Best Scout Rifles in Destiny 2: Tier List (Heresy Meta)

Scout rifles have gone through a lot. These days, they are in a balanced state. They don’t lag behind every other primary weapon as they once did, but they don’t necessarily dominate in endgame PvE content anymore. 

This guide covers every Scout in Destiny 2, including both Exotics and Legendaries, as well as the best rolls for PvE and PvP.

Update based on Episode 3: Heresy. See Updates.

Top Scout Rifles (Episode 3)

This Tier list features the best Exotic and Legendary Scout Rifles 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?
Unworthy	Unworthy Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Primary	Arc	The Final Shape Dungeon Key	Yes	S+ > Meta	Sundered Doctrine Dungon		Meta ❘ S+ Excels in: PvE + PvP	Sundered Doctrine Dungon The Final Shape Dungeon Key	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Firefly + Voltshot PvP God Roll: Keep Away (also good: Rapid Hit) + Zen Moment or Precision Instrument ► Unworthy is the best of the best when it comes to Scout Rifles. With good AoE perks and the incredibly strong Subjugation Origin Trait, Unworthy is by far and away the best Scout Rifle in the game.	Episode 3	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Firefly + Voltshot PvP God Roll: Keep Away (also good: Rapid Hit) + Zen Moment or Precision Instrument	Top-tier
Trustee	Trustee Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Primary	Solar	Beyond Light Pack	Yes	S › Best	Deep Stone Crypt Raid		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Deep Stone Crypt Raid Beyond Light Pack	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Incandescent PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Surplus)+ Eye of the Storm (also good: High-Impact Reserves) ► Trustee is a top-of-the-line option. With perks like Rapid Hit and Incandescent available, as well as the Bray Inheritance Origin Trait, Trustee is an incredible all-rounder and feels spectacular for a Scout Rifle.	Season 12	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Incandescent PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Surplus)+ Eye of the Storm (also good: High-Impact Reserves)	Top-tier
Randy's Throwing Knife	Randy's Throwing Knife Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Playlist: Crucible		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Playlist: Crucible Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Under-Over + Kinetic Tremors PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Kill Clip (also good: Perpetual Motion) ► Randy's Throwing Knife might just be one of the best Scouts in the game. It is incredibly viable in every area of the game, with viability in both PvE and PvP. Randy's can be used in high-level Nightfalls to handle Champions.	Season 21	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Under-Over + Kinetic Tremors PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Kill Clip (also good: Perpetual Motion)	Top-tier
Vouchsafe	Vouchsafe Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Lightweight	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Shattered Throne Dungeon		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Shattered Throne Dungeon Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace (also good: Rapid Hit) + Destabilizing Rounds ► Thanks to the massive buffs to Destabilizing Rounds, Vouchsafe is now a top contender in the Scout Rifle department. Vouchsafe comfortably fills the spot of a good Void Scout Rifle, and is perfect any time you want Volatile Rounds.	Season 13	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace (also good: Rapid Hit) + Destabilizing Rounds	Top-tier
Fang of Ir Yût	Fang of Ir Yût Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Primary	Strand	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Crota's End Raid		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Crota's End Raid Free-to-Play	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Precision Instrument ► Fang of Ir Yut is an excellent option for PvP with perks like Precision Instrument, dropping the time-to-kill down to 0.7 seconds provided you hit 4 headshots in a row.	Season 22	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Precision Instrument	Top-tier
Dead Man's Tale	Dead Man's Tale Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Beyond Light Pack	Yes	S › Best	Presage		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP	Presage Beyond Light Pack	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Chaining precision hits grants bonus target acquisition and range" + Killing Wind PvP God Roll: Outlaw (also good: Vorpal Weapon ) ► Dead Man's Tale is incredible in the Crucible right now. Due to the recent patch slowing the game down, players are able to take advantage of Dead Man's Tale's incredible range and hip-fire dueling potential.	Season 13	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Chaining precision hits grants bonus target acquisition and range" + Killing Wind PvP God Roll: Outlaw (also good: Vorpal Weapon )	Top-tier
Timeworn Wayfarer	Timeworn Wayfarer Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Aggressive	Primary	Solar	Episode 1: Echoes	Yes	A › Strong	Echoes Activities		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Echoes Activities Episode 1: Echoes	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Shoot to Loot) + Incandescent (also good: Precision Instrument) PvP God Roll: Keep Away + Eye of the Storm (also good: Opening Shot) ► On PvP maps that have long lanes, Timeworn Wayfarer can excel massively thanks to its strong perk pool and archetype, but it can struggle if enemies get on top of you.	The Final Shape	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Shoot to Loot) + Incandescent (also good: Precision Instrument) PvP God Roll: Keep Away + Eye of the Storm (also good: Opening Shot)	Top-tier
Polaris Lance	Polaris Lance Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Kiosk Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision hits return ammo to the mag. Landing 4 precision hits loads a delayed Solar explosive round for your next shot." ► Polaris has definitely fallen in terms of strength, mainly because the Season 23 Seasonal Artifact that helped it a lot are no longer available. However, Polaris Lance is still a solid weapon, just perhaps not as powerful as it once was.	Season 3	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Precision hits return ammo to the mag. Landing 4 precision hits loads a delayed Solar explosive round for your next shot."	Top-tier
Tarnished Mettle	Tarnished Mettle Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Lightweight	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Xûr		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Xûr Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Voltshot (also good: Shoot to Loot + Explosive Payload) ► Tarnished Mettle has a good number of solid perks available, in particular Votlshot, which allows Tarnished Mettle to have some good AoE capabilities. While it falls short of Destabilizing Rounds, Voltshot Tarnished Mettle is still a good pick.	Season 18	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Voltshot (also good: Shoot to Loot + Explosive Payload)	Top-tier
Doom of Chelchis	Doom of Chelchis Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Precision	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	King's Fall Raid		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	King's Fall Raid Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Firefly (also good: Explosive Payload) + Frenzy (also good: Dragonfly + One For All) ► Doom of Chelchis has plenty of fantastic perk options that all work nicely together. With two AoE perks and two brilliant damage perks, you can customize Doom of Chelchis a lot, making it a strong option.	Season 18	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Firefly (also good: Explosive Payload) + Frenzy (also good: Dragonfly + One For All)	Top-tier
Brya's Love	Brya's Love Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Precision	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Xûr		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Xûr Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Loose Change + Desabilizing Rounds ► Like all Scout Rifles with Destabilizing Rounds, Brya's Love has increased in strength. Unfortunately, compared to some other options like Vouchsafe, Brya's Love doesn't have as good perks in the first column, but it's still a good option.	Season 22	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Loose Change + Desabilizing Rounds	Top-tier
Hung Jury SR4	Hung Jury SR4 Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Precision	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Onslaught Activity		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Onslaught Activity Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Kinetic Tremors (also good: Shoot to Loot) + Firefly or Explosive Payload ► Hung Jury is a good kinetic option for high-level content as it comes with suitable perks. Kinetic Tremors, Shoot to Loot, and Explosive Payload are all excellent options, and Precision Scout Rifles are decent.	Into the Light	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Kinetic Tremors (also good: Shoot to Loot) + Firefly or Explosive Payload	Top-tier
Patron of Lost Causes	Patron of Lost Causes Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Lightweight	Primary	Kinetic	Episode 1: Echoes	Yes	A › Strong	Dawn Engrams		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Dawn Engrams Episode 1: Echoes	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Kinetic Tremors (also good: Explosive Payload) ► Patron of Lost Causes comes with some straightforward strong perks like Rapid Hit and Kinetic Tremors, making it a good option for harder content where Scouts can excel.	The Final Shape	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Kinetic Tremors (also good: Explosive Payload)	Top-tier
Vision of Confluence	Vision of Confluence Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Precision	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Vault of Glass Raid		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Vault of Glass Raid Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Incandescent (also good: Heal Clip) + Explosive Payload (also good: Frenzy) ► Thanks to a decent perk pool, Vision of Confluence is capable of dealing with a wide variety of situations. The versatility in column 1 provides self-sustain or ad clear, and column 2 has a wide array of damage perks.	Episode 3	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Incandescent (also good: Heal Clip) + Explosive Payload (also good: Frenzy)	Top-tier
MIDA Multi-Tool	MIDA Multi-Tool Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Kiosk		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Exotic Kiosk Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon boosts move speed. Radar stays active while aiming down sights." ► MIDA Multi-Tool is regularly a favorable option in certain metals thanks to its ease of use that comes from having 100 aim assist.	Season 1	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon boosts move speed. Radar stays active while aiming down sights."	Top-tier
Contingency Plan	Contingency Plan Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Xûr		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Xûr Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvP God Roll: Surplus + Kill Clip ► A niche option, Contingency Plan is loved by Scout Rifle aficionados in PvP due to its high kill potential and solid perk pool. Kill Clip helps it stand out inside the Crucible, bringing its TTK (time-to-kill) down to a whoping 0.7 seconds.	Season 15	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvP God Roll: Surplus + Kill Clip	Top-tier
Jararaca-3sr	Jararaca-3sr Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	VEIST Rapid-Fire	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Gunsmith		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Gunsmith Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: VEIST Rapid-Fire PvP God Rolls: Rapid Hit + Kill Clip ► Jararaca-3sr is similar to Contingency Plan. It can roll with Kill Clip and is a Veist Rapid Fire Frame weapon. With Rapid Hit and Kill Clip, it can become quite the killing machine inside of PvP.	Season 19	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: VEIST Rapid-Fire PvP God Rolls: Rapid Hit + Kill Clip	Top-tier
The Prophet	The Prophet Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Aggressive	Primary	Stasis	The Final Shape	Yes	A › Strong	Trials of Osiris		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Trials of Osiris The Final Shape	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Explosive Payload or Kill Clip ► The Prophet is a 120RPM Scout Rifle, immediately making it quite a middle of the road option in general. However, in the right hands these Scout Rifles can be incredibly consistent and stable to use.	Season 23	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Explosive Payload or Kill Clip	Top-tier
Taraxippos	Taraxippos Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Lightweight	Primary	Strand	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Event: Guardian Games		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Event: Guardian Games Free-to-Play	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf (also good: Zen Moment) + Explosive Payload (also good: Kill Clip) ► Taraxippos remains a rather average weapon in PvE. In PvP, though, Taraxippos has more going for it and can be a consistent weapon, but it will be beaten by the top weapons.	Season 23	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf (also good: Zen Moment) + Explosive Payload (also good: Kill Clip)	Top-tier

Destiny 2 Scouts: Complete List

These are all the viable Scout currently 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?
	Dead Man's Tale	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Beyond Light Pack	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	S › Best	PvP	Presage	Yes	Beyond Light Pack	Season 13	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier
	MIDA Multi-Tool	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvP	Exotic Kiosk	No	Free-to-Play	Season 1	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Polaris Lance	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Exotic Kiosk	No	Free-to-Play	Season 3	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Skyburner's Oath	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	C › Weak	-	Exotic Engram	No	Free-to-Play	Season 1	Energy	No
	Symmetry	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Arc	Shadowkeep Pack	Yes	Primary	Arc	C › Weak	PvP	Exotic Kiosk	No	Shadowkeep Pack	Season 9	Energy	No
	The Jade Rabbit	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Exotic Engram	No	Free-to-Play	Season 2	Kinetic	No
	Touch of Malice	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE	King's Fall Raid	No	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Kinetic	No
	Wicked Implement	Scout Rifle	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Stasis	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Quest	No	Free-to-Play	Season 21	Kinetic	No
	Admetus-D	Scout Rifle	High-Impact	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	B › Average	PvE + PvP	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Episode 3	Energy	No
	Adverse Possession IX	Scout Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	D › Worst	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	The Final Shape	Energy	No
	Aisha's Embrace	Scout Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Void	The Final Shape	Yes	Primary	Void	C › Weak	PvE	Trials of Osiris	No	The Final Shape	Season 16	Energy	No
	Brya's Love	Scout Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	A › Strong	PvE	Xûr	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 22	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier
	Contingency Plan	Scout Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvP	Xûr	No	Free-to-Play	Season 15	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Doom of Chelchis	Scout Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	A › Strong	PvE	King's Fall Raid	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier	Repulsor Brace
	Eternal Blazon	Scout Rifle	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	D › Worst	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 13	Energy	No
	Fang of Ir Yût	Scout Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Strand	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Strand	S › Best	PvE	Crota's End Raid	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 22	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier	Sword Logic
	Glissando-47	Scout Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Strand	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Strand	C › Weak	PvE	Lost Sector	No	Free-to-Play	Season 21	Kinetic	No		Reconstruction
	Hung Jury SR4	Scout Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE	Onslaught Activity	No	Free-to-Play	Into the Light	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	Kinetic Tremors
	Imperative	Scout Rifle	High-Impact	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Undying	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Kinetic	Craftable		Kinetic Tremors
	Jararaca-3sr	Scout Rifle	VEIST Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Stasis	A › Strong	PvP	Gunsmith	No	Free-to-Play	Season 19	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Last Rite	Scout Rifle	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvP	Playlist: Pursuit	No	Free-to-Play	Season 21	Kinetic	No		Reconstruction
	Live Fire	Scout Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Stasis	C › Weak	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Episode 2	Kinetic	No
	Long Arm	Scout Rifle	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Witch Queen Dungeon Key	Yes	Primary	Arc	B › Average	PvP	Spire of the Watcher Dungeon	No	Episode 3: Heretic	Season 19	Energy	No
	Nameless Midnight	Scout Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE	Playlist: Vanguard	No	Free-to-Play	Season 20	Kinetic	No		Kinetic Tremors
	Night Watch	Scout Rifle	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Kinetic	No
	Patron of Lost Causes	Scout Rifle	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Episode 1: Echoes	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE	Dawn Engrams	No	Episode 1: Echoes	The Final Shape	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	Kinetic Tremors
	Pleiades Corrector	Scout Rifle	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	D › Worst	-	Xûr	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	No
	Pointed Inquiry	Scout Rifle	High-Impact	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	D › Worst	-	Throne World	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Energy	Craftable
	Randy's Throwing Knife	Scout Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Playlist: Crucible	No	Free-to-Play	Season 21	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	Kinetic Tremors
	Red Tape	Scout Rifle	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Stasis	Episode 2: Revenant	Yes	Primary	Stasis	B › Average	PvE	Revenant Activities	No	Episode 2: Revenant	Episode 2	Kinetic	No
	Royal Chase	Scout Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	D › Worst	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 12	Energy	No
	Servant Leader	Scout Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Playlist: Gambit	No	Free-to-Play	Season 15	Kinetic	No
	Staccato-46	Scout Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	B › Average	PvE	Gunsmith	No	Free-to-Play	Season 17	Energy	No		Incandescent
	Talons of the Eagle	Scout Rifle	High-Impact	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	No	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	PvP	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Kinetic	No
	Taraxippos	Scout Rifle	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Strand	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Strand	A › Strong	PvP	Event: Guardian Games	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Tarnished Mettle	Scout Rifle	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Xûr	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier	Voltshot
	Tears of Contrition	Scout Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Beyond Light Pack	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvP	Presage	Yes	Beyond Light Pack	Season 17	Kinetic	Craftable
	The Guiding Sight	Scout Rifle	High-Impact	Legendary	Primary	Strand	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Strand	D › Worst	-	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 12	Kinetic	No
	The Prophet	Scout Rifle	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Stasis	The Final Shape	Yes	Primary	Stasis	A › Strong	PvP	Trials of Osiris	No	The Final Shape	Season 23	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	The Scholar	Scout Rifle	High-Impact	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	The Final Shape	No	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Trials of Osiris	No	The Final Shape	Season 10	Kinetic	No
	Timeworn Wayfarer	Scout Rifle	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Episode 1: Echoes	Yes	Primary	Solar	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Echoes Activities	Yes	Episode 1: Echoes	The Final Shape	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier	Incandescent
	Transfiguration	Scout Rifle	High-Impact	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Forsaken Pack	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE	Last Wish Raid	Yes	Forsaken Pack	Season 4	Kinetic	Craftable		Kinetic Tremors
	Trustee	Scout Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Beyond Light Pack	Yes	Primary	Solar	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Deep Stone Crypt Raid	Yes	Beyond Light Pack	Season 12	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier	Incandescent,Reconstruction
	Unworthy	Scout Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Arc	The Final Shape Dungeon Key	Yes	Primary	Arc	S+ > Meta	PvE + PvP	Sundered Doctrine Dungon	No	The Final Shape Dungeon Key	Episode 3	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Vision of Confluence	Scout Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Vault of Glass Raid	Yes	Free-to-Play	Episode 3	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier
	Vouchsafe	Scout Rifle	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	S › Best	PvE	Shattered Throne Dungeon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 13	Energy	No	Top-tier

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 D2 Scout Rifles Today

Ready to dig deeper into the absolute best Scouts in Destiny 2? These are the cream of the crop, our favorites (for PvE and PvP):

5. Randy’s Throwing Knife

Excels in PvE and PvP

Randy’s Throwing Knife might just be one of the best Scouts in the game. It is incredibly viable in every area of the game, with viability in both PvE and PvP. Randy’s Throwing Knife can also be used in high-level Nightfalls to handle Champions.

• PvE God roll: Under-Over + Kinetic Tremors
• PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Kill Clip (also good: Perpetual Motion)

How to get it: Randy’s Throwing Knife can be acquired from the Crucible Playlist.

Name: Randy's Throwing Knife

Type: Scout Rifle Archetype: Rapid-Fire

Ammo: Primary Element: Kinetic

Craftable: No Released: Season 21

Source: Playlist: Crucible Requires: Free-to-Play

4. Dead Man’s Tale

Excels in PvP

Dead Man’s Tale is incredible in the Crucible right now. Due to the recent patch slowing the game down, players are able to take advantage of Dead Man’s Tale’s incredible range and hip-fire dueling potential. These are the top Dead Man’s Tale God Rolls:

Exotic Perk: “Chaining precision hits grants bonus target acquisition and range” + Killing Wind

• PvP God roll: Outlaw (also good: Vorpal Weapon)

How to get it: Dead Man’s Tale can be acquired by completing the Presage Exotic Mission.

Name: Dead Man's Tale

Type: Scout Rifle Archetype: Exotic

Ammo: Primary Element: Kinetic

Craftable: Yes Released: Season 13

Source: Presage Requires: Beyond Light Pack

3. Vouchsafe

Excels in PvE

Thanks to the massive buffs to Destabilizing Rounds, Vouchsafe is now a top contender in the Scout Rifle department. Vouchsafe comfortably fills the spot of a good Void Scout Rifle and is perfect any time you want Volatile Rounds.

• PvE God roll: Repulsor Brace (also good: Rapid Hit) + Destabilizing Rounds

How to get it: Vouchsafe can be acquired from the Dreaming City, including the Shattered Throne Dungeon.

Name: Vouchsafe

Type: Scout Rifle Archetype: Lightweight

Ammo: Primary Element: Void

Craftable: No Released: Season 13

Source: Shattered Throne Dungeon Requires: Free-to-Play

2. Trustee

Excels in PvE

Trustee is a niche weapon, but that doesn’t mean it is weak. In fact, out of all the Rapid-Fire Frame Scout Rifles, it is one of the better options, thanks to the Bray Inheritance Origin Trait. This, paired with Incandescent, allows players to generate a lot of ability energy as every tick of Scorch from Incandescent will generate 0.35% energy and any hit from the weapon itself. While this may not sound like a lot, it adds up and is brilliant on Trustee. These are the top Trustee God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Rapid Hit + Incandescent

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

Name: Trustee

Type: Scout Rifle Archetype: Rapid-Fire

Ammo: Primary Element: Solar

Craftable: Yes Released: Season 12

Source: Deep Stone Crypt Raid Requires: Beyond Light Pack

1. Unworthy

Excels in PvE

Unworthy is an excellent workhorse weapon for anyone needing an Arc weapon. While Scout Rifles are generally quite unpopular, Unworthy isn’t a weapon you should simply turn your nose up at.

With Firefly and Voltshot, Unworthy has unmatched AoE add-clear potential and also comes with the Subjugation Origin Trait, which is remarkably powerful as it effectively grants the weapon Explosive Payload, and a nerfed version of Sever depending on who you’re shooting. These are the top Unworthy God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Firefly + Voltshot

How to get it: Unworthy can be acquired from the Sundered Doctrine Dungeon.

Name: Unworthy

Type: Scout Rifle Archetype: Rapid-Fire

Ammo: Primary Element: Arc

Craftable: No Released: Episode 3

Source: Sundered Doctrine Dungon Requires: The Final Shape Dungeon Key

Scouts and the PvP Meta: TTK

We covered which Scout rifles are considered top-tier (and should be farmed) and which ones can be safely ignored. But how do they compare to other primary weapons in PvP?

Weapon Type	Rank	Tier	Trend	Role ❘ Current State	Category
Hand Cannons	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► Hand Cannons feel great right now and can deal with all the other meta options, provided they are in the hands of a skilled player. They are unbelievably forgiving in terms of aim-assist and can compete at solid ranges. Hand Cannons are the jack of all trades, and while they may not dominate up close or far away, they are incredibly scary to face in a mid-range duel. ► 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
Auto Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► Auto Rifles are remarkably easy to use. Options like Khvostov or The Summoner both excel at medium range, and if you can close the gap on Pulse Rifles, you can easily take advantage of the high flinch factor and solid time-to-kill that Auto Rifles have. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Khvostov 7G-0X	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
Submachine Guns	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► SMGs have lost a little bit of power as aggressive play isn't as prevalent as it once was, but you can definitely still succeed with certain SMGs, especially on close-range maps. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (720 RPM) - Example: Unending Tempest	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	C › Weak	Weak ❘ C	-	► Scout Rifles are struggling right now. In most situations, the maps are too small to benefit the long range of a Scout rifle. An Aggressive or High-Impact Pulse Rifle will better serve your needs. Plus, Scout Rifles are abysmal up close. There are one or two outliers that shine but, on the whole, Scout Rifles are in a weak spot. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (260 RPM) - Example: Fang of Ir Yût	PVP Primaries

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. When it comes to PvP, Scouts can do well in the Crucible:

-	Weapon Type	Archetype	Optimal TTK	Optimal Kill	Body Shot TTK	Specs	---	Best in Class
	Scout Rifle	High-Impact 150 RPM	0.80	3 crit	1.60	Excellent range, low aim assist		The Scholar
	Scout Rifle	Lightweight 200 RPM	0.90	3 crit 1 body	1.80	Excellent aim assist & handling, low range		Night Watch
	Scout Rifle	Precision 180 RPM	1.00	2 crit 2 body	1.67	High stability, decent elsewhere		Vision of Confluence
	Scout Rifle	Rapid Fire 260 RPM	0.93	3 crit 2 body	1.40	High stability, very low range		Aisha's Embrace
	Scout Rifle	Aggressive 120 RPM	1.00	2 crit 1 body	1.50	High range, low aim assist		Long Arm
	Scout Rifle	Exotic	0.93	3 crit 2 body	1.40	Last round drains ~10 health per shot		Touch of Malice
	Scout Rifle	Exotic	1.00	2 crit 1 body	1.50	-		Dead Man's Tale
	Scout Rifle	Exotic	0.93	3 crit 2 body	1.40	-		Symmetry
	Scout Rifle	Exotic	0.80	3 crit	1.60	-		Skyburner's Oath

That said, TTK is only half of the picture. With excellent range and relative ease of use, Scouts can dominate large maps that benefit long-range weapons.

Scouts and the PvE Meta: DPS

How do Scouts compare to other primary weapons in PvE?

Weapon Type	Rank	Tier	Trend	Role ❘ Current State	Category
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
Hand Cannons	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► Hand Cannons have shot up the rankings thanks to the changes introduced this Season, all the way up to the S tier. They have solid range and can dispatch enemies with complete ease in almost all difficulties. Hand Cannons have truly taken over the spotlight with their most recent buffs, and they shouldn't be leaving it any time soon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (140 RPM) - Example: Fatebringer	PVE Primaries
Auto Rifles	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► Auto Rifles are in a good place right now, options like Khvostov are incredibly potent, and utility picks such as No Hesitation make Auto Rifles a very solid option for those wanting to use a good Primary Weapon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Khvostov 76-0X	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
Submachine Guns	B › Average	Average ❘ B		► SMGs are not so hot anymore, due to the buffs to other weapon archetypes, as well as the prevalence of ability usage at close range, there is little space for SMGs to compete these days. ►Best Archetype- Aggressive (750 RPM) - Example: Unforgiven	PVE Primaries
Scout Rifles	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► Scout Rifles are the definition of average right now. They can do the job just fine, you can plink away at enemies from a safe distance in high-level content; however, when it comes down to it, most players will prefer to use a Hand Cannon or SMG as they simply do the same job better and faster. Scouts aren't bad at all, but they certainly aren't a go-to ► Best Archetype: Lightweight (200 RPM) - Example: Tarnished Mettle	PVE Primaries
Sidearms	C › Weak	Weak ❘ C	-	► 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

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.

Before you go…

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

You now know everything there is to know about Scouts in Destiny 2, whether that is for PvP or PvE content.