Best SMGs in Destiny 2: Tier List (Edge of Fate)

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.

Updated as of The Edge of Fate. See Updates.

Top Tier Submachine Guns

These are the best Exotic and Legendary SMGs right now (those we consider A-Tier or better):

Weapon	Tier Rank	Source ❘ DLC	Verdict	Archetype	Ammo	Element
IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3 Submachine Gun	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Operation: Seraph's Shield Mission 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.	Aggressive	Primary	Arc
Peculiar Charm Submachine Gun	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Crucible Competitive Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive Burst PvE God Roll: Shoot to Loot or Attrition Orbs + Kinetic Tremors PvP God Roll: Rangefinder (also good: Lone Wolf) + Headseeker ► Peculiar Charm is one of the most outstanding SMGs in Destiny, up there with Multimach CCX and arguably overtaking it. It’s definitely worth having in your arsenal.	Aggressive Burst	Primary	Kinetic
Whatchamacallit Submachine Gun	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Pinnacle Ops Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Light Touch (also good: Enlightened Action) + Jolting Feedback or Gear Shift PvP God Roll: Headseeker or Keep Away + Rangefinder or Gear Shift ► Despite its burst fire nature, Whatchamacallit is a perfect SMG for those looking to add a bit of Arc flavor to their life. Rocking perks that heavily reward being amplified, this is one you won’t want to sleep on.	Aggressive	Primary	Arc
Multimach CCX Submachine Gun	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Iron Banner Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Attrition Orbs (also good: Bewildering Burst) + Kinetic Tremors PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Dynamic Sway Reduction) + Kill Clip (also good: Iron Reach) ► Multimach CCX received a minor update with Monument of Triumph. Now with tiers, it's better than ever, offering near-equal value in both PvE and PvP. While old rolls still work, the combination of Attrition Orbs and Frenzy makes for one of the most useful Kinetic primaries for PvE.	Lightweight	Primary	Kinetic
Shayura's Wrath Submachine Gun	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris - Lighthouse The Final Shape	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace + 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.	Precision	Primary	Void
Submission Submachine Gun	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Vow of the Disciple Raid Witch Queen	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Kinetic Tremors (also good: Overflow) + Chaos Reshaped PvP God Roll: Closing Time (also good: Perpetual Motion) + Target Lock (also good: Harmony) ► A must-have weapon for any Guardian, Submission is impressive in both PvE and PvP and has almost all the perks to back that up. It can lead the line or be a fantastic secondary in any powerful build currently in-game	Lightweight	Primary	Kinetic
No Survivors Submachine Gun	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: PvE God Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Attrition Orbs) + Incandescent PvP God Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Rangefinder) + Master of Arms or Target Lock ► No Survivors is one of the better all-around offerings from Ghosts of the Deep, and will serve you well regardless of whether you are a PvP or PvE player.	Aggressive	Primary	Solar
CALUS Mini-Tool Submachine Gun	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Presage Mission 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.	MIDA Synergy	Primary	Solar
Yeartide Apex Submachine Gun	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Solstice Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Demolitionist or Attrition Orbs) + Incandescent or Chaos Reshaped (also good: Burning Ambition) ► Yeartide Apex is a gun that will delight all kinds of players. Coming with a good variety of perks, it is sure to enter the inventories of PvE and PvP players alike.	Lightweight	Primary	Solar
Antedate Submachine Gun	❘ S Excels in: PvE	The Desert Perpetual Raid The Edge of Fate	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Rolling Storm or Dragonfly + Frenzy or Jolting Feedback PvP God Roll: Rangefinder + Target Lock ► While Antedate doesn’t seem like all that on paper (save for having Rolling Storm in the third column), its strong stats, clean sights, and powerful origin trait make it an above-average pick anywhere in the game.	Adaptive	Primary	Arc
MIDA Mini-Tool Submachine Gun	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Seasonal Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: MIDA Synergy PvE God Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Attrition Orbs) + Incandescent (also good: Burning Ambition) ► The legendary MIDA Mini-Tool is back, boasting the classic combination of Heal Clip and Incandescent. While it lacks the versatility that Yeartide Apex has, it does one thing, and does it well.	MIDA Synergy	Primary	Solar
The Title Submachine Gun	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Guardian Games Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace + Destabilizing Rounds ► After numerous years of being a below-average pick, The Title has finally proved itself worthy of farming in 2025. With Repulsor Brace, Destabilizing Rounds, and a pretty solid and exclusive origin trait, The Title easily competes with top dogs like The Recluse.	Aggressive	Primary	Void
The Recluse Submachine Gun	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Onslaught Activity Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace + Destabilizing Rounds (also good: Frenzy) ► As is with many weapons recently, 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.	Lightweight	Primary	Void
The Immortal Submachine Gun	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Trials of Osiris - Week 2 Renegades	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive PvP God Rolls: Rangefinder or Dynamic Sway Reduction (also good: Threat Detector) + Target Lock (also good: Kill Clip) PvE God Roll: Attrition Orbs or Hatchling + Target Lock or Demolitionist (also good: Master of Arms) ► While the meta might have shifted away from where The Immortal shines, that hasn’t changed anything about the weapon itself. Rocking its old god roll alongside some very welcome new additions, you won’t want to miss the new and improved The Immortal when it drops from Trials.	Aggressive	Primary	Strand
DEADHORSE 04 Submachine Gun	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Distortions Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvP God Roll: Rangefinder or Lone Wolf + Target Lock ► In PvE, this has a lot of competition with the likes of Andedate and Mirror Imago, but this is a certified PvP stomper, perfect for any Peacekeeper Titan looking to add to their collection.	Adaptive	Primary	Stasis

Destiny 2 SMGs: Complete List

Art	Name	Type	Ammo	Element	Tier	Excels	Source	Last Update
	Barrow-Dyad	Submachine Gun	Primary	Strand	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Quest	Episode 3
	Osteo Striga	Submachine Gun	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE	The Witch Queen Campaign	Witch Queen DLC
	Riskrunner	Submachine Gun	Primary	Arc	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Quest	Season 1
	Tarrabah	Submachine Gun	Primary	Solar	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Kiosk	Forsaken DLC
	The Huckleberry	Submachine Gun	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Engram	Season 3
	The Manticore	Submachine Gun	Primary	Void	C › Weak	-	Exotic Kiosk	Season 19
	Adjudicator	Submachine Gun	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Prophecy Dungeon	Monument of Triumph
	Antedate	Submachine Gun	Primary	Arc	S › Best	PvE	The Desert Perpetual Raid	Edge of Fate DLC
	Blood Feud	Submachine Gun	Primary	Stasis	D › Worst	-	Xûr	Season 18
	Boondoggle Mk. 55	Submachine Gun	Primary	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvP	Xûr	Episode 3
	Borrowed Time	Submachine Gun	Primary	Solar	C › Weak	-	Gambit Legacy	Season 14
	Bug-Out Bag	Submachine Gun	Primary	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Gambit Ops	Monument of Triumph
	CALUS Mini-Tool	Submachine Gun	Primary	Solar	S › Best	PvE	Presage Mission	Season 17
	Cold Front	Submachine Gun	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	To be confirmed...	Beyond Light DLC
	DEADHORSE 04	Submachine Gun	Primary	Stasis	S › Best	PvP	Distortions	Monument of Triumph (new)
	Death Adder	Submachine Gun	Primary	Solar	D › Worst	-	World Drops	Monument of Triumph
	Enyo-D	Submachine Gun	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	Gunsmith	Season 17
	Escape Velocity	Submachine Gun	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	Xûr	Season 10
	Every Waking Moment	Submachine Gun	Primary	Void	D › Worst	-	Moon Destination	Monument of Triumph
	Extraordinary Rendition	Submachine Gun	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	Xûr	Season 13
	Forensic Nightmare	Submachine Gun	Primary	Stasis	D › Worst	-	Throne World Destination	Monument of Triumph
	Friction Fire	Submachine Gun	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	Xûr	Beyond Light DLC
	Funnelweb	Submachine Gun	Primary	Void	C › Weak	-	Gunsmith	Witch Queen DLC
	Gunburn	Submachine Gun	Primary	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Eerie Engram	Ash & Iron
	IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3	Submachine Gun	Primary	Arc	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Operation: Seraph's Shield Mission	Season 19
	Imminence	Submachine Gun	Primary	Strand	A › Strong	PvP	Salvation's Edge Raid	Monument of Triumph
	M-17 Fast Talker	Submachine Gun	Primary	Stasis	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Lawless Destination	Renegades DLC
	MIDA Mini-Tool	Submachine Gun	Primary	Solar	S › Best	PvE	Seasonal Engram	Ash & Iron
	Mirror Imago	Submachine Gun	Primary	Strand	A › Strong	PvP	Xûr	Episode 3
	Multimach CCX	Submachine Gun	Primary	Kinetic	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Iron Banner	Monument of Triumph
	No Survivors	Submachine Gun	Primary	Solar	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Ghost of the Deep Dungeon	Monument of Triumph
	Noxious Vetiver	Submachine Gun	Primary	Arc	C › Weak	PvE	Xûr	Episode 2
	Out of Bounds	Submachine Gun	Primary	Arc	C › Weak	-	Crucible Ops	Monument of Triumph
	Parabellum	Submachine Gun	Primary	Solar	C › Weak	-	EDZ Destination	Monument of Triumph
	Peculiar Charm	Submachine Gun	Primary	Kinetic	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Crucible Competitive	Renegades DLC
	Perfect Pitch	Submachine Gun	Primary	Solar	B › Average	PvE	Solo Ops	Monument of Triumph
	Pizzicato-22	Submachine Gun	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Gunsmith	Season 18
	Prolonged Engagement	Submachine Gun	Primary	Stasis	B › Average	PvP	Fireteam Ops	Monument of Triumph
	Qua Nilus II	Submachine Gun	Primary	Strand	A › Strong	PvP	Fireteam Ops Engram	Edge of Fate DLC
	Rapacious Appetite	Submachine Gun	Primary	Stasis	C › Weak	-	Xûr	Season 21
	Seraphine Haze	Submachine Gun	Primary	Stasis	B › Average	PvE	Pinnacle Ops Engram	Ash & Iron
	Seventh Seraph VY-7	Submachine Gun	Primary	Arc	D › Worst	-	Cosmodrome Destination	Monument of Triumph
	Shayura's Wrath	Submachine Gun	Primary	Void	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris - Lighthouse	Monument of Triumph
	Stochastic Variable	Submachine Gun	Primary	Arc	C › Weak	-	Xûr	Season 14
	Subjunctive	Submachine Gun	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Starcrossed Mission	Season 23
	Submission	Submachine Gun	Primary	Kinetic	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Vow of the Disciple Raid	Monument of Triumph
	Synchronic Roulette	Submachine Gun	Primary	Strand	D › Worst	-	Neomuna Destination	Monument of Triumph
	The Hero's Burden	Submachine Gun	Primary	Void	B › Average	-	Iron Banner Focusing	Monument of Triumph
	The Immortal	Submachine Gun	Primary	Strand	S › Best	PvP	Trials of Osiris - Week 2	Renegades DLC
	The Recluse	Submachine Gun	Primary	Void	S › Best	PvE	Onslaught Activity	Monument of Triumph
	The Showrunner	Submachine Gun	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	Xûr	Season 22
	The Title	Submachine Gun	Primary	Void	S › Best	PvE	Guardian Games Engram	Monument of Triumph
	Unending Tempest	Submachine Gun	Primary	Stasis	C › Weak	PvE + PvP	Crucible Ops	Monument of Triumph
	Unforgiven	Submachine Gun	Primary	Void	D › Worst	-	Duality Dungeon	Monument of Triumph
	Vikala SMG4	Submachine Gun	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Sparrow Racing League	Monument of Triumph (new)
	Whatchamacallit	Submachine Gun	Primary	Arc	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Pinnacle Ops	Monument of Triumph (new)
	Yarovit MG4	Submachine Gun	Primary	Stasis	C › Weak	-	Xûr	The Final Shape DLC
	Yeartide Apex	Submachine Gun	Primary	Solar	S › Best	PvE	Solstice Engram	Edge of Fate DLC

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.

Top 5 SMGs: Deep Dive

5. Antedate

Excels in PvE

Similar to most raid weapons of recent history, Antedate has some tricks up its sleeve compared to its competition. One example would be Rolling Storm in the first column, which isn’t the strongest perk in the world but can now be paired with the likes of Frenzy or Jolting Feedback for PvE. Despite these unique combinations, Antedate still has a lot to prove. In PvE, the meta has shifted primarily to hand cannons and double special weapon loadouts, leaving submachine guns largely behind. Those that still see frequent use, like No Survivors, have undeniably meta perk combinations, such as Heal Clip and Incandescent. Sadly, Antedate lacks most of these combos.

Luckily, the story is slightly different in The Crucible. With top-tier perks, a clean scope, and solid stats, Antedate has everything it needs to be a popular pick for PvP players. Even if you have a strong SMG already, we recommend trying this one; you may end up liking it more! These are the top Antedate God Rolls:

• PvE God Roll: Rolling Storm or Dragonfly + Frenzy or Jolting Feedback

Name: Antedate

Type: Submachine Gun Archetype: Adaptive

Ammo: Primary Element: Arc

Craftable: No Last Update: Edge of Fate DLC

Source: The Desert Perpetual Raid Requires: The Edge of Fate

4. Shayura’s Wrath

Excels in PvP

While Shayura’s Wrath has never been the strongest pick for PvE, it excels in the same sandbox it comes from—The Crucible. Using Shayura’s Wrath in a Void build is really the only way to make it viable for PvE. Even then though, the weapon doesn’t feel the best to use due to its relatively low reload speed, making it a clunky but efficient way to complement a Void setup.

That said, Shayura’s Wrath shines a bit brighter in the world of PvP. With a solid selection of perks that nearly all excel in The Crucible, crafting the weapon into a style that suits your preferences is easy. These are the top Shayura’s Wrath God Rolls:

• PvP God roll: Killing Wind + Kill Clip

Name: Shayura's Wrath

Type: Submachine Gun Archetype: Precision

Ammo: Primary Element: Void

Craftable: No Last Update: Monument of Triumph

Source: Trials of Osiris - Lighthouse Requires: The Final Shape

3. The Recluse

Excels in PvE

While The Recluse has an infamous history within Destiny 2, its new variant is not as oppressive as it once was. Despite retaining 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 + Destabilizing Rounds (also good: Frenzy)

Name: The Recluse

Type: Submachine Gun Archetype: Lightweight

Ammo: Primary Element: Void

Craftable: No Last Update: Monument of Triumph

Source: Onslaught Activity Requires: Free-to-Play

2. Yeartide Apex

Excels in PvE

Yeartide Apex is a very solid contender in both PvE and PvP. While SMGs may not be in the greatest of spots right now, Yeartide Apex does its best to break the mold and bring the heat. For your general PvE activities, it comes with the highly sought-after combo of Heal Clip and Incandescent. The only other SMG to roll with this was the Rite of the Nine variant of No Survivors, so if you missed out on this (like me), Yeartide Apex is your replacement. On top of this, it comes with Chaos Reshaped, which is the Salvation’s Edge raid perk, as well as some classics like Demolitionist and Attrition Orbs.

In PvP, Yeartide Apex is slightly one-dimensional, particularly in the second perk column, as all you really want is Target Lock. However, just because Yeartide Apex may not have a ton of PvP options doesn’t make it bad. If you’re able to get your hands on a higher-tier version of Yeartide Apex, you can get Enhanced Target Lock, comfortably dropping your time-to-kill to 0.67s. The spread of headshots to bodyshots becomes even more generous if you decide to invest in the Weapons stat too. These are the top Yeartide Apex God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Heal Clip (also good: Demolitionist or Attrition Orbs) + Incandescent or Chaos Reshaped (also good: Burning Ambition)

Name: Yeartide Apex

Type: Submachine Gun Archetype: Lightweight

Ammo: Primary Element: Solar

Craftable: No Last Update: Edge of Fate DLC

Source: Solstice Engram Requires: Free-to-Play

1. Multimach CCX

Excels in PvE and PvP

Multimach CCX was arguably the best submachine gun in the game for a short period last year. Does this new version hold up? The short answer: yes, most definitely! In PvE, Multimach brings a host of potent perks that allow it to excel even without the presence of an elemental affinity. While it’s unlikely to replace any of your personal favorites, it offers an easy transition toward weapons that don’t directly facilitate builds but are instead geared toward raw power.

As for The Crucible, Multimach CCX is slightly less potent than it once was due to a recent nerf to Target Lock. However, the weapon continues to offer competitive stats and perks that allow it to push the envelope and have a cemented position in the current meta. 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)

Name: Multimach CCX

Type: Submachine Gun Archetype: Lightweight

Ammo: Primary Element: Kinetic

Craftable: No Last Update: Monument of Triumph

Source: Iron Banner Requires: Free-to-Play

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?

SMGs and the PvE Meta: DPS

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.

SMGs and the PvP Meta: TTK

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

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.