Not too long ago, Destiny 2’s Rocket launchers were in a pathetic state. They were underpowered and simply not fun to use. But slowly, they received several buffs, from increased ammo reserves to significant damage increases against Majors and Bosses. All those buffs have catapulted Rocket launchers back to the forefront, with some of them sitting among the best weapons in the game.
This guide covers all Rocket Launchers in Destiny 2 and their best rolls for PvE and PvP.
Update based on Episode 3: Heresy. See Updates.
Top Tier Rocket Launchers (Episode 3)
These are the best Exotic and Legendary Rocket Launchers right now:
Item | Weapons | Type | Archetype | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Rank | Source | Available? | Tier rank | Source ❘ DLC | Final Verdict | Released | Perks | Best of? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gjallarhorn | ![]() Gjallarhorn Rocket Launcher | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | 30th Anniversary | Yes | S › Best | Grasp of Avarice Dungeon | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Grasp of Avarice Dungeon![]() 30th Anniversary | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Rounds fired split into tracking cluster missiles upon detonation. Gain increased handling and reload speed when standing near allies. Firing this weapon also grants Wolfpack Rounds to nearby allies wielding non-Exotic Rocket Launchers." ► Gjallarhorn is still one of the greats. Despite the fact that other options are generally preferred for boss damage right now, rockets are still solid, and Gjallarhorn is an absolute must when using them. | 30th Anniversary event | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Rounds fired split into tracking cluster missiles upon detonation. Gain increased handling and reload speed when standing near allies. Firing this weapon also grants Wolfpack Rounds to nearby allies wielding non-Exotic Rocket Launchers." | Top-tier |
Hezen Vengeance | ![]() Hezen Vengeance Rocket Launcher | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Vault of Glass Raid | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Vault of Glass Raid![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal + Bait and Switch (also good: Elemental Honing) PvP God Roll: Cluster Bomb + Vorpal Weapon ► Hezen Vengeance has quickly cemented itself as the best rocket launcher currently available. With outstanding perks, a potent origin trait, and both craftable and adept variants, this weapon is a must-have for all Guardians. | Episode 3 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal + Bait and Switch (also good: Elemental Honing) PvP God Roll: Cluster Bomb + Vorpal Weapon | Top-tier |
Apex Predator | ![]() Apex Predator Rocket Launcher | Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | Heavy | Solar | Forsaken Pack | Yes | S › Best | Last Wish Raid | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Last Wish Raid![]() Forsaken Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Reconstruction (also good: Tracking Module) + Bait and Switch (also good: Explosive Light) ► While we're now past the height of the rocket launcher meta, Apex Predator is still an absolutely outstanding option when paired with a full damage loadout. Especially if you're unable to use an exotic heavy weapon for one reason or another, Apex is one of the best picks out right now. | Season 4 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Reconstruction (also good: Tracking Module) + Bait and Switch (also good: Explosive Light) | Top-tier |
Cold Comfort | ![]() Cold Comfort Rocket Launcher | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Heavy | Stasis | Lightfall Dungeon Key | Yes | S › Best | Ghost of the Deep Dungeon | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Ghost of the Deep Dungeon![]() Lightfall Dungeon Key | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Tracking Module) + Bait and Switch (also good: Explosive Light) ► With a host of absurd perks, a strong frame, and a top-tier Origin Trait, Cold Comfort is a strong pick for anything PvE. Its inability to be crafted does make it annoying to farm, but this rocket sees little competition in the current sandbox, making it a must-have. | Season 21 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Tracking Module) + Bait and Switch (also good: Explosive Light) | Top-tier |
Crowning Duologue | ![]() Crowning Duologue Rocket Launcher | Rocket Launcher | Precision | Heavy | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Event: Solstice | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Event: Solstice![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Field Prep) + Hatchling (also good: Adrenaline Junkie) ► Crowning Duologue has had a serious glow-up since its last iteration. Now, with top-tier perks like Reconstruction and Bait and Switch, It is much better than it once was. However, despite this drastic upgrade, it doesn’t quite reach the top dogs like Apex Predator due to its weaker archetype. | Season 21 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Field Prep) + Hatchling (also good: Adrenaline Junkie) | Top-tier |
Dragon's Breath | ![]() Dragon's Breath Rocket Launcher | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Season Pass | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Season Pass![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Rockets embed themselves in struck targets and periodically eject incendiary fuel that inflicts Scorch. The longer this weapon goes without firing, the more fuel the next rocket contains. Igniting nearby targets partially replenishes fuel. This weapon refills itself from reserves upon gaining maximum fuel." ► The last Season Pass exotic to become meta was Witherhoard in Season 11. Thankfully, after 12 seasons, we got another one: Dragon's Breath. This is one of the easiest to get and strongest Rockets we've ever seen. Using this exotic in DPS rotations on a Solar Subclass can net some outrageous damage. | Season 23 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Rockets embed themselves in struck targets and periodically eject incendiary fuel that inflicts Scorch. The longer this weapon goes without firing, the more fuel the next rocket contains. Igniting nearby targets partially replenishes fuel. This weapon refills itself from reserves upon gaining maximum fuel." | Top-tier |
Crux Termination IV | ![]() Crux Termination IV Rocket Launcher | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | World loot pool | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | World loot pool![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Reconstruction) + Surrounded ► With the ability to roll with Surrounded, Crux Termination IV can technically out-damage popular options like Apex Predator and Cold Comfort. Despite this, Surrounded is much harder to keep active compared to Bait and Switch, making it less popular overall. | Season 23 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Reconstruction) + Surrounded | Top-tier |
Tomorrow's Answer | ![]() Tomorrow's Answer Rocket Launcher | Rocket Launcher | High-Impact | Heavy | Void | The Final Shape | No | A › Strong | Trials of Osiris | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Trials of Osiris![]() The Final Shape | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal + Bait and Switch ► Tomorrow's Answer got a recent perk refresh, which ended up treating it well. While the weapon still isn't all too likely to enter experienced Guardians' loadouts, it's hard to ignore how many meta perks this rocket launcher now has. | Episode 2 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal + Bait and Switch | Top-tier |
Cynosure | ![]() Cynosure Rocket Launcher | Rocket Launcher | Heavy | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Playlist: Vanguard | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Playlist: Vanguard![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Clown Cartridge) + Explosive Light (also good: Bipod) ► Cynosure is an excellent option for PvE players thanks to the perks present on the weapon. In PvP, it will be a solid pick, but nothing too overpowered. | Episode 3 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Clown Cartridge) + Explosive Light (also good: Bipod) | Top-tier |
Destiny 2 Rocket Launchers: Complete List
Art | Name | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo | Element | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Deathbringer | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Shadowkeep Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | PvE + PvP | Exotic Quest | ![]() | ![]() Shadowkeep Pack | Season 8 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Dragon's Breath | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE | Season Pass | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 23 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Eyes of Tomorrow | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | Beyond Light Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Deep Stone Crypt Raid | ![]() | ![]() Beyond Light Pack | Season 12 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Gjallarhorn | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | 30th Anniversary | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE + PvP | Grasp of Avarice Dungeon | ![]() | ![]() 30th Anniversary | 30th Anniversary event | Heavy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | The Wardcliff Coil | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | Exotic Engram | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 1 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Truth | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Forsaken Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Forsaken Pack | Season 7 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Two-Tailed Fox | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Exotic Engram | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 4 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Apex Predator | Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Forsaken Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE | Last Wish Raid | ![]() | ![]() Forsaken Pack | Season 4 | Heavy | Craftable | Top-tier | Incandescent,Explosive Light,Reconstruction,Bait and Switch |
![]() | Ascendancy | Rocket Launcher | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Bad Omens | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Blowout | Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE | Playlist: Crucible | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 19 | Heavy | No | Explosive Light | |
![]() | BrayTech Osprey | Rocket Launcher | High-Impact | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE + PvP | Nightfall: The Ordeals | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 21 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Bump in the Night | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Stasis | Beyond Light Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Presage | ![]() | ![]() Beyond Light Pack | Season 17 | Heavy | Craftable | ||
![]() | Code Duello | Rocket Launcher | High-Impact | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Cold Comfort | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Stasis | Lightfall Dungeon Key | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE | Ghost of the Deep Dungeon | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall Dungeon Key | Season 21 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | Explosive Light,Bait and Switch |
![]() | Crowning Duologue | Rocket Launcher | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE + PvP | Event: Solstice | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 21 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | Bait and Switch |
![]() | Crux Termination IV | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 23 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | Reconstruction |
![]() | Cynosure | Rocket Launcher | Legendary | Heavy | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE | Playlist: Vanguard | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Episode 3 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | ||
![]() | Faith-Keeper | Rocket Launcher | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Episode 1: Echoes | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Echoes Activities | ![]() | ![]() Episode 1: Echoes | The Final Shape | Heavy | Craftable | ||
![]() | Heretic | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | Moon | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Heretic's Fervor | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Stasis | Episode 2: Revenant | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Revenant Activities | ![]() | ![]() Episode 2: Revenant | Episode 2 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Hezen Vengeance | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE + PvP | Vault of Glass Raid | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Episode 3 | Heavy | Craftable | Top-tier | |
![]() | Hoosegow | Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Palmyra-B | Rocket Launcher | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | Gunsmith | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Heavy | Craftable | Explosive Light | |
![]() | Red Herring | Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | Throne World | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Heavy | Craftable | ||
![]() | Roar of the Bear | Rocket Launcher | High-Impact | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Iron Banner | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Heavy | No | Incandescent | |
![]() | Royal Entry | Rocket Launcher | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Vanguard Focusing | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Semiotician | Rocket Launcher | High-Impact | Legendary | Heavy | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | - | Xûr | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Heavy | Craftable | ||
![]() | Shining Sphere | Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | No | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | Iron Banner | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Sleepless | Rocket Launcher | High-Impact | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Shattered Throne Dungeon | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Subzero Salvo | Rocket Launcher | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | Europa | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 12 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | The Hothead | Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Nightfall: The Ordeals | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Heavy | No | Explosive Light | |
![]() | Tomorrow's Answer | Rocket Launcher | High-Impact | Legendary | Heavy | Void | The Final Shape | No | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE | Trials of Osiris | ![]() | ![]() The Final Shape | Episode 2 | Heavy | No | Top-tier |
Tier Ranks used for our list:
- S+ Tier – Meta: Weapons so good they singlehandedly shifted the current meta
- S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapons.
- A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapons, but not on the same level as S Tier Choices.
- B Tier – Average: Either decent weapons or weapons that fit a very specific niche/use case.
- C Tier – Weak: Mediocre weapons that are easily outclassed by the competition.
- D Tier – Worst: Weapons that don’t have much to offer and don’t deserve your attention.
Best D2 Rocket Launchers Today
If you’re prepared to only chase the best of the best, these are the 5 absolute best rocket launchers in the game:
5. Crux Termination IV
Excels in PvE
With the ability to roll with Surrounded, Crux Termination IV can technically out-damage popular options like Apex Predator and Cold Comfort. Despite this, Surrounded is much harder to keep active compared to Bait and Switch, making it less popular overall. These are the top Crux Termination IV God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Reconstruction) + Surrounded
How to get it: Crux Termination IV can randomly drop at end-of-match activities, Gunsmith, Legendary engrams, and Prime engrams.
![]() Name: Crux Termination IV | Type: Rocket LauncherArchetype: Aggressive | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: Season 23 | Source: World loot poolRequires: Free-to-Play |
4. Cold Comfort
Excels in PvE
With a host of absurd perks, a strong frame, and a top-tier Origin Trait, Cold Comfort is a strong pick for anything PvE. Its inability to be crafted does make it annoying to farm, but this rocket sees little competition in the current sandbox, making it a must-have. These are the top Cold Comfort God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Tracking Module) + Bait and Switch (also good: Explosive Light)
How to get it: Cold Comfort can be acquired from the Ghost of the Deep Dungeon.
![]() Name: Cold Comfort | Type: Rocket LauncherArchetype: Aggressive | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: Season 21 | Source: Ghost of the Deep DungeonRequires: Free-to-Play |
3. Gjallarhorn
Excels in PvE and PvP
Gjallarhorn is still one of the greats. Despite the fact that other options are generally preferred for boss damage right now, rockets are still solid, and Gjallarhorn is an absolute must when using them.
Exotic Perk: “Rounds fired split into tracking cluster missiles upon detonation. Gain increased handling and reload speed when standing near allies. Firing this weapon also grants Wolfpack Rounds to nearby allies wielding non-Exotic Rocket Launchers.”
How to get it: Gjallarhorn can be acquired by completing the Grasp of Avarice Dungeon.
![]() Name: Gjallarhorn | Type: Rocket LauncherArchetype: Exotic | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: 30th Anniversary event | Source: Grasp of Avarice DungeonRequires: 30th Anniversary |
2. Apex Predator
Excels in PvE
While we’re now past the height of the rocket launcher meta, Apex Predator is still an absolutely outstanding option when paired with a full damage loadout. Especially if you’re unable to use an exotic heavy weapon for one reason or another, Apex is one of the best picks out right now. These are the top Apex Predator God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Reconstruction (also good: Tracking Module) + Bait and Switch (also good: Explosive Light)
How to get it: Apex Predator can be acquired from the Last Wish Raid.
![]() Name: Apex Predator | Type: Rocket LauncherArchetype: Adaptive | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: Season 4 | Source: Last Wish RaidRequires: Forsaken Pack |
1. Hezen Vengeance
Excels in PvE and PvP
Hezen Vengeance has quickly cemented itself as the best rocket launcher currently available. With outstanding perks, a potent origin trait, and both craftable and adept variants, this weapon is a must-have for all Guardians. These are the top Hezen Vengeance God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Envious Arsenal + Bait and Switch (also good: Elemental Honing)
- PvP God roll: Cluster Bomb + Vorpal Weapon
How to get it: Hezen Vengeance can be acquired from the Vault of Glass Raid.
![]() Name: Hezen Vengeance | Type: Rocket LauncherArchetype: Aggressive | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: Episode 3 | Source: Vault of Glass RaidRequires: Free-to-Play |
Rocket launchers and the Meta
How do Rocket launchers compare to other Heavy weapons in PvE and PvP?
The PvE Meta
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Exotic Sniper Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ![]() | ► Main role: Single Target damage ► The recent buffs to certain Snipers, like Whisper of the Worm, and the Sniper's Meditation artifact mod make Exotic Sniper Rifles an easy, accessible, and powerful DPS option on bosses like The Witness in particular. Any boss that has a reasonable crit spot and a decently lengthed damage phase can be destroyed by Whisper right now, and you should definitely take advantage of it. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (72 RPM) - Example: Whisper of the Worm | PVE Heavies |
![]() Grenade Launchers | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ![]() | ► Main role: Add Clear (Secondary role: Single Target Damage). ► Grenade Launchers have finally reached the apex of the DPS meta. Grenade Launchers like Edge Transit and Cataphract GL3 with Envious Assassin and Bait and Switch are incredibly powerful thanks to the amount of burst damage they can put out. Because of this, it's safe to say that Grenade Launchers belong in the top tier of PvE Heavies. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Edge Transit | PVE Heavies |
![]() Machine Guns | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ![]() | ► Main role: Add Clear ► With the nerf to double-special loadouts, players can't mindlessly spam Machine Guns at enemies anymore and be rewarded for it. However, Machine guns are still excellent at ad clear and remain decent for DPS. That said, for DPS, they are massively outclassed by Rocket Launchers. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (900 RPM) - Example: Retrofit Escapade | PVE Heavies |
![]() Swords | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ![]() | ► Main roles: Add Clear & Single Target damage (i.e. Boss damage). ► Swords are pretty decent right now. In fact, they are the go-to option for Crota in Crota's End and for the Herald of Finality in Salvation's Edge. However, this is only because of the design of the boss fight and a specific buff to Sword damage against Crota. Outside of these bosses, Swords are a decent but mediocre option as they are simply out-damaged by other heavy weapons. ► Best Archetype: Whirlwind - Example: Falling Guillotine | PVE Heavies |
![]() Rocket Launchers | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ![]() | ► Main role: Burst Damage (Secondary role: Add Clear) ► Rockets aren't as good as they used to be, but they are still definitely usable. In most relevant content such as the most recent raid, Salvation's Edge, Rockets aren't too popular (outside of Still Hunt rotations). Despite this Rockets are still a competitive option, and they do some solid burst damage. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (20 RPM) - Example: Apex Predator | PVE Heavies |
![]() Linear Fusion Rifles | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ![]() | ► Main role: Single Target damage (Secondary role: Burst Damage) ► Linear Fusion Rifles might not be the top dogs anymore, but they are still serious contenders when it comes to total damage. Options like Cataclysmic and Briar's Contempt can still see some use in today's meta. However, despite their strengths, most situations do not require the amount of total damage that Linear Fusions offer, and if they do, options like Leviathan's Breath can fill that void very easily. ► Best Archetype: Precision (533 RPM) - Example: Reed's Regret | PVE Heavies |
Remember that DPS is one of the most important factors when it comes to PvE. As you know, the higher the DPS, the more damage you can deal to a Boss or Major. This DPS chart includes the DPS numbers for every weapon in Destiny 2.
According to Bungie, these are the different roles for Heavy weapons:
Role | Explanation | Target Weapon types |
Add Clear | Clearing weaker enemies faster than you could with a primary ammo weapon. For most content, primaries do the add clear job perfectly well, so this is most useful in high-difficulty PvE. | Main: Machine Guns, Grenade Launchers, Swords
Secondary: Rocket Launchers |
Single Target Damage | Burning down a boss. | Main: Linear Fusion Rifles, Exotic Snipers, Swords
Secondary: Grenade Launchers, Machine Guns |
Burst Damage | Burning down a champion quickly, or for bosses with multiple damage phases, clearing a phase quickly. | Main: Rocket Launchers
Secondary: Linear Fusion Rifles |
The PvP Meta
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Rocket Launchers | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Rocket Launchers remain a staple in many players' loadouts. They can provide high-range one-shot kills, and can also do AoE damage which can potentially allow you to clear teams if they are close enough together. ► Best Archetype: Precision (15 RPM) - Example: Gjallarhorn | PVP Heavies |
![]() Grenade Launchers | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Heavy Grenade Launchers are an incredible option for those who are confident in landing their direct hits. They can functionally serve as a Rocket Launcher, but instead of coming with only a single shot, Grenade Launchers can bring 3, which, of course, means more potential kills. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Memory Interdict | PVP Heavies |
![]() Machine Guns | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Machine Guns are still an incredible option for Control as they can provide many kills. However, they do require multiple shots to kill which can lead to you potentially being Sniped or peak-shot by a Primary Weapon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (450 RPM) - Example: Corrective Measure | PVP Heavies |
![]() Linear Fusion Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Linear fusion rifles are in the middle of an identity crisis. They are stronger than sniper rifles and have more aim assistance, but they still require Heavy ammo and a headshot to one-shot an enemy. On top of that, they also have a charge time to take into account. Compared to a sniper rifle that fires immediately and only uses Special ammo, Linear Fusion rifles make little sense for the Crucible. | PVP Heavies |
![]() Swords | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | - | ► Swords are perhaps the most fun option (especially with Eager Edge); however, they are too inconsistent to warrant any competitive use. Furthermore, benefitting from third-person view is no longer possible without Heavy ammo, making the only niche usage swords had redundant. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive/Lightweight- Examples: Half-Truths/Quickfang | PVP Heavies |
Remember that when it comes to PvP, TTK is perhaps the most important factor. As you know, the lower the TTK, the faster you can kill your opponent. This TTK guide includes the TTK figures for every weapon in Destiny 2. But Heavy weapons follow different rules (except machine guns). These are supposed to be the most powerful weapons in the entire game, and the expectation is that they one-shot enemy guardians. This is why TTK is not applicable here.It’s all about consistency when it comes to rocket launchers in PVP. You want a rocket launcher that can easily secure those one-kills.
Before you go…
Are you looking for top-tier Primary and Special weapons to round out your loadout? We cover the Best Destiny 2 Scout Rifles and Best Destiny 2 Shotguns, too.
You now know everything there is to know about Rocket launchers in Destiny 2, whether that is for PVP or PVE content.
See latest Updates
- March 20, 2025: Inclusion of Rocket Launchers from Episodes 2 & 3 and updates based on the Episode: Heresy’s meta.
- July 24, 2024: General updates according to The Final Shape Meta and the inclusion of Rocket Launchers from Episode 1.
- March 4, 2024: General updates and the inclusion of Rocket Launchers from Season 23.
- October 25, 2023: Inclusion of Season 22 weapons.
- July 17, 2023: General updates and the inclusion of Season 18 to 20 rocket launchers.
- Dec 15, 2022: Inclusion of Year 4 rocket launchers.
- April 28, 2021: The guide is published for the first time.
Stay tuned, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for next season!
Hi, just a quick question. I have over 1800 kills via strikes, dungeons and whatever with the Graviton Lance. I still haven’t received the catalyst for it. I’ve done everything suggested online. Any ideas or thoughts as to why it won’t drop? I noticed others have the same problem. Thanks!
After the name ” Cold Comfort ” change the name ” Shining Sphere “to “CROWNING DUOLOGUE “.
Good eye! We manage our own database and I guess something went wrong… Thank you for the heads up!
Nice rocket guide, thank you!
Where does the Classical-42 rocket launcher rank at on this list? I do not see it.