscapadeMachine GunRapid-FireLegendaryHeavyVoidThe Witch QueenYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
A › Strong
PvEOperation: Seraph's ShieldCheckmark icon V3 YesThe Witch Queen Icon (final) Destiny 2
Witch Queen
Season 19HeavyCraftableTop-tier
Seventh Seraph SAW Destiny 2Seventh Seraph SAWMachine GunHigh-ImpactLegendaryHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
C › Weak
-XûrError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 10HeavyNo
Shattered Cipher artShattered CipherMachine GunRapid-FireLegendaryHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayNoHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
C › Weak
-World loot poolError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 14HeavyNo
Song of Ir Yût artSong of Ir YûtMachine GunAdaptiveLegendaryHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
A › Strong
PvECrota's End RaidCheckmark icon V3 YesDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 22HeavyCraftableTop-tierVoltshot,Sword Logic,Reconstruction,Bait and Switch
Speleologist art Destiny 2SpeleologistMachine GunRapid-FireLegendaryHeavySolarEpisode 1: EchoesYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
A › Strong
PvEEchoes ActivitiesCheckmark icon V3 YesEP1 Echoes Icon (final) Destiny 2
Episode 1: Echoes
The Final ShapeHeavyCraftableTop-tierIncandescent
Terminus Horizon art Destiny 2Terminus HorizonMachine GunHigh-ImpactLegendaryHeavyArcWitch Queen Dungeon KeyYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
B › Average
-Spire of the Watcher DungeonError icon V2 NoEpisode 3 Heresy Icon Destiny 2
Episode 3: Heretic
Season 19HeavyNoVoltshot
THE SWARM artTHE SWARMMachine GunHigh-ImpactLegendaryHeavyArcFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
B › Average
PvENightfall: The OrdealsError icon V2 NoDestiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Season 13HeavyNo
Thermal Erosion Destiny 2 artThermal ErosionMachine GunRapid-FireLegendaryHeavySolarBeyond Light PackYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
C › Weak
-Empire HuntsError icon V2 NoBeyond Light Icon (final) Destiny 2
Beyond Light Pack
Season 12HeavyNo
Unwavering Duty artUnwavering DutyMachine GunAdaptiveLegendaryHeavySolarThe Final ShapeYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavySolar Solar
S › Best
PvETrials of OsirisError icon V2 NoThe Final Shape Icon (final) Destiny 2
The Final Shape
Season 19HeavyNoTop-tierIncandescent
Watchful Eye art Destiny 2Watchful EyeMachine GunAggressiveLegendaryHeavyArcEpisode 3: HereticYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyArc Arc
S › Best
PvE + PvPHeretical ActivitiesError icon V2 NoEpisode 3 Heresy Icon Destiny 2
Episode 3: Heretic
Episode 3HeavyNoTop-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 Machine Guns Today

If you’re prepared to only chase the best of the best, these are the 5 absolute best machine guns in the game right now:

 

Unwavering Duty Preview Destiny 2

5. Unwavering Duty

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE

Unwavering Duty is one of the best Machine guns in the game right now. While you do need to play Trials of Osiris to get it, it will be absolutely worth it if you’re looking for a top-tier Solar Adaptive Frame.

  • PvE God roll: Subsistence + Incandescent (also good: Killing Tally)

How to get it: Unwavering Duty is a Trials of Osiris Weapon that can be acquired from Trials completions, Engrams, and/or rank-ups.

 

Corrective Measure Destiny 2 featured machine gun

4. Corrective Measure

PVE and PVP logo Destiny 2Excels in PvE and PvP

Upgraded to an aggressive frame, Corrective Measure now has both the power and the perks to make it a top-tier pick, especially with the origin trait doubling the mag! These are the top Corrective Measure God Rolls:

  • PvE God roll: Destabilizing Rounds + One for All
  • PvP God roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction + High Impact Reserves

How to get it: Corrective Measure can be acquired from the Vault of Glass Raid.

 

Watchful Eye preview Destiny 2

3. Watchful Eye

PVE and PVP logo Destiny 2Excels in PvE and PvP

Watchful Eye brings something new to the Machine Gun weapon type with strong Arc subclass perks. These are the top Watchful Eye God Rolls:

  • PvE God roll: Overflow or Field Prep + Jolting Feedback (also good: Killing Tally or Rolling Storm)
  • PvP God roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction + Sword Logic

How to get it: Watchful Eye is a Heresy Weapon from Episode 3 that can be acquired from activities such as the Nether or the Court of Blades.

 

Commemoration Preview Destiny 2

2. Commemoration

PVE and PVP logo Destiny 2Excels in PvE and PvP

Commemoration remains a top contender amongst machine guns even years after its introduction. Reconstruction, paired with the 30% damage buff offered by Killing Tally, makes this a no-brainer option in PvE. Given that Machine Guns are some of the few heavy weapons in PvP that can reasonably get a lot of kills, it’s easy to see why players will enjoy using Commemoration. These are the top Commemoration God Rolls:

  • PvE God roll: Reconstruction + Killing Tally (also good: Rampage)
  • PvP God roll: Rapid Hit + Killing Tally

How to get it: Commemoration can be acquired from the Deep Stone Crypt Raid.

 

Hammerhead featured Destiny 2

1. Hammerhead

PVE and PVP logo Destiny 2Excels in PvE and PvP

The re-issued Hammerhead immediately jumped to the top of the meta. Adaptive Frame machine guns remain a great option due to their well-rounded stats, and the Hammerhead’s great perk pool and strong stability can make it your favorite ad-clearing weapon, DPS-dealing weapon, or even your favorite PvP heavy weapon. These are the top Hammerhead God Rolls:

  • PvE God roll: Destabilizing Rounds (also good: Rewind Rounds) + Killing Tally (also good: Onslaught)
  • PvP God roll: Rampage (also good: Under-Over) + Tap the Trigger

How to get it: Hammerhead is an Onslaught weapon that can be acquired from activity completions, Engrams, and/or rank-ups.

Machine Guns and the Meta

How do Machine Guns compare to other Heavy weapons in PvE and PvP?

The PvE Meta

Weapon Type RankTierTrendRole ❘ Current StateCategory
Sniper rifle weapon type Destiny 2
Exotic Sniper Rifles
S › Best
Best

S

Trend upMain 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 launcher weapon type Destiny 2
Grenade Launchers
S › Best
Best

S

Trend upMain 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 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 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 launcher weapon type Destiny 2
Rocket Launchers
A › Strong
Strong

A

Trend downMain 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 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

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 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

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.

Before you go…

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

You now know everything there is to know about machine guns 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:
  • March 17, 2025: Inclusion of Machine guns from Episodes 2 & 3 and updates based on the Episode: Heresy’s meta.
  • August 22, 2024: General updates according to The Final Shape Meta and the inclusion of Machine guns from Episode 1.
  • March 5, 2024: General updates and the inclusion of Machine guns from Season 23.
  • November 20, 2023: Inclusion of Season 21 and 22 new machine guns.
  • April 30, 2023: General updates and the inclusion of Season 19 and 20 new machine guns.
  • May 20, 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

Ryan Schilling
Ryan Schilling
More from Ryan Schilling
1 Comment
  1. Nathanael

    Qullim’s Terminus is still ongoing?

    Reply
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