Scout rifles have gone through a lot. They went from being the worst primary weapons in the entire game to must-have tools for endgame content. These days, they are in a much more 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.
Updated as of Season of the Wish (S23). See Updates.
Destiny 2 Best Scout Rifles: Top-tier Options
This Tier list features the best Exotic and Legendary Scouts right now, including the Dead Man’s Tale and Polaris Lance:
Item | Weapons | Type | Archetype | Ammo | Element | Requirements | In loot pool? | Rank | Source | Available? | Tier rank | Source ❘ DLC | Final Verdict | Released | Perks | Best of? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Polaris Lance | Polaris Lance | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Kiosk | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | 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." ► Despite its reliance on the Seasonal Artifact, there is no denying that Polaris Lance is one of the easiest and most powerful options for content such as Grandmaster Nightfalls this season. Constant ignitions and never having to reload is a powerful combo, and this weapon can clear rooms and champions with ease. | 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 | |
Randy's Throwing Knife | Randy's Throwing Knife | 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 Champion | 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 | |
Tarnished Mettle | Tarnished Mettle | Scout Rifle | Lightweight | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Xûr | Best ❘ S 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 Scout Rifle is one of the first two weapons to roll with the perk 'Voltshot'. Voltshot is one of the strongest perks in the game right now, as it turns your gun into a mini Trinity Ghoul. Ignoring Voltshot, though, Tarnished Mettle comes with S-tier perks and is the best Arc Scout Rifle in the game right now. | 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 | Precision | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | King's Fall Raid | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | King's Fall Raid Free-to-Play | Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Explosive Payload + One For All (also good: Firefly + Frenzy) ► Doom of Chelchis is stacked with brilliant perks. It has combos like Firefly and Dragonfly and damage perks like One for All and Frenzy; you can't go wrong with Chelchis. Plus, Doom of Chelchis is part of the very capable Precision archetype, | Season 18 | Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Explosive Payload + One For All (also good: Firefly + Frenzy) | Top-tier | |
Dead Man's Tale | Dead Man's Tale | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Beyond Light | Yes | S › Best | Presage | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP | Presage Beyond Light | 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 | |
Trustee | Trustee | Scout Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Primary | Solar | Beyond Light | Yes | A › Strong | Deep Stone Crypt Raid | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Deep Stone Crypt Raid Beyond Light | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Surplus)+ Eye of the Storm (also good: High-Impact Reserves) ► Trustee is a solid pick. It can hold its own in PvP, and it features top-tier perks for PvE, such as Incandescent, Rapid Hit, and Reconstruction. Its Origin Trait is also quite strong and has excellent synergy with Incandescent. | Season 12 | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Surplus)+ Eye of the Storm (also good: High-Impact Reserves) | Top-tier | |
Staccato-46 | Staccato-46 | Scout Rifle | Precision | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Gunsmith | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Gunsmith Free-to-Play | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Outlaw (also good: Shoot to Loot) + Incandescent (also good: Explosive Payload) ► Staccato-46 contains some exceptional new perks, including Incandescent. However, its rolls aren't very useful in high-end PvE content (where scout rifles are primarily used). Unless you're a huge scout rifle fan, there isn't a reason to run this weapon over something like Strident Whistle or CALUS Mini-Tool. | Season 17 | Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Outlaw (also good: Shoot to Loot) + Incandescent (also good: Explosive Payload) | Top-tier | |
Touch of Malice | Touch of Malice | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | King's Fall Raid | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | King's Fall Raid Free-to-Play | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "The final round in the magazine deals bonus damage and then regenerates itself. Rapidly defeating three targets restores health. Precision hits drain combatants' life force and charge up a ball of darkness." ► With the release of Special weapons that fill the backup DPS role excellently, such as the Supremacy, Touch of Malice has fallen down in terms of ranking. It also hogs your exotic slot, which could be better used on another weapon. That being said, it is still a very easy to use and powerful backup DPS option. | Season 18 | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "The final round in the magazine deals bonus damage and then regenerates itself. Rapidly defeating three targets restores health. Precision hits drain combatants' life force and charge up a ball of darkness." | Top-tier | |
Brya's Love | Brya's Love | Scout Rifle | Precision | Primary | Void | Season 22 | Yes | A › Strong | Seasonal activity | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Seasonal activity Season 22 | Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Shoot to Loot + Explosive Payload (also good: Frenzy) ► Brya's Love comes with a wide range of solid perks. However, its archetype holds it back. There are simply better options when it comes to Precision Frame Scout Rifles, but Shoot to Loot and Explosive Payload are good utility perks, making Brya's Love a decent option. | Season 22 | Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Shoot to Loot + Explosive Payload (also good: Frenzy) | Top-tier | |
Fang of Ir Yût | Fang of Ir Yût | Scout Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Primary | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Crota's End Raid | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Crota's End Raid Free-to-Play | Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Shoot to Loot (also good: Rapid Hit) + Sword Logic (also good: Hatchling) ► The Fang of Ir Yût is a great Strand Scout Rifle that works in most situations. With utility perks like Shoot to Loot, Strand perks like Hatchling, and one of the best damage perks in the game, Sword Logic, Fang of Ir Yût is quite the all-rounder. | Season 22 | Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Shoot to Loot (also good: Rapid Hit) + Sword Logic (also good: Hatchling) | Top-tier | |
Hung Jury SR4 | Hung Jury SR4 | Scout Rifle | Precision | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Onslaught | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Onslaught Free-to-Play | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit (also good: Shoot to Loot) + Kinetic Tremors (also good: Firefly) ► Hung Jury comes with some of the best perks available on a Scout Rifle for endgame PvE. Shoot to Loot is always a standout perk, and Kinetic Tremors is one of the better perks available on Kinetic weapons. Frenzy is also a solid option too. | Into the Light | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit (also good: Shoot to Loot) + Kinetic Tremors (also good: Firefly) | Top-tier | |
The Jade Rabbit | The Jade Rabbit | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Engram | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Exotic Engram Free-to-Play | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Chain body shots to gain bonus damage on your next precision shot, return ammo to the magazine, and increases its stability." ► Jade Rabbit is a pretty strong option. While it may not be as powerful as it once was, it deals incredible damage and can net a 3-tap in 0.8 seconds, provided you have perfect precision. It's also incredibly easy to use and has excellent range, making it a powerful option in this sandbox. | Season 2 | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Chain body shots to gain bonus damage on your next precision shot, return ammo to the magazine, and increases its stability." | Top-tier | |
Transfiguration | Transfiguration | Scout Rifle | High-Impact | Primary | Kinetic | Forsaken Pack | Yes | A › Strong | Last Wish Raid | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Last Wish Raid Forsaken Pack | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: High-Impact PvP God Roll: Rewind Winds (also good: (also good: Demolitionist) + Kinetic Tremors ► Transfiguration is a great weapon for high-level content. While it may not have the same level of effectiveness as something like Randy's Throwing Knife, it still comes with Kinetic Tremors, making it a solid option for challenging Nightfalls. | Season 4 | Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: High-Impact PvP God Roll: Rewind Winds (also good: (also good: Demolitionist) + Kinetic Tremors | Top-tier | |
Contingency Plan | Contingency Plan | 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 | 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 | |
Taraxippos | Taraxippos | 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: Keep Away (also good: Eye of the Storm) + Cascade Point (also good: Kill Clip) ► Taraxippos is a solid option for both PvE and PvP. As a Strand weapon, it can offer synergies with Strand builds, but most players will prefer damage-dealing perks rather than options like Slice or Hatchling. | Season 23 | Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvP God Roll: Keep Away (also good: Eye of the Storm) + Cascade Point (also good: Kill Clip) | Top-tier |
Destiny 2 Scouts: The Complete List
This database includes every viable Scout rifle currently 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MIDA Multi-Tool | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Weak ❘ C | - | Exotic Kiosk | No | Free-to-Play | Season 1 | Kinetic | No | |||
The Jade Rabbit | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Exotic Engram | No | Free-to-Play | Season 2 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | ||
Dead Man's Tale | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Beyond Light | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Best ❘ S | PvP | Presage | Yes | Beyond Light | Season 13 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | ||
Touch of Malice | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvE | King's Fall Raid | No | Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | ||
Wicked Implement | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Stasis | Weak ❘ C | - | Exotic Quest | No | Free-to-Play | Season 21 | Kinetic | No | |||
Skyburner's Oath | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Average ❘ B | PvE | Exotic Engram | No | Free-to-Play | Season 1 | Energy | No | |||
Symmetry | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Arc | Shadowkeep | Yes | Primary | Arc | Weak ❘ C | PvP | Exotic Kiosk | No | Shadowkeep | Season 9 | Energy | No | |||
Polaris Lance | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Exotic Kiosk | No | Free-to-Play | Season 3 | Energy | No | Top-tier | ||
The Scholar | Scout Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Lightfall | No | Primary | Kinetic | Weak ❘ C | - | Trials of Osiris | No | Lightfall | Season 10 | Kinetic | No | |||
Talons of the Eagle | Scout Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | No | Primary | Kinetic | Weak ❘ C | PvP | Iron Banner | No | Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Kinetic | No | |||
The Guiding Sight | Scout Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Strand | Worst ❘ D | - | Iron Banner | No | Free-to-Play | Season 12 | Kinetic | No | |||
Night Watch | Scout Rifle | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Weak ❘ C | - | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Kinetic | No | |||
Transfiguration | Scout Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Forsaken Pack | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Last Wish Raid | Yes | Forsaken Pack | Season 4 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | Kinetic Tremors | |
Hung Jury SR4 | Scout Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Onslaught | No | Free-to-Play | Into the Light | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | Kinetic Tremors | |
Servant Leader | Scout Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvE + PvP | Playlist: Gambit | No | Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Kinetic | No | |||
Tears of Contrition | Scout Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Beyond Light | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvP | Presage | Yes | Beyond Light | Season 17 | Kinetic | Craftable | |||
Jararaca-3sr | Scout Rifle | VEIST Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Stasis | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Gunsmith | No | Free-to-Play | Season 19 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | ||
Nameless Midnight | Scout Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvE | Playlist: Vanguard | No | Free-to-Play | Season 20 | Kinetic | No | Kinetic Tremors | ||
Glissando-47 | Scout Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Strand | Average ❘ B | PvE | Lost Sector | No | Free-to-Play | Season 21 | Kinetic | No | Reconstruction | ||
Last Rite | Scout Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvP | Playlist: Pursuit | No | Free-to-Play | Season 21 | Kinetic | No | Reconstruction | ||
Randy's Throwing Knife | Scout Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Playlist: Crucible | No | Free-to-Play | Season 21 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | Kinetic Tremors | |
Fang of Ir Yût | Scout Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Strand | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Crota's End Raid | Yes | Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | Sword Logic | |
Imperative | Scout Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Season 23 | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Worst ❘ D | - | Undying | Yes | Season 23 | Season 23 | Kinetic | Craftable | Kinetic Tremors | ||
The Prophet | Scout Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Primary | Stasis | Lightfall | Yes | Primary | Stasis | Ongoing... | - | Trials of Osiris | No | Lightfall | Season 23 | Kinetic | No | |||
Taraxippos | Scout Rifle | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Strand | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Event: Guardian Games | No | Free-to-Play | Season 23 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | ||
Vouchsafe | Scout Rifle | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Void | Average ❘ B | PvE | Shattered Throne Dungeon | No | Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Energy | No | |||
Trustee | Scout Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Beyond Light | Yes | Primary | Solar | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Deep Stone Crypt Raid | Yes | Beyond Light | Season 12 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Incandescent,Reconstruction | |
Eternal Blazon | Scout Rifle | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Arc | Weak ❘ C | - | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Energy | No | |||
Royal Chase | Scout Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Void | Worst ❘ D | - | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 12 | Energy | No | |||
Pleiades Corrector | Scout Rifle | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Weak ❘ C | - | Xûr | No | Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Energy | No | |||
Vision of Confluence | Scout Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Average ❘ B | PvE | Vault of Glass Raid | No | Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Energy | No | |||
Contingency Plan | Scout Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Arc | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Xûr | No | Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Energy | No | Top-tier | ||
Aisha's Embrace | Scout Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Void | Lightfall | Yes | Primary | Void | Weak ❘ C | PvE | Trials of Osiris | No | Lightfall | Season 16 | Energy | No | |||
Pointed Inquiry | Scout Rifle | High-Impact | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Void | Average ❘ B | PvE | Throne World | Yes | Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Energy | Craftable | |||
Staccato-46 | Scout Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Gunsmith | No | Free-to-Play | Season 17 | Energy | No | Top-tier | Incandescent | |
Tarnished Mettle | Scout Rifle | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Arc | Best ❘ S | PvE | Xûr | Yes | Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Voltshot | |
Doom of Chelchis | Scout Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Void | Best ❘ S | PvE | King's Fall Raid | Yes | Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Repulsor Brace | |
Long Arm | Scout Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Deluxe Edition | Yes | Primary | Arc | Average ❘ B | PvP | Spire of the Watcher Dungeon | No | Deluxe Edition | Season 19 | Energy | No | |||
Brya's Love | Scout Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Void | Season 22 | Yes | Primary | Void | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Seasonal activity | Yes | Season 22 | Season 22 | Energy | Craftable | 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 Destiny 2 Scouts in 2024
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. Doom of Chelchis
Excels in PvE
Since the launch of Deep Stone Crypt, Raid weapon quality has drastically improved, and the King’s Fall’s Doom of Chelchis is no exception. This Precision frame Scout Rifle comes with excellent perks like Explosive Payload, Frenzy, or One for All, which are amazing perks in endgame content.
Doom of Chelchis can slowly be farmed, too, by purchasing it from the cache for your 1 weekly Deepsight weapon (provided you have already had the gun drop normally). If you are lucky, however, you can have it drop from secret chests or specific encounters. See which encounters Doom of Chelchis can drop from on our King’s Fall loot table.
Once you get all your patterns, you can craft the weapon, meaning you can get your desired God Roll, unlike some other Legendary options. These are the top Doom of Chelchis God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Explosive Payload + One For All (also good: Firefly + Frenzy)
How to get it: Doom of Chelchis can be acquired by completing the King’s Fall 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Doom of Chelchis | Scout Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Void | Best ❘ S | PvE | King's Fall Raid | Yes | Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Repulsor Brace |
4. Polaris Lance
Excels in PvE and PvP
Polaris Lance has always been a solid pick, but it has never had something that makes it truly powerful; that has changed now. With the most recent change to Polaris, it has been given synergy with the Solar 3.0 kit, as it can now trigger an Ignition simply by landing two ‘Perfect Fifth’ shots back to back, which is incredibly easy to do. This can help you pluck down a tanky target or spread Scorch with certain Fragments.
Polaris Lance is also viable in PvP. It is remarkably stable, especially with Zen Moment, and the Perfect Fifth explosion, combined with the Dragonfly exotic catalyst, can help you chain kills against enemies that are clumped together.
Overall, Polaris works pretty much everywhere and is an acceptable pick in almost all areas of the game.
Exotic Perk: “Chain body shots to gain bonus damage on your next precision shot, return ammo to the magazine, and increases its stability.”
How to get it: We cover How to get Polaris Lance (and 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Polaris Lance | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Exotic Kiosk | No | Free-to-Play | Season 3 | Energy | No | Top-tier |
3. Randy’s Throwing Knife
Excels in PvE and PvP
Randy’s Throwing Knife may seem like a bit of a joke, but it is one of the best legendary options available for high-end content containing Champions such as Grandmaster Nightfalls or Master Raids. This makes it a staple pick for players looking to tackle difficult activities.
With the Under-Over and Kinetic Tremors combo, it can rip through Barrier Champion shields while packing a punch against adds, clearing out nearby enemies. This makes it a brilliant weapon for high-level Nightfalls.
In addition, it is also incredible inside the Crucible. With Kill Clip or Cascade Point, players can reach time-to-kills unheard of for Scout Rifles, dropping as low as 0.56 with Cascade Point activated.
Overall, Randy’s Throwing Knife is definitely a sleeper pick, but it will serve you excellently throughout all areas of the game.
- 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 by completing matches from the Crucible Playlist.
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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Randy's Throwing Knife | Scout Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Playlist: Crucible | No | Free-to-Play | Season 21 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | Kinetic Tremors |
2. Dead Man’s Tale
Excels in PvP
What can’t the Dead Man’s Tale do right now? It has excellent range, has hardly been affected by the recent overhaul to the PvP sandbox, has brilliant hip-fire, and is also absurdly easy to use, making it viable for practically anyone who uses it.
Dead Man’s Tale also comes with Cranial Spike, which provides stat bonuses as you hit more headshots. This means the gun becomes easier to use mid-fight as it grants increased aim assist, capping out at 80 aim assist when at maximum stacks. On top of this, when Cranial Spike x5 is reached, the weapon’s RPM skyrockets, allowing players to take down players blindingly fast, making Dead Man’s Tale the option for new and veteran players alike. 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.
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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dead Man's Tale | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Beyond Light | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Best ❘ S | PvP | Presage | Yes | Beyond Light | Season 13 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier |
1. Tarnished Mettle
Excels in PvE
Tarnished Mettle is the Season of Plunder Scout Rifle, and it has almost everything going for it. It has a favorable Lightweight archetype, it can roll with the classic strong perks like Rapid Hit, Explosive Payload, and Shoot to Loot, but it can also roll with the new perk, Voltshot.
Voltshot is a cut above the rest when it comes to perks. It essentially turns your Legendary weapon into Trinity Ghoul. Jolting enemies is incredibly potent, making this Scout Rifle an add-clearing monster (which is typically something Scout Rifles can struggle with). Voltshot also pairs wonderfully with specific Fragments and Aspects.
Tarnished Mettle is also Arc, allowing it to synergize even further with any Arc 3.0 build you want to run. Tarnished Mettle will hold its own no matter what you throw at it and will serve as a jack-of-all-trades, master of all, making it a clear cut above the rest.
- PvE God roll: Rapid Hit + Voltshot (also good: Shoot to Loot + Explosive Payload)
How to get it: Tarnished Mettle is hard to acquire these days, but Xur may sell it from time to time. We cover Where is Xûr 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tarnished Mettle | Scout Rifle | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Arc | Best ❘ S | PvE | Xûr | Yes | Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Voltshot |
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 |
Submachine Guns | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ► SMGs remain a staple of the PvP meta. SMGs absolutely shred enemies at close range and as soon as their top option is nerfed, a new top-tier SMG is introduced to replace it. SMGs have been, and seemingly will remain, meta for a long time to come. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (720 RPM) - Example: The Immortal | PVP Primaries | |
Sidearms | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Sidearms have lost their place at the top of the meta, but they remain a solid pick, especially for players using a Controller, as they inherently have manageable stability with a rapid time-to-kill. Honestly, the main reason they've lost their place at the top is due to how powerful SMGs are right now. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (325 RPM) - Example: Forgiveness | PVP Primaries |
Auto Rifles | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ► After a couple of recent changes and buffs, Auto Rifles are feeling great to use right now, especially in the more casual Crucible playlists. While they may not have the juice to compete with some of the top dogs, they are still a solid pick and can help you frag out with relative ease. ► Best Archetype: Precision (450 RPM) - Example: Ammit AR2 | 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Submachine Guns | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► SMGs are doing very well right now. They have good DPS to tear through ads and beefier orange bar enemies, but also come with excellent perks. There are a plethora of good SMGs you can go for right now, like Funnelweb, Unforgiven, Every Waking Moment, or Extraordinary Rendition, the choice is completely yours. They may struggle slightly in super high-end content, but they are still definitely usable. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (750 RPM) - Example: Unforgiven | PVE Primaries |
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 | |
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 |
Auto Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Auto Rifles currently feel like a worse version of SMGs. They have a bit more range, but outside of the absolute top-shelf content such as Grandmaster Nightfalls, range isn't too much of a factor. And if you are actively tackling difficult content, Auto Rifles aren't exactly the best pick either, making Autos a decent, but outclassed option right now. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (720 RPM)- Example: Quicksilver Storm | 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. When it comes to actual DPS, Sidearms are at the top of the meta:
- | Weapon Type | Archetype | Sustained DPS | Mag DPS | Total Damage | Specs | --- | Best in Class | Change? | Ammo |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scout Rifle | Exotic | 14153 | 14153 | "TOM" | Touch of Malice | Primary | ||||
Scout Rifle | Exotic | 8022 | 8022 | With "Perfect Fifth" | Polaris Lance | Same | Primary | |||
Scout Rifle | Exotic | 7588 | 8396 | When aiming down sights | Skyburner's Oath | Same | Primary | |||
Scout Rifle | Exotic | 7270 | 10770 | /w Catalyst | Dead Man's Tale | Same | Primary | |||
Scout Rifle | Exotic | 6115 | 8471 | - | Wicked Implement | Primary | ||||
Scout Rifle | Exotic | 5623 | 5623 | - | The Jade Rabbit | Primary | ||||
Scout Rifle | Rapid-Fire | 5055 | 5889 | High stability, very low range | Aisha's Embrace | Buffed | Primary | |||
Scout Rifle | Exotic | 4780 | 5717 | - | MIDA Multi-Tool | Primary | ||||
Scout Rifle | Precision | 4672 | 5307 | High stability, decent elsewhere | Vision of Confluence | Same | Primary | |||
Scout Rifle | High-Impact | 4627 | 5113 | Excellent range, low aim assist | The Scholar | Same | Primary | |||
Scout Rifle | Lightweight | 4493 | 5197 | Excellent aim assist & handling, low range | Night Watch | Same | Primary | |||
Scout Rifle | Exotic | 3872 | 4085 | x5 Revolution mix | Symmetry | Primary | ||||
Scout Rifle | Aggressive | 3449 | 4656 | - | Long Arm | Primary |
Endgame content
In end-game content, staying far away from enemies is the wiser strategy. This is where Scouts shine. Weapons such as Sidearms excel in Casual content thanks to their low range but high DPS, but they struggle in endgame content as they require players to get up close and personal to deal decent damage.
Scouts, however, deal significantly less damage, but their high range allows them to get the job done from a distance. This is particularly useful when tackling Master and Grandmaster content.
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.
See latest Updates
- March 21, 2024: General updates and the inclusion of Swords from Seasons 22 and 23.
- August 21, 2023: General updates (based on the current sandbox) and the inclusion of Season 18 to Season 21 Scouts.
- September 30, 2022: General updates and inclusion of Year 3 Scouts.
- August 22, 2021: The guide is published for the first time.
Stay tuned, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for next season!
hey, they upgraded Trustee.
Its better now
Perses-D is missing.
Taraxippos strand scout rifle is missing.
Dead Man’s Tale says “excels in PvP”, but only lists a PVE god roll.
Perses-D and Taraxippos still missing…
Polaris Lance is listed as excelling in both PvP and PvE in the descriptive list, but PvP only in the longer item list.
Also, is anyone reading these?