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

SMGs are one of the most dominant weapon types in Destiny 2, whether 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 the Wish (S23). See Updates.

Destiny 2 Best Submachine Guns: Top-tier Options

This Tier list features the best Exotic and Legendary Submachine guns right now, including Adjudicator:

Item	Weapons	Type	Archetype	Ammo?	Element?	Requirements	In loot pool?	Rank	Source	Available?	Tier rank	Source ❘ DLC	Final Verdict	Released	Perks	Best of?
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 PvE God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Golden Tricorn (also good: Adrenaline Junkie) PvP God Roll: Tunnel Vision (also good: Killing Wind) + Kill Clip ► 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 PvE God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Golden Tricorn (also good: Adrenaline Junkie) PvP God Roll: Tunnel Vision (also good: Killing Wind) + Kill Clip	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 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
IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3	IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Operation: Seraph's Shield		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Operation: Seraph's Shield 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 19	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy + Voltshot PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Rangefinder	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 PvE God Roll: Perpetual Motion (also good: Keep Away) + Hatchling (also good: Demolitionist) PvP God Rolls: Rangefinder (also good: Encore) + Target Lock ► 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 PvE God Roll: Perpetual Motion (also good: Keep Away) + Hatchling (also good: Demolitionist) PvP God Rolls: Rangefinder (also good: Encore) + Target Lock	Top-tier
Multimach CCX	Multimach CCX	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Iron Banner		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Iron Banner Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Attrition Orbs + Frenzy PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Dynamic Sway Reduction) + Kill Clip (also good: Iron Reach) ► Multimach CCX is back with Season of the Wish and now has near-equal value in both PvE and PvP. While old rolls still work great for The Crucible, the new combination of Attrition Orbs and Frenzy makes for one of the most useful Kinetic primaries for PvE.	Season 23	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Attrition Orbs + Frenzy PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Dynamic Sway Reduction) + Kill Clip (also good: Iron Reach)	Top-tier
CALUS Mini-Tool	CALUS Mini-Tool	Submachine Gun	MIDA Synergy	Primary	Solar	Beyond Light	Yes	S › Best	Presage		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Presage Beyond Light	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: MIDA Synergy PvE God Roll: Unrelenting (also good: Moving Target) + Incandescent ► While recent meta shifts and weapon additions have made some stray away from CALUS Mini-Tool, this SMG still is held in high regard by the majority of the PvE community. If you're looking for an SMG that pairs perfectly with any Solar build, this is the weapon you're looking for.	Season 17	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: MIDA Synergy PvE God Roll: Unrelenting (also good: Moving Target) + Incandescent	Top-tier
Unending Tempest	Unending Tempest	Submachine Gun	Precision	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Playlist: Crucible		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Playlist: Crucible Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Rolls: Demolitionist (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Headstone) PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Target Lock ► While the recent nerf to Target Lock impacted Unending Tempest greatly, the weapon still has a handful of great perk combinations for all areas of the game. While there are options out there that excel in more specific situations, Unending Tempest is a nice one-size-fits-all weapon for those just entering Destiny 2.	Season 22	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Rolls: Demolitionist (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Headstone) PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Target Lock	Top-tier
Adjudicator	Adjudicator	Submachine Gun	Precision	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Prophecy Dungeon		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Prophecy Dungeon Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Subsistence (also good: Feeding Frenzy) + Onslaught (also good: Rampage ) PvP God Roll: Threat Detector + Fragile Focus ► Adjudicator makes up for its lack of elemental affinity with a suite of powerful damage perks that synergize perfectly with the Crossing Over origin trait. As for The Crucible, Adjudicator is a potent choice for SMG enthusiasts and casual players alike.	Season 23	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Subsistence (also good: Feeding Frenzy) + Onslaught (also good: Rampage ) PvP God Roll: Threat Detector + Fragile Focus	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
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
No Survivors	No Survivors	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Primary	Solar	Deluxe Edition	Yes	A › Strong	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon Deluxe Edition	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Demolitionist + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Incandescent) ► The recent nerf to Target Lock may have removed most of No Survivors' utility in The Crucible, but it still highly excels in PvE. While many continue to opt for their crafted rolls of CALUS Mini-Tool, No Survivors does offer a host of different options you can build into that its competition doesn't.	Season 21	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Demolitionist + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Incandescent)	Top-tier
Subjunctive	Subjunctive	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Primary	Arc	Season 23	Yes	A › Strong	Undying		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Undying Season 23	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Threat Detector (also good: Stats for All) + Voltshot (also good: One for All) ► One of many weapons that returned with Season of the Wish, Subjunctive's strengths are being entirely overlooked. While options like IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3 are inarguably well-rounded, Subjunctive offers ad clear combinations for PvE that are nearly unmatched.	Season 23	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Threat Detector (also good: Stats for All) + Voltshot (also good: One for All)	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?
	The Huckleberry	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Average ❘ B	PvE	Exotic Engram	No	Free-to-Play	Season 3	Kinetic	No
	Osteo Striga	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Kinetic	The Witch Queen	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	The Witch Queen Campaign	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 16	Kinetic	Craftable	Top-tier
	Riskrunner	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Exotic Quest	No	Free-to-Play	Season 1	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Tarrabah	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Solar	Forsaken Pack	Yes	Primary	Solar	Average ❘ B	PvP	Exotic Kiosk	No	Forsaken Pack	Season 4	Energy	No
	The Manticore	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Exotic	Primary	Void	The Witch Queen	Yes	Primary	Void	Weak ❘ C	-	Exotic Kiosk	No	Witch Queen	Season 19	Energy	No
	Escape Velocity	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Worst ❘ D	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 10	Kinetic	No
	Multimach CCX	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	Kinetic Tremors
	Extraordinary Rendition	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Weak ❘ C	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 13	Kinetic	No
	Cold Front	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Seasonal	Primary	Kinetic	Average ❘ B	-	Event: Dawning	No	Free-to-Play	Season 12	Kinetic	No
	Friction Fire	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Worst ❘ D	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 12	Kinetic	No
	Forensic Nightmare	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Stasis	Worst ❘ D	-	Throne World	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Kinetic	Craftable
	Submission	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	The Witch Queen	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Average ❘ B	PvE + PvP	Vow of the Disciple Raid	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 16	Kinetic	Craftable		Bait and Switch
	Enyo-D	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Weak ❘ C	-	Gunsmith	No	Free-to-Play	Season 17	Kinetic	No
	Pizzicato-22	Submachine Gun	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Weak ❘ C	-	Gunsmith	No	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Kinetic	No
	Blood Feud	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Stasis	Weak ❘ C	-	Xûr	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Kinetic	Craftable
	Prolonged Engagement	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Stasis	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Vanguard Focusing	No	Free-to-Play	Season 19	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Synchronic Roulette	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Strand	Lightfall	Yes	Primary	Strand	Weak ❘ C	-	Terminal Overload	No	Lightfall	Season 20	Kinetic	No
	The Immortal	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Strand	Lightfall	Yes	Primary	Strand	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris	No	Lightfall	Season 20	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Rapacious Appetite	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Stasis	Season 21	Yes	Primary	Stasis	Weak ❘ C	PvE	Seasonal activity	Yes	Season 21	Season 21	Kinetic	Craftable
	The Showrunner	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Weak ❘ C	-	Recovered Red War	No	Free-to-Play	Season 22	Kinetic	No		Kinetic Tremors
	Unending Tempest	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Stasis	Strong ❘ A	PvE + PvP	Playlist: Crucible	No	Free-to-Play	Season 22	Kinetic	No	Top-tier
	Adjudicator	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Kinetic	Strong ❘ A	PvE + PvP	Prophecy Dungeon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	Kinetic Tremors
	Seventh Seraph VY-7	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	Worst ❘ D	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 10	Energy	No
	MIDA Mini-Tool	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	Worst ❘ D	-	Gunsmith	No	Free-to-Play	Season 12	Energy	No
	Death Adder	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	Worst ❘ D	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	No
	IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	Operation: Seraph's Shield	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 19	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier	Voltshot
	Borrowed Time	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	Weak ❘ C	-	Playlist: Gambit	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	No
	Shayura's Wrath	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Void	Lightfall	Yes	Primary	Void	Best ❘ S	PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris	No	Lightfall	Season 14	Energy	No	Top-tier
	Stochastic Variable	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	Weak ❘ C	-	Xûr	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	No
	Every Waking Moment	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	Average ❘ B	-	Moon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	No
	Funnelweb	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	Average ❘ B	PvE	Gunsmith	No	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Energy	No
	The Hero's Burden	Submachine Gun	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	Average ❘ B	-	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 17	Energy	No		Destabilizing Rounds,Repulsor Brace
	CALUS Mini-Tool	Submachine Gun	MIDA Synergy	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Beyond Light	Yes	Primary	Solar	Best ❘ S	PvE	Presage	Yes	Beyond Light	Season 17	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier	Incandescent
	Unforgiven	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Void	Deluxe Edition	Yes	Primary	Void	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Duality Dungeon	No	Deluxe Edition	Season 17	Energy	No	Top-tier	Repulsor Brace
	Out of Bounds	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Arc	Average ❘ B	-	Playlist: Crucible	No	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Energy	No
	Bug-Out Bag	Submachine Gun	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Season 21	Yes	Primary	Solar	Average ❘ B	PvE	Fishing	No	Season 21	Season 21	Energy	No		Incandescent
	No Survivors	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Deluxe Edition	Yes	Primary	Solar	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon	No	Deluxe Edition	Season 21	Energy	No	Top-tier	Incandescent
	The Title	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	Average ❘ B	PvE	Event: Guardian Games	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Energy	No		Repulsor Brace
	Parabellum	Submachine Gun	Adaptive	Legendary	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Solar	Average ❘ B	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Energy	No
	Subjunctive	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Arc	Season 23	Yes	Primary	Arc	Strong ❘ A	PvE	Undying	Yes	Season 23	Season 23	Energy	Craftable	Top-tier	Voltshot
	The Recluse	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	Primary	Void	Ongoing...	-	Onslaught Activity	No	Free-to-Play	Into the Light	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 SMGs in 2024

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. The Recluse

Excels in PvE and PvP

While The Recluse has an infamous history within Destiny 2, its new variant may not be as strong as some would like.

Despite the weapon having retained its unique “Master of Arms” perk, it now only offers a 15% damage buff, which is on par with Frenzy. Because of this, The Recluse has fallen from the status of a pinnacle weapon to simply another standard addition to the submachine gun category.

Even so, The Recluse is still a competent pick in all areas of the game. While it definitely won’t be meta-shifting, it offers the same potent perks that make its competition so good. These are the top The Recluse God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Repulsor Brace + Desperate Measures (also good: Destabilizing Rounds)

How to get it: The Recluse is a Brave weapon from the Onslaught activity.

Name: The Recluse

Type: Submachine Gun Archetype: Lightweight

Ammo: Primary Element: Void

Craftable: No Released: Into the Light

Source: Onslaught Activity Requires: Free-to-Play

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. These are the top CALUS Mini-Tool God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Unrelenting (also good: Moving Target) + Incandescent

How to get it: CALUS Mini-Tool can be acquired by completing the Presage Exotic Mission.

Name: CALUS Mini-Tool

Type: Submachine Gun Archetype: MIDA Synergy

Ammo: Primary Element: Solar

Craftable: Yes Released: Season 17

Source: Presage Requires: Beyond Light

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. These are the top The Immortal God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Perpetual Motion (also good: Keep Away) + Hatchling (also good: Demolitionist)
• PvP God roll: Rangefinder (also good: Encore) + Target Lock

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

Name: The Immortal

Type: Submachine Gun Archetype: Aggressive

Ammo: Primary Element: Strand

Craftable: No Released: Season 20

Source: Trials of Osiris Requires: Lightfall

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. These are the top IKELOS SMG God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Feeding Frenzy + Voltshot
• PvP God roll: Killing Wind (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Rangefinder

How to get it: IKELOS_SMG_V1.0.3 can be acquired by completing the Operation: Seraph’s Shield Exotic Mission.

Name: IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3

Type: Submachine Gun Archetype: Aggressive

Ammo: Primary Element: Arc

Craftable: Yes Released: Season 19

Source: Operation: Seraph's Shield Requires: Free-to-Play

1. Osteo Striga

Excels in PvE and PvP

This weapon has everything 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 than The Huckleberry, boosting its ranking 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.

Name: Osteo Striga

Type: Submachine Gun Archetype: Exotic

Ammo: Primary Element: Kinetic

Craftable: Yes Released: Season 16

Source: The Witch Queen Campaign Requires: The Witch Queen

SMGs and the PvP Meta: TTK

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

Weapon Type	Rank	Tier	Trend	Role ❘ Current State	Category
Hand Cannons	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► Hand Cannons feel great right now and can deal with all the other meta options, provided they are in the hands of a skilled player. They are unbelievably forgiving in terms of aim-assist and can compete at solid ranges. Hand Cannons are the jack of all trades, and while they may not dominate up close or far away, they are incredibly scary to face in a mid-range duel. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Igneous Hammer	PVP Primaries
Pulse Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► Pulse Rifles have seen a resurgence in the past few seasons, with constant buffs to all types of Pulse Rifles. It is hard not to find success with one due to the high-flinch potential of Rapid-Fire Pulses or the lethal time-to-kill of High-Impact Pulses. ► Best Archetype: High-Impact (340 RPM) - Example: The Messenger	PVP Primaries
Submachine Guns	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► SMGs remain a staple of the PvP meta. SMGs absolutely shred enemies at close range and as soon as their top option is nerfed, a new top-tier SMG is introduced to replace it. SMGs have been, and seemingly will remain, meta for a long time to come. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (720 RPM) - Example: The Immortal	PVP Primaries
Sidearms	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A	-	► Sidearms have lost their place at the top of the meta, but they remain a solid pick, especially for players using a Controller, as they inherently have manageable stability with a rapid time-to-kill. Honestly, the main reason they've lost their place at the top is due to how powerful SMGs are right now. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (325 RPM) - Example: Forgiveness	PVP Primaries
Auto Rifles	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► After a couple of recent changes and buffs, Auto Rifles are feeling great to use right now, especially in the more casual Crucible playlists. While they may not have the juice to compete with some of the top dogs, they are still a solid pick and can help you frag out with relative ease. ► Best Archetype: Precision (450 RPM) - Example: Ammit AR2	PVP Primaries
Combat Bows	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► Bows are incredibly unique. They have a remarkably slow time to kill, however, this isn't where Bows shine. Hotswap builds with bows can be incredibly potent and don't require much learning either. Bows also provide incredible value when teamshooting opponents. Despite this, Bows on their own are quite mediocre and need something behind them to really shine. ► Best Archetype: Precision (Slower Draw Time) - Example: Strident Whistle	PVP Primaries
Scout Rifles	C › Weak	Weak ❘ C		► Scout Rifles are struggling right now. In most situations, the maps are too small to benefit the long range of a Scout rifle. An Aggressive or High-Impact Pulse Rifle will better serve your needs. Plus, Scout Rifles are abysmal up close. There are one or two outliers that shine but, on the whole, Scout Rifles are in a weak spot. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (260 RPM) - Example: Fang of Ir Yût	PVP Primaries

Remember that when it comes to PvP, TTK is perhaps the most important factor. As you know, the lower the TTK, the faster you can kill your opponent. This TTK guide includes the TTK figures for every weapon in Destiny 2.

When it comes to PvP, 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
Pulse Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S	-	► Pulse Rifles are in a great place right now. They offer good range and pretty decent damage, allowing you to take down some beefier targets nicely. There are also some excellent pulses in the game right now, like Insidious, Sacred Provenance, or New Purpose. Unfortunately, High-Impact and Aggressive frames are the only archetypes worth your time, as the others rely on Exotic Perks or god rolls to compete. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (450 RPM) - Example: Insidious	PVE Primaries
Hand Cannons	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► Hand Cannons have shot up the rankings thanks to the changes introduced this Season, all the way up to the S tier. They have solid range and can dispatch enemies with complete ease in almost all difficulties. Hand Cannons have truly taken over the spotlight with their most recent buffs, and they shouldn't be leaving it any time soon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (140 RPM) - Example: Fatebringer	PVE Primaries
Combat Bows	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A	-	► Bows are a high-damage, high-range option for players who prefer to keep their distance. The main issue with bows is that they are slow at clearing ads (outside of Trinity Ghoul). and when you have to deal with ads up close, bows can massively struggle. However, their solid range and excellent damage make them a strong option. ► Best Archetype: Precision - Example: Under Your Skin	PVE Primaries
Auto Rifles	B › Average	Average ❘ B	-	► Auto Rifles currently feel like a worse version of SMGs. They have a bit more range, but outside of the absolute top-shelf content such as Grandmaster Nightfalls, range isn't too much of a factor. And if you are actively tackling difficult content, Auto Rifles aren't exactly the best pick either, making Autos a decent, but outclassed option right now. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (720 RPM)- Example: Quicksilver Storm	PVE Primaries
Scout Rifles	B › Average	Average ❘ B		► Scout Rifles are the definition of average right now. They can do the job just fine, you can plink away at enemies from a safe distance in high-level content; however, when it comes down to it, most players will prefer to use a Hand Cannon or SMG as they simply do the same job better and faster. Scouts aren't bad at all, but they certainly aren't a go-to ► Best Archetype: Lightweight (200 RPM) - Example: Tarnished Mettle	PVE Primaries
Sidearms	C › Weak	Weak ❘ C		► Aside from a few select sidearms with certain perks, there really isn't much of a reason to use Sidearms. They have slightly higher damage numbers than SMGs, but typically come with significantly less range. Outside of top-tier weapons like a god-roll Brigand's Law or High Albedo, there is no real reason to run a sidearm. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (491 RPM) - Example: High Albedo	PVE Primaries

Keep in mind that when it comes to PvE, DPS is one of the most important factors. As you know, the higher the DPS, the more damage you can deal to a Boss or Major. This DPS chart includes the DPS numbers for every weapon in Destiny 2.

When it comes to actual DPS, SMGs are at the top, only surpassed by Sidearms, which have an even more limited range:

-	Weapon Type	Archetype	Sustained DPS	Mag DPS	Total Damage	Specs	---	Best in Class	Change?	Ammo
	SMG	Exotic	15700	22425		With "Ravenous Beast"		Tarrabah	Same	Primary
	SMG	Exotic	10666	14300		-		Osteo Striga	Same	Primary
	SMG	Exotic	7460	11124		"Ride the Bull" average		The Huckleberry	Same	Primary
	SMG	Exotic	6498	9540		w/ "Arc Conductor"		Riskrunner	Same	Primary
	SMG	Lightweight	6463	9255		High aim assist and handling, low range		Funnelweb	Same	Primary
	SMG	Exotic	6359	9255		Grounded		The Manticore		Primary
	SMG	Aggressive	6293	8904		High range, low aim assist		Unforgiven	Same	Primary
	SMG	Precision	6149	8180		Excellent range & aim assist, low handling		Shayura's Wrath	Same	Primary
	SMG	Adaptive	6065	8685		High stability & range, poor recoil		The Hero's Burden	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.

Before you go…

Are you looking for a top-tier Special and Heavy weapon to complete your loadout? We also cover the Best Destiny 2 Sniper Rifles and Best Destiny 2 Rocket Launchers.

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