Destiny 2 Gambit weapons: Tier List and Triumphs

by | Jan 27, 2025

Gambit weapons are sometimes useful because they are required to earn the Dredgen title. However, they are currently trending because they are required to complete the Snakebite Bento Box quest.

Today, we cover all the guns that count as Gambit weapons, as well as every exclusive Gambit weapon released so far. Note that 

EP2 Revenant icon Destiny 2Updated as of Episode 2: Revenant. See Updates.

Weapons that count as “Gambit weapons”

Figuring out what counts as “Gambit weapons” has always been tricky. This is usually a problem for those struggling to get The Dark Age Arsenal triumph, but right now, it is also an issue for everyone tackling the Snakebite Bento Box quest from Xur. As of Episode 2: Revenant, only these do:

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

These are the only weapons that can help you complete the Dark Age Arsenal triumph (Win a Gambit match with a Gambit weapon equipped in every slot). Note that some of the newer Gambit weapons that can be focused at the Drifter should work, but more testing is required.

How to get a Gambit Weapon (Easiest options)

These are easiest “Gambit weapons” to obtain by far:

  • Malfeasance: This Exotic can now be purchased at the Monument to Lost Lights (aka, the Exotics Kiosk).
  • Trust: Trust can now be directly purchased (focused) from the Drifter.

Destiny 2 Gambit weapons: Exclusives

These are all the Gambit weapons available today, including the reissued Pinnacle, the Breakneck auto rifle:

ItemWeaponsTypeArchetypeAmmo?Element?RequirementsIn loot pool?RankSourceAvailable?Tier RankSource ❘ DLCFinal VerdictReleasedPerksBest of?
BreakneckBreakneck art Destiny 2
Breakneck
Auto Rifle
Auto RiflePrecisionPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongPlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Playlist: Gambit
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll:Enlightened Action (also good: Subsistence) + Kinetic Tremors (also good: Onslaught)
PvP God Roll: Keep Away + Tap the Trigger

► Although Breakneck lost its killer perk Rampage when it was reprised, it makes a strong argument for one of the best auto rifle options in both PvE and PvP. Introductions of new perks such as Enlightened Action keep your reload speed high and make Breakneck a destructive add-control machine.
Season 23
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll:Enlightened Action (also good: Subsistence) + Kinetic Tremors (also good: Onslaught)
PvP God Roll: Keep Away + Tap the Trigger
Top-tier
Dead WeightDead Weight art
Dead Weight
Shotgun
ShotgunRapid-FireSpecialArcFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongPlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvE
Playlist: Gambit
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

PvE God Roll: Grave Robber or Auto-Loading Holster + One-Two Punch or Surrounded

► Dead Weight is part of the Rapid-Fire archetype, the best Shotgun archetype for PvE right now. It also comes with almost every perk you could ever want for PvE, making it one of the best Shotguns for PvE right now.
Season 17
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

PvE God Roll: Grave Robber or Auto-Loading Holster + One-Two Punch or Surrounded
Top-tier
HushHush art Destiny 2
Hush
Combat Bow
Combat BowPrecisionPrimarySolarFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongPlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvP
Playlist: Gambit
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvP God Roll: Opening Shot or Offhand Strike + Archer’s Gambit

► Hush is a good Bow compared to the competition, especially because it's Solar. Archer’s Gambit, its trademark perk, also helps, as it's incredibly fun and powerful. However, if you are looking to use a Bow to clear ads, some Exotic options may be better.
The Final Shape
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvP God Roll: Opening Shot or Offhand Strike + Archer’s Gambit
Top-tier
BygonesBygones art Destiny 2
Bygones
Pulse Rifle
Pulse RifleAdaptivePrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongPlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Strong

A



Excels in:
PvP
Playlist: Gambit
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Adaptive

PvP God Rolls: Keep Away or Zen Moment + High Ground or Headseeker (also good: Eye of the Storm)

► While High Ground no longer breaks Bygones' TTK, it's still a very powerful pulse, especially for its frame. Good stats and perks to keep it consistent is all it needs to maintain its optimal speed, even if the grind can be a little long.
Episode 2
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Adaptive

PvP God Rolls: Keep Away or Zen Moment + High Ground or Headseeker (also good: Eye of the Storm)
Top-tier
Servant LeaderServant Leader art
Servant Leader
Scout Rifle
Scout RifleRapid-FirePrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesB › AveragePlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Average

B



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Playlist: Gambit
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
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 is a decent option. It comes with plenty of solid perks, but it doesn't feel as good as some of the other options in the game, making it quite a middle-of-the-road pick.
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
YesteryearYesteryear art
Yesteryear
Pulse Rifle
Pulse RifleAdaptivePrimaryVoidFree-to-PlayYesB › AveragePlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Average

B



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Playlist: Gambit
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Outlaw + Golden Tricorn PvP God Roll: Outlaw + Desperado

► Perk pool issues aside, Yesteryear can be a good pulse rifle in the right hands. While Adaptive frames have always been the underdogs, the inclusion of Desperado means it can compete with some of the best pulses in the game.
Season 18
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Outlaw + Golden Tricorn PvP God Roll: Outlaw + Desperado
Albruna-DAlbruna-D art
Albruna-D
Sniper Rifle
Sniper RifleAggressiveSpecialArcFree-to-PlayYesB › AveragePlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Average

B



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Playlist: Gambit
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Rolls: Triple Tap (also good: Field Prep) + Firing Line (also good: High-Impact Reserves)
PvP God Rolls: Moving Target + Snapshot Sights

► Albruna-D does have solid perks but lacks anything specific to help it stand out among the rest. Unless you're already playing Gambit for something else, searching for a good roll of this sniper simply isn't worth it.
Season 19
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Rolls: Triple Tap (also good: Field Prep) + Firing Line (also good: High-Impact Reserves)
PvP God Rolls: Moving Target + Snapshot Sights
TrustTrust art
Trust
Hand Cannon
Hand CannonPrecisionPrimarySolarFree-to-PlayYesB › AveragePlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Average

B



Excels in:
PvE + PvP
Playlist: Gambit
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
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)
Qua Xaphan VQua Xaphan V art
Qua Xaphan V
Machine Gun
Machine GunHigh-ImpactHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesB › AveragePlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Average

B



Excels in:
PvE
Playlist: Gambit
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: High-Impact

PvE God Roll: Field Prep + Destabilizing Rounds

► Qua Xaphan V is full of pretty decent perks but exists in one of the most competitive niches in Destiny 2 (void machine guns, where Commemoration, Hammerhead, and Corrective Measure all also exist).
Season 22
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: High-Impact

PvE God Roll: Field Prep + Destabilizing Rounds
BackfangBackfang art 2 Destiny 2
Backfang
Glaive
GlaiveRapid-FireSpecialArcFree-to-PlayYesB › AveragePlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Average

B



Excels in:
PvE
Playlist: Gambit
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

PvE God Roll: Melee Momentum (also good: Impulse Amplifier) + Close to Melee (also good: Desperate Measures)

► With the several buffs to glaives, Backfang is a promising addition to your arsenal. It has great perks for both ranged and melee approaches, meaning glaive users of all kinds will find something to enjoy.
Episode 3
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Special ammo Destiny 2 Special | Archetype: Rapid-Fire

PvE God Roll: Melee Momentum (also good: Impulse Amplifier) + Close to Melee (also good: Desperate Measures)
Trinary SystemTrinary System art
Trinary System
Fusion Rifle
Fusion RifleAdaptiveSpecialSolarFree-to-PlayYesB › AveragePlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Average

B



Playlist: Gambit
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
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)
Crowd Pleaser class=
Crowd Pleaser
Grenade Launcher
Grenade LauncherAdaptiveHeavyVoidFree-to-PlayYesC › WeakPlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Weak

C



Playlist: Gambit
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

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

► With a weak archetype, poor stats, and an uninspiring perk selection, this is a weapon you can safely ignore...
Season 12
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Threat Detector (also good: Killing Wind) + Quickdraw
Bottom DollarBottom Dollar art
Bottom Dollar
Hand Cannon
Hand CannonAggressivePrimaryVoidFree-to-PlayYesC › WeakPlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Weak

C



Playlist: Gambit
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
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

► With poor stats, and an uninspiring perk selection, this is a weapon you can safely ignore...
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 Gun
Submachine GunAggressivePrimarySolarFree-to-PlayYesC › WeakPlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Weak

C



Playlist: Gambit
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Overflow + Rampage
PvP God Roll: Rangefinder + Demolitionist

► With a weak archetype, poor stats, and an uninspiring perk selection, this is a weapon you can safely ignore...
Season 14
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Overflow + Rampage
PvP God Roll: Rangefinder + Demolitionist
Herod-CHerod-C art
Herod-C
Auto Rifle
Auto RifleHigh-ImpactPrimaryStasisFree-to-PlayYesC › WeakPlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Weak

C



Playlist: Gambit
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Stasis Stasis | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: High-Impact

PvE God Roll: Stats for All + One for All

► With a weak archetype, poor stats, and an uninspiring perk selection, this is a weapon you can safely ignore.
Season 16
Slot: Stasis Stasis | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: High-Impact

PvE God Roll: Stats for All + One for All
Laser PainterLaser Painter art Destiny 2
Laser Painter
Linear Fusion Rifle
Linear Fusion RiflePrecisionHeavyStrandFree-to-PlayYesC › WeakPlaylist: GambitCheckmark icon V3
Weak

C



Playlist: Gambit
Destiny 2 Icon (final) Destiny 2
Free-to-Play
Slot: Strand Element Strand | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Focused Fury

► With a weak archetype, poor stats, and an uninspiring perk selection, this is a weapon you can safely ignore...
Season 21
Slot: Strand Element Strand | Ammo: Heavy ammo Destiny 2 Heavy | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Focused Fury

🚨 Note that all Gambit weapons come with the following Origin Trait: Invader Tracker.

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

  • 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.

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.

See latest Updates

We keep our content up to date! These are the latest changes made to this guide:
  • January 27, 2025: General updates as of the release of Episode 2: Revenant.
  • July 7, 2024: General updates as of the release of Episode 1 and The Final Shape DLC.
  • November 28, 2023: General updates and the inclusion of Year 6 weapons (so far).
  • September 23, 2022: Inclusion of Year 5 weapons.
  • June 23, 2021: Guide published for the first time.

Stay tuned, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for next season!

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 (and now Diablo 4) 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
8 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
  6. Daniel Kiem

    Malfeasance isn’t from the kiosk

    Reply
  7. Coomibozu

    For anyone working on the Dark Age Arsenal achievement for the Dredgen and Deadeye titles, I can confirm that Dead Weight and Crowd Pleaser count as Gambit weapons for completion. We won a match while I had Malfeasance, Dead Weight, and Crowd Pleaser equipped, and the achievement popped. Both can be purchased from Drifter in the Legacy Gear Focused Decoding. Best of luck out there, guardians!

    Reply
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