Best Scout Rifles in Destiny 2: Tier List for PvP & PvE

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?
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 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	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	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	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
Trustee	Trustee Scout Rifle	Scout Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Primary	Solar	Beyond Light Pack	Yes	A › Strong	Deep Stone Crypt Raid		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Deep Stone Crypt Raid Beyond Light Pack	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
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) ► Scout rifles may be unpopular these days, but Timeworn Wayfarer manages to break out of the mold. In both PvE and PvP, Timeworn Wayfarer’s frame alone makes it a more viable option.	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
Staccato-46	Staccato-46 Scout Rifle	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
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: 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	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	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: 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
Transfiguration	Transfiguration Scout Rifle	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	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
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: 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	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	C › Weak	-	Exotic Kiosk	No	Free-to-Play	Season 1	Kinetic	No
	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
	Adverse Possession IX	Scout Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	-	-	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	S › Best	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	C › Weak	-	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	A › Strong	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	B › Average	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	D › Worst	-	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			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		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	-	-	Dawn Engrams	No	Episode 1: Echoes	The Final Shape	Kinetic	No		Kinetic Tremors
	Pleiades Corrector	Scout Rifle	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	C › Weak	-	Xûr	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	No
	Pointed Inquiry	Scout Rifle	High-Impact	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	B › Average	PvE	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			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	A › Strong	PvE	Gunsmith	No	Free-to-Play	Season 17	Energy	No	Top-tier	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	S › Best	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	Ongoing...	-	Trials of Osiris	No	The Final Shape	Season 23	Kinetic	No
	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	A › Strong	PvP	Last Wish Raid	Yes	Forsaken Pack	Season 4	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier	Kinetic Tremors
	Trustee	Scout Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Beyond Light Pack	Yes	Primary	Solar	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Deep Stone Crypt Raid	Yes	Beyond Light Pack	Season 12	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier	Incandescent,Reconstruction
	Vision of Confluence	Scout Rifle	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	B › Average	PvE	Vault of Glass Raid	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	No
	Vouchsafe	Scout Rifle	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	B › Average	PvE	Shattered Throne Dungeon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 13	Energy	No

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. Hung Jury SR4

Excels in PvE

Hung Jury has already been reprised three times in Destiny 2, meaning it already has a whopping six variants, and all versions have been incredibly solid, so we don’t see why this rendition of the iconic Scout Rifle will be any different.

Hung Jury is a 180 RPM Scout Rifle. This archetype is pretty good but nothing too special. Scout Rifles also aren’t in the best of spots right now, meaning that players may be hesitant to use the weapon in more challenging pieces of content such as Grandmaster Nightfalls. However, with perks like Kinetic Tremors and Precision Instrument available, Hung Jury isn’t too bad of an option. These are the top Hung Jury SR4 God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Explosive Payload + One For All (also good: Firefly + Frenzy)

How to get it: Hung Jury SR4 is a Brave weapon from the Onslaught activity.

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?
	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

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	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?
	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

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	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?
	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

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	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

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	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?
	Tarnished Mettle	Scout Rifle	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	S › Best	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
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. 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.