Sniper Rifles used to dominate both PvP and PvE content in Destiny 2, but several nerfs knocked them down a few pegs. But slowly, Snipers are coming back, thanks to recent changes that make them easier to use in PvP and more lethal in PvE. If you’re looking to deal a lot of pain from a safe distance, Sniper Rifles are for you.
This guide covers all Sniper Rifles in Destiny 2 and their best rolls for PvE and PvP.
Updated as of Episode 1: Echoes. See Updates.
Top Tier Sniper Rifles (Episode 1)
This Tier list features the best Exotic and Legendary Snipers 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? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Supremacy | ![]() The Supremacy Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Special | Kinetic | Forsaken Pack | Yes | S › Best | Last Wish Raid | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Last Wish Raid![]() Forsaken Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds (also good: Lead from Gold) + Bait and Switch (also good: Focused Fury) PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights (also good: Discord) + Opening Shot ► The Supremacy had a small fanbase upon initial release, but its popularity has only grown since its reissue in Season of the Deep. With strong perks, excellent stats, and the ability to be crafted, there's really nothing holding The Supremacy down. | Season 4 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds (also good: Lead from Gold) + Bait and Switch (also good: Focused Fury) PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights (also good: Discord) + Opening Shot | Top-tier |
Succession | ![]() Succession Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Special | Kinetic | Beyond Light Pack | Yes | S › Best | Deep Stone Crypt Raid | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Deep Stone Crypt Raid![]() Beyond Light Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Reconstruction + Recombination (also good: Vorpal Weapon) PvP God Roll: Moving Target + Snapshot Sights ► Despite the stigma most community members have against 72 RPM snipers, Succession still finds its way into most Guardian's inventories. If 72RPM snipers ever receive a buff, Succession may become one of the best special weapons in entire the game. | Season 12 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Reconstruction + Recombination (also good: Vorpal Weapon) PvP God Roll: Moving Target + Snapshot Sights | Top-tier |
Succession (Brave) | ![]() Succession (Brave) Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Onslaught Activity | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Onslaught Activity![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Reconstruction + Recombination (also good: Vorpal Weapon) PvP God Roll: Moving Target + Snapshot Sights ► Despite the stigma most community members have against 72 RPM snipers, Succession still finds its way into most Guardian's inventories. If 72RPM snipers ever receive a buff, Succession may become one of the best special weapons in entire the game. | Into the Light | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Reconstruction + Recombination (also good: Vorpal Weapon) PvP God Roll: Moving Target + Snapshot Sights | Top-tier |
Critical Anomaly | ![]() Critical Anomaly Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Special | Stasis | The Final Shape | Yes | S › Best | Salvation's Edge Raid | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP | Salvation's Edge Raid![]() The Final Shape | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds or Chill Clip + Firing Line or Triple Tap PvP God Roll: Quickdraw or Opening Shot + Snapshot Sights or Explosive Payload ► Snipers are in a very good place, and the rolls on Critical Anomaly set it above most others. Not only can it roll with Rewind Rounds and Triple Tap, but it’s the first sniper to roll with Chill Clip. Being able to apply Slow or Freeze from a great distance will always come in handy as the difficulty rises. | The Final Shape | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds or Chill Clip + Firing Line or Triple Tap PvP God Roll: Quickdraw or Opening Shot + Snapshot Sights or Explosive Payload | Top-tier |
Whisper of the Worm | ![]() Whisper of the Worm Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | The Whisper | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | The Whisper![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Higher base precision damage. Rapidly landing three precision hits refills the magazine and missing a shot has a chance to return ammo." ► Whisper of the Worm is unrivaled in the total damage department, but as the current meta doesn't require such levels of total damage, players may prefer more burst options such as Grenade Launchers, Rocket Launchers, or Still Hunt. | Season 3 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Higher base precision damage. Rapidly landing three precision hits refills the magazine and missing a shot has a chance to return ammo." | Top-tier |
Izanagi's Burden | ![]() Izanagi's Burden Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | Special | Kinetic | Forsaken Pack | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Exotic Kiosk![]() Forsaken Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Holding reload consumes the magazine and loads a round with additional range and damage." ► A powerhouse of a weapon, Izanagi's Burden can reach some incredible DPS numbers, especially when combined with a Bait and Switch Heavy Weapon. Due to how popular Bait and Switch is, Izanagi's is the perfect weapon to deal a chunk of damage with, before swapping to your main damage-dealing Heavy weapon. | Season 5 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Holding reload consumes the magazine and loads a round with additional range and damage." | Top-tier |
Still Hunt | ![]() Still Hunt Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | Special | Solar | The Final Shape | Yes | S › Best | Exotic Quest | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Exotic Quest![]() The Final Shape | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Pick up Orbs of Power or land precision hits to charge this weapon's Super bar. Once full, [Alternate Weapon Action] to fire Golden Gun shots. This weapon gains passive bonuses to target acquisition, aim down sight speed, and flinch resistance. The bonus increases when this weapon's super mode is active." ► Still Hunt is absolutely insane. This Exotic on Hunter, paired with the Celestial Nighthawk Exotic Helmet, allows you to deal insane damage with just a Special Weapon. Plus, you can add a DPS weapon such as Apex Predator and use a Solar Holster mod to form an incredible swap rotation between both weapons. Overall, Still Hunt is incredibly overpowered. | The Final Shape | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Pick up Orbs of Power or land precision hits to charge this weapon's Super bar. Once full, [Alternate Weapon Action] to fire Golden Gun shots. This weapon gains passive bonuses to target acquisition, aim down sight speed, and flinch resistance. The bonus increases when this weapon's super mode is active." | Top-tier |
Praedyth's Revenge | ![]() Praedyth's Revenge Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Vault of Glass Raid | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE | Vault of Glass Raid![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds or Fourth Time's the Charm (also good: Envious Arsenal) + Bait and Switch (also good: Elemental Honing) ► Best known for its ability to get a whopping 68% damage buff with Elemental Honing, Praedyth’s Revenge is situationally broken. Even so, when ignoring those niche use cases, the weapon easily competes with weapons like The Supremacy that have dominated the meta for years. | Episode 3 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds or Fourth Time's the Charm (also good: Envious Arsenal) + Bait and Switch (also good: Elemental Honing) | Top-tier |
Eye of Sol | ![]() Eye of Sol Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Special | Kinetic | The Final Shape | No | S › Best | Trials of Osiris | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP | Trials of Osiris![]() The Final Shape | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: Surplus) + Snapshot Sights (also good: Opening Shot) ► Because of its similar stats and perks, Eye of Sol is said to be a kinetic version of Beloved. And while it is a little harder to obtain, its low zoom, high aim assist, and S-Tier perks in both columns make it easily worth the effort. | Season 10 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: Surplus) + Snapshot Sights (also good: Opening Shot) | Top-tier |
Beloved | ![]() Beloved Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Special | Solar | Beyond Light Pack | Yes | S › Best | Presage | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP | Presage![]() Beyond Light Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Moving Target (also good: Quickdraw) ► Arguably the community's favorite legendary sniper in the entire franchise, this "beloved" weapon is back and better than ever before. With low zoom, high aim assist, the ability to be crafted, and Snapshot Sights, it's no wonder Beloved is so popular in PVP. | Season 17 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Moving Target (also good: Quickdraw) | Top-tier |
Mercurial Overreach | ![]() Mercurial Overreach Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Special | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Crucible Competitive | ![]() | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP | Crucible Competitive![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights (also good: Discord) + Opening Shot (also good: Moving Target) ► Mercurial Overreach is a beast in The Crucible. With great stats, solid and unique perks, and a clean scope, it's no wonder why Guardians are beginning to prefer this over Beloved. | Season 21 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights (also good: Discord) + Opening Shot (also good: Moving Target) | Top-tier |
Mechabre | ![]() Mechabre Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Special | Arc | Free-to-Play | Timed-Event | S › Best | Event: Festival of the Lost | Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP | Event: Festival of the Lost![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Moving Target (also good: Opening Shot) ► Immediately grabbing the community's attention with its solid perks and stats, Mechabre is the rare case of an event weapon that's worth the grind. Being 72 RPM also means Beloved and Mercurial Overreach can't directly replace it, so farming it next time Festival of the Lost is around isn't a bad idea. | Episode 2 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Moving Target (also good: Opening Shot) | Top-tier | |
Cloudstrike | ![]() Cloudstrike Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | Special | Arc | Beyond Light Pack | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Quest | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Exotic Quest![]() Beyond Light Pack | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Precision final blows generate a lightning bolt at the target's location. Rapid precision hits create a lightning storm at the point of impact." ► While Cloudstrike is noticeably weaker and less popular than it was at release, the weapon continues to be a solid pick in both PvE and PvP. Most scenarios do call on you to utilize a different exotic, but if you have an open slot, Cloudstrike won't let you down. | Season 12 | Slot: ![]() ![]() Exotic Perk: "Precision final blows generate a lightning bolt at the target's location. Rapid precision hits create a lightning storm at the point of impact." | Top-tier |
Uzume RR4 | ![]() Uzume RR4 Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Nightfall: The Ordeals | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Nightfall: The Ordeals![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Triple Tap + High-Impact Reserves (also good: Vorpal Weapon) PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Vorpal Weapon (also good: Explosive Payload) ► Uzume RR4 has always been an underrated pick for both PvE and PvP. While some options outclass it in various scenarios, there's no questioning Uzume's versatility and overall strength. If you're searching for a well-rounded option that won't do you wrong, Uzume RR4 may be worth farming. | Season 14 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Triple Tap + High-Impact Reserves (also good: Vorpal Weapon) PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Vorpal Weapon (also good: Explosive Payload) | Top-tier |
Thoughtless | ![]() Thoughtless Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Special | Stasis | The Witch Queen | Yes | A › Strong | Vox Obscura | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Vox Obscura![]() Witch Queen | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Overflow + Firing Line (also good: Focused Fury) PvP God Roll: Firmly Planted (also good: Steady Hands) + Snapshot Sights ► While Thoughtless is considered old news at this point, it continues to excel in both PvE and PvP. Sure, better options are always being released (Critical Anomaly comes to mind), but this weapon still holds its own if you have a solid roll. | Season 16 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Overflow + Firing Line (also good: Focused Fury) PvP God Roll: Firmly Planted (also good: Steady Hands) + Snapshot Sights | Top-tier |
Silicon Neuroma | ![]() Silicon Neuroma Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Nightfall: The Ordeals | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | Nightfall: The Ordeals![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Triple Tap + Firing Line PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Opening Shot ► Silicon Neuroma falls into the large pool of snipers that are great at face value but are desperately awaiting a buff to help them out. Its strong perk pool for both PvE and PvP makes it an easy choice for any 72 RPM sniper enthusiast, but the weapon probably won't become mainstream without a significant shift in the meta. | Season 16 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Triple Tap + Firing Line PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Opening Shot | Top-tier |
Defiance of Yasmin | ![]() Defiance of Yasmin Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | King's Fall Raid | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | King's Fall Raid![]() Free-to-Play | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Opening Shot PvE God Roll: Firefly + Firing Line ► Defiance of Yasmin rarely gets any talk, which is strange given how solid its perk pool and stats are. Individual snipers are better in specific activities, but Defiance is a jack of all trades that's hard to beat in terms of overall potency. | Season 18 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Opening Shot PvE God Roll: Firefly + Firing Line | Top-tier |
Embraced Identity | ![]() Embraced Identity Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Special | Void | The Final Shape | Yes | A › Strong | The Pale Heart | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP | The Pale Heart![]() The Final Shape | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds (also good: Reconstruction) + Fourth Time’s The Charm or Precision Instrument ► Embraced Identity comes with some solid perks that help it establish itself as THE option for players looking to have a good Void swap weapon while also having a solid backup DPS weapon.we | The Final Shape | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds (also good: Reconstruction) + Fourth Time’s The Charm or Precision Instrument | Top-tier |
IKELOS_SR_v1.0.3 | ![]() IKELOS_SR_v1.0.3 Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Special | Solar | The Witch Queen | Yes | A › Strong | Operation: Seraph's Shield | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Operation: Seraph's Shield![]() Witch Queen | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Fourth Time's the Charm (also good: Triple Tap) + High-Impact Reserves ► While IKELOS_SR_v1.0.3 has been grossly underrated for most of its time in the game, it rarely sees use these days. The weapon continues to be the best Solar 140 RPM sniper in the game, but that's too niche to warrant a ranking higher than what we give it here. | Season 19 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Fourth Time's the Charm (also good: Triple Tap) + High-Impact Reserves | Top-tier |
Naeem's Lance | ![]() Naeem's Lance Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Special | Strand | Lightfall Dungeon Key | Yes | A › Strong | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon![]() Lightfall Dungeon Key | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Reconstruction + Precision Instrument ► Naeem's Lance was immediately forgotten about after its release with Warlord's Ruin, but we don't think that's completely warranted. With the combination of Reconstruction and Precision Instrument, Naeem's can become one of the most capable 140 RPM snipers for PvE. | Season 23 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Reconstruction + Precision Instrument | Top-tier |
Sovereignity | ![]() Sovereignity Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Special | Void | Episode 2: Revenant | Yes | A › Strong | Revenant Activities | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE | Revenant Activities![]() Episode 2: Revenant | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Enlightened Action + Firing Line or Precision Instrument ► While not every perk in its line-up is a banger, Sovereignty has top-tier options in both columns. If you’re looking for a Void sniper to substitute Embraced Identity, this is the weapon for you. | Episode 2 | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvE God Roll: Enlightened Action + Firing Line or Precision Instrument | Top-tier |
1000 Yard Stare | ![]() 1000 Yard Stare Sniper Rifle | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Special | Void | 30th Anniversary | Yes | A › Strong | Grasp of Avarice Dungeon | ![]() | Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvP | Grasp of Avarice Dungeon![]() 30th Anniversary | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Quickdraw (also good: No Distractions) + Snapshot Sights ► 1000 Yard Stare has been out for a while but has yet to decline in popularity; its excellent stats and S-Tier perks have kept it in the meta even through newer releases. If you're looking for a solid Legendary sniper rifle that combines ease of use and lethality, 1000 Yard Stare is for you. | 30th Anniversary event | Slot: ![]() ![]() PvP God Roll: Quickdraw (also good: No Distractions) + Snapshot Sights | Top-tier |
Destiny 2 Snipers: Complete List
This database includes every viable Sniper currently in the game:
Art | Name | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo | Element | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Borealis | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | Exotic Engram | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 1 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Cloudstrike | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Arc | Beyond Light Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE + PvP | Exotic Quest | ![]() | ![]() Beyond Light Pack | Season 12 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | D.A.R.C.I. | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | Exotic Engram | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 1 | Heavy | No | ||
![]() | Ice Breaker | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Solar | The Final Shape Dungeon Key | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Vesper's Host Dungeon | ![]() | ![]() The Final Shape Dungeon Key | Episode 2 | Energy | No | ||||
![]() | Izanagi's Burden | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Kinetic | Forsaken Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Forsaken Pack | Season 5 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Still Hunt | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Solar | The Final Shape | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE | Exotic Quest | ![]() | ![]() The Final Shape | The Final Shape | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Whisper of the Worm | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Heavy | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE | The Whisper | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 3 | Heavy | Craftable | Top-tier | |
![]() | 1000 Yard Stare | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Void | 30th Anniversary | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvP | Grasp of Avarice Dungeon | ![]() | ![]() 30th Anniversary | 30th Anniversary event | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | A Distant Pull | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE | Xûr | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 21 | Kinetic | Craftable | ||
![]() | Adored | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvP | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 12 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Albruna-D | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Special | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE + PvP | Playlist: Gambit | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 19 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Apostate | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Moon | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Beloved | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Solar | Beyond Light Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvP | Presage | ![]() | ![]() Beyond Light Pack | Season 17 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Incandescent |
![]() | Bite of the Fox | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | No | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Iron Banner | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Kinetic | No | ||
![]() | Critical Anomaly | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Special | Stasis | The Final Shape | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE + PvP | Salvation's Edge Raid | ![]() | ![]() The Final Shape | The Final Shape | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | Chaos Reshaped,Bait and Switch |
![]() | Defiance of Yasmin | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE + PvP | King's Fall Raid | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | |
![]() | Distant Tumulus | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Xûr | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 10 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Embraced Identity | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Void | The Final Shape | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE + PvP | The Pale Heart | ![]() | ![]() The Final Shape | The Final Shape | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | |
![]() | Eye of Sol | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Kinetic | The Final Shape | No | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvP | Trials of Osiris | ![]() | ![]() The Final Shape | Season 10 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Far Future | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Father's Sins | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Void | The Witch Queen | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvP | Wellspring | ![]() | ![]() Witch Queen | Season 16 | Energy | Craftable | ||
![]() | Frozen Orbit | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Special | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvP | Playlist: Crucible | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Fugue-55 | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | Gunsmith | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Gallu RR3 | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | PvP | Gunsmith | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 17 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | IKELOS_SR_v1.0.3 | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Solar | The Witch Queen | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE | Operation: Seraph's Shield | ![]() | ![]() Witch Queen | Season 19 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Incandescent |
![]() | Irukandji | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE | Lost Sector | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 20 | Kinetic | No | ||
![]() | Keen Thistle | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Special | Solar | The Final Shape | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Trials of Osiris | ![]() | ![]() The Final Shape | Episode 3 | Energy | No | ||||
![]() | Last Foray | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Lost Sector | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 21 | Energy | No | Incandescent | |
![]() | Locus Locutus | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE | Xûr | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Kinetic | Craftable | ||
![]() | Long Shadow | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Kinetic | No | ||
![]() | Luna Regolith III | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE + PvP | Playlist: Vanguard | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Energy | No | Incandescent | |
![]() | Mechabre | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Special | Arc | Free-to-Play | Timed-Event | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvP | Event: Festival of the Lost | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Episode 2 | Energy | No | Top-tier | Voltshot |
![]() | Mercurial Overreach | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvP | Crucible Competitive | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 21 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Naeem's Lance | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Strand | Lightfall Dungeon Key | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall Dungeon Key | Season 23 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Occluded Finality | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Special | Arc | Free-to-Play | No | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | PvP | Iron Banner | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Omniscient Eye | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Solar | Shadowkeep Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Garden of Salvation Raid | ![]() | ![]() Shadowkeep Pack | Season 8 | Energy | Craftable | ||
![]() | Persuader | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Recovered Red War | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | Praedyth's Revenge | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE | Vault of Glass Raid | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Episode 3 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | |
![]() | Shepherd's Watch | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE + PvP | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Kinetic | No | ||
![]() | Silicon Neuroma | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE + PvP | Nightfall: The Ordeals | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Sole Survivor | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvE | Fishing | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 21 | Energy | No | Voltshot | |
![]() | Sovereignity | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Void | Episode 2: Revenant | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE | Revenant Activities | ![]() | ![]() Episode 2: Revenant | Episode 2 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
![]() | Succession | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Special | Kinetic | Beyond Light Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE + PvP | Deep Stone Crypt Raid | ![]() | ![]() Beyond Light Pack | Season 12 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | Reconstruction |
![]() | Succession (Brave) | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE + PvP | Onslaught Activity | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Into the Light | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | Reconstruction |
![]() | The Domino | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | The Final Shape | Energy | No | Incandescent | |
![]() | The Long Walk | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | C › Weak | - | Xûr | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Energy | No | ||
![]() | The Supremacy | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Kinetic | Forsaken Pack | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | S › Best | PvE + PvP | Last Wish Raid | ![]() | ![]() Forsaken Pack | Season 4 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | Kinetic Tremors,Bait and Switch |
![]() | Thoughtless | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Stasis | The Witch Queen | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE + PvP | Vox Obscura | ![]() | ![]() Witch Queen | Season 16 | Kinetic | Craftable | Top-tier | |
![]() | Tranquility | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | Moon | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Kinetic | No | ||
![]() | Twilight Oath | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvP | Shattered Throne Dungeon | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Energy | No | Incandescent | |
![]() | Uzume RR4 | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | Legendary | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | A › Strong | PvE + PvP | Nightfall: The Ordeals | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Energy | No | Top-tier | Incandescent |
![]() | Veleda-F | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Special | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Episode 2 | Energy | No | ||||
![]() | Volta Bracket | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | Legendary | Special | Strand | Lightfall | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | B › Average | PvP | Neomuna | ![]() | ![]() Lightfall | Season 20 | Kinetic | Craftable | ||
![]() | Widow's Bite | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Special | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | D › Worst | - | World loot pool | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Energy | No |
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 Sniper Rifles Today
Ready to dig deeper into the absolute best Snipers in Destiny 2 right now? These are the cream of the crop, our favorites (for PvE and PvP):
5 Mercurial Overreach
Excels in PvP
After what has felt like years of waiting, Beloved finally has some direct competition. This comes in the form of Mercurial Overreach, a new Competitive Crucible playlist sniper with some exceptional stats and perks.
Snapshot Sights and Opening Shot is the go-to roll for most here, but there’s plenty of opportunity to mix it up. New with Season of the Deep is Discord, a relatively complex perk that grants the same benefits as Snapshot Sights and more. If you’re confident that you can proc the perk consistently, it may be worth a try!
The only significant criticism the community shared upon Mercurial Overreach’s debut was its absurdly small reticle. This, however, was fixed in a patch during Season of the Deep, leaving the community with little to nothing to complain about. Overall, Mercurial Overreach is a fantastic pick for any PvP player. It’s a bit more challenging to obtain than any of its competition, but the pain of farming for it is undoubtedly worth it. These are the top Mercurial Overreach God Rolls:
- PvP God roll: Snapshot Sights + Moving Target (also good: Quickdraw)
How to get it: Mercurial Overreach can be acquired from the PvP Competitive Playlist.
![]() Name: Mercurial Overreach | Type: Sniper RifleArchetype: Adaptive | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: Season 21 | Source: Crucible CompetitiveRequires: Free-to-Play |
4. Critical Anomaly
Excels in PvE and PvP
Despite what people have been saying about the loot that arrived with the Salvation’s Edge raid, it offers one of the most well-rounded snipers in the game: Critical Anomaly.
Chill Clip, which has never been featured on a sniper rifle before, is available in Critical Anomaly’s third column. Choosing this (or a standard pick like Rewind Rounds) with a top-tier damage perk puts the weapon in an extremely great spot in PvE.
This weapon also has what’s needed to excel in The Crucible with both Snapshot Sights and Opening Shot, making it one of the best all-around sniper picks out right now. These are the top Critical Anomaly God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Rewind Rounds or Chill Clip + Firing Line or Triple Tap
- PvP God roll: Quickdraw or Opening Shot + Snapshot Sights or Explosive Payload
How to get it: Critical Anomaly can be acquired by completing the Salvation’s Edge Raid.
![]() Name: Critical Anomaly | Type: Sniper RifleArchetype: Aggressive | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: The Final Shape | Source: Salvation's Edge RaidRequires: The Final Shape |
3. The Supremacy
Excels in PvE and PvP
One of many reissued Last Wish weapons that now appears at the top of the meta, The Supremacy is one of the strongest snipers currently available. The presence of Bait and Switch alone makes The Supremacy a worthy pick in PvE, but its main appeal is actually from a different set of perks entirely: Rewind Rounds and Fourth Time’s the Charm. In tandem, these traits allow you to fire off seemingly infinite shots, making for an option as fun as it is powerful.
The Supremacy also has a considerable amount of fans in The Crucible. From its solid stat package to the amazing perk combination of Snapshot Sights and Opening Shot, this sniper is an extremely competent PvP pick, even if it lacks flashiness.
Even though snipers haven’t been truly meta for a while, The Supremacy continues to garner significant popularity among community members due to its general potency and great handling feel. If this archetype ever receives a buff, The Supremacy is the weapon you should look for. These are the top The Supremacy God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Rewind Rounds (also good: Lead from Gold) + Bait and Switch (also good: Focused Fury)
- PvP God roll: Snapshot Sights (also good: Discord) + Opening Shot
How to get it: The Supremacy can be acquired from the Last Wish Raid.
![]() Name: The Supremacy | Type: Sniper RifleArchetype: Rapid-Fire | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: Season 4 | Source: Last Wish RaidRequires: Forsaken Pack |
2. Izanagi’s Burden
Excels in PvE
An insanely popular choice ever since its debut in Black Armory, Izanagi’s Burden is meta to this day, even through all the nerfs. Because it no longer benefits from reload speed buffs like Lunafaction Boots or Rally Barricade, Izanagi’s is now primarily used for majors and Champions. These enemies require high burst damage as opposed to DPS (which Izanagi’s is significantly worse at because of its long and frequent reloads).
However, more skilled players utilize this weapon differently: advanced weapon rotations. To combat the lengthy reload animations of high-damage weapons like Izanagi’s Burden, players swap between multiple weapons in a given loadout to never stop cranking out damage. Izanagi’s Burden is an extremely popular pick for this.
With all of the buffs and nerfs it receives, Izanagi’s Burden’s potential can vary season by season. However, its high burst damage makes it a consistently stellar choice in high-level PVE content.
Exotic Perk: “Holding reload consumes the magazine and loads a round with additional range and damage.”
How to get it: Izanagi’s Burden can be purchased at the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower.
![]() Name: Izanagi's Burden | Type: Sniper RifleArchetype: Exotic | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: Season 5 | Source: Exotic KioskRequires: Forsaken Pack |
1. Still Hunt
Excels in PvE
Still Hunt immediately gained an absurd amount of attention in all areas of the game, and for good reason.
In PvE, Still Hunt cranks out extreme amounts of damage, especially when used with Hunter’s Celestial Nighthawk. Even with a recent nerf to the sniper’s damage, Still Hunt is the meta-defining option right now.
Still Hunt is destined to receive a nerf that absolutely nukes its usability in PvE sooner or later. Even so, for the time being, this sniper is a must-have option for all Guardians looking to step into high-end PvE content.
Exotic Perk: “Pick up Orbs of Power or land precision hits to charge this weapon’s Super bar. Once full, fire Golden Gun shots. his weapon gains passive bonuses to target acquisition, aim down sight speed, and flinch resistance. The bonus increases when this weapon’s super mode is active.”
How to get it: We cover How to get Still Hunt here.
![]() Name: Still Hunt | Type: Sniper RifleArchetype: Exotic | Ammo: ![]() Element: ![]() | Craftable: ![]() Released: The Final Shape | Source: Exotic QuestRequires: The Final Shape |
Snipers and the PvP Meta: TTK
We covered which Snipers are considered top-tier (and should be farmed) and which ones can be safely ignored. But how do they compare to other Special weapons in PvP?
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Shotguns | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► With the introduction of fixed (and consistent) pellet spread patterns per archetype and the reversal of some widely disliked nerfs, Shotguns are finally back. With consistent changes in the right direction, Shotguns are once more a staple pick among many PvP players. ► Best Archetype: Precision (65 RPM) - Example: Matador 64 | PVP Specials |
![]() Fusion Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Fusion Rifles have been at the top of the meta for a while now, and it doesn't seem to be changing. Fusions can cover the close to medium ranges excellently, and a good Fusion Rifle player can be incredibly frustrating to play against, no matter the range of the engagement. ► Best Archetype: Precision (780ms Charge Time) - Example: Main Ingredient | PVP Specials |
![]() Sniper Rifles | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ![]() | ► Sniper Rifles are still remarkably powerful, but due to certain flinch changes, they've become slightly harder to use. All this, as well as how strong certain Shotguns are, it's natural for Snipers to fall down a tier, but they are still strong, especially in Trials of Osiris. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (90 RPM)- Example: Beloved | PVP Specials |
![]() Linear Fusion Rifles | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► The special ammo Linear Fusion category of weapon is rather barren, but the two weapons that occupy it, Arbalest and Lorentz Driver, are both forces to be reckoned with. While they have received some deserved nerfs throughout Seasons 17-19, they remain a solid choice for many players wanting a long range option. | PVP Specials |
![]() Trace Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Trace Rifles are quite a niche pick and will fall short as a competitive option in most players' hands. Even once you learn to master Trace Rifles, you'll be better off with a Special weapon that can provide a one-hit-kill t rather than one that can be out-dueled by a Primary weapon. ► All Archetypes are 1000 RPM - Best Option: Coldheart | PVP Specials |
![]() Glaives | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► With their buffs in Season 19 and the hit registration improvements they've seen, Glaives can be quite annoying to play against. That said, they are outclassed by other mid/long range options and can't compete at close range due to their lackluster melee. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (55 RPM)- Example: The Enigma | PVP Specials |
![]() Grenade Launchers | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | - | ► Grenade Launchers are annoying to play against, and that's about it. They can be used in a hot-swap loadout, but you'll be better served by a Bow like Le Monarque. Grenade launchers can put pressure on your enemies, but they can't bring the heat like some other Special Weapons can. ► Best Archetype: Lightweight - Example: Truthteller | PVP Specials |
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. We have a TTK guide/chart that includes TTK figures, but that mostly applies to Primary weapons, not Specials.
For PvP, you want a Special weapon that can consistently get you a one-hit kill. Snipers are slowly making a comeback. Partially because of a few buffs that make them easier to use, but also because shotguns, the most-used Special weapons for PvP, received several nerfs last year. For these reasons, Snipers are once again a top choice for PvP.
Snipers and the PvE Meta: DPS
How do Snipers compare to other Special weapons in PvE?
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Fusion Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ![]() | ►Fusion Rifles are brilliant right now. Outside of Sniper Rifles, Fusion Rifles are the traditional 'backup damage' weapons due to options like Scatter Signal or Cartesian Coordinate. On top of this, you can use Fusions like Riptide for some utility instead, or even Merciless as a unique burst DPS option. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (500ms Charge Time) - Example: Scatter Signal | PVE Specials |
![]() Sniper Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ![]() | ► Sniper Rifles have continued to grow into a strong Special Weapon subtype. With options like The Supremacy, Ikelos Sniper Rifle, and Still Hunt, it's very common for Sniper Rifles to be included in DPS rotations. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (140 RPM) - Example: Supremacy | PVE Specials |
![]() Shotguns | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ![]() | ► Shotguns are pretty decent right now. Slug Shotguns aren't as strong as they once were, and Shotguns have mostly been demoted to being a funnel for One-Two Punch Melee builds. However, they are definitely still capable, and can be used in a general loadout. ► Best Archetype: Lightweight (90 RPM) - Example: Wastelander M5 | PVE Specials |
![]() Grenade Launchers | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ![]() | ► Grenade Launchers are brilliant right now. They are versatile and are arguably the best pick in almost all areas. GLs have excellent ad control through Blinding Grenades or Wave Frame GLs like Forbearance, and they also have good boss damage in certain hot-swap builds due to Spike Grenades. Simply put, having a strong arsenal of Grenade Launchers is something you should definitely try to do as a player looking to get into high-level content. ► Best Archetype: Wave-Frame - Example: Forbearance | PVE Specials |
![]() Trace Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► With the nerfs to the double-special ammo economy, Trace Rifles have been knocked down a notch. Using a Primary weapon is just more efficient these days. However, they remain solid utility weapons and a go-to if players still want to run double-special lodouts. They also have a couple of solid Exotic options too, making them a decent pick right now. | PVE Specials |
![]() Glaives | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Glaives require a bit of getting used to, but when you do, they can grant you crazy levels of damage resistance. However, they are quite a risky pick, especially if you haven't learned how to master them first. Glaives are also one-dimensional. There is basically no reason to use their melee attack, which is unfortunate as that is probably the most fun part of the Glaives. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (55 RPM) - Example: The Enigma | PVE Specials |
![]() Linear Fusion Rifles | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | - | ► Linear Fusion Rifles are difficult to rank as there are only two of them. While Arbalest is definitely a powerful weapon, it is by no means a must-pick anymore. And Lorentz Driver isn't exactly a serious contender for PvE. Overall, this archetype is quite weak, especially now that Arbalest isn't the top-pick it used to be. | PVE Specials |
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 D2 DPS chart includes the DPS numbers for every weapon in Destiny 2.
When it comes to actual DPS numbers, Snipers are average:
- | Weapon Type | Archetype | Sustained DPS | Mag DPS | Total Damage | Specs | --- | Best in Class | Change? | Ammo |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | 36113 | 36113 | 1023196 | /w Catalyst | ![]() | Whisper of the Worm | Buffed | Heavy |
![]() | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | 28226 | 34280 | - | ![]() | Cloudstrike | Same | Special | |
![]() | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | 25884 | 37128 | 587922 | With "Personal Assistant" | ![]() | D.A.R.C.I. | Nerfed | Heavy |
![]() | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | 22200 | 22200 | /w Catalyst, 4x "Honed Edge" | ![]() | Izanagi's Burden | Same | Special | |
![]() | Sniper Rifle | Rapid-Fire | 16778 | 23240 | 368520 | - | ![]() | IKELOS_SR_v1.0.3 | Same | Special |
![]() | Sniper Rifle | Aggressive | 15391 | 19722 | 302404 | - | ![]() | Succession | Same | Special |
![]() | Sniper Rifle | Adaptive | 15140 | 19307 | 386136 | - | ![]() | Uzume RR4 | Same | Special |
![]() | Sniper Rifle | Exotic | 15140 | 19307 | 386136 | - | ![]() | Borealis | Special |
Endgame content
Snipers do have a place in endgame content, even if they aren’t the most lethal from a DPS standpoint. The fact they can be used from a distance makes them safer to use than most other Special weapons. In fact, it was this perceived “safety” that pushed Bungie to severely nerf their DPS during the Shadowkeep era.
But even with lower DPS than other weapon types, the best PvE rolls can still dish serious damage to Bosses and Majors. If you’re into high-end PvE, do not sleep on Snipers.
Before you go…
Are you looking for a top-tier Primary and Heavy weapon to round out your loadout? We cover the Best Destiny 2 Pulse Rifles and Best Destiny 2 Rocket Launchers, too.
You now know everything there is to know about Snipers in Destiny 2, whether that is for PvP or PvE content.
See latest Updates
- July 24, 2024: General updates according to The Final Shape Meta and the inclusion of Snipers from Episode 1.
- March 5, 2024: General updates and the inclusion of Sniper rifles from Season 23.
- October 25, 2023: Inclusion of Season 22 weapons.
- August 1, 2023: General updates and the inclusion of Seasons 18, 19, and 20 Snipers.
- Dec 21, 2023: General updates and the inclusion of Year 3 and 4 weapons.
- July 6, 2022: The guide is published for the first time.
Stay tuned, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for next season!
I would like to say that the fugue, mainly due to the new changes to flinch, is a slightly better pick nowadays. The suros synergy paired with no distractions is a nasty combo in pvp.
“IKELOS_SR_v1.0.2 is a great pick that is sometimes overlooked.”
Correct to “IKELOS_SR_v1.0.3”
Mechabre is “Still too early to tell”?