Best Sniper Rifles in Destiny 2: Tier List (Heresy Meta)

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.

Update based on Episode 3: Heresy. See Updates.

Top Tier Sniper Rifles (Episode 3)

This Tier list features the best Exotic and Legendary Snipers right now:

Weapon	Tier Rank	Source ❘ DLC	Verdict	Archetype	Ammo	Element
The Supremacy Sniper Rifle	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Last Wish Raid Forsaken Pack	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire 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.	Rapid-Fire	Special	Kinetic
Succession Sniper Rifle	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Deep Stone Crypt Raid Beyond Light Pack	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive 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.	Aggressive	Special	Kinetic
Succession (Brave) Sniper Rifle	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Onslaught Activity Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive 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.	Aggressive	Special	Kinetic
Critical Anomaly Sniper Rifle	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Salvation's Edge Raid The Final Shape	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive 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.	Aggressive	Special	Stasis
Keen Thistle Sniper Rifle	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris - Week 2 The Final Shape	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights (also good: Lone Wolf) + Opening Shot (also good: Closing Time) PvE God Roll: Envious Arsenal (also good: Triple Tap) + Bait and Switch (also good: Fourth Time’s the Charm) ► Keen Thistle is a outstanding option for nearly every portion of the game. With a perk pool that’s absolutely stocked with meta options, new and veteran players alike will likely be chasing this weapon soon enough.	Aggressive	Special	Solar
Lance Ephemeral Sniper Rifle	❘ S Excels in: PvE	The Desert Perpetual Raid The Edge of Fate	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Fourth Time’s the Charm or Rewind Rounds (also good: Envious Arsenal) + Bait and Switch or Elemental Honing PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights (also good: Built to Last) + Closing Time ► A rapid-fire sniper worthy of contending with the likes of Supremacy and Praedyth’s, Lance Ephemeral is a solid addition to any guardian’s arsenal. Great base stats and perks make this well worth the grind.	Rapid-Fire	Special	Strand
Refurbished A499 Sniper Rifle	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Lawless Destination Renegades	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Disruption Weapon PvE God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Aggregate Charge ► Strangely, the lack of great perks on Refurbished A499 doesn’t take away from the power of its new Disruption archetype, providing one of the most consistent heavy damage profiles in the PvE sandbox.	Disruption Weapon	Heavy	Kinetic
Rapid Growth Sniper Rifle	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Solstice Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Fourth Time’s the Charm (also good: Supercharged Magazine) + Aggregate Charge (also good: Gear Shift) ► An exceptional PvE roll from Rapid Growth, as it deals some of the best damage of any Sniper Rifle in Destiny 2. Suitable for any fireteam looking to take chunks from the toughest foes or heads in the Crucible, a must-have pick-up.	Rapid-Fire	Special	Arc
Praedyth's Revenge Sniper Rifle	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Vault of Glass Raid Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Rewind Rounds or Fourth Time's the Charm + Bait and Switch or 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.	Rapid-Fire	Special	Kinetic
Conspiracy Honed Sniper Rifle	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Equilibrium Dungeon Renegades	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Dynamic Heat Weapon PvE God Roll: Vorpal Weapon + Bait and Switch (also good: Firing Line, Box Breathing) ► Conspiracy Honed is a top-tier weapon when it comes to PvE and does a great job at bringing Sniper Rifles back into the conversation for PvP. Unique as the only Heat-based Sniper Rifle, this makes Conspiracy Honed a hot new weapon with god rolls worth chasing down.	Dynamic Heat Weapon	Special	Stasis
Beloved Sniper Rifle	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Presage Mission Beyond Light Pack	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Adaptive 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.	Adaptive	Special	Solar
The Helmsman Sniper Rifle	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Crucible Ops Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: High-Impact PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Opening Shot (also good: Closing Time) ► The Helmsman is definitely worth considering in both PvE and PvP if you like how it feels, but is sadly outclassed at the pinnacle of PvE content due to its low DPS. Still, definitely worth keeping a roll of.	High-Impact	Special	Arc
Eye of Sol Sniper Rifle	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Trials of Osiris - Week 3 The Final Shape	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Adaptive 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.	Adaptive	Special	Kinetic
Mechabre Sniper Rifle	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Eerie Engram Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive 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.	Aggressive	Special	Arc
Mercurial Overreach Sniper Rifle	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Crucible Competitive Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Adaptive 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.	Adaptive	Special	Arc

Destiny 2 Snipers: Complete List

Art	Name	Type	Ammo	Element	Tier	Excels	Source	Last Update
	Borealis	Sniper Rifle	Special	Void	D › Worst	-	Exotic Engram	Season 1
	Cloudstrike	Sniper Rifle	Special	Arc	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Exotic Quest	Beyond Light DLC
	D.A.R.C.I.	Sniper Rifle	Heavy	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Exotic Engram	Season 1
	Ice Breaker	Sniper Rifle	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Vesper's Host Dungeon	Monument of Triumph
	Izanagi's Burden	Sniper Rifle	Special	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Kiosk	Season 5
	New Land Beyond	Sniper Rifle	Special	Kinetic			Exotic Kiosk	Edge of Fate DLC
	Still Hunt	Sniper Rifle	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Exotic Quest	The Final Shape DLC
	Whisper of the Worm	Sniper Rifle	Heavy	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	The Whisper Mission	Season 3
	1000 Yard Stare	Sniper Rifle	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvP	Grasp of Avarice Dungeon	Monument of Triumph
	A Distant Pull	Sniper Rifle	Special	Stasis	B › Average	PvE	Xûr	Season 21
	Adored	Sniper Rifle	Special	Arc	B › Average	PvP	Pinnacle Ops	Monument of Triumph
	Albruna-D	Sniper Rifle	Special	Arc	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Gambit Legacy	Season 19
	ALLEN 05	Sniper Rifle	Special	Strand	A › Strong	PvE	Distortions	Monument of Triumph (new)
	Alone as a God	Sniper Rifle	Primary	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE	Pantheon	Monument of Triumph (new)
	Apostate	Sniper Rifle	Special	Arc	C › Weak	-	Moon Destination	Monument of Triumph
	Beloved	Sniper Rifle	Special	Solar	S › Best	PvP	Presage Mission	Season 17
	Bite of the Fox	Sniper Rifle	Special	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Iron Banner Focusing	Monument of Triumph
	Conspiracy Honed	Sniper Rifle	Special	Stasis	S › Best	PvE	Equilibrium Dungeon	Monument of Triumph
	Critical Anomaly	Sniper Rifle	Special	Stasis	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Salvation's Edge Raid	Monument of Triumph
	Defiance of Yasmin	Sniper Rifle	Special	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	King's Fall Raid	Monument of Triumph
	Distant Tumulus	Sniper Rifle	Special	Solar	C › Weak	-	Xûr	Season 10
	Embraced Identity	Sniper Rifle	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	The Pale Heart Destination	Monument of Triumph
	Eye of Sol	Sniper Rifle	Special	Kinetic	S › Best	PvP	Trials of Osiris - Week 3	Monument of Triumph
	Far Future	Sniper Rifle	Special	Solar	D › Worst	-	Xûr	Season 13
	Father's Sins	Sniper Rifle	Special	Void	B › Average	PvP	Throne World Destination	Monument of Triumph
	Frozen Orbit	Sniper Rifle	Special	Void	B › Average	PvP	Crucible Ops	Monument of Triumph
	Fugue-55	Sniper Rifle	Special	Void	D › Worst	-	Gunsmith	Witch Queen DLC
	Gallu RR3	Sniper Rifle	Special	Arc	C › Weak	-	Gunsmith	Season 17
	IKELOS_SR_v1.0.3	Sniper Rifle	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Operation: Seraph's Shield Mission	Season 19
	Irukandji	Sniper Rifle	Special	Stasis	C › Weak	-	Lost Sector	Lightfall DLC
	Keen Thistle	Sniper Rifle	Special	Solar	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Trials of Osiris - Week 2	Monument of Triumph
	Lance Ephemeral	Sniper Rifle	Special	Strand	S › Best	PvE	The Desert Perpetual Raid	Edge of Fate DLC
	Last Foray	Sniper Rifle	Special	Solar	C › Weak	-	EDZ Destination	Monument of Triumph
	Locus Locutus	Sniper Rifle	Primary	Stasis	B › Average	PvE	Xûr	Season 22
	Long Shadow	Sniper Rifle	Special	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Xûr	Season 11
	Luna Regolith III	Sniper Rifle	Special	Solar	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Vanguard Legacy	Season 22
	Mechabre	Sniper Rifle	Special	Arc	S › Best	PvP	Eerie Engram	Monument of Triumph
	Mercurial Overreach	Sniper Rifle	Special	Arc	S › Best	PvP	Crucible Competitive	Monument of Triumph
	Naeem's Lance	Sniper Rifle	Special	Strand	A › Strong	PvE	Warlord's Ruin Dungeon	Monument of Triumph
	Occluded Finality	Sniper Rifle	Special	Arc	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Iron Banner	Monument of Triumph
	Omniscient Eye	Sniper Rifle	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Garden of Salvation Raid	Monument of Triumph
	Persuader	Sniper Rifle	Special	Void	C › Weak	-	Xûr	Season 22
	Praedyth's Revenge	Sniper Rifle	Special	Kinetic	S › Best	PvE	Vault of Glass Raid	Monument of Triumph
	Rapid Growth	Sniper Rifle	Special	Arc	S › Best	PvE	Solstice Engram	Monument of Triumph (new)
	Refurbished A499	Sniper Rifle	Heavy	Kinetic	S › Best	PvE	Lawless Destination	Renegades DLC
	Shepherd's Watch	Sniper Rifle	Special	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Xûr	Season 15
	Shoreline Dissident	Sniper Rifle	Special	Void	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Seasonal Engram	Edge of Fate DLC
	Silicon Neuroma	Sniper Rifle	Special	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Nightfall: The Ordeals	Witch Queen DLC
	Sole Survivor	Sniper Rifle	Special	Arc	B › Average	PvE	Gambit Ops	Monument of Triumph
	Something Something	Sniper Rifle	Special	Kinetic			Fireteam Ops Engram	Renegades DLC
	Sovereignity	Sniper Rifle	Special	Void	B › Average	PvE	To be confirmed...	Episode 2
	Succession	Sniper Rifle	Special	Kinetic	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Deep Stone Crypt Raid	Monument of Triumph
	Succession (Brave)	Sniper Rifle	Special	Kinetic	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Onslaught Activity	Monument of Triumph
	Tatara Gaze	Sniper Rifle	Special	Arc			Arena Ops	Monument of Triumph (new)
	The Domino	Sniper Rifle	Special	Solar	D › Worst	-	Xûr	The Final Shape DLC
	The Helmsman	Sniper Rifle	Special	Arc	S › Best	PvP	Crucible Ops	Monument of Triumph (new)
	The Long Walk	Sniper Rifle	Special	Solar	C › Weak	-	Xûr	Season 15
	The Supremacy	Sniper Rifle	Special	Kinetic	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Last Wish Raid	Monument of Triumph
	Thoughtless	Sniper Rifle	Special	Stasis	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Vox Obscura Mission	Witch Queen DLC
	Tranquility	Sniper Rifle	Special	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	Moon Destination	Monument of Triumph
	Trophy Hunter	Sniper Rifle	Special	Void			Nessus Destination	Monument of Triumph (new)
	Twilight Oath	Sniper Rifle	Special	Solar	B › Average	PvP	Dreaming City Destination	Monument of Triumph
	Uzume RR4	Sniper Rifle	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Vanguard Focusing	Monument of Triumph
	Veleda-F	Sniper Rifle	Special	Void	B › Average	PvP	Xûr	Episode 2
	Volta Bracket	Sniper Rifle	Special	Strand	B › Average	PvP	Neomuna Destination	Monument of Triumph
	Widow's Bite	Sniper Rifle	Special	Solar	D › Worst	-	Xûr	Season 11

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

If you’re prepared to only chase the best of the best, these are the 5 absolute best Snipers in Destiny 2:

5. Succession (Brave)

Excels in PvE and PvP

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. These are the top Succession God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Reconstruction + Recombination (also good: Vorpal Weapon)
• PvP God roll: Moving Target + Snapshot Sights

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

Name: Succession (Brave)

Type: Sniper Rifle Archetype: Aggressive

Ammo: Special Element: Kinetic

Craftable: No Last Update: Monument of Triumph

Source: Onslaught Activity Requires: Free-to-Play

4. Mercurial Overreach

Excels in PvP

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. These are the top Mercurial Overreach God Rolls:

• PvP God roll: Snapshot Sights (also good: Discord) + Opening Shot (also good: Moving Target)

How to get it: Mercurial Overreach can be acquired from the PvP Competitive Playlist.

Name: Mercurial Overreach

Type: Sniper Rifle Archetype: Adaptive

Ammo: Special Element: Arc

Craftable: No Last Update: Monument of Triumph

Source: Crucible Competitive Requires: Free-to-Play

3. Critical Anomaly

Excels in PvE and PvP

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. 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 Rifle Archetype: Aggressive

Ammo: Special Element: Stasis

Craftable: Yes Last Update: Monument of Triumph

Source: Salvation's Edge Raid Requires: The Final Shape

2. Izanagi’s Burden

Excels in PvE

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.

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 Rifle Archetype: Exotic

Ammo: Special Element: Kinetic

Craftable: No Last Update: Season 5

Source: Exotic Kiosk Requires: Forsaken Pack

1. The Supremacy

Excels in PvE

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. 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 Rifle Archetype: Rapid-Fire

Ammo: Special Element: Kinetic

Craftable: Yes Last Update: Monument of Triumph

Source: Last Wish Raid Requires: Forsaken Pack

Snipers and the Meta

How do Snipers compare to other Special weapons in PvE and PvP?

The PvE Meta

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

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
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. This TTK guide includes the TTK figures for every weapon in Destiny 2.

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.