Scout rifles have come a long way. They went from the worst primary weapons in the entire game to must-have tools for endgame content. In fact, some of them are considered to be among the top weapons in Destiny 2.
Scout rifles are definitely “back,” but some archetypes remain much stronger than the rest. This guide covers every Scout Rifle in Destiny 2, including both Exotic and Legendary Scouts, as well as the best rolls for PvE and PvP.
Destiny 2 Scout Rifle Tier list
The Tier list below includes every Exotic and non-sunset legendary Scout Rifle in the game. It starts with the S Tier weapons and moves down from there. It also covers both PvE and PvP, with the “Excels in” column clearly identifying in what area each weapon shines:
Name | Weapons | Type | Archetype | Ammo | Element | Requirements | In loot pool? | Rank | Source | Available? | Tier rank | Source ❘ DLC | Final Verdict | Released | Perks | Best of? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Glissando-47 | ![]() Glissando-47 | Scout Rifle | Precision | Primary | Strand | Free-to-Play | Yes | World loot pool | ![]() | World loot pool![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() | Season 21 | Slot: ![]() ![]() | |||
Last Rite | ![]() Last Rite | Scout Rifle | Aggressive | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Playlist: Pursuit | ![]() | Playlist: Pursuit![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() | Season 21 | Slot: ![]() ![]() | |||
Randy's Throwing Knife | ![]() Randy's Throwing Knife | Scout Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Playlist: Crucible | ![]() | Playlist: Crucible![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() | Season 21 | Slot: ![]() ![]() | |||
Hung Jury SR4 | ![]() Hung Jury SR4 | Scout Rifle | Precision | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Nightfall: The Ordeals | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Nightfall: The Ordeals![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Explosive Payload (also good: Firefly) PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Box Breathing ► Hung Jury was already a good Scout Rifle in PvE. However, with the recent changes to Scout in Season 17, Hung Jury can now hang with the best in PvP. Box Breathing allows for an easy 3 tap, giving it a fast and reasonably forgiving time-to-kill. Hung Jury is an excellent pick for everyone. | Season 14 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Explosive Payload (also good: Firefly) PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Box Breathing | Top-tier |
Night Watch | ![]() Night Watch | Scout Rifle | Lightweight | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | World loot pool | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | World loot pool![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit (also good: Subsistence) + Explosive Payload (also good: Multikill Clip) ► Night Watch is an excellent option, it is part of one of the best PvE archetypes right now, and it also comes with some fantastic perks such as Rapid Hit and Explosive Payload. Night Watch is always a weapon that I seriously consider when tackling challenging piece of PvE content. | Season 11 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit (also good: Subsistence) + Explosive Payload (also good: Multikill Clip) | Top-tier |
Tarnished Mettle | ![]() Tarnished Mettle | Scout Rifle | Lightweight | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Seasonal activity | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Seasonal activity![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Explosive Payload + One For All (also good: Firefly + Frenzy) ► The King's Fall Scout Rifle, Doom of Chelchis, comes stacked with brilliant perks. It has combos like Firefly and Dragonfly and damage perks like One for All and Frenzy; you just can't go wrong with Chelchis. With the 'Runneth Over' origin trait, you can stack the magazine high to just lay on high health targets. | Season 18 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Explosive Payload + One For All (also good: Firefly + Frenzy) | Top-tier |
Touch of Malice | ![]() Touch of Malice | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | King's Fall Raid | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | King's Fall Raid![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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." ► Touch of Malice is finally back. Whilst largely untouched compared to D1, the addition of its new perk "Charged with Blight," combined with the abundance of healing now available, makes Touch of Malice a primary ammo DPS monster. Perhaps the best DPS primary in the game right now. | Season 18 | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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 |
The Jade Rabbit | ![]() The Jade Rabbit | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Engram | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP | Exotic Engram![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Chain body shots to gain bonus damage on your next precision shot, return ammo to the magazine, and increases its stability." ► The Jade Rabbit is one of the most potent options in PvP right now, with a very easy-to-use scope, excellent stability and a perk that furthers the potency and ease of use of High-Impact scout rifles. | Season 2 | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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 |
Dead Man's Tale | ![]() Dead Man's Tale | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Beyond Light | Yes | A › Strong | Xûr | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Xûr![]() Beyond Light | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Chaining precision hits grants bonus damage and quickens reload speed. Future drops of this weapon will have random rolls. PvE God Roll: Vorpal Weapon (also good: Killing Wind) ► Dead Man's Tale has been reworked to receive improved stats and an increased rate of fire, instead of the plain increased damage it used to offer. While this lowers the potency of Dead Man's Tale, it remains a powerful option due to its high damage per shot and incredible range. | Season 13 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Chaining precision hits grants bonus damage and quickens reload speed. Future drops of this weapon will have random rolls. PvE God Roll: Vorpal Weapon (also good: Killing Wind) | Top-tier |
Vision of Confluence | ![]() Vision of Confluence | Scout Rifle | Precision | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Vault of Glass Raid | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Vault of Glass Raid![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds + Firefly (also good: Frenzy) PvP God Roll: Killing Wind + Kill Clip ► With the recent Scout Rifle buffs, Vision of Confluence is no longer only an option in PvE. With the right roll, Vision of Confluence can be a real menace in the Crucible. Vision also has stronger ad clear than some other Scout Rifles with Rewind Rounds and Firefly. | Season 14 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds + Firefly (also good: Frenzy) PvP God Roll: Killing Wind + Kill Clip | Top-tier |
Servant Leader | ![]() Servant Leader | Scout Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Playlist: Gambit | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Playlist: Gambit![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit (also good: Subsistence) + Rampage PvP God Roll: Surplus (also good: Rapid Hit) + Kill Clip ► Servant Leader remains the only Kinetic Rapid-Fire frame scout in the game, and it also comes with tons of solid perks. However, this is also a weakness as there are 12 perk options per column, making it a 1/144 chance to get the correct two perks you want. However, a solid roll will serve you well. | Season 15 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit (also good: Subsistence) + Rampage PvP God Roll: Surplus (also good: Rapid Hit) + Kill Clip | Top-tier |
Skyburner's Oath | ![]() Skyburner's Oath | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Engram | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Exotic Engram![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This weapon lobs large, explosive, seeking slugs when firing from the hip. When aiming down sights, the slugs travel fast and straight, with higher damage and a lower rate of fire." ► Skyburner's Oath received a significant buff with the launch of Season 17. Hipfire shots now apply scorch, which, when stacked high enough, causes an ignition. However, you are locked to hipfiring your weapon to take advantage of this. To maximize the potential of Skyburner's, you also have to run a Solar subclass, limiting you further. | Season 1 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This weapon lobs large, explosive, seeking slugs when firing from the hip. When aiming down sights, the slugs travel fast and straight, with higher damage and a lower rate of fire." | Top-tier |
Vouchsafe | ![]() Vouchsafe | Scout Rifle | Lightweight | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Dreaming City | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Dreaming City![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Explosive Payload ► Vouchsafe is one of my favorite Scout Rifles in the game. It's part of a favorable PvE archetype and can roll with Explosive Payload, which staggers enemies in PvE. It feels very nice to use and is a workhorse in all difficulties of PvE content. | Season 13 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Explosive Payload | Top-tier |
Aisha's Embrace | ![]() Aisha's Embrace | Scout Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Primary | Void | Lightfall | Yes | A › Strong | Trials of Osiris | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Trials of Osiris![]() Lightfall | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Triple Tap + Vorpal Weapon ► With a small and extremely well-rounded perk pool, it's hard to get a bad roll of Aisha's Embrace. That, combined with its Scout Rifle range, large magazine size, and frequent seasonal champion mods make Aisha's a great pick for anything PvE. The Rapid-Fire archetype is the only thing holding Aisha's back, as Lightweight and Precision frames are currently stronger. | Season 16 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Triple Tap + Vorpal Weapon | Top-tier |
MIDA Multi-Tool | ![]() MIDA Multi-Tool | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Exotic Kiosk![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This weapon boosts move speed. Radar stays active while aiming down sights." ► MIDA Multi-Tool is still one of the strongest Scout Rifle picks in PvP. It provides an increased movement speed, High-Caliber Rounds that flinch your opponent, and a reasonably competitive time-to-kill. It isn't the 'best' option because it is out-damaged by High-Impact Scout rifles such as Jade Rabbit or Polaris Lance. | Season 1 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "This weapon boosts move speed. Radar stays active while aiming down sights." | Top-tier |
Polaris Lance | ![]() Polaris Lance | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Exotic Kiosk![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Precision hits return ammo to the mag. Landing 4 precision hits loads a delayed Solar explosive round for your next shot." ► Polaris Lance has skyrocketed up the ranks with the Scout Rifle buffs for PvP. With its exotic perk, Polaris behaves like a budget version of the Hawkmoon. Once you get that explosive shot primed, you can two-tap players with low enough Resilience or comfortably 1 crit 2 body opponents making the gun incredibly easy to use. | Season 3 | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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 |
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: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Rampage + Kill Clip ► Transfiguration has one stand-out roll that is massively potent: Rampage and Kill Clip. With both of these perks active, Transfiguration can kill in 2 shots giving it a blindingly fast time to kill. However, aside from this combination, Transfiguration doesn't offer much more outside of that. | Season 4 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Rampage + Kill Clip | Top-tier |
Talons of the Eagle | ![]() Talons of the Eagle | Scout Rifle | High-Impact | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | No | A › Strong | Iron Banner | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Iron Banner![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Outlaw + Explosive Payload (also good: Opening Shot + Moving Target) ► Talons of the Eagle is a solid choice for Scout Rifle lovers. Its second perk column is stacked with strong perks like Opening Shot, Moving Target, and Explosive Payload, which all massively benefit the weapon in some way. It outclasses its Legendary Kinetic slot competition, making it a go-to option for PvP. | Season 11 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Outlaw + Explosive Payload (also good: Opening Shot + Moving Target) | Top-tier |
The Scholar | ![]() The Scholar | Scout Rifle | High-Impact | Primary | Kinetic | Lightfall | No | B › Average | Trials of Osiris | ![]() | Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE + PvP | Trials of Osiris![]() Lightfall | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE/PvP God Roll: Opening Shot (also good: Snapshot Sights) + Vorpal Weapon ► The Scholar is a decent option for Scout Rifle lovers. Its perk pool doesn't offer anything too gameplay-altering, but it does come with a fair share of quality-of-life perks that can make the difference for many players. | Season 10 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE/PvP God Roll: Opening Shot (also good: Snapshot Sights) + Vorpal Weapon | |
Eternal Blazon | ![]() Eternal Blazon | Scout Rifle | Lightweight | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | B › Average | World loot pool | ![]() | Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE | World loot pool![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Kill Clip (also good: Overflow + One for All) ► Eternal Blazon is an option that doesn't see much use for some reason. It has a solid perk pool with damage options such as Kill Clip or utility options such as Disruption Break, making it viable in the game's hardest pieces of content. If you get a good roll of Eternal Blazon, don't sleep on it. | Season 13 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Kill Clip (also good: Overflow + One for All) | |
Staccato-46 | ![]() Staccato-46 | Scout Rifle | Precision | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | B › Average | World loot pool | ![]() | Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE | World loot pool![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() 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: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Outlaw (also good: Shoot to Loot) + Incandescent (also good: Explosive Payload) | |
The Guiding Sight | ![]() The Guiding Sight | Scout Rifle | High-Impact | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | No | B › Average | Iron Banner | ![]() | Average ❘ B Excels in: PvP | Iron Banner![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Vorpal Weapon ► The Guiding Sight comes with some okay perks. Rapid Hit is always a solid choice; however, in column 2, there isn't anything that stands out. Given that High-Impacts fall short in PvE compared to Lightweights and Precisions, you need to look at PvP rolls, of which there are none, making this an average Scout Rifle. | Season 12 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Vorpal Weapon | |
Trustee | ![]() Trustee | Scout Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Primary | Solar | Beyond Light | Yes | B › Average | Deep Stone Crypt Raid | ![]() | Average ❘ B Excels in: PvP | Deep Stone Crypt Raid![]() Beyond Light | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Surplus)+ Eye of the Storm (also good: High-Impact Reserves) ► Trustee is a decent option, and in the right hands, it has the potential to pop off. However, it is simply outclassed by High-Impact Scout Rifles right now, making it a hard option to recommend. | Season 12 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Surplus)+ Eye of the Storm (also good: High-Impact Reserves) | |
Contingency Plan | ![]() Contingency Plan | Scout Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | B › Average | World loot pool | ![]() | Average ❘ B Excels in: PvP | World loot pool![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Surplus + Kill Clip ► Contingency Plan is a very underrated option for PvP. It has a surprisingly fast time-to-kill when Kill Clip is active, and it also fires quickly, which can flinch your opponent off target. However, despite its potential with Kill Clip, it remains an average option due to its limited lethality without a damage perk. | Season 15 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Surplus + Kill Clip | |
Tears of Contrition | ![]() Tears of Contrition | Scout Rifle | Precision | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | B › Average | Seasonal activity | ![]() | Average ❘ B Excels in: PvP | Seasonal activity![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Explosive Payload ► Even though Tears of Contrition is easily outclassed in PvE, it can excel in PvP. A 180 RPM weapon with Explosive Payload is always deadly, but with a 1-second TTK, it can be hard to justify. But if you play into it and are a good shot, it can work. For the vast majority, however, sticking to a Hand Cannon or SMG is best. | Season 17 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Explosive Payload | |
Symmetry | ![]() Symmetry | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Primary | Arc | Shadowkeep | Yes | C › Weak | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Weak ❘ C | Exotic Kiosk![]() Shadowkeep | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Precision hits build up Dynamic Charge. Swapping to Arc Seeker mode increases damage and partially reloads the magazine. Arc Seekers track toward combatants you target." ► Symmetry isn't necessarily a bad option. It has a unique exotic perk and can kill enemies in two shots with enough stacks of Dynamic Charge. However, it requires constant precision to take full advantage of that perk. With alternatives such as High-Impact Pulse Rifles and Scout Rifles, Symmetry as an Exotic option struggles to keep up. | Season 9 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Precision hits build up Dynamic Charge. Swapping to Arc Seeker mode increases damage and partially reloads the magazine. Arc Seekers track toward combatants you target." | |
Pleiades Corrector | ![]() Pleiades Corrector | Scout Rifle | Lightweight | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | C › Weak | World loot pool | ![]() | Weak ❘ C | World loot pool![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Fourth Time's the Charm + Wellspring (also good: Demolitionist) ► Pleiades Corrector is an 'okay at best' option. Despite it being a Lightweight frame, it comes with some seriously lackluster perks, having only a single option as a damage perk and many perks that are simply not great. Having a good roll makes this gun viable, but overall, there are better options. | Season 14 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Fourth Time's the Charm + Wellspring (also good: Demolitionist) | |
Pointed Inquiry | ![]() Pointed Inquiry | Scout Rifle | High-Impact | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | C › Weak | Throne World | ![]() | Weak ❘ C | Throne World![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Fourth Time's The Charm + Adaptive Munitions ► Perhaps one of the weaker options released with The Witch Queen, the Pointed Inquiry is a mediocre Scout Rifle. It handles poorly and feels rather clunky due to its High-Impact frame and lacks many top-tier perks, with the only decent options being Shoot to Loot and Adaptive Munitions for Match Game content. | Season 16 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Fourth Time's The Charm + Adaptive Munitions | |
Royal Chase | ![]() Royal Chase | Scout Rifle | Precision | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | D › Worst | Xûr | ![]() | Worst ❘ D | Xûr![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Full Auto Trigger System + Multikill Clip ► Royal Chase comes with an incredibly poor perk pool. In the first perk column, there is not a single good option available; in the second column, the only somewhat good option is Multikill Clip. Overall, there are plenty of better alternatives out there, and right now, there is no reason to use Royal Chase. | Season 12 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Full Auto Trigger System + Multikill Clip | |
Jararaca-3sr | ![]() Jararaca-3sr | Scout Rifle | VEIST Rapid-Fire | Primary | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | Ongoing | World loot pool | ![]() | Ongoing... | World loot pool![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() God Rolls: To be confirmed... ► Still too early to tell, review ongoing... | Season 19 | Slot: ![]() ![]() God Rolls: To be confirmed... | |
Long Arm | ![]() Long Arm | Scout Rifle | Aggressive | Primary | Arc | Deluxe Edition | Yes | Ongoing | Spire of the Watcher Dungeon | ![]() | Ongoing... | Spire of the Watcher Dungeon![]() Deluxe Edition | Slot: ![]() ![]() God Rolls: To be confirmed... ► Still too early to tell, review ongoing... | Season 19 | Slot: ![]() ![]() God Rolls: To be confirmed... | |
Nameless Midnight | ![]() Nameless Midnight | Scout Rifle | Precision | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Ongoing | Playlist: Vanguard | ![]() | Ongoing... | Playlist: Vanguard![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() God Rolls: To be confirmed... | Season 20 | Slot: ![]() ![]() God Rolls: To be confirmed... |
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.
More Destiny 2 Tier lists:
![]() | Auto Rifles | ![]() |
![]() | Combat Bows | ![]() |
![]() | Fusion Rifles | ![]() |
![]() | Glaives | ![]() |
![]() | Grenade Launchers | ![]() ![]() |
![]() | Hand Cannon | ![]() |
![]() | Linear Fusion Rifle | ![]() |
![]() | Machine Guns | ![]() |
![]() | Pulse Rifle | ![]() |
![]() | Rocket Launcher | ![]() |
![]() | Scout Rifle | ![]() |
![]() | Shotgun | ![]() |
![]() | Submachine Guns | ![]() |
![]() | Swords | ![]() |
![]() | Trace Rifles | ![]() |
Best Destiny 2 Scout Rifles in 2022
Overall, these are our Top 5 favorite Scout Rifles for PvE and PvP.
PS: This guide covers every weapon source in Destiny 2, but in doubt, you can always ask me on Twitter.
5. The Jade Rabbit
Best PvP Scout in Destiny 2
The Jade Rabbit has only recently risen to prominence in the PvP scene with the changes to High-Impact Scout rifles.
You may wonder what exactly makes Jade Rabbit special. There are several things. First off is the incredible scope. It takes up very little of your screen, which lets you adjust your aim and swap targets faster. It also has High Caliber Rounds which flinches your opponent slightly more, which always helps in a 1v1 duel. Finally, it comes with Zen Moment making it feel effortless to use (especially on a controller).
The Jade Rabbit also effectively has infinite range, which lets you easily hold any lane on every single map and hit that optimal .8s time to kill. Overall the Jade Rabbit is a super solid all-rounder in the Crucible and is an easy time for anyone wanting to use Scout Rifles.
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: The Jade Rabbit can be acquired via Exotic engrams or Xûr.
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo | Element | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo? | Element? | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | The Jade Rabbit | Scout Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvP | Exotic Engram | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 2 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier |
4. Hung Jury SR4
Excels in PvE and PvP
The Hung Jury was a Destiny 1 favourite, and since its return to Destiny 2 in Season of the Splicer, it has been a top pick. It is a part of the Precision frame archetype, which notably received some buffs in PvP during Season of the Haunted.
Hung Jury can roll with the perk Box Breathing. This perk’s damage bonus bumps Hung Jury’s damage up to 99 on a headshot, allowing you to 2 tap enemy guardians running 8 resilience or lower.
Hung Jury can also come with Explosive Payload, which is an excellent option for PvP if you don’t want to use Box Breathing, but it is also excellent in PvE as it staggers enemies when hit. If you pair this with Rapid Hit, you have an absolute workhorse of a Scout that will serve you excellently in all types of content.
PvE God roll:
- Perk 1: Rapid Hit
- Perk 2: Explosive Payload (also good: One for All)
PvP God roll:
- Perk 1: Rapid Hit
- Perk 2: Box Breathing (also good: Moving Target)
How to get it: Hung Jury SR4 can be acquired by completing Nightfall: The Ordeals (the highest difficulties have increased drop rates).
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo | Element | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo? | Element? | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Hung Jury SR4 | Scout Rifle | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Nightfall: The Ordeals | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | Kinetic Tremors |
3. Night Watch
Excels in PvE
Players can still argue Night Watch is the nicest feeling and best Scout Rifle in the game. It has many solid rolls and all the S-tier perks you want. Night Watch has so many good perks that I would say that out of the 10 different perks that can drop on Night Watch, only 3 of them are bad. All of the others are excellent choices and will serve you well.
My roll of Rapid Hit and Explosive Payload is incredible. It feels nice to fire, it has a very clean scope and, like the Hung Jury, is a consistent workhorse.
Night Watch, unfortunately, isn’t as strong in PvP as some of the competition, but it more than makes up for that in PvE having total viability no matter how challenging the content is.
PvE God roll:
-
- Perk 1: Rapid Hit (also good: Subsistence)
- Perk 2: Explosive Payload (also good: Multikill Clip)
How to get it: Night Watch can be randomly acquired as end-of-match activities, from the Gunsmith, Legendary engrams and Prime engrams.
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? Night Watch Scout Rifle Lightweight Legendary Primary Kinetic Free-to-Play Yes Primary
Kinetic
Best
❘ S
PvE World loot pool
Free-to-PlaySeason 11 Kinetic No Top-tier 2. Doom of Chelchis
Excels in PvE
Since the launch of Deep Stone Crypt, Raid weapon quality has taken a massive turn for the better, 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 it, meaning you can get your desired God Roll, unlike Night Watch and Hung Jury.
PvE God roll:
- Perk 1: Explosive Payload(also good: Firefly)
- Perk 2: One For All (also good: 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
Free-to-PlaySeason 18 Energy Craftable Top-tier 1. Tarnished Mettle
Best PvE Scout in Destiny 2
Tarnished Mettle is the Season of Plunder Scout Rifle, and it has almost everything going for it. It has a favourable 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 synergise 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 weapon, making it a clear cut above the rest.
PvE God roll:
- Perk 1: Rapid Hit (also good: Shoot to Loot)
- Perk 2: Votshot (also good: Explosive Payload)
How to get it: Tarnished Mettle can be acquired by completing Seasonal activities and focusing Umbral engrams.
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 Seasonal activity
Free-to-PlaySeason 18 Energy Craftable Top-tier Scouts in PvP: Lethality & TTK
TTK is particularly important in PvP, because the lowest the TTK, the faster you can kill your opponent. You can read all about it in our TTK guide below.
TTK is very important in PvP, because the lowest the TTK, the faster you can kill your opponent. But this only applies to primary weapons.
- 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 Scouts in PvE: DPS
DPS is important for PvE, because 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.- Weapon Type Archetype Average DPS Burst DPS Total Damage Specs --- Best in Class Change? Ammo Scout Rifle Exotic
4,476 5,866 568,588 With Catalyst Dead Man's Tale Same Primary Scout Rifle Exotic
3,785 4,470 353,984 With "Perfect Fifth" Polaris Lance Same Primary Scout Rifle Rapid-Fire 3,352 4,104 170,460 High stability, very low range Aisha's Embrace Buffed Primary Scout Rifle Lightweight 3,318 3,807 219,264 Excellent aim assist & handling, low range Night Watch Same Primary Scout Rifle Exotic
3,206 3,598 259,020 When aiming down sights Skyburner's Oath Same Primary Scout Rifle High-Impact 3,347 3,931 374,255 Excellent range, low aim assist The Scholar Same Primary Scout Rifle Precision 3,359 3,888 228,096 High stability, decent elsewhere Vision of Confluence Same Primary Are Scout rifles Meta?
How do Scouts compare, in general, with other Primary weapons? Are they good in Destiny 2?
The current Meta for PvE
This table summarizes how the several Primary weapon types rank against each other in PvE:
Weapon Type Rank Tier Trend Role ❘ Current State Category
Submachine GunsS › 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: UnforgivenPVE Primaries
Auto RiflesB › 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: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Gnawing HungerPVE Primaries
SidearmsB › Average Average
❘ B
► 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 AlbedoPVE Primaries
Hand CannonsB › Average Average
❘ B
- ► While Hand Cannons routinely dominate the PvP meta, they are often outclassed by weapon types that can either offer better DPS or better range. There are a couple of solid options, such as Fatebringer or Zaouli's Bane, but putting those aside, you'll be better off using something else.
► Best Archetype: Adaptive (140 RPM) - Example: FatebringerPVE Primaries
Pulse RiflesS › 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: InsidiousPVE Primaries
Scout RiflesS › Best Best
❘ S
► Scout Rifles have come a long way. They are a solid and consistent option for anyone that prefers a safer and slower playstyle. They also shine in high-level content due to their excellent range. The best part about Scout Rifles, however, is their versatility across archetypes. Basically, every type of Scout Rifle is viable and can be used anywhere in the game.
► Best Archetype: Aggressive (72 RPM) - Example: Tarnished MettlePVE Primaries
Combat BowsA › 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 SkinPVE Primaries The current Meta for PvP
What about PvP? This table summarizes how they rank against each other in PvP:
Weapon Type Rank Tier Trend Role ❘ Current State Category
Hand CannonsA › Strong Strong
❘ A
- ► Hand Cannons are in a bit of a strange spot. Many will argue that they are still the best weapons in the game, however, due to the prevalence of Pulse Rifles and especially SMGs, Hand Cannons have slowly been pushed out of many players' main pick. They are still excellent duelling weapons though, and feel amazing to use so they still retain a strong ranking.
► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Igneous HammerPVP Primaries
Pulse RiflesS › 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 MessengerPVP Primaries
SidearmsA › 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: ForgivenessPVP Primaries
Auto RiflesC › Weak Weak
❘ C
- ► Auto Rifles aren't doing greét right now. They contest a similar range as Hand Cannons, however, they lack the peak shooting potential that Adaptive Hand Cannons bring. They can also be contested at close range by SMGs, making them difficult to use everywhere. However, a good player can still find value in an Auto Rifle as they do provide high flinch and constant damage.
► Best Archetype: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Gnawing HungerPVP Primaries
Combat BowsB › 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 WhistlePVP Primaries
Scout RiflesB › Average Average
❘ B
- ► Scouts have been tuned down to make them less potent in the hands of the average player. However, good scout rifle players will still be able to do pretty well in lobbies, however, they may find themselves outmatched by Pulse Rifles.
► Best Archetype: High-Impact (150 RPM) - Example: Polaris LancePVP Primaries
Submachine GunsS › Best Best
❘ S
► SMGs have soared in power and will absolutely destroy you if you get within their effective range which, nowadays, feels like it's across the map. This, combined with their incredible ease of use and high potential in skilled hands makes for a very oppressive weapon to face against.
► Best Archetype: Aggressive (750 RPM)- Example: IKELOS_SMG_V1.0.3PVP Primaries Your turn
You now know everything there is to know about Scouts in Destiny 2, whether that is for PvP or PvE content.
hey, they upgraded Trustee.
Its better now