Destiny 2 Nightfall Weapon this Week: Full Rotation

Bungie has been doing an excellent job when it comes to adding new weapons to endgame activities. Playlist and Seasonal weapons have been great so far, but Nightfall weapons truly stand out, with a few of them now sitting among the best weapons in the game.

In this guide, we’ll cover all Nightfall: The Ordeal weapons released so far (including their PVP and PVE god rolls) and show you how to farm them.

Nightfall weapon this week: March 21, 2023

The Nightfall weapon this week is The Militia’s Birthright grenade launcher (dropping from The Arms Dealer Strike).

New Nightfall weapons from Season 20

Bungie re-released the following Nightfall weapons with Season of Defiance:

• Buzzard – Sidearm
• THE SWARM – Machine Gun

Nightfall Weapon rotation for 2023

There are 16 Nightfall-specific weapons in total, but only 6 out of the 15 total weapons are currently on rotation with only one dropping each week. These are the other weapons on rotation this season:

• Wendigo GL3 – Grenade Launcher
• Hung Jury SR4 – Scout Rifle
• The Militia’s Birthright – Grenade Launcher
• Mindbender’s Ambition – Shotgun

Finally, these are the remaining Nightfall weapons that are not on rotation this season:

• Duty Bound – Adaptive Auto Rifle
• Silicon Neuroma – Sniper Rifle
• D.F.A. – Hand Cannon
• Horror’s Least– Pulse Rifle
• PLUG ONE.1 – Fusion Rifle
• The Comedian – Shotgun
• The Hothead – Rocket Launcher
• The Palindrome – Hand Cannon
• Uzume RR4 – Sniper Rifle

Nightfall weapon rotation

2023 Nightfall weapon rotation

Week	Art	Weapon	Type	Element	Ammo	Week #
28 February 2023		Hung Jury SR4	Scout Rifle	Kinetic	Primary	Week 1
7 March 2023		Mindbender's Ambition	Shotgun	Solar	Special	Week 2
14 March 2023		Wendigo GL3	Grenade Launcher	Arc	Heavy	Week 3
21 March 2023		The Militia's Birthright	Grenade Launcher	Kinetic	Special	Week 4
28 March 2023						Week 5
4 April 2023						Week 6
11 April 2023						Week 7
18 April 2023						Week 8
25 April 2023						Week 9
2 May 2023						Week 10
9 May 2023						Week 11
16 May 2023						Week 12

💠 Check out our Nightfalls this Week guide for more details about this Nightfall.

Best Destiny 2 Nightfall weapons

Keep in mind that since the release of The Witch Queen expansion, every Nightfall weapon comes with the following Origin Traits.

-	Trait	Source	Activation | Effects	Specs	Source Type	Released
	Stunning Recovery	Nightfall: The Ordeals	Stunning a Champion partially refills the magazine, triggers health regeneration, and improves Recovery for a short duration.	+60 HP instantly, +40 HP recovery over 3 seconds	Activity	The 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:

⛔ These weapons are on a seasonal rotation. Each season, some weapons will become unobtainable to leave room for previously unavailable weapons to return.

Name	Weapons	Type	Archetype	Ammo	Element	Requirements	In loot pool?	Rank	Source	Available?	Tier rank	Source ❘ DLC	Final Verdict	Released	Perks
The Palindrome	The Palindrome	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Primary	Void	Free-to-Play	No	S › Best	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Outlaw + One for All PvP God Roll: Killing Wind + Rangefinder ► With S-Tier perks for both PVE and PVP, great stats, and an adept version, there is nothing to hate about The Palindrome. Plus, it can get max range, can take advantage of Volatile Rounds, and it feels amazing to fire, making it one of the best legendary weapons in the game.	Season 13	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Outlaw + One for All PvP God Roll: Killing Wind + Rangefinder
Hung Jury SR4	Hung Jury SR4	Scout Rifle	Precision	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Explosive Payload (also good: Firefly) PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Box Breathing ► Hung Jury was already a good Scout Rifle in PvE. However, with the recent changes to Scout in Season 17, Hung Jury can now hang with the best in PvP. Box Breathing allows for an easy 3 tap, giving it a fast and reasonably forgiving time-to-kill. Hung Jury is an excellent pick for everyone.	Season 14	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Explosive Payload (also good: Firefly) PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Box Breathing
Uzume RR4	Uzume RR4	Sniper Rifle	Adaptive	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	No	S › Best	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Triple Tap + High-Impact Reserves (also good: Vorpal Weapon) PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Vorpal Weapon (also good: Explosive Payload) ► Arguably the most well-rounded sniper on this list, Uzume RR4 is an almost-perfect choice for both PVE and PVP. Sure, it doesn't have the best stats in the game, but the versatility of this weapon is unrivaled. No matter what part of the game you play, a good Uzume will complete your loadout.	Season 14	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Triple Tap + High-Impact Reserves (also good: Vorpal Weapon) PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Vorpal Weapon (also good: Explosive Payload)
THE SWARM	THE SWARM	Machine Gun	High-Impact	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	No	S › Best	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: High-Impact PvE God Roll: Surplus (also good: Outlaw) + One for All (also good: Vorpal Weapon) ► High-Impact machine guns currently suffer from a lack of identity. That said, THE SWARM can still be great for PVE. It packs a strong punch and can roll with perks that not only improve its lethality but also its handling. It has good base stats too and can use the top-tier Adept Big Ones mod, if you have an Adept version of the gun.	Season 13	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: High-Impact PvE God Roll: Surplus (also good: Outlaw) + One for All (also good: Vorpal Weapon)
The Hothead	The Hothead	Rocket Launcher	Adaptive	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	No	S › Best	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Field Prep) + Lasting Impression (also good: Explosive Light) ► Containing solid stats, S-Tier perks, and an Adept version, The Hothead is often regarded as the best legendary rocket launcher. And because of recent nerfs to the damage of precision frame launchers, Hothead also does more damage than most competitive options.	Season 15	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Auto-Loading Holster (also good: Field Prep) + Lasting Impression (also good: Explosive Light)
Horror's Least	Horror's Least	Pulse Rifle	Rapid-Fire	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	S › Best	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Best ❘ S Excels in: PvP	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion (also good: Heating Up) + Kill Clip ► Able to dominate in the Crucible at mid-range, Horror's Least is one of the best pulse rifles in the game. With great stats, an Adept variant, and a well-rounded perk pool, this weapon is a beast and worth grinding if you're a pulse rifle fan.	Season 17	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion (also good: Heating Up) + Kill Clip
Silicon Neuroma	Silicon Neuroma	Sniper Rifle	Aggressive	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	No	A › Strong	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Triple Tap + Firing Line PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Opening Shot ► Silicon Neuroma is one of the few snipers that can roll with Snapshot Sights and Opening Shot, the holy grail of PVP snipers. On top of that, it packs a low zoom value that helps it excel at closer ranges, and thanks to the recent buff to low zoom snipers, it simply feels great to use.	Season 16	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Triple Tap + Firing Line PvP God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Opening Shot
PLUG ONE.1	PLUG ONE.1	Fusion Rifle	Precision	Special	Arc	Free-to-Play	No	A › Strong	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Bottomless Grief (also good: Feeding Frenzy) + Reservoir Burst (also good: Cornered) ► With outstanding range, this weapon proves why Precision archetype Fusions are so strong right now. Feeding Frenzy + Resovoir burst will synergize well with Volatile rounds too.	Season 14	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Bottomless Grief (also good: Feeding Frenzy) + Reservoir Burst (also good: Cornered)
Duty Bound	Duty Bound	Auto Rifle	Adaptive	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	No	A › Strong	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Strong ❘ A Excels in: PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Stats for All Perpetual Motion + Frenzy Rampage ► Duty Bound is a decent all-around weapon. It comes with solid perks and can be used effectively pretty much anywhere in the game. 600 RPM Auto Rifles have always had a decent spot in PvE, and Duty Bound does not break this trend.	Season 16	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Stats for All Perpetual Motion + Frenzy Rampage
D.F.A.	D.F.A.	Hand Cannon	Adaptive	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	B › Average	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Average ❘ B Excels in: PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Outlaw + Rampage ► A community favorite back in Year 1, D.F.A. has been brought back in, sadly, a pretty average state. This weapon doesn't have the stats or perks to carry it in PVP, and while it can roll Outlaw / Rampage, there isn't too much here for high-level PVE content either.	Season 17	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Outlaw + Rampage
Shadow Price	Shadow Price	Auto Rifle	Precision	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	No	B › Average	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Average ❘ B	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Overflow (also good: Feeding Frenzy) + One for All (also good: Swashbuckler) ► Shadow Price is a decent option. It features a couple of good perks, but that's about it. Not being part of a good archetype, having no origin trait and mediocre stats lands it in the middle of the pack.	Season 13	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Overflow (also good: Feeding Frenzy) + One for All (also good: Swashbuckler)
The Comedian	The Comedian	Shotgun	Aggressive	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	No	C › Weak	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Weak ❘ C	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Vorpal Weapon (also good: Trench Barrel) ► The Comedian is truly a joke, no pun intended. It has a woefully bad perk pool and cannot compete in PvP or PvE. Its perks center around ad clear, which is not the role that Shotguns should fill at all. And even in its Adept form, The Comedian still falls short.	Season 15	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Vorpal Weapon (also good: Trench Barrel)
Mindbender's Ambition	Mindbender's Ambition	Shotgun	Aggressive	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	Yes	Ongoing	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Ongoing...	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive God Rolls: To be confirmed... ► Still too early to tell, review ongoing...	Season 18	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Aggressive God Rolls: To be confirmed...
The Militia's Birthright	The Militia's Birthright	Grenade Launcher	Lightweight	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Ongoing	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Ongoing...	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight God Rolls: To be confirmed... ► Still too early to tell, review ongoing...	Season 18	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Lightweight God Rolls: To be confirmed...
Wendigo GL3	Wendigo GL3	Grenade Launcher	Adaptive	Heavy	Arc	Free-to-Play	Yes	Ongoing	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Ongoing...	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive God Rolls: To be confirmed... ► Still too early to tell, review ongoing...	Season 19	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Heavy | Archetype: Adaptive God Rolls: To be confirmed...
Buzzard	Buzzard	Sidearm	Adaptive	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	Yes	Ongoing	Nightfall: The Ordeals		Ongoing...	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive God Rolls: To be confirmed...	Season 20	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive God Rolls: To be confirmed...

• 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.

Nightfall weapon farm: How to get them

Farming a Nightfall weapon is as straightforward as it gets: they only drop from Nightfall: The Ordeals completions. But you’ll have to wait until the weapon you want is on rotation before you start farming Nightfalls.

But completing a Nightfall is easier said than done. Sometimes referred to as a Nightfall Strike, a Nightfall: The Ordeal is much harder than a Strike, especially on Legend, Master, and Grandmaster difficulties. As soon as you start tackling Legend Nightfalls and above, you’ll have to deal with Match game enemy shields, no matchmaking, and more.

The list of modifiers you’ll have to deal with can be found in the Nightfall selection screen. You can also find them in our Nightfall guide.

Nightfall weapons drop rates

Obviously, most players opt to tackle higher difficulties because the higher the difficulty, the bigger the reward. This applies to Nightfall weapon drops too. Exact drop rates are unknown but the higher the difficulty, the higher the chances to earn a Nightfall weapon:

Hero activity level is now soft cap + 20. Legend is Power cap + 30, and Master is Power cap + 40. Each has a scaling combat delta that keeps you under level in the activity and provides a smoother pathway to Grandmaster.

Adept Nightfall weapons

On top of offering higher drop rates, completing a Nightfall on the Grandmaster difficulty can also reward you with an Adept weapon.

Nightfall Adept weapons are souped-up versions of the standard Nightfall: The Ordeal weapons. They sport a new design, offer better stats (via an improved Masterwork), and can equip powerful Adept mods, which are superior to normal mods.

Unlike Adept Trials weapons, Adept weapons from Nightfalls can only be farmed once the Grandmaster difficulty becomes available, which is during the latter part of a season. In Season of the Defiance, Grandmaster Nightfalls will become available in March/April, 2023.

Nightfall Strike weapons from Season 17

Needless to say, Adept weapons are superior and a major flex (as Grandmaster Nightfalls are not an easy feat for the average player) for hardcore players.