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Best Destiny 2 Gambit weapons: Tier List and Triumphs

by | Apr 2, 2023

Just as Nightfall weapons are extremely sought after, Gambit has also become a reliable source of good weapons. Not all of them are must-haves, but the ones that are, are considered top-tier.

But Gambit weapons are also sought after for another reason: The Dark Age Arsenal triumph, which requires Gambit weapons to earn the Dredgen title. In this guide, we cover all the guns that count as Gambit weapons, but also every exclusive Gambit weapon released so far.

Checkmark icon V3 Updated as of Season of Defiance (S20).

The weapons that count as “Gambit weapons”

For some reason, Bungie never updated the Dark Age Arsenal triumph to ensure that every weapon from Gambit counts toward its completion. For that reason, the following list is important, as it only includes the weapons that will allow you to complete that triumph.

The Dark Arsenal: Win a Gambit match with a Gambit weapon equipped in every slot.

These are the weapons that are guaranteed weapons that count towards that triumph, and eventually, the Dredgen seal:

ArtWeaponTypeArchetypeRarityAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?Ammo?Element?TierExcelsSourceCraftable?RequiresReleasedSlotCan be Crafted?Best of?Top Perk?
Bad Omens Destiny 2 art Bad OmensRocket LauncherAggressiveLegendaryHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesHeavy ammo Destiny 2 HeavyVoid Void
Weak

C

-World loot poolError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 11HeavyNo
Gnawing Hunger artGnawing HungerAuto RifleAdaptiveLegendaryPrimaryVoidFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryVoid Void
Best

S

PvE + PvPWorld loot poolError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 11EnergyNoTop-tier
Lonesome Destiny 2 artLonesomeSidearmPrecisionLegendaryPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryKinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic
Average

B

-World loot poolError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 11KineticNo
Destiny 2 Malfeasance artMalfeasanceHand CannonExoticExoticPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryKinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic
Average

B

-Exotic QuestError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 4KineticNo
Night Watch Destiny 2 artNight WatchScout RifleLightweightLegendaryPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimaryKinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic
Best

S

PvEWorld loot poolError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 11KineticNoTop-tier
Trust artTrustHand CannonPrecisionLegendaryPrimarySolarFree-to-PlayYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimarySolar Solar
Average

B

PvE + PvPPlaylist: GambitError icon V2Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Season 20EnergyNo
Trustee Destiny 2 artTrusteeScout RifleRapid-FireLegendaryPrimarySolarBeyond LightYesPrimary ammo Destiny 2 PrimarySolar Solar
Average

B

PvPDeep Stone Crypt RaidCheckmark icon V3Beyond Light Destiny 2 icon
Beyond Light
Season 12EnergyCraftable

The following, now sunsetted weapons, also count as Gambit weapons:

-WeaponTypeSourceRetiredDateMax Power--Alternative
Destiny 2 BygonesBygonesPulse RifleReckoningSeason 12November 10, 20201060The Third Axiom Destiny 2 artThe Third Axiom

Where can you find these weapons?

The current weapon selection that counts towards that triumph is clearly outdated and doesn’t properly take into account that half of the weapons in the game were retired late last year. If you’re still struggling to get the Dredgen seal, and more precisely, the Dark Age Arsenal triumph, these are easy weapons to obtain:

  • Malfeasance: This Exotic can now be purchased at the Monument to Lost Lights (aka, the Exotics Kiosk) in the tower.
  • Gnawing Hunger, Lonesome, Night Watch, and Bad Omens: These former Reckoning-specific weapons are now part of the World Pool. The Gunsmith happens to offer a rotating selection of World Pool weapons.
  • Trust: Trust can now be directly purchased (focused) from the Drifter.

Does Power Level matter in Gambit?

Keep in mind that Power Levels do not matter against AI combatants. A 1600 and a 1750 Power Level weapon will do equal damage to AI enemies. Power Levels are only important when fighting other Guardians while invading or during an enemy invasion.

Pro tip: You can just equip the Gambit weapons before the end of the match to get the win to count towards the triumph.

Gambit weapons Destiny 2 900p

Reckoning guns also count as Gambit weapons

Destiny 2 Gambit weapons: Exclusive Drops

All Gambit weapons come with the following Origin Trait:

-TraitSourceActivation | EffectsSpecsSource TypeReleased
Invader Tracker trait Destiny 2 artRun and GunPlaylist: GambitRapidly defeating targets with this weapon grants bonus sprint speed. Guardians, powerful combatants, and high-value targets grant this bonus quicker.-ActivityThe Witch Queen

Our Tier list 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 where each weapon shines:

NameWeaponsTypeArchetypeAmmoElementRequirementsIn loot pool?RankSourceAvailable?Tier rankSource ❘ DLCFinal VerdictReleasedPerksBest of?
Laser PainterLaser Painter art Destiny 2
Laser Painter
Linear Fusion RiflePrecisionHeavyStrandFree-to-PlayYesPlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3

Playlist: Gambit
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Strand Element Strand | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Precision



Season 21
Slot: Strand Element Strand | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Precision

Servant LeaderServant Leader art
Servant Leader
Scout RifleRapid-FirePrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongPlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Playlist: Gambit
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit (also good: Subsistence) + Rampage
PvP God Roll: Surplus (also good: Rapid Hit) + Kill Clip

► Servant Leader remains the only Kinetic Rapid-Fire frame scout in the game, and it also comes with tons of solid perks. However, this is also a weakness as there are 12 perk options per column, making it a 1/144 chance to get the correct two perks you want. However, a solid roll will serve you well.
Season 15
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit (also good: Subsistence) + Rampage
PvP God Roll: Surplus (also good: Rapid Hit) + Kill Clip
Top-tier
Bottom DollarBottom Dollar art
Bottom Dollar
Hand CannonAggressivePrimaryVoidFree-to-PlayYesB › AveragePlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Average

B



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Playlist: Gambit
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Outlaw + Rampage
PvP God Roll: Kiling Wind + Opening Shot

► If 120 RPM Hand Cannons ever make a comeback, keep your eyes on Bottom Dollar. While its frame makes it feel sluggish in the current sandbox, a slight buff is all Bottom Dollar needs to regain its status as an S-Tier weapon.
Season 13
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Outlaw + Rampage
PvP God Roll: Kiling Wind + Opening Shot
Borrowed TimeBorrowed Time art
Borrowed Time
Submachine GunAggressivePrimarySolarFree-to-PlayYesB › AveragePlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Average

B



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Playlist: Gambit
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Overflow (also good: Feeding Frenzy) + Rampage (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)
PvP God Roll: Rangefinder + Demolitionist

► Borrowed Time continues to be a powerful SMG that excels in most areas of the game. However, with new weapons being added all the time, it has been hard for this older choice to stay relevant.
Season 14
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Overflow (also good: Feeding Frenzy) + Rampage (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)
PvP God Roll: Rangefinder + Demolitionist
TrustTrust art
Trust
Hand CannonPrecisionPrimarySolarFree-to-PlayYesB › AveragePlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Average

B



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Playlist: Gambit
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Incandescent (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)
PvP God Roll: Opening Shot + Eye of the Storm (also good: Rangefinder)

► A small portion of the community stands by Trust, and understandably so. Its perk pool is nothing to scoff at, containing some outstanding choices for both PvE and The Crucible. That said, its fatal flaw is the frame it resides in: Precision. 180RPM Hand Cannons have never been good and need a significant buff to see more playtime.
Season 20
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Incandescent (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)
PvP God Roll: Opening Shot + Eye of the Storm (also good: Rangefinder)
Crowd PleaserCrowd Pleaser Destiny 2 art
Crowd Pleaser
Grenade LauncherAdaptiveHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesB › AveragePlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Average

B



Excels in:
PvE
Playlist: Gambit
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Threat Detector (also good: Killing Wind) + Quickdraw

► Crowd Pleaser is a decent option for PvP. It isn't as popular as some of its competition due to its vast perk pool, making it hard to get the god roll. However, Crowd Pleaser comes with good perks such as Quickdraw, Killing Wind, and Threat Detector, which are all decent choices for PvP.
Season 12
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Threat Detector (also good: Killing Wind) + Quickdraw
Herod-CHerod-C art
Herod-C
Auto RifleHigh-ImpactPrimaryStasisFree-to-PlayYesB › AveragePlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Average

B



Excels in:
PvP
Playlist: Gambit
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Stasis Stasis | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: High-Impact

PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion (also good: Dynamic Sway Reduction) + Moving Target (also good: Tap the Trigger)

► With its subpar perks and lacking archetype, Herod-C doesn't have too much going for it. Its giant perk pool also doesn't help either... It can be used as a niche counter to Citan's Ramparts, thanks to its Hakke origin trait, which deals extra damage to barricades in PvP.
Season 16
Slot: Stasis Stasis | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: High-Impact

PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion (also good: Dynamic Sway Reduction) + Moving Target (also good: Tap the Trigger)
Trinary SystemTrinary System art
Trinary System
Fusion RifleAdaptiveSpecialSolarFree-to-PlayYesB › AveragePlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Average

B



Playlist: Gambit
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Feeding Frenzy) + High-Impact Reserves (also good: Swashbuckler)

► An Adaptive frame that can get the same god roll as Main Ingredient, Trinary System is one of few Adaptive fusions seen in PvP, and can also be an orange-bar shredder in PvE. However, with the introduction of Royal Executioner, it is hard to recommend farming for this.
Season 13
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Feeding Frenzy) + High-Impact Reserves (also good: Swashbuckler)
YesteryearYesteryear art
Yesteryear
Pulse RifleAdaptivePrimaryVoidFree-to-PlayYesC › WeakPlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Weak

C



Playlist: Gambit
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Outlaw + Golden Tricorn

► While Yesteryear boasts some alright traits, its perk pool is too bloated to be worth farming for. Obtaining Veles-X is way more straightforward, and its perks complement Void 3.0 nicely compared to Yesteryear's.
Season 18
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Outlaw + Golden Tricorn
Dead WeightDead Weight art
Dead Weight
ShotgunRapid-FireSpecialArcFree-to-PlayYesD › WorstPlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Worst

D



Playlist: Gambit
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

PvP God Roll: Subsistence + Frenzy (also good: Demolitionist)

► One of the absolute worst options within its archetype; do not waste your time farming one of these...
Season 17
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

PvP God Roll: Subsistence + Frenzy (also good: Demolitionist)
Albruna-DAlbruna-D art
Albruna-D
Sniper RifleAggressiveSpecialArcFree-to-PlayYesOngoingPlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3Ongoing...

Playlist: Gambit
Free to Play Destiny 2 icon
Free-to-Play
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Aggressive

God Rolls: To be confirmed...

► Still too early to tell, review ongoing...
Season 19
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Aggressive

God Rolls: To be confirmed...

These are the different Tier levels used for this tier list:

  • S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapon types.
  • A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapon types, 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.

The Last Word

Keep in mind that these can only drop from Gambit match completions randomly. For some reason, earning ranks and Gambit-specific engrams cannot reward the Gambit-exclusive weapons, only match completions:

You now know everything there is to know about Gambit weapons. Whether you’re going for the Dredgen seal and need to know what Bungie means by “Gambit weapons” or whether you’re aiming to farm Gambit-exclusive weapons, these 2 lists have you covered.

Are you currently chasing any of these weapons? Let us know in the comments below.

Latest changes made to this guide

Things change fast in Destiny 2, especially when a new Season or Expansion launches. For that reason, this post will be updated at least once per season. With the release of Season of the Haunted (Season 17), more weapons have been added to the tier list.

About The Author

Ric Molina
Ric Molina
I've been covering gaming since 2012, and some of my work has been featured by large brands, including MSN.com, Forbes, Rock Paper Shotgun, and more. I've been obsessed with Destiny 2 for years now, and I hope to provide new and returning players with the guides and resources I wish I had when I first started.
More from Ric Molina
6 Comments
  1. obama

    “And as an added bonus, Crowd Pleaser is the only arc grenade launcher that can roll with Chain Reaction.” Blast Battue can also roll with chain reaction and is pretty easy to target farm if you have season of the hunt

    Reply
    • topaz

      i mean… salvager’s salvo, too

      Reply
  2. Wot_Mixa_fox_

    Yay i got the weapon called trust from equiping all 3 weapons from each akenetic, power and, energy.

    Reply
  3. cola

    malfeasance quest was not sunset, you can pick it up from the quest archive.

    Reply
  4. Nick

    Someone on this site needs to correct this, because this is absolutely NOT true… ⬇️⬇️⬇️

    Malfeasance: This Exotic can be now purchased at the Monument to Lost Lights (aka, the Exotics Kiosk) in the tower.

    Reply
  5. steve

    It must be sniper rifle month I’ve played gambit all week including over a reset &every weapon drop has been the sniper rifle, dirty rotten peace of crap sniper not even a decent perk sr been getting worse perks imaginable, I guess the shards are gud. BUT ITS DEFINITELY SNIPER MONTH.

    Reply
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