Best SMGs in Destiny 2: Tier List for PvP and PvE

SMGs are one of the most dominating weapon types in Destiny 2, be it for PvE or PvP. Their damage and ease of use make them extremely popular, to the point that Bungie had to buff every other weapon type just so they could keep up.

This guide covers every SMG in Destiny 2, including both Exotic and Legendary submachine guns, as well as the best rolls for PvE and PvP.

Updated as of Season of Defiance (S20). See Updates.

Destiny 2 Submachine Guns Tier List: Top-tier Options

This Tier list features the Top-tier Exotic and Legendary Submachine guns in the game and covers both PvE and PvP:

Name	Weapons	Type	Archetype	Ammo	Element	Requirements	In loot pool?	Rank	Source	Available?	Tier rank	Source ❘ DLC	Final Verdict	Released	Perks	Best of?
Tarrabah	Tarrabah	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Primary	Solar	Forsaken Pack	Yes	S › Best	Exotic Kiosk		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk Forsaken Pack	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon stores power when dealing or receiving damage. Once full, hold reload to unleash the beast." ► With recent buffs to its main perk and stats, Tarrabah is an excellent option for anywhere in the game. If your Exotic slot is open, giving this thing a whirl in The Crucible or with a Solar 3.0 build is a great idea.	Season 4	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "This weapon stores power when dealing or receiving damage. Once full, hold reload to unleash the beast."	Top-tier
IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3	IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	World loot pool		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	World loot pool Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy + Voltshot PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Rangefinder ► All versions of the IKELOS SMG have been S-Tier, but this one might take the cake. Voltshot makes this a no-brainer in PvE, even if you're not on an Arc subclass. And, in PvP, its excellent stats and top-tier perks make it a menace.	Season 11	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy + Voltshot PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Rangefinder	Top-tier
Shayura's Wrath	Shayura's Wrath	Submachine Gun	Precision	Primary	Void	Lightfall	Yes	S › Best	Trials of Osiris		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris Lightfall	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Tunnel Vision (also good: Killing Wind) + Kill Clip PvE God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Golden Tricorn (also good: Adrenaline Junkie) ► Shayura's Wrath is an excellent choice for any Guardian who wants to take their Void build or Crucible skills further. With impressive stats and some of the most synergistic Void perks in the game, chasing this is almost a no-brainer.	Season 14	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvP God Roll: Tunnel Vision (also good: Killing Wind) + Kill Clip PvE God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Golden Tricorn (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)	Top-tier
Osteo Striga	Osteo Striga	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	The Witch Queen	Yes	S › Best	The Witch Queen Campaign		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	The Witch Queen Campaign The Witch Queen	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a stream of sentient, toxic projectiles that track the targeted enemy. Landing a final blow or multiple precision hits triggers a burst that poisons nearby targets." ► Feeling extremely nice to use, Osteo Striga became an instant favorite for many. Its poison-spreading effect makes it one of the best ad-clear primaries in PVE, and its enemy-tracking bullets make it an easy-to-use option in PVP. Plus, you can craft your own. What's not to love?	Season 16	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Fires a stream of sentient, toxic projectiles that track the targeted enemy. Landing a final blow or multiple precision hits triggers a burst that poisons nearby targets."	Top-tier
The Immortal	The Immortal	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Primary	Strand	Lightfall	Yes	S › Best	Trials of Osiris		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris Lightfall	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvP God Rolls: Rangefinder (also good: Encore) + Target Lock PvE God Roll: Perpetual Motion (also good: Keep Away) + Hatchling (also good: Demolitionist) ► The Immortal is perhaps the best legendary SMG in the game right now. From absurd PvP-centered stats and perks to synergistic options like Demolitionist and Hatchling for PvE, this weapon has no shortage of outstanding aspects. Sure, stepping into Trials of Osiris can be daunting, but this is worth it.	Season 20	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvP God Rolls: Rangefinder (also good: Encore) + Target Lock PvE God Roll: Perpetual Motion (also good: Keep Away) + Hatchling (also good: Demolitionist)	Top-tier
Funnelweb	Funnelweb	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	World loot pool		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	World loot pool Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Frenzy ) ► A toned-down version of The Recluse, Funnelweb is currently one of the best PVE options in the game. With solid perk combinations and the ability to fire Volatile Rounds, this weapon makes red bars disappear right in front of your eyes. Plus, it's a world drop, meaning you don't even need to go out of your way to farm it.	Season 16	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Frenzy )	Top-tier
CALUS Mini-Tool	CALUS Mini-Tool	Submachine Gun	MIDA Synergy	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Derelict Leviathan		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Derelict Leviathan Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: MIDA Synergy PvE God Roll: Unrelenting (also good: Moving Target) + Incandescent ► Able to roll with the excellent perk Incandescent, CALUS Mini-Tool immediately cemented itself as a top-tier pick with the release of Solar 3.0. Plus, it's one of the few top-tier craftable SMGs currently in the game, meaning it's one of the easiest to get as well.	Season 17	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: MIDA Synergy PvE God Roll: Unrelenting (also good: Moving Target) + Incandescent	Top-tier
Riskrunner	Riskrunner	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Quest		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Quest Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "When taking Arc Damage, this weapon becomes more powerful and resists incoming Arc Damage. Shots fired can become chain lightning and return ammo. Kills extend the duration of the effect." ► Riskrunner can make you unstoppable, assuming you're taking arc damage (which includes throwing your arc grenade at your feet!). When its perk activates, you literally become an unkillable god able to lethal deal chain damage with ease.	Season 1	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "When taking Arc Damage, this weapon becomes more powerful and resists incoming Arc Damage. Shots fired can become chain lightning and return ammo. Kills extend the duration of the effect."	Top-tier
The Huckleberry	The Huckleberry	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Exotic Engram		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Increased rate of fire and recoil while you're holding down the trigger. Kills with this weapon temporarily grant increased damage and partially reload the magazine." ► A powerhouse of a weapon, The Huckleberry isn't flashy but can clear ads like nothing else. Without the need to reload and pre-nerf Rampage on your side, nothing will be able to stand in your way. The recent buff to Exotic primary weapons further cemented it as one of the best Exotics in the game.	Season 3	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic Exotic Perk: "Increased rate of fire and recoil while you're holding down the trigger. Kills with this weapon temporarily grant increased damage and partially reload the magazine."	Top-tier
Unforgiven	Unforgiven	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Primary	Void	Deluxe Edition	Yes	A › Strong	Duality Dungeon		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Duality Dungeon Deluxe Edition	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Demolitionist (also good: Feeding Frenzy) + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Rampage) ► Unforgiven is commonly forgotten due to its abysmal reload speed stat but is actually highly underrated. With Demolitionist in the first column and extremely synergistic perks in the second, Unforgiven is a clear choice for any Void 3.0 build.	Season 17	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Demolitionist (also good: Feeding Frenzy) + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Rampage)	Top-tier
Prolonged Engagement	Prolonged Engagement	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Vanguard Focusing		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Vanguard Focusing Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy + Multikill Clip (also good: Headstone) ► Basically a Stasis version of Funnelweb, Prolonged Engagement has extraordinary stats and perks to back up its fame. This SMG easily storms through the little competition it has and is an excellent choice for anyone needing a PVE pick.	Season 19	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy + Multikill Clip (also good: Headstone)	Top-tier
Multimach CCX	Multimach CCX	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	No	A › Strong	Iron Banner		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Iron Banner Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Dynamic Sway Reduction) + Kill Clip (also good: Iron Reach) ► Previously, Multimach CCX was a must-have for any PVP player, as it could easily dominate any Crucible lobby. And while it holds less value than it did upon first release due to a wide variety of sandbox changes, there's no doubt that Multimach is still an excellent option for PVP.	Season 13	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Dynamic Sway Reduction) + Kill Clip (also good: Iron Reach)	Top-tier

Destiny 2 SMGs: The complete list

This database includes every viable SMG 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?
	Blood Feud	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Stasis	Average ❘ B	PvE	Seasonal activity		Free-to-Play	Season 18	Kinetic	Craftable
	Borrowed Time	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	Average ❘ B	PvE + PvP	Playlist: Gambit		Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	No
	Bug-Out Bag	Submachine Gun	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Season 21	Yes	Primary	Solar			Fishing		Season 21	Season 21	Energy	No
	CALUS Mini-Tool	Submachine Gun	MIDA Synergy	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	Best ❘ S	PvE	Derelict Leviathan		Free-to-Play	Season 17	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier
	Cold Front	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Seasonal	Primary	Kinetic	Average ❘ B	-	Event: Dawning		Free-to-Play	Season 12	Kinetic	No
	Death Adder	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	Worst ❘ D	-	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	No
	Enyo-D	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Average ❘ B	-	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 17	Kinetic	No
	Escape Velocity	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Worst ❘ D	-	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 10	Kinetic	No
	Every Waking Moment	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	Average ❘ B	-	Moon		Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	No
	Extraordinary Rendition	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Average ❘ B	PvE	Xûr		Free-to-Play	Season 13	Kinetic	No
	Forensic Nightmare	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Stasis	Weak ❘ C	-	Throne World		Free-to-Play	Season 16	Kinetic	Craftable
	Friction Fire	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Weak ❘ C	-	Xûr		Free-to-Play	Season 12	Kinetic	No
	Funnelweb	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	Best ❘ S	PvE	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 16	Energy	No	Top-tier
	IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier
	MIDA Mini-Tool	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	Weak ❘ C	-	The Gunsmith		Free-to-Play	Season 12	Energy	No
	Multimach CCX	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	No	Primary	Kinetic	Strong ❘ A	PvP	Iron Banner		Free-to-Play	Season 13	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	No Survivors	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Deluxe Edition	Yes	Primary	Solar			Ghost of the Deep Dungeon		Deluxe Edition	Season 21	Energy	No
	Osteo Striga	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	The Witch Queen	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	The Witch Queen Campaign		The Witch Queen	Season 16	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier
	Out of Bounds	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	Average ❘ B	-	Playlist: Crucible		Free-to-Play	Season 18	Energy	No
	Pizzicato-22	Submachine Gun	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Weak ❘ C	-	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 18	Kinetic	No
	Prolonged Engagement	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Stasis	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Vanguard Focusing		Free-to-Play	Season 19	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Rapacious Appetite	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Stasis	Season 21	Yes	Primary	Stasis			Seasonal activity		Season 21	Season 21	Kinetic	Craftable
	Riskrunner	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Exotic Quest		Free-to-Play	Season 1	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Seventh Seraph VY-7	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	Worst ❘ D	-	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 10	Energy	No
	Shayura's Wrath	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Void	Lightfall	Yes	Primary	Void	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris		Lightfall	Season 14	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Stochastic Variable	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	Average ❘ B	PvE	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	No
	Submission	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	The Witch Queen	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Average ❘ B	PvE + PvP	Vow of the Disciple Raid		The Witch Queen	Season 16	Kinetic	Craftable
	Synchronic Roulette	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Strand	Lightfall	Yes	Primary	Strand	Average ❘ B	PvE	Terminal Overload		Lightfall	Season 20	Kinetic	No
	Tarrabah	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Solar	Forsaken Pack	Yes	Primary	Solar	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	Exotic Kiosk		Forsaken Pack	Season 4	Energy	No	Top-tier
	The Hero's Burden	Submachine Gun	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	Average ❘ B	-	Iron Banner		Free-to-Play	Season 17	Energy	No		Destabilizing Rounds
	The Huckleberry	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Exotic Engram		Free-to-Play	Season 3	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	The Immortal	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Strand	Lightfall	Yes	Primary	Strand	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris		Lightfall	Season 20	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	The Manticore	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Void	The Witch Queen	Yes	Primary	Void	Average ❘ B	PvP	Exotic Kiosk		The Witch Queen	Season 19	Energy	No
	Unforgiven	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Void	Deluxe Edition	Yes	Primary	Void	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Duality Dungeon		Deluxe Edition	Season 17	Energy	No	Top-tier

These are the different Tier levels used for our list:

• S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapons in our Tier List.
• A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapons, but not on the same level as S Tier Choices.
• B Tier – Average: Decent choices that can be lethal in the hands of a skilled player.
• C Tier – Weak: The middle of the pack, somewhat mediocre.
• D Tier – Worst: Lagging behind the competition, these don’t have much to offer.

Best Destiny 2 SMGs in 2023

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

5. Shayura’s Wrath

Excels in PvE and PvP

Arguably the most well-rounded legendary SMG in the game, Shayura’s Wrath has everything that makes an SMG good.

With perks such as Golden Tricorn and Adrenaline Junkie in the second column, Shayura’s is an easy pick for any PvE Void 3.0 build. And even though the first column is slightly lacking, Shayura’s excellent feel and ease of use are unrivaled.

This gun doesn’t stop there, however. With high zoom and S-Tier perks such as Killing Wind and Kill Clip, Shayura’s is just as good in PvP. Its other stats, base TTK, and consistency also contribute to making Shayura’s Wrath an irreplaceable part of any Guardian’s loadout.

With its build-crafting potential in PvE and S-Tier perks in PvP, Shayura’s Wrath is a must-have weapon for any player wanting to give SMGs a try.

PvE God roll:

• Perk 1: Perpetual Motion
• Perk 2: Golden Tricorn (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)

PvP God roll:

• Perk 1: Killing Wind (also good: Tunnel Vision)
• Perk 2: Kill Clip

How to get it: Shayura’s Wrath can be acquired via Trials of Osiris engrams and rank-ups.

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?
	Shayura's Wrath	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Void	Lightfall	Yes	Primary	Void	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris		Lightfall	Season 14	Energy	No	Top-tier

4. CALUS Mini-Tool

Excels in PvE

With its outstanding perks and stats, CALUS Mini-Tool is the clear choice for most Solar 3.0 builds.

CALUS Mini-Tool’s claim to fame is Incandescent, which allows it to excel in PvE even without a Solar subclass. Pair this with Unrelenting in the first column, and you’ll also get near-constant health regeneration.

CALUS Mini-Tool is also craftable, making it relatively straightforward to obtain. This also means the weapon can get enhanced perks, allowing it to excel further.

Overall, this weapon is a beast. While it doesn’t have the raw strength many other options offer, its unparalleled Solar 3.0 synergy makes it one of the best SMGs out there.

PvE God roll:

• Perk 1:
• Perk 2:

How to get it: CALUS Mini-Tool was available as part of Season of the Haunted activities. It is currently unavailable…

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?
	CALUS Mini-Tool	Submachine Gun	MIDA Synergy	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	Best ❘ S	PvE	Derelict Leviathan		Free-to-Play	Season 17	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier

3. The Immortal

Excels in PvE and PvP

Available through the Trials of Osiris, The Immortal lives up to the prestige of its source activity.

Starting with PvE, this weapon can roll with either Demolitionist or Hatchling in the second column, making it an excellent pick for Strand builds. While we’re bound to get better Strand options in the future, this SMG is the clear choice for most Strand setups right now.

The Immortal is also a monster in PvP; with impressive stats and some top-tier perks, there’s no end to this weapon’s strengths.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded pick that will likely last you a while, The Immortal is a great choice.

PvE God roll:

• Perk 1: Perpetual Motion
• Perk 2: Golden Tricorn (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)

PvP God roll:

• Perk 1: Killing Wind (also good: Tunnel Vision)
• Perk 2: Kill Clip

How to get it: The Immortal can be acquired via Trials of Osiris engrams and rank-ups.

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 Immortal	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Strand	Lightfall	Yes	Primary	Strand	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris		Lightfall	Season 20	Kinetic	No	Top-tier

2. IKELOS_SMG_V1.0.3

Excels in PvE and PvP

The IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3 is easily the best Legendary submachine gun in Destiny 2, boasting some of the most impressive stats and perks in the game.

In PVE, the clear perk combination is Feeding Frenzy and Voltshot. Even if you’re not taking advantage of its Arc 3.0 synergy, Voltshot is an incredible perk that can clear the field of enemies in a handful of shots.

However, the IKELOS SMG doesn’t stop there: it’s also outstanding in The Crucible. With absurd stats and S-Tier perks like Killing Wind and Rangefinder, this weapon is exceptionally consistent and can even excel in relatively long-range scenarios.

IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3 is also craftable, allowing it to roll with enhanced versions of all the above traits. This also makes it significantly easier to obtain and should reduce the time you’ll need to invest in a god roll.

This is the third version of the IKELOS SMG we’ve seen in Destiny 2, and it’s very clearly the best. If you’re looking for a good pairing for your Arc 3.0 build or want a generally strong SMG, this is the one for you.

PvE God roll:

• Perk 1: Perpetual Motion
• Perk 2: Golden Tricorn (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)

PvP God roll:

• Perk 1: Killing Wind (also good: Tunnel Vision)
• Perk 2: Kill Clip

How to get it: IKELOS_SMG_V1.0.3 was available as part of Season of tPlunder activities. It is currently unavailable…

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?
	IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	World loot pool		Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier

1. Osteo Striga

Excels in PvE and PvP

With how much it has going for it, it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like Osteo Striga.

This weapon has all you need. The bullets it fires track enemies, it has a poison-spreading effect, and it just feels nice to use. In PvE, the easy and consistent ad-clear potential of this weapon rivals that of Huckleberry. Osteo Striga is also way more fun and flashy when compared to The Huckleberry, boosting its ranking up even more.

In PvP, the main draw to this weapon is its tracking bullets, which allow it to compete at longer ranges. The tracking feature also makes Osteo Striga significantly easier to use compared to other options, making it great for new players.

Lastly, the weapon is craftable, meaning you can customize the weapon however you’d like and secure your very own Osteo Striga god roll. All in all, there isn’t much to hate about this weapon. Its ad-clear, ease-of-use and fun factor are all unrivaled, making it the best SMG currently in the game.

Exotic Perk: “Fires a stream of sentient, toxic projectiles that track the targeted enemy. Landing a final blow or multiple precision hits triggers a burst that poisons nearby targets.”

How to get it: Osteo Striga can be acquired by purchasing The Witch Queen’s Deluxe edition.

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?
	Osteo Striga	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	The Witch Queen	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	The Witch Queen Campaign		The Witch Queen	Season 16	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier

SMGs and the PvP Meta: TTK

We covered in detail the SMGs that 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	A › 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 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
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	C › 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 Hunger	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	B › 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 Lance	PVP Primaries
Submachine Guns	S › 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_V1.0.3	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, top SMGs dominate the Crucible:

-	Weapon Type	Archetype	Optimal TTK	Optimal Kill	Body Shot TTK	Specs	---	Best in Class
	SMG	Adaptive 900 RPM	0.73	11 crit 1 body	1.13	High stability & range, poor recoil		The Hero's Burden
	SMG	Precision 600 RPM	0.80	6 crit 3 body	1.10	Excellent range & aim assist, low handling		Shayura's Wrath
	SMG	Aggressive 750 RPM	0.67	9 crit	1.00	High range, low aim assist		The Immortal
	SMG	Lightweight 900 RPM	0.67	11 crit	1.13	High aim assist and handling, low range		Funnelweb
	SMG	Exotic	0.73	9 crit 3 body	0.93	-		Riskrunner
	SMG	Exotic	0.80	7 crit 1 body	1.10	-		Osteo Striga
	SMG	Exotic	0.67	9 crit	1.00	-		The Huckleberry
	SMG	Exotic	0.67	9 crit	1.00	-		Tarrabah

That said, TTK is only half of the picture. With limited range, SMGs were historically dominated by Shotguns in the short-range and by hand cannons and Pulses rifles in the medium to long range.

But the many nerfs and buffs in the game have completely changed the PvP meta in favor of SMGs. SMGs now excel in short to medium-range engagements, and if you play your cards right and avoid longer-range engagements, you can absolutely dominate a lobby.

SMGs and the PvE Meta: DPS

How do Submachine guns 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
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: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Gnawing Hunger	PVE Primaries
Sidearms	B › 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 Albedo	PVE Primaries
Hand Cannons	B › 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: Fatebringer	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
Scout Rifles	S › 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 Mettle	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

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, SMGs are at the top, only surpassed by Sidearms, which have an even more limited range:

-	Weapon Type	Archetype	Average DPS	Burst DPS	Total Damage	Specs	---	Best in Class	Change?	Ammo
	SMG	Exotic	12,250	15,615	468,450	With "Ravenous Beast"		Tarrabah	Same	Primary
	SMG	Exotic	6,114	8,450	331,240	-		Osteo Striga	Same	Primary
	SMG	Exotic	4,813	8,198	245,925	With "Ride the Bull x2"		The Huckleberry	Same	Primary
	SMG	Lightweight	4,663	6,833	180,378	High aim assist and handling, low range		Funnelweb	Same	Primary
	SMG	Aggressive	4,591	6,558	206,031	High range, low aim assist		Unforgiven	Same	Primary
	SMG	Adaptive	4,300	6,075	187,110	High stability & range, poor recoil		The Hero's Burden	Same	Primary
	SMG	Precision	3,875	5,645	220,155	Excellent range & aim assist, low handling		Shayura's Wrath	Same	Primary

Endgame content

For the record, while SMGs excel in most PvE content, they aren’t a great choice for Master and Grandmaster content. For the most difficult activities, you’ll want a long-range option that allows you to easily peek shoot (think Scouts or Bows).

But for everything else, including Dungeons, Raids, Legend Nightfalls, and below, SMGs are a great choice.

Your turn

You now know everything there is to know about SMGs in Destiny 2, whether that is for PVP or PVE content.