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 every Rocket launcher in Destiny 2, including both Exotic and Legendaries, as well as the best rolls for PvE and PvP.
Updated as of Season of the Wish (S23). See Updates.
Destiny 2 Best Rocket Launchers: Top-tier Options
This Tier list features the best Exotic and Legendary Rocket Launchers right now, including the excellent Dragon’s Breath and Apex Predator:
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 | 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: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic 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 might be the main reason we are in a Rocket Launcher meta right now. Due to its ability to buff your allies' rockets with Wolfpack Rounds, Gjallarhorn is a must for at least one player to have in each raid team. | 30th Anniversary event | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic 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 | |
Apex Predator | Apex Predator | Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | Heavy | Solar | Forsaken Pack | Yes | S › Best | Last Wish Raid | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Last Wish Raid Forsaken Pack | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Reconstruction (also good: Tracking Module) + Bait and Switch (also good: Explosive Light) ► Possibly the most impactful weapon reissue in Destiny 2's history, Apex Predator went from D-Tier to S-Tier in a single season. This drastic shift is due to Apex's ability to roll with powerful perks never-before-seen on a Rocket Launcher: Reconstruction and Bait and Switch. Get your hands on this beast ASAP, as only a few replacements exist. | Season 4 | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Reconstruction (also good: Tracking Module) + Bait and Switch (also good: Explosive Light) | Top-tier | |
Cold Comfort | Cold Comfort | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Heavy | Stasis | Deluxe Edition | Yes | S › Best | Ghost of the Deep Dungeon | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Ghost of the Deep Dungeon Deluxe Edition | Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive 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: Stasis | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Tracking Module) + Bait and Switch (also good: Explosive Light) | Top-tier | |
Dragon's Breath | Dragon's Breath | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Season Pass | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Season Pass Free-to-Play | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic 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: Solar | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Exotic 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 | |
The Hothead | The Hothead | Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Nightfall: The Ordeals | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play | Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Field Prep) + Lasting Impression (also good: Explosive Light) ► While it's no longer the best option for high-end PvE content, The Hothead is an extremely solid choice that won't disappoint. Farming Cold Comfort or Apex Predator will be more worthwhile if you have the opportunity, but utilizing The Hothead instead is still considered an effective strategy for most groups. | Season 15 | Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Field Prep) + Lasting Impression (also good: Explosive Light) | Top-tier | |
Crux Termination IV | Crux Termination IV | 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: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive 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: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Envious Assassin (also good: Reconstruction) + Surrounded | Top-tier |
Destiny 2 Rocket Launchers: The Complete List
This database includes every viable Rocket Launcher in the game:
Art | Weapon | 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Wardcliff Coil | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Weak ❘ C | PvP | Exotic Engram | No | Free-to-Play | Season 1 | Heavy | No | |||
Truth | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Forsaken Pack | Yes | Heavy | Void | Worst ❘ D | - | Exotic Kiosk | No | Forsaken Pack | Season 7 | Heavy | No | |||
Deathbringer | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Shadowkeep | Yes | Heavy | Void | Average ❘ B | PvE + PvP | Exotic Quest | No | Shadowkeep | Season 8 | Heavy | No | |||
Eyes of Tomorrow | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | Beyond Light | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Average ❘ B | PvE + PvP | Deep Stone Crypt Raid | No | Beyond Light | Season 12 | Heavy | No | |||
Two-Tailed Fox | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Void | Average ❘ B | PvE | Exotic Engram | No | Free-to-Play | Season 4 | Heavy | No | |||
Gjallarhorn | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | 30th Anniversary | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Grasp of Avarice Dungeon | No | 30th Anniversary | 30th Anniversary event | Heavy | No | Top-tier | ||
Dragon's Breath | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Best ❘ S | PvE | Season Pass | No | Free-to-Play | Season 23 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | ||
Code Duello | Rocket Launcher | High-Impact | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Weak ❘ C | - | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Heavy | No | |||
Tomorrow's Answer | Rocket Launcher | High-Impact | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Lightfall | No | Heavy | Void | Weak ❘ C | PvE | Trials of Osiris | No | Lightfall | Season 10 | Heavy | No | |||
Shining Sphere | Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | No | Heavy | Arc | Worst ❘ D | - | Iron Banner | No | Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Heavy | No | |||
Heretic | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Worst ❘ D | - | Moon | No | Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Heavy | No | |||
Hoosegow | Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Worst ❘ D | - | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Heavy | No | |||
Apex Predator | Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Forsaken Pack | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Best ❘ S | PvE | Last Wish Raid | Yes | Forsaken Pack | Season 4 | Heavy | Craftable | Top-tier | Incandescent,Explosive Light,Reconstruction,Bait and Switch | |
Royal Entry | Rocket Launcher | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Void | Weak ❘ C | - | Vanguard Focusing | No | Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Heavy | No | |||
Bad Omens | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Void | Worst ❘ D | - | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Heavy | No | |||
Subzero Salvo | Rocket Launcher | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Worst ❘ D | - | Europa | No | Free-to-Play | Season 12 | Heavy | No | |||
Sleepless | Rocket Launcher | High-Impact | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Weak ❘ C | - | Shattered Throne Dungeon | No | Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Heavy | No | |||
Hezen Vengeance | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Average ❘ B | PvE + PvP | Vault of Glass Raid | No | Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Heavy | No | |||
Ascendancy | Rocket Launcher | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Average ❘ B | PvE + PvP | Exotic Kiosk | No | Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Heavy | No | |||
The Hothead | Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Nightfall: The Ordeals | No | Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | Explosive Light | |
Red Herring | Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Void | Worst ❘ D | - | Throne World | Yes | Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Heavy | Craftable | |||
Palmyra-B | Rocket Launcher | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Stasis | Weak ❘ C | - | Gunsmith | Yes | Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Heavy | Craftable | Explosive Light | ||
Bump in the Night | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Stasis | Beyond Light | Yes | Heavy | Stasis | Weak ❘ C | - | Presage | Yes | Beyond Light | Season 17 | Heavy | Craftable | |||
Roar of the Bear | Rocket Launcher | High-Impact | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Weak ❘ C | - | Iron Banner | No | Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Heavy | No | Incandescent | ||
Blowout | Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Average ❘ B | PvE | Playlist: Crucible | No | Free-to-Play | Season 19 | Heavy | No | Explosive Light | ||
BrayTech Osprey | Rocket Launcher | High-Impact | Legendary | Heavy | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Void | Average ❘ B | PvE + PvP | Nightfall: The Ordeals | No | Free-to-Play | Season 21 | Heavy | No | |||
Cold Comfort | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Stasis | Deluxe Edition | Yes | Heavy | Stasis | Best ❘ S | PvE | Ghost of the Deep Dungeon | No | Deluxe Edition | Season 21 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | Explosive Light,Bait and Switch | |
Crowning Duologue | Rocket Launcher | Precision | Legendary | Heavy | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Strand | Worst ❘ D | - | Event: Solstice | No | Free-to-Play | Season 21 | Heavy | No | |||
Semiotician | Rocket Launcher | High-Impact | Legendary | Heavy | Strand | Season 22 | Yes | Heavy | Strand | Average ❘ B | - | Seasonal activity | Yes | Season 22 | Season 22 | Heavy | Craftable | |||
Crux Termination IV | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Strong ❘ A | PvE | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 23 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | Reconstruction |
These are the different Tier levels used for our list:
- S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapons in our Tier List.
- A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapons, 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.
Best Destiny 2 Rocket Launchers in 2024
Ready to dig deeper into the absolute best Rocket Launchers in Destiny 2 right now? These are the cream of the crop, our favorites (for PvE and PvP):
5. The Hothead
Excels in PvE and PvP
Previously the king of Legendary rocket launchers, The Hothead has seen a slight decrease in popularity due to the constant addition of stronger options. However, The Hothead is still a meta pick that competes with other top-DPS options.
For PvE, the first column is pretty simple; go for Auto-Loading Holster, Field Prep, or Tracking Module (depending on your preferences and DPS setup). Explosive Light’s 25% damage buff is the best pick for the final column, and it’s what makes The Hothead such a solid choice in the current meta.
All you need on this weapon for The Crucible is Tracking Module or Impulse Amplifier in the first column. While less strong here than in high-end PvE, The Hothead is still a consistent option if you need something to throw on in PvP.
Season of the Deep did come with some absurdly powerful rocket launchers, but The Hothead still holds its ground pretty well. Especially if you’re a free-to-play Guardian, The Hothead is one of the best DPS options out there right now.
- PvE God roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Field Prep) + Lasting Impression (also good: Explosive Light)
How to get it: The Hothead can be acquired by completing Nightfall: The Ordeals (the highest difficulties have increased drop rates).
Art | Weapon | 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Hothead | Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Arc | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Nightfall: The Ordeals | No | Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | Explosive Light |
4. Gjallarhorn
Excels in PvE and PvP
Potentially the most iconic Exotic weapon in the Destiny franchise, Gjallarhorn continues to dominate The Crucible and higher-difficulty PvE—even through recent nerfs.
Gjallarhorn took a massive hit in PvE recently through a significant decrease in base damage per shot. Even so, most raid and dungeon groups continue to have one player run this Exotic rocket launcher. Wolfpack Rounds puts Gjallarhorn in a similar position to Divinity; the DPS one person loses out on is more than replaced by the extra damage they’re giving allies. If your fireteam is running rockets, expect one Guardian to have Gjallarhorn equipped.
This Exotic also excels in The Crucible because of its intrinsic tracking and Wolfpack Rounds. It’s not worth running over an Exotic primary or special weapon you prefer, but Gjallarhorn is undeniably a beast in PvP and Gambit as well.
While its utility falls off once more than one person has it equipped, Gjallarhorn’s power to increase other players’ damage makes it one of the best choices in the current sandbox.
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.
Art | Weapon | 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gjallarhorn | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | 30th Anniversary | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Grasp of Avarice Dungeon | No | 30th Anniversary | 30th Anniversary event | Heavy | No | Top-tier |
3. Dragon’s Breath
Excels in PVE
The newcomer to the rocket world, Dragon’s Breath is yet another S-Tier weapon in this archetype.
While it doesn’t benefit from Gjallarhorn’s support potential due to its Exotic status, Dragon’s Breath excels perfectly fine on its own. Especially in tandem with Solar builds and high-damage special weapons that take advantage of the rocket launcher’s auto-reloading potential, Dragon’s Breath can easily compete with Apex Predator and Cold Comfort.
While having multiple people running it at the same is inefficient (similar to Gjallarhorn), Dragon’s Breath is an extremely powerful option in boss DPS scenarios.
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.”
How to get it: We cover how to get the Dragon’s Breath + Catalyst here.
Art | Weapon | 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dragon's Breath | Rocket Launcher | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Best ❘ S | PvE | Season Pass | No | Free-to-Play | Season 23 | Heavy | No | Top-tier |
2. Apex Predator
Excels in PVE
In a twist that nobody saw coming, Apex Predator went from zero to hero with Season of the Deep through its remarkably potent reissued version.
Before it got reissued, Apex Predator’s only damage perk was Kill Clip, making it easily a D-Tier pick. Now, however, Apex has almost everything you’d want from a Legendary rocket launcher. Tracking Module and Reconstruction are great picks for the first column, while Bait and Switch is the king of the second.
Bait and Switch, Apex Predator’s headliner perk, did recently get nerfed from a 35% buff to 30%. Despite this, the weapon (and all others with Bait and Switch) continues to dominate the meta, only being outclassed by those with Surrounded. This, paired with the fact that Apex Predator has a crafted variant, makes it clear why the weapon has taken the community by storm. If you’re raid-ready and own the Forsaken Pack, getting Apex Predator is a must for PvE. 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.
Art | Weapon | 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apex Predator | Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | Legendary | Heavy | Solar | Forsaken Pack | Yes | Heavy | Solar | Best ❘ S | PvE | Last Wish Raid | Yes | Forsaken Pack | Season 4 | Heavy | Craftable | Top-tier | Incandescent,Explosive Light,Reconstruction,Bait and Switch |
1. Cold Comfort
Excels in PVE
Cold Comfort has immediately cemented itself as the best rocket launcher in the game, possessing just about everything one would want for PvE.
Like Apex Predator, Cold Comfort’s main draw is Bait and Switch in the final column. However, compared to Apex, Cold Comfort has a debatably better first column with both Envious Assassin and Tracking Module. Envious Assassin paired with Restoration Ritual (Ghosts of the Deep’s Origin Trait) can allow you to fire four rockets without reloading, making Cold Comfort great for any damage scenario.
The one downside to Cold Comfort is that it cannot be crafted. You’ll need to rely on luck to get the roll you want, but once it drops, you’ll have the best rocket launcher in the game. 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.
Art | Weapon | 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cold Comfort | Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | Legendary | Heavy | Stasis | Deluxe Edition | Yes | Heavy | Stasis | Best ❘ S | PvE | Ghost of the Deep Dungeon | No | Deluxe Edition | Season 21 | Heavy | No | Top-tier | Explosive Light,Bait and Switch |
Rocket launchers and the PvP Meta: TTK
We covered which Rocket launchers are considered top-tier (and should be farmed) and which ones can be safely ignored. But how do they compare to other Heavy weapons in PvP?
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 |
This TTK guide includes the TTKs 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. That’s why The Wardcliff Coil is such a popular choice for PVP.
Rocket launchers and the PvE Meta: DPS
How do Rocket launchers compare to other Heavy weapons in PvE?
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rocket Launchers | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ► Main role: Burst Damage (Secondary role: Add Clear) ► If an S+ category existed, Rocket Launchers would be there. They absolutely dominate the DPS meta for any boss that isn't Crota and easily outclass other options thanks to their flexibility in damage rotations and their ability to be spammed at bosses. Rockets are incredibly strong right now, and it wouldn't be surprising if they received some tuning soon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (20 RPM) - Example: The Hothead | 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 in a good spot right now. In fact, they are the go-to option for Crota in Crota's End. However, this is only because of a modifier that increases Sword damage against Crota. Outside of this specific boss, Swords are a decent option that doesn't excel simply because they are out-damaged by other heavy weapons. ► Best Archetype: Whirlwind - Example: Falling Guillotine | 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 | |
Grenade Launchers | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Main role: Add Clear (Secondary role: Single Target Damage). ► Grenade Launchers are on the rise, and with a couple of changes, we could see them soar to the top of the pile. For now, though, they remain a mediocre option with a couple of outliers, such as the Cataphract GL3, which is mainly good because it has Bait and Switch, not because it's a Grenade Launcher. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Cataphract GL3 | PVE Heavies |
Exotic Sniper Rifles | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | - | ► Main role: Single Target damage ► Exotic Snipers still require more help. D.A.R.C.I remains a complete joke, and Whisper of the Worm isn't strong enough to bring the ranking up. While Whisper is a surprisingly decent option, it requires a teammate using Divinity in most situations, unless you are very consistent with your shots. And even then, Rocket Launchers are still superior DPS options. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (72 RPM) - Example: Whisper of the Worm | PVE Heavies |
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 |
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.
When it comes to actual DPS, Rocket launchers are strong:
- | Weapon Type | Archetype | Sustained DPS | Mag DPS | Total Damage | Specs | --- | Best in Class | Change? | Ammo |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rocket Launcher | Exotic | 37425 | 37425 | 791532 | - | Deathbringer | Same | Heavy | ||
Rocket Launcher | Exotic | 21665 | 21665 | 604460 | - | Two-Tailed Fox | Same | Heavy | ||
Rocket Launcher | Exotic | 20179 | 29058 | 363220 | - | Gjallarhorn | New | Heavy | ||
Rocket Launcher | Exotic | 19536 | 25267 | 284256 | - | Truth | Same | Heavy | ||
Rocket Launcher | Adaptive | 19003 | 19003 | 401913 | - | Apex Predator | Same | Heavy | ||
Rocket Launcher | Aggressive | 19003 | 19003 | 401913 | - | Hezen Vengeance | Same | Heavy | ||
Rocket Launcher | Exotic | 18761 | 18761 | 609720 | - | Eyes of Tomorrow | Same | Heavy | ||
Rocket Launcher | Exotic | 17752 | 17752 | 433152 | - | The Wardcliff Coil | Same | Heavy | ||
Rocket Launcher | Precision | 17346 | 17346 | 354382 | - | Ascendancy | Same | Heavy | ||
Rocket Launcher | Hakke Precision | 16096 | 16096 | 365390 | - | Palmyra-B | Same | Heavy |
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 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!