Best SMGs in Destiny 2: Tier List (Heresy Meta)

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 all SMGs in Destiny 2 and their best rolls for PvE and PvP.

Update based on Episode 3: Heresy. See Updates.

Top Tier Submachine Guns (Episode 3)

These are the best Exotic and Legendary SMGs right now:

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	Submachine Gun	Precision	Primary	Void	The Final Shape	Yes	S › Best	Trials of Osiris		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris The Final Shape	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace + Kill Clip (also good: Destabilizing Rounds) PvP God Roll: Killing Wind + Kill Clip ► While chasing Shayura's Wrath is no longer the no-brainer it used to be, the weapon still excels all throughout the game. From complimenting a Void build to helping you excel in The Crucible, this is one of the more well-rounded options out there.	Season 14	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace + Kill Clip (also good: Destabilizing Rounds) PvP God Roll: Killing Wind + Kill Clip	Top-tier
IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3	IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3 Submachine Gun	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Primary	Arc	The Witch Queen	Yes	S › Best	Operation: Seraph's Shield		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Operation: Seraph's Shield Witch Queen	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	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Primary	Strand	The Final Shape	Yes	S › Best	Trials of Osiris		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris The Final Shape	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	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	Submachine Gun	MIDA Synergy	Primary	Solar	Beyond Light Pack	Yes	S › Best	Presage		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Presage Beyond Light Pack	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
Boondoggle Mk. 55	Boondoggle Mk. 55 Submachine Gun	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	World loot pool		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP	World loot pool Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvP God Roll: Encore + Adagio ► While Boondoggle Mk. 55 doesn’t offer much in terms of PvE, the world drop SMG is both novel and potent in The Crucible. As long as you can handle the indirect path to obtaining it, Boondoggle is a great choice for SMG lovers in PvP.	Episode 3	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvP God Roll: Encore + Adagio	Top-tier
The Recluse	The Recluse Submachine Gun	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Onslaught Activity		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Onslaught Activity Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace + Frenzy (also good: Surrounded) PvP God Roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction + Master of Arms ► While not nearly as strong as it was back in the Shadowkeep era of Destiny 2, The Recluse does pretty well for an SMG in the current meta. With solid perk selections all around, there isn't much to hate about this version of the weapon.	Into the Light	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace + Frenzy (also good: Surrounded) PvP God Roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction + Master of Arms	Top-tier
Riskrunner	Riskrunner Submachine Gun	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
Prolonged Engagement	Prolonged Engagement Submachine Gun	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	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Primary	Solar	Lightfall Dungeon Key	Yes	A › Strong	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon Lightfall Dungeon Key	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Demolitionist + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Incandescent) ► While some prefer No Survivors over CALUS Mini-Tool, the latter continues to be favored by most. Even so, No Survivors is a competent option for PvE that pairs perfectly with a solid Solar build.	Season 21	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Demolitionist + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Incandescent)	Top-tier
Subjunctive	Subjunctive Submachine Gun	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	A › Strong	Undying		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Undying Free-to-Play	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
Barrow-Dyad	Barrow-Dyad Submachine Gun	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Primary	Strand	Episode 3: Heretic	No	A › Strong	Exotic Quest		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Exotic Quest Episode 3: Heretic	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic PvE God Roll: Taken Resolution + One for All Refit ► Barrow-Dyad is by no means bad, but it doesn’t prove to be better than legendary counterparts either. Unless you’re rocking an awfully specific Strand build, running a more competitive option in this slot is a smart decision.	Episode 3	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic PvE God Roll: Taken Resolution + One for All Refit	Top-tier
Imminence	Imminence Submachine Gun	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Primary	Strand	The Final Shape	Yes	A › Strong	Salvation's Edge Raid		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Salvation's Edge Raid The Final Shape	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion or Dynamic Sway Reduction + Kill Clip ► In PvP, Imminence features several rolls that may catch the eyes of SMG aficionados. Slice is brilliant for general dueling, and Dynamic Sway Reduction or Perpetual Motion are excellent for consistency. All this while having Target Lock and Kill Clip in the second column makes Imminence a real threat.	The Final Shape	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion or Dynamic Sway Reduction + Kill Clip	Top-tier
Mirror Imago	Mirror Imago Submachine Gun	Submachine Gun	Adaptive	Primary	Strand	Episode 3: Heretic	Yes	A › Strong	Heretical Activities		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP	Heretical Activities Episode 3: Heretic	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: To the Pain) + Sword Logic or Target Lock ► It's clear this SMG was meant for the Crucible. Not only is it one of the more popular frames, but it sports coveted perks like Moving Target and Target Lock along with an origin trait to keep it steady and stable.	Episode 3	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: To the Pain) + Sword Logic or Target Lock	Top-tier

Destiny 2 SMGs: Complete List

Art	Name	Type	Archetype	Rarity	Requirements	Ammo	Element	Tier	Excels	Source	Craftable?	Requires	Released	Slot	Ammo?	Element?	Can be Crafted?	Best of?	Rank
	Barrow-Dyad	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Exotic	Episode 3: Heretic	Primary	Strand	A › Strong	PvE	Exotic Quest	No	Episode 3: Heretic	Episode 3	Kinetic	Primary	Strand	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Osteo Striga	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Exotic	The Witch Queen	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE	The Witch Queen Campaign	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 16	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	Craftable		B › Average
	Riskrunner	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Exotic	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Exotic Quest	No	Free-to-Play	Season 1	Energy	Primary	Arc	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Tarrabah	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Exotic	Forsaken Pack	Primary	Solar	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Kiosk	No	Forsaken Pack	Season 4	Energy	Primary	Solar	No		B › Average
	The Huckleberry	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Exotic	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Engram	No	Free-to-Play	Season 3	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		B › Average
	The Manticore	Submachine Gun	Exotic	Exotic	The Witch Queen	Primary	Void	C › Weak	-	Exotic Kiosk	No	Witch Queen	Season 19	Energy	Primary	Void	No		C › Weak
	Adjudicator	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Prophecy Dungeon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		B › Average
	Blood Feud	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Stasis	D › Worst	-	Xûr	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	Craftable		D › Worst
	Boondoggle Mk. 55	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvP	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Episode 3	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Borrowed Time	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	C › Weak	-	Playlist: Gambit	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	Primary	Solar	No		C › Weak
	Bug-Out Bag	Submachine Gun	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	C › Weak	-	Fishing	No	Free-to-Play	Season 21	Energy	Primary	Solar	No		C › Weak
	CALUS Mini-Tool	Submachine Gun	MIDA Synergy	Legendary	Beyond Light Pack	Primary	Solar	S › Best	PvE	Presage	Yes	Beyond Light Pack	Season 17	Energy	Primary	Solar	Craftable	Top-tier	S › Best
	Cold Front	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Event: Dawning	No	Free-to-Play	Season 12	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		C › Weak
	Death Adder	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	D › Worst	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	Primary	Solar	No		D › Worst
	Enyo-D	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	Gunsmith	No	Free-to-Play	Season 17	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		D › Worst
	Escape Velocity	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 10	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		D › Worst
	Every Waking Moment	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void	C › Weak	-	Moon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	Primary	Void	No		C › Weak
	Extraordinary Rendition	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 13	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		D › Worst
	Forensic Nightmare	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Stasis	D › Worst	-	Throne World	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	Craftable		D › Worst
	Friction Fire	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 12	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		D › Worst
	Funnelweb	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void	C › Weak	-	Gunsmith	No	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Energy	Primary	Void	No		C › Weak
	IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	The Witch Queen	Primary	Arc	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Operation: Seraph's Shield	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 19	Energy	Primary	Arc	Craftable	Top-tier	S › Best
	Imminence	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	The Final Shape	Primary	Strand	A › Strong	PvP	Salvation's Edge Raid	Yes	The Final Shape	The Final Shape	Kinetic	Primary	Strand	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	MIDA Mini-Tool	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	D › Worst	-	Gunsmith	No	Free-to-Play	Season 12	Energy	Primary	Solar	No		D › Worst
	Mirror Imago	Submachine Gun	Adaptive	Legendary	Episode 3: Heretic	Primary	Strand	A › Strong	PvP	Heresy Activities	No	Episode 3: Heretic	Episode 3	Kinetic	Primary	Strand	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Multimach CCX	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	No Survivors	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon	No	Free-to-Play	Season 21	Energy	Primary	Solar	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Noxious Vetiver	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Episode 2: Revenant	Primary	Arc	B › Average	PvE	Revenant Activities	No	Episode 2: Revenant	Episode 2	Energy	Primary	Arc	No		B › Average
	Out of Bounds	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	B › Average	-	Playlist: Crucible	No	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Energy	Primary	Arc	No		B › Average
	Parabellum	Submachine Gun	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	B › Average	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Energy	Primary	Solar	No		B › Average
	Perfect Pitch	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	B › Average	PvE	Playlist: Pursuit	No	Free-to-Play	The Final Shape	Energy	Primary	Solar	No		B › Average
	Pizzicato-22	Submachine Gun	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Gunsmith	No	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		C › Weak
	Prolonged Engagement	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Stasis	A › Strong	PvE	Vanguard Focusing	No	Free-to-Play	Season 19	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Rapacious Appetite	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Stasis	C › Weak	-	Xûr	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 21	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	Craftable		C › Weak
	Seventh Seraph VY-7	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	D › Worst	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 10	Energy	Primary	Arc	No		D › Worst
	Shayura's Wrath	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	The Final Shape	Primary	Void	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris	No	The Final Shape	Season 14	Energy	Primary	Void	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Stochastic Variable	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	C › Weak	-	Xûr	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	Primary	Arc	No		C › Weak
	Subjunctive	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Undying	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Energy	Primary	Arc	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Submission	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	The Witch Queen	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Vow of the Disciple Raid	Yes	Witch Queen	Season 16	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	Craftable		B › Average
	Synchronic Roulette	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Lightfall	Primary	Strand	C › Weak	-	Terminal Overload	No	Lightfall	Season 20	Kinetic	Primary	Strand	No		C › Weak
	The Hero's Burden	Submachine Gun	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void	B › Average	-	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 17	Energy	Primary	Void	No		B › Average
	The Immortal	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	The Final Shape	Primary	Strand	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris	No	The Final Shape	Season 20	Kinetic	Primary	Strand	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	The Recluse	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Onslaught Activity	No	Free-to-Play	Into the Light	Energy	Primary	Void	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	The Showrunner	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Recovered Red War	No	Free-to-Play	Season 22	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		C › Weak
	The Title	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void	S › Best	PvE	Event: Guardian Games	No	Free-to-Play	Season 23	Energy	Primary	Void	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Unending Tempest	Submachine Gun	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Stasis	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Playlist: Crucible	No	Free-to-Play	Season 22	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	No		B › Average
	Unforgiven	Submachine Gun	Aggressive	Legendary	Witch Queen Dungeon Key	Primary	Void	C › Weak	-	Duality Dungeon	No	Episode 3: Heretic	Season 17	Energy	Primary	Void	No		C › Weak
	Yarovit MG4	Submachine Gun	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Stasis	C › Weak	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	The Final Shape	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	No		C › Weak

Tier Ranks used for our list:

• S+ Tier – Meta: Weapons so good they singlehandedly shifted the current meta
• S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapons.
• A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapons, but not on the same level as S Tier Choices.
• B Tier – Average: Either decent weapons or weapons that fit a very specific niche/use case.
• C Tier – Weak: Mediocre weapons that are easily outclassed by the competition.
• D Tier – Worst: Weapons that don’t have much to offer and don’t deserve your attention.

Best D2 SMGs Today

If you’re prepared to only chase the best of the best, these are the 5 absolute best SMGs in the game:

5. The Recluse

Excels in PvE and PvP

As is with many weapons in this episode, The Recluse saw a resurgence due to Destabilizing Rounds’ recent buff. While it may not be absolutely absurd without a Void build, it’s extremely powerful with one. These are the top The Recluse God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Repulsor Brace + Destabilizing Rounds (also good: Frenzy)
• PvP God roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction + Master of Arms

How to get it: The Recluse is an Onslaught weapon that can be acquired from activity completions, Engrams, and/or rank-ups.

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

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. 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 from 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 Pack

3. The Immortal

Excels in PvE and PvP

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. 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 is a Trials of Osiris Weapon that can be acquired from Trials completions, Engrams, and/or rank-ups.

Name: The Immortal

Type: Submachine Gun Archetype: Aggressive

Ammo: Primary Element: Strand

Craftable: No Released: Season 20

Source: Trials of Osiris Requires: The Final Shape

2. IKELOS_SMG_V1.0.3

Excels in PvE and PvP

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. 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 from 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: The Witch Queen

1. Multimach CCX

Excels in PvE and PvP

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. These are the top Multimach CCX God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Attrition Orbs + Kinetic Tremors (also good: Frenzy)
• PvP God roll: Killing Wind (also good: Dynamic Sway Reduction) + Kill Clip (also good: Iron Reach)

How to get it: Multimach CCX is an Iron Banner weapon that can be acquired from activity completions, Engrams, and/or rank-ups.

Name: Multimach CCX

Type: Submachine Gun Archetype: Lightweight

Ammo: Primary Element: Kinetic

Craftable: No Released: Season 23

Source: Iron Banner Requires: Free-to-Play

SMGs and the Meta

How do SMGs compare to other Primary weapons in PvE and PvP?

The PvE Meta

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

Remember that DPS is one of the most important factors when it comes to PvE. 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.

The PvP Meta

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.

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.