Best Rocket Launchers in Destiny 2: Tier List for PvP & PvE

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.

Updated as of Episode 1: Echoes. See Updates.

Top Tier Rocket Launchers (Episode 1)

This Tier list features 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: 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 is still one of the greats. Despite the fact that Grenade Launchers or Still Hunt are the main picks for DPS right now, Rockets are still solid, and Gjallarhorn is an absolute must when using them.	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	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	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: 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	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
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: Strand | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Precision 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: Strand | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Field Prep) + Hatchling (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)	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: 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: Complete List

This database includes every viable Rocket Launcher in the game:

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	Heavy	Void	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Exotic Quest	No	Shadowkeep Pack	Season 8	Heavy	No
	Dragon's Breath	Rocket Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Solar	S › Best	PvE	Season Pass	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Heavy	No	Top-tier
	Eyes of Tomorrow	Rocket Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Heavy	Solar	Beyond Light Pack	Yes	Heavy	Solar	C › Weak	-	Deep Stone Crypt Raid	No	Beyond Light Pack	Season 12	Heavy	No
	Gjallarhorn	Rocket Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Heavy	Solar	30th Anniversary	Yes	Heavy	Solar	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Grasp of Avarice Dungeon	No	30th Anniversary	30th Anniversary event	Heavy	No	Top-tier
	The Wardcliff Coil	Rocket Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	D › Worst	-	Exotic Engram	No	Free-to-Play	Season 1	Heavy	No
	Truth	Rocket Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Heavy	Void	Forsaken Pack	Yes	Heavy	Void	C › Weak	-	Exotic Kiosk	No	Forsaken Pack	Season 7	Heavy	No
	Two-Tailed Fox	Rocket Launcher	Exotic	Exotic	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Engram	No	Free-to-Play	Season 4	Heavy	No
	Apex Predator	Rocket Launcher	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Solar	Forsaken Pack	Yes	Heavy	Solar	S › Best	PvE	Last Wish Raid	Yes	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	Heavy	Solar	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk	No	Free-to-Play	Season 15	Heavy	No
	Bad Omens	Rocket Launcher	Aggressive	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	D › Worst	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Heavy	No
	Blowout	Rocket Launcher	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	B › Average	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	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Nightfall: The Ordeals	No	Free-to-Play	Season 21	Heavy	No
	Bump in the Night	Rocket Launcher	Aggressive	Legendary	Heavy	Stasis	Beyond Light Pack	Yes	Heavy	Stasis	C › Weak	-	Presage	Yes	Beyond Light Pack	Season 17	Heavy	Craftable
	Code Duello	Rocket Launcher	High-Impact	Legendary	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Solar	C › Weak	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 13	Heavy	No
	Cold Comfort	Rocket Launcher	Aggressive	Legendary	Heavy	Stasis	Lightfall Dungeon Key	Yes	Heavy	Stasis	S › Best	PvE	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon	No	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	Heavy	Strand	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Event: Solstice	No	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	Heavy	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Heavy	No	Top-tier	Reconstruction
	Faith-Keeper	Rocket Launcher	Precision	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Episode 1: Echoes	Yes	Heavy	Void	B › Average	-	Echoes Activities	Yes	Episode 1: Echoes	The Final Shape	Heavy	Craftable
	Heretic	Rocket Launcher	Aggressive	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	D › Worst	-	Moon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 13	Heavy	No
	Hezen Vengeance	Rocket Launcher	Aggressive	Legendary	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Solar	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Vault of Glass Raid	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Heavy	No
	Hoosegow	Rocket Launcher	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	D › Worst	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Heavy	No
	Palmyra-B	Rocket Launcher	Precision	Legendary	Heavy	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Stasis	C › Weak	-	Gunsmith	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Heavy	Craftable		Explosive Light
	Red Herring	Rocket Launcher	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	D › Worst	-	Throne World	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Heavy	Craftable
	Roar of the Bear	Rocket Launcher	High-Impact	Legendary	Heavy	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Solar	C › Weak	-	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Heavy	No		Incandescent
	Royal Entry	Rocket Launcher	Precision	Legendary	Heavy	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Void	C › Weak	-	Vanguard Focusing	No	Free-to-Play	Season 13	Heavy	No
	Semiotician	Rocket Launcher	High-Impact	Legendary	Heavy	Strand	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Strand	B › Average	-	Xûr	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 22	Heavy	Craftable
	Shining Sphere	Rocket Launcher	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	No	Heavy	Arc	D › Worst	-	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Heavy	No
	Sleepless	Rocket Launcher	High-Impact	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	C › Weak	-	Shattered Throne Dungeon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 13	Heavy	No
	Subzero Salvo	Rocket Launcher	Precision	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	D › Worst	-	Europa	No	Free-to-Play	Season 12	Heavy	No
	The Hothead	Rocket Launcher	Adaptive	Legendary	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Heavy	Arc	B › Average	PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals	No	Free-to-Play	Season 15	Heavy	No		Explosive Light
	Tomorrow's Answer	Rocket Launcher	High-Impact	Legendary	Heavy	Void	The Final Shape	No	Heavy	Void	C › Weak	PvE	Trials of Osiris	No	The Final Shape	Season 10	Heavy	No

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

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. Crux Termination IV

 Excels in PVE

Considering it’s a weapon from the world loot pool, Crux Termination IV has garnered relatively high praise from the community over the past year.

While it generally isn’t as popular as the options ranked above it, Crux Termination can pump out some extreme damage with Surrounded active. The only reason we don’t rank it higher is due to the inconsistency of that perk—in many endgame situations, utilizing Surrounded simply isn’t possible.

Overall, Crux Termination IV is a solid pick that may be worth farming, depending on what activities you frequent. While it doesn’t excel in as many activities as other weapons do, Crux has no 1:1 replacements in the places it’s potent. 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 be randomly acquired as end-of-match activities, Gunsmith, Legendary engrams, and Prime engrams.

Name: Crux Termination IV

Type: Rocket Launcher Archetype: Aggressive

Ammo: Heavy Element: Arc

Craftable: No Released: Season 23

Source: World loot pool Requires: Free-to-Play

4. Dragon’s Breath

 Excels in PVE

A relatively new addition to the game, 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.

How to get it: We cover How to get Dragon’s Breath + Catalyst here.

Name: Dragon's Breath

Type: Rocket Launcher Archetype: Exotic

Ammo: Heavy Element: Solar

Craftable: No Released: Season 23

Source: Season Pass Requires: Free-to-Play

3. Cold Comfort

 Excels in PVE

CCold 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 its Stasis affinity. In the current meta, using weapon rotations is the only way to achieve optimal DPS, and matching elements in order to dedicate your surge mods to one type is a part of that. Because Solar has a greater number of top-tier options than Stasis, Cold Comfort generally isn’t favored over Apex Predator. 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 Launcher Archetype: Aggressive

Ammo: Heavy Element: Stasis

Craftable: No Released: Season 21

Source: Ghost of the Deep Dungeon Requires: Lightfall Dungeon Key

2. 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.

Name: Gjallarhorn

Type: Rocket Launcher Archetype: Exotic

Ammo: Heavy Element: Solar

Craftable: No Released: 30th Anniversary event

Source: Grasp of Avarice Dungeon Requires: 30th Anniversary

1. 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 receive a nerf a while ago 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.

Name: Apex Predator

Type: Rocket Launcher Archetype: Adaptive

Ammo: Heavy Element: Solar

Craftable: Yes Released: Season 4

Source: Last Wish Raid Requires: Forsaken Pack

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
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

According to Bungie, these are the different roles for Heavy weapons:

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.