You can always use whatever weapons you enjoy the most. But if you’re like me, as soon as you get destroyed in endgame content or the Crucible, figuring out the current Meta becomes crucial.
The Meta refers to the most used weapons for a particular activity at any given time. Generally, these weapons are the most used because they are the most powerful/efficient, which means they can be used to your advantage when used right.
As understanding the meta is not easy for the average guardian, we created this guide to properly review the current state of the Destiny 2 meta.
Destiny 2 Meta tracker: Season 18 changes
This section covers all the latest and most noticeable Meta changes made by Bungie. In other words, these are the latest and most important buffs and nerfs, ordered chronologically:
| Season | Weapon Type | Type | Trend | Current State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 18: Mid Season Update Oct. 28, 2022 6.2.5 Update |  Auto Rifles | Auto Rifles |  | ► Increased effects of stability stat on recoil reduction by around 20% at the high end. ► Increased critical damage multiplier from 1.5 to 1.55, which raises the critical damage from 30 to 31. |
 | Bows | | ► Increased Bows stow duration. Duration varies by subfamily and handling stat. | |
  Rocket Launchers | Rocket Launchers | | ► Increased blast radius by 0.4m across the board. | |
  Sidearms | Sidearms | | ► Increased auto aim fall-off distance by 30% across the board (this brings them up to parity with other primary weapons). | |
  Trace Rifles | Trace Rifles | | ► Increased effect of the stability on recoil reduction at the low end of the stat by around 10%, at the high end of the stat by around 25%. | |
  Pulse Rifles | Pulse Rifles | Reworked | ► Rebalanced the effect of the handling across Pulse Rifles. ► Adjusted damage falloff scale based on the range stat. ► Adaptives: Increased the precision multiplier from 1.6x to 1.65x |
|
  Sniper Rifles | Sniper Rifles | Reworked | ► Increased the settle time after receiving flinch by 60%. ► Reduced received flinch in PvE. |
|
  Scout Rifles | Scout Rifles |  | ► High-Impacts: Reduced body damage from 42 to 40, and crit damage from 73.5 to 70. | |
 SMGs | SMGs | | ► Reduced damage fall-off end from 24m to 23m across the board. ► Lightweights: Reduced critical damage from 18.2 to 17.9 and base damage from 11 to 10.85. ► Precisions: Increased critical damage from 22.4 to 23.8 and base damage from 16 to 17. ► Reduced the zoom of Shayura's Wrath and Friction Fire from 16 to 15. |
|
  Fusion Rifles | Fusion Rifles | | ► Precisions: Reduced the effect the intrinsic Precision Frame perk has on recoil direction by 50% | |
 Glaives | Glaives | | ► Reduced Glaive shield damage resistance vs players from 75% to 50%. ► Damage resistance from Supers and PvE enemies unchanged. |
|
 Exotics | Exotics | Reworked | ► Lord of Wolves : Release the Wolves reworked: Reduced ADS accuracy penalty, removed 25% universal base damage buff, added 40% PvE damage buff, removed the 50% critical hit multiplier penalty, fires full auto. | |
| Exotics | Exotics | | ► Jade Rabbit: Reduced aim assist by 20. ► No Time to Explain: Reduced recoil direction stat from 90 to 73. Reduced aim assist stat from 45 to 40. ► Riskrunner: Reduced damage resistance versus players when Arc Superconductor is active from 50% to 15%. |
Constantly changing: Every buff or nerf has the potential to significantly change the Meta. For that reason, whatever commentary or analysis you find that is a season (or more) old is potentially irrelevant and outdated. Expect this page to be updated at least once per season.
Destiny 2 current PvP Meta: The Crucible Meta
This section covers the state of the Destiny 2 PVP meta.
Keep in mind that the PVP meta is the result of the combination of fast TTKs (time-to-kill) and ease of use. We cover TTK values for every weapon in the game in our TTK guide.
PS: If you’re looking for the top PVP weapons right now, you can check our Best PVP weapons guide. Unlike this guide, which focuses on weapon types, that guide covers the specific weapons that currently dominate the Crucible.
Weapon types Meta
These are the different Tier levels used for the list:
- S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapon types.
- A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapon types, but not on the same level as S Tier Choices.
- B Tier – Average: Decent choices that can be lethal in the hands of a skilled player.
- C Tier – Weak: The middle of the pack, somewhat mediocre.
- D Tier – Worst: Lagging behind the competition, these don’t have much to offer.
The list starts with S Tier and moves down until it reaches the bottom Tier:
PVP Primary weapons meta
| Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Hand Cannons | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Hand Cannons are in a bit of a strange spot. Many will argue that they are still the best weapons in the game, however, due to the prevalence of Pulse Rifles and especially SMGs, Hand Cannons have slowly been pushed out of many players' main pick. They are still excellent duelling weapons though, and feel amazing to use so they still retain a strong ranking. ► 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 |
| 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 |
 Auto Rifles | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | - | ► Auto Rifles aren't doing greét right now. They contest a similar range as Hand Cannons, however, they lack the peak shooting potential that Adaptive Hand Cannons bring. They can also be contested at close range by SMGs, making them difficult to use everywhere. However, a good player can still find value in an Auto Rifle as they do provide high flinch and constant damage. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Gnawing Hunger | 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 | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Scouts have been tuned down to make them less potent in the hands of the average player. However, good scout rifle players will still be able to do pretty well in lobbies, however, they may find themselves outmatched by Pulse Rifles. ► Best Archetype: High-Impact (150 RPM) - Example: Polaris Lance | PVP Primaries |
| Submachine Guns | S › Best | Best ❘ S | | ► SMGs have soared in power and will absolutely destroy you if you get within their effective range which, nowadays, feels like it's across the map. This, combined with their incredible ease of use and high potential in skilled hands makes for a very oppressive weapon to face against. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (750 RPM)- Example: IKELOS_SMG_V1.0.3 | PVP Primaries |
PVP Special weapons meta
For the sake of clarity, all weapon categories consisting of only 1 or 2 exotics have been excluded. Weapons such as Eriana’s Vow are too unique to be representative of an entire weapon type.
| Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Shotguns | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | | ► Shotguns received a significant change in Season 19 that made their pellet spread more consistent overall. With pre-determined spread patterns per archetype, and the reversal of some widely disliked nerfs, Shotguns are coming back. ► Best Archetype: Lightweight (65 RPM)- Example: Matador 64 | PVP Specials |
  Linear Fusion Rifles | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► The special ammo Linear Fusion category of weapon is rather barren, but the two weapons that occupy it, Arbalest and Lorentz Driver, are both forces to be reckoned with. While they have received some deserved nerfs throughout Seasons 17-19, they remain a solid choice for players wanting a long-range option. | PVP Specials |
| Sniper Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Sniper Rifles are in an excellent place right now. After the nerfs to Linear Fusion Rifles, it only makes sense that Sniper usage picks up, and with options that come stacked with aim assist and excellent perks like Defiance of Yasmin or Beloved, it's easy to see why Snipers have risen up the ranks. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (90 RPM)- Example: Beloved | PVP Specials |
| Trace Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | | ► Trace Rifles are quite a niche pick and will fall short as a competitive option in most players' hands. Even once you learn to master Trace Rifles, you'll be better off with a Special weapon that can provide a one-hit-kill t rather than one that can be out-dueled by a Primary weapon. ► All Archetypes are 1000 RPM - Best Option: Coldheart | PVP Specials |
| Glaives | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Glaives are somewhat of a sleeper pick. However, with the Season 19 buffs and hit registration improvements they received, they can be quite annoying to play against. However, they do remain heavily outclassed by other mid to long-range options, and can't compete at close range due to the lackluster melee. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (55 RPM)- Example: The Enigma | PVP Specials |
| Fusion Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | | ► Fusion Rifles have seen buff after buff, and with Season of the Haunted, they finally saw a slight nerf. However, this change hasn't altered the state of Fusion Rifles enough to consider them noticeably weaker than before. They are able to cover the close-medium range excellently and a good Fusion Rifle player can be incredibly hard to beat. ► Best Archetype: Precision (780ms Charge Time) - Example: Main Ingredient | PVP Specials |
  Grenade Launchers | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Grenade Launchers remain the most 'annoying' option in PvP. The ability to flush players out from cover is not lost on players in PvP, and being able to 1-hit kill with certain rolls allows Grenade Launchers to be a highly tactical, but also lethal option. They also serve as an excellent 'hot-swap' choice to allow for easy cleanups with your Primary weapon. ► Best Archetype: Wave Frame - Example: Dead Messenger | PVP Specials |
PVP Heavy weapons meta
Same as before, weapon categories consisting of only 1 or 2 exotics have been excluded. In this case, snipers, shotguns, and fusion rifles have been excluded:
| 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 |
  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 |
| 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 |
  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 now redundant. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive/Lightweight- Examples: Half-Truths/Quickfang | PVP Heavies |
| Linear Fusion Rifles | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | 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. In PVP, you want a Heavy weapon that can either easily down several guardians or guarantee a kill in a high-stakes match. It isn't impossible to do with a linear fusion rifle, but other weapon types can accomplish that more easily. | PVP Heavies |
Destiny 2 current PvE Meta: The DPS Meta
This section covers the state of the current Destiny 2 PVE meta. Unlike PVP, the meta in PVE is often defined by what the highest DPS weapons currently are. If you’re looking for DPS values for every weapon type and Exotics, our DPS guide covers them all.
PS: If you’re looking for the top PVE weapons, you can check our Best PVE weapons guide, including the top 25 weapons for PVE right now.
PVE Primary weapons meta
| Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Submachine Guns | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► SMGs are doing very well right now. They have good DPS to tear through ads and beefier orange bar enemies, but also come with excellent perks. There are a plethora of good SMGs you can go for right now, like Funnelweb, Unforgiven, Every Waking Moment, or Extraordinary Rendition, the choice is completely yours. They may struggle slightly in super high-end content, but they are still definitely usable. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (750 RPM) - Example: Unforgiven | PVE Primaries |
| Auto Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | | ► Auto Rifles currently feel like a worse version of SMGs. They have a bit more range, but outside of the absolute top-shelf content such as Grandmaster Nightfalls, range isn't too much of a factor. And if you are actively tackling difficult content, Auto Rifles aren't exactly the best pick either, making Autos a decent, but outclassed option right now. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Gnawing Hunger | PVE Primaries |
| Sidearms | B › Average | Average ❘ B | | ► 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 |
| Hand Cannons | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► While Hand Cannons routinely dominate the PvP meta, they are often outclassed by weapon types that can either offer better DPS or better range. There are a couple of solid options, such as Fatebringer or Zaouli's Bane, but putting those aside, you'll be better off using something else. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (140 RPM) - Example: Fatebringer | PVE Primaries |
| 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 |
| Scout Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | | ► Scout Rifles have come a long way. They are a solid and consistent option for anyone that prefers a safer and slower playstyle. They also shine in high-level content due to their excellent range. The best part about Scout Rifles, however, is their versatility across archetypes. Basically, every type of Scout Rifle is viable and can be used anywhere in the game. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (72 RPM) - Example: Tarnished Mettle | 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 |
PVE Special weapons meta
For the sake of clarity, all weapon categories consisting of only 1 or 2 exotics have been excluded. Weapons such as Eriana’s Vow are too unique to be representative of an entire weapon type.
| Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotguns | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Shotguns overall are pretty good right now. There are a good number of Pellet and Slug shotguns that can be used in most content, and shotguns are also an integral part of many melee builds thanks to the shotgun-exclusive '1-2 Punch' perk. However, their severe lack of range makes them a risky pick for high-level content. ► Best Archetype: Pinpoint Slug - Example: Heritage | PVE Specials |
| Grenade Launchers | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Grenade Launchers are brilliant right now. They are versatile and are arguably the best pick in almost all areas. They can have excellent add control through Blinding Grenades or the Wave Frame archetype, and they can also deal good boss damage in a 'hotswap' build with Spike Grenades. Simply put, having a strong arsenal of Grenade Launchers is something you should definitely prioritize if you're looking to get into high-level content. ► All Breach Grenade Launchers share the same archetype | PVE Specials |
| Sniper Rifles | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | | ► Sniper Rifles are not in a great place right now. They are completely outclassed by Linear Fusion Rifles in terms of DPS and are also lacking at ad clear/major killing by Shotguns and Grenade Launchers. Snipers are also quite difficult to use as they are precision-based weapons. They can be used as a backup DPS weapon if you don't have access to an Arbalest, for example, but right now, they are too niche to recomment. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (140 RPM) - Example: Succession | PVE Specials |
| Fusion Rifles | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | | ► Fusion Rifles are pretty good right now. They have slightly more range than Shotguns, making them a safer pick in high-level content, however, they lack a top-tier perk such as '1-2 Punch' to rise to S-tier status. Still, they remain a consistent pick for mid to high-level content. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (500ms Charge Time) - Example: Cartesian Coordinate | PVE Specials |
| Glaives | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Glaives require a bit of getting used to, but when you do, they can grant you crazy levels of damage resistance. However, they are quite a risky pick, especially if you haven't learned how to master them first. Glaives are also one-dimensional. There is basically no reason to use their melee attack, which is unfortunate as that is probably the most fun part of the Glaives. ► All Glaives share the same archetype | PVE Specials |
| Linear Fusion Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | | ► There are only two Linear Fusion Rifles that use Special ammo, but when one of them is arguably the strongest weapon in the game, they have to be ranked S tier. Arbalest is an absolute must-have if you want to take endgame content seriously. Lorentz Driver is an okay option, but Arbalest is completely overpowered and is an excellent pick for whatever content you throw at it. | PVE Specials |
| Trace Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Trace Rifles are a strange pick. Legendary Trace Rifles are a very niche pick right now, but Exotic trace Rifles are all pretty good. Wavesplitter can do well with certain builds, and Divinity is always a good pick, even despite the nerfs. | PVE Specials |
PVE Heavy weapons meta
In PVE, your Power weapon of choice will often be a burst-damage weapon able to deal with bosses and/or damage phases or an ad clear weapon for difficult content with lots of shielded ads.
This table covers all the main Power weapon types, excluding of course those categories with only 1 or 2 exotics (such as snipers, shotguns, or fusion rifles):
| Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swords | B › Average | Average ❘ B | | ► Main roles: Add Clear & Single Target damage (i.e. Boss damage). ► Swords have fallen slightly out of the meta since the days of Falling Guillotine, however, they are still a solid pick. Swords like The Lament and Heartshadow are both solid options for slaying majors and dealing good boss damage. They are unfortunately very risky, though, and when Linear Fusion Rifles deal the incredible amount of damage they do right now, it is difficult to recommend Swords. ► Best Archetype: Exotics - Example: The Lament | PVE Heavies |
| Rocket Launchers | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Main role: Burst Damage (Secondary role: Add Clear) ► Rocket Launchers are solid options. They deal good burst damage and are effective for killing high-health targets like Majors quickly. Their ammo economy is poor, unfortunately, meaning that you will need to be conservative with how you use your rockets. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (20 RPM) - Example: The Hothead | PVE Heavies |
| Linear Fusion Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | | ► Main role: Single Target damage (Secondary role: Burst Damage) ► Linear Fusion Rifles are the cream of the crop. They can deal very high damage consistently. They have solid DPS and incredible total damage, making them amazing for Raids and other high-level pieces of content. There are also plenty of strong options right now, including the Taipan-4FR or Cataclysmic, which both come with excellent perks and have good damage. ► Best Archetype: Precision (533 RPM) - Example: Reed's Regret | PVE Heavies |
| Machine Guns | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Main role: Add Clear ► Machine Guns are a different kind of Power weapon. Instead of focusing on boss damage (outside of Xenophage), Machine Guns focus on ad clear. And they are excellent at ad clear, especially Thunderlord; however, given that abilities and primary weapons are excellent at add clear, Machine Guns are currently mediocre options for your Heavy slot. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (140 RPM) - Example: | PVE Heavies |
| Grenade Launchers | D › Worst | Worst ❘ D | | ► Main role: Add Clear (Secondary role: Single Target Damage). ► Grenade Launchers are in a very sad state right now. Outside of maybe Typhon GL5, Heavy Grenade Launchers are in a terrible spot. They do not have great boss damage and also do not have good add clear, making them very, very pointless in all content. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Typhon GL5 | PVE Heavies |
| Exotic Sniper Rifles | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | - | ► Main role: Single Target damage ► Exotic Snipers are very niche. They are far from the top of the meta right now as they are simply harder to use and in many ways inferior to Linear Fusion Rifles. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (72 RPM) - Example: Whisper of the Worm | PVE Heavies |
The Last Word
Terms such as “Meta” or “sandbox” may sound overwhelming at first, but just remember they basically refer to the current “state of the game”.
Understanding the Meta will ultimately help you understand the game better. What works right now and why. And hopefully, this guide should give you a proper overview of the current sandbox for you to digest.
Is this page updated for Season 20 as well? It’s written that for these articles, with the meta weapons, we should expect them to be updated at least once per season. It does say “Updated as of Season of Plunder’s release (S18)”, but is that either just because this text was not changed, even though the contents have, or because it really is outdated? The PvP meta page is updated to the current season, so I would like to know what’s the case here. Thank you!