Sometimes referred to as “Dad rifles,” some love to hate Pulse rifles. They claim Pulses require no skill and are too easy to use, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, some of them are considered to be among the best weapons in the entire game.
Today we cover every Pulse Rifle in Destiny 2, including both Exotic and Legendaries, as well as the best rolls for PvE and PvP.
Destiny 2 Pulse rifles Tier list
The Tier list below includes every non-sunset Pulse rifle in the game. It starts with the S Tier weapons and moves down from there. It also covers both PVE and PVP, with the “Excels in” column clearly identifying in what area each weapon shines:
These are the different Tier levels used for our list:
- S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapons in our Tier List.
- A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapons, but not on the same level as S Tier Choices.
- B Tier – Average: Decent choices that can be lethal in the hands of a skilled player.
- C Tier – Weak: The middle of the pack, somewhat mediocre.
- D Tier – Worst: Lagging behind the competition, these don’t have much to offer.
More Destiny 2 Tier lists:
![]() | Auto Rifles | ![]() |
![]() | Combat Bows | ![]() |
![]() | Fusion Rifles | ![]() |
![]() | Glaives | ![]() |
![]() | Grenade Launchers | ![]() ![]() |
![]() | Hand Cannon | ![]() |
![]() | Linear Fusion Rifle | ![]() |
![]() | Machine Guns | ![]() |
![]() | Pulse Rifle | ![]() |
![]() | Rocket Launcher | ![]() |
![]() | Scout Rifle | ![]() |
![]() | Shotgun | ![]() |
![]() | Submachine Guns | ![]() |
![]() | Swords | ![]() |
![]() | Trace Rifles | ![]() |
Best Destiny 2 Pulse Rifles in 2022
This section not only covers the top Pulses currently in the game, it also tells you where you can find them. This guide covers every weapon source in Destiny 2 and most of the sources below are self-explanatory, but in doubt, you can always leave a comment below or ask away on our Discord server.
Overall, these are our Top 5 favorite Pulse Rifles for PVE and PVP.
5. Outbreak Perfected
Excels in PvE and PvP
Consistently a solid option in all areas of the game, Outbreak Perfected is a well-rounded pick.
In PVE, Outbreak has always been popular. While some utilize it for its relatively-high DPS (compared to other primary weapons), it has more recently excelled in general gameplay. With a handful of buffs that affected Outbreak and other weapons, this weapon feels more powerful than ever.
Outbreak Perfected is nowhere near as potent in The Crucible, but it’s still an excellent choice if you have nothing higher on this list. Feeling extremely nice to wield makes it easy to get used to as well.
While Outbreak has never been the definitive #1 pulse rifle in the game, it has always been up there. If you’re looking for a solid pulse rifle that doesn’t require you to grind or build into it, Outbreak Perfected is for you.
How to get it: Outbreak Perfected can be acquired via Exotic engrams or Xûr.
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo | Element | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo? | Element? | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Outbreak Perfected | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Exotic Kiosk | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | Season 6 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier |
4. Horror’s Least
Excels in PVE
A prevalent choice for The Crucible, Horror’s Least makes up for its lack of PVE utility in PVP.
With great stats, an Adept variant, and unmatched perks, Horror’s Least is a monster in mid-range battles. Especially when Kill Clip is triggered, this pulse is highly consistent and can prove rewarding if used correctly.
All that said, Horror’s Least contains nearly nothing for PVE players, making it only #4 on this list.
PVE God roll:
- Perk 1: Perpetual Motion (also good: Heating Up)
- Perk 2: Kill Clip
How to get it: Horror’s Least can be acquired by completing Nightfall: The Ordeals (the highest difficulties have increased drop rates).
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo | Element | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo? | Element? | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
3. BxR-55 Battler
Excels in PvE and PvP
The BxR has always been a fantastic option for PVP, but with its recently-updated perk pool, it now excels everywhere.
The BxR can now roll with Incandescent, the best Solar perk for PVE. Pair this with Outlaw (or even Demolitionist), and you’ve got yourself a great weapon to pair with any Solar 3.0 build.
This weapon’s strengths don’t stop there—the BxR-55 Battler is strong in PVP, too. If you craft a roll with Perpetual Motion and Kill Clip, you’ll be equipped with a fantastic weapon that isn’t anticipated to be nerfed anytime soon.
The BxR-55 Battler was extremely strong when it was released and has only gotten stronger over the past year. If you’re a solo player who doesn’t want to step into Vow of the Disciple for Insidious, the BxR is your best bet.
PVE God roll:
- Perk 1: Outlaw (also good: Demolitionist)
- Perk 2: Incandescent (also good: Kill Clip)
PVP God roll:
- Perk 1: Killing Wind(also good: Perpetual Motion)
- Perk 2: Kill Clip
How to get it: BxR-55 Battler can be acquired by completing Dares of Eternity runs or turning in Treasure keys at Xûr’s in Eternity.
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo | Element | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo? | Element? | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | BxR-55 Battler | Pulse Rifle | Legacy PR-55 | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Dares of Eternity | ![]() | ![]() Free-to-Play | 30th Anniversary event | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier |
2. No Time to Explain
Best PvP Pulse in Destiny 2
Currently the best pulse rifle for PVP, No Time to Explain has proven to be both fun and potent in recent times.
In PVE, NTTE is nothing special. While it can be fun to have a time portal follow you around (especially when utilizing Arc Souls), it isn’t worth the Exotic slot.
In contrast, NTTE is absurd in PVP. With above-average stats, a great base TTK, and the ability to have a second copy of the same weapon shooting with you, this pulse rifle dominates in The Crucible.
From its clean sights to its absurd stats and TTK, No Time To Explain continues to prove powerful in PVP.
How to get it: No Time to Explain can be acquired by purchasing Beyond Light’s Deluxe edition.
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo | Element | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo? | Element? | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | No Time to Explain | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Beyond Light | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Beyond Light Campaign | ![]() | ![]() Beyond Light | Season 12 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier |
1. Insidious
Excels in PvE and PvP
The best pulse rifle in the game for quite some time now, Insidious has everything a pulse rifle fan could ever want.
Insidious is a great choice regardless of your roll, with a solid base TTK of 0.73s and great overall stats. And with an unmatched feel while wielding the weapon, this pulse holds up against newer competition like Veles-X and Disparity. Insidious truly shines, however, when you dive into its perk pool. From Rapid Hit and Rampage to Dragonfly and One for All, Insidious has combinations that can fit any playstyle in any activity.
The best pulse rifle overall, Insidious offers variety and consistency that no other pulse rifle can.
PVE God roll:
- Perk 1: Rapid Hit (also good: Dragonfly)
- Perk 2: Rampage
PVP God roll:
- Perk 1: Rapid Hit (also good: Heating Up)
- Perk 2: Rampage
How to get it:
Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo | Element | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo? | Element? | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Insidious | Pulse Rifle | Aggressive Burst | Legendary | Primary | Arc | The Witch Queen | Yes | ![]() | ![]() | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Vow of the Disciple Raid | ![]() | ![]() The Witch Queen | Season 16 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier |
Pulse Rifles in PVP: Lethality & TTK
TTK is particularly important in PVP, because the lowest the TTK, the faster you can kill your opponent. This TTK guide includes the TTKs for every weapon in Destiny 2.
When it comes to PVP, Pulse rifles are a strong choice. In fact, they probably are the top second choice for competitive players, just behind hand cannons. Some of the top Pulses are even considered “Meta”, especially High-impact Pulses that can reach insane time-to-kills (TTK).
- | Weapon Type | Archetype | Optimal TTK | Optimal Kill | Body Shot TTK | Specs | --- | Best in Class |
Do keep in mind that TTKs aren’t everything. Versatility and ease of use also come into play. High-Impacts may offer one of the best TTKs in the game, but if you can’t land your shots, the archetype loses all its advantages.
If you’re looking for a more forgiving alternative, Rapid-Fires (Darkest Before) and Adaptives (The Third Axiom) can be excellent choices too.
Pulse Rifles in PVE: DPS
DPS is important for PVE, because the higher the DPS, the more damage you can deal to a Boss or Major.
This DPS chart includes the DPS numbers for every weapon in Destiny 2. When it comes to actual DPS, Pulses deal very mediocre damage:
- | Weapon Type | Archetype | Average DPS | Burst DPS | Total Damage | Specs | --- | Best in Class | Change? | Ammo |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | 6,145 | 7,340 | 422,810 | With averaged 'nanites" | ![]() | Outbreak Perfected | Same | Primary |
![]() | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | 3,687 | 4,381 | 371,126 | With Catalyst | ![]() | No Time to Explain | Same | Primary |
![]() | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | 3,602 | 4,222 | 215,100 | - | ![]() | Vigilance Wing | Same | Primary |
![]() | Pulse Rifle | Adaptive | 2,825 | 3,246 | 194,778 | High handling, decent range | ![]() | The Third Axiom | Same | Primary |
![]() | Pulse Rifle | Rapid-Fire | 2,771 | 3,285 | 137,970 | High aim assist, low range | ![]() | Piece of Mind | Same | Primary |
![]() | Pulse Rifle | Aggressive Burst | 2,744 | 3,232 | 241,312 | Excellent range, low aim assist | ![]() | Insidious | Same | Primary |
![]() | Pulse Rifle | High-Impact | 2,720 | 3,281 | 250,128 | High range & recoil, low aim assist | ![]() | The Messenger | Same | Primary |
![]() | Pulse Rifle | Exotic | 2,707 | 2,984 | 271,733 | - | ![]() | Graviton Lance | Same | Primary |
![]() | Pulse Rifle | Lightweight | 2,573 | 3,046 | 160,805 | Excellent handling, low range | ![]() | Ogma PR6 | Same | Primary |
Endgame content
Whereas Pulses can dominate any Crucible match, be it casual 6v6s or Trials of Osiris rounds, they currently struggle in PVE. They have the range and ease of use to compete, but they simply deal too little damage. And since hand cannons and scout rifles recently received a PVE damage buff, Pulse rifles struggle even more.
For this reason, you won’t often see Pulse rifles in PVE endgame content, unless seasonal Pulse rifle mods become available (Anti-barrier, Overload, etc).
Destiny 2 Pulse Rifles: Are they Meta?
We’ve talked about the best Pulses for PVE and PVP already, but how do they compare, in general, with other primary weapon types? In other words:
Are Pulse Rifles good in Destiny 2?
The current Primary weapons Meta for PvE
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Submachine Guns | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► SMGs are doing very well right now. They have good DPS to tear through ads and beefier orange bar enemies, but also come with excellent perks. There are a plethora of good SMGs you can go for right now, like Funnelweb, Unforgiven, Every Waking Moment, or Extraordinary Rendition, the choice is completely yours. They may struggle slightly in super high-end content, but they are still definitely usable. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (750 RPM) - Example: Unforgiven | PVE Primaries |
![]() Auto Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | ![]() | ► Auto Rifles currently feel like a worse version of SMGs. They have a bit more range, but outside of the absolute top-shelf content such as Grandmaster Nightfalls, range isn't too much of a factor. And if you are actively tackling difficult content, Auto Rifles aren't exactly the best pick either, making Autos a decent, but outclassed option right now. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Gnawing Hunger | PVE Primaries |
![]() Sidearms | B › Average | Average ❘ B | ![]() | ► 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 |
![]() Hand Cannons | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► While Hand Cannons routinely dominate the PvP meta, they are often outclassed by weapon types that can either offer better DPS or better range. There are a couple of solid options, such as Fatebringer or Zaouli's Bane, but putting those aside, you'll be better off using something else. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (140 RPM) - Example: Fatebringer | PVE Primaries |
![]() Pulse Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ![]() | ► Pulse Rifles are in a great place right now. They offer good range and pretty decent damage, allowing you to take down some beefier targets nicely. There are also some excellent pulses in the game right now, like Insidious, Sacred Provenance, or New Purpose. Unfortunately, High-Impact and Aggressive frames are the only archetypes worth your time, as the others rely on Exotic Perks or god rolls to compete. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (450 RPM) - Example: Insidious | PVE Primaries |
![]() Scout Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ![]() | ► Scout Rifles have come a long way. They are a solid and consistent option for anyone that prefers a safer and slower playstyle. They also shine in high-level content due to their excellent range. The best part about Scout Rifles, however, is their versatility across archetypes. Basically, every type of Scout Rifle is viable and can be used anywhere in the game. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (72 RPM) - Example: Tarnished Mettle | 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 |
The current Primary weapons Meta for PvP
Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Hand Cannons | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Hand Cannons are in a bit of a strange spot. Many will argue that they are still the best weapons in the game, however, due to the prevalence of Pulse Rifles and especially SMGs, Hand Cannons have slowly been pushed out of many players' main pick. They are still excellent duelling weapons though, and feel amazing to use so they still retain a strong ranking. ► 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 |
![]() Sidearms | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | ![]() | ► Sidearms have lost their place at the top of the meta, but they remain a solid pick, especially for players using a Controller, as they inherently have manageable stability with a rapid time-to-kill. Honestly, the main reason they've lost their place at the top is due to how powerful SMGs are right now. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (325 RPM) - Example: Forgiveness | PVP Primaries |
![]() Auto Rifles | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | - | ► Auto Rifles aren't doing greét right now. They contest a similar range as Hand Cannons, however, they lack the peak shooting potential that Adaptive Hand Cannons bring. They can also be contested at close range by SMGs, making them difficult to use everywhere. However, a good player can still find value in an Auto Rifle as they do provide high flinch and constant damage. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Gnawing Hunger | 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 | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Scouts have been tuned down to make them less potent in the hands of the average player. However, good scout rifle players will still be able to do pretty well in lobbies, however, they may find themselves outmatched by Pulse Rifles. ► Best Archetype: High-Impact (150 RPM) - Example: Polaris Lance | PVP Primaries |
![]() Submachine Guns | S › Best | Best ❘ S | ![]() | ► SMGs have soared in power and will absolutely destroy you if you get within their effective range which, nowadays, feels like it's across the map. This, combined with their incredible ease of use and high potential in skilled hands makes for a very oppressive weapon to face against. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (750 RPM)- Example: IKELOS_SMG_V1.0.3 | PVP Primaries |
Your turn
You now know everything there is to know about Pulse Rifles in Destiny 2, whether that is for PVP or PVE content.
On the darkest before review, it says gridskipper instead of darkest before in its description, in the very first section, overall a very useful tier list!