In the universe of Destiny 2, weaponry is not merely a tool of war but an experience that determines how one player plays the game. This often leads to weapons becoming the focal point of the loadout. Whether one is fighting through the waves of PvE content, overcoming the difficult raids, or engaging in the heart-thumping combat of PvP, the right weapon can help you turn the tide in a heartbeat.
Over the years, the weapons in Destiny 2 have not remained stagnant; with updates, expansions, and balance patches, new guns have been added to the meta, even sometimes changing the effectiveness of the old classics. And with such a great number of available options, it’s rather difficult to figure out which weapons are really the best. In this detailed analysis, the best weapons in Destiny 2 will be thoroughly examined, focusing on a number of archetypes, playstyles, and situations.
1. Primary Weapons: The Foundation of Your Loadout
Without a doubt, the most important weapon type in Destiny 2, the weapon type that most players are likely to use all the time. They are also very adaptable and pragmatic scepters and tend to be the foremost form of attack for Chronos during various types of encounters. Here are a couple of the best primary weapons that have been tried and true for both PVE and PVP.
1.1 Ace of Spades (Exotic Hand Cannon)
In an ever-growing line of exotic hand cannons introduced to the player, Ace of Spades virtual hand gun can be considered to be among the most powerful and the most realistic hand guns in the game due to the range, fire power and tactical advantage it provides. It is equally used in both PvP and PvE modes and considered effective due its accuracy, consistency, and amazing synergy of killer perks.
Perks: Memento Mori (rounds enhanced after a kill), Firefly (on precision kill explodes).
Why it’s great: Memento Mori has a stellar performance in Crucible because after a kill, it reloads killing rounds, so it’s deadly. And also Firefly makes Memento Mori effective in mopping up enemies in PvE.
Best for: PvP aggression, general PvE practice, and Nightfalls.
1.2 The Messenger – Legendary Pulse Rifle
Occupying a prominent position as one of the best pulse rifles in the game along with the Trials of Osiris weapon pool. It has a slow but high damaging burst that can clear out any enemy. And with the right perks – this pulse rifle becomes a monster especially in PvP drops.
Perks: Desperado (increased rate of fire after scoring a precision kill), Kill Clip (increases damage after getting a kill).
Why It’s Great: It isn’t the same weapon that it is with Desperado. It’s already a faster than most pulse rifles but becomes ridiculously overpowered than most auto rifles within the range. In PvP, this combination of perks is nothing short of an advantage.
Best For: Very competitive PvP (Trials of Osiris, Iron Banner).
1.3 The Fatebringer – Legendary Hand Cannon
This iconic weapon will never fade in history since it came back in the sequel of Destiny and even more so in this game, the sequel to Destiny. This versatility has placed this hand cannon as one of the best hand cannons in the many activities.
Perks: Explosive Payload (inflicts certain damage as AoE), Firely (after a precision kill, an explosion goes off).
Why It’s Great: The high precision damages target together with the area of effect damages of the two perks make this gun very effective in ad- clear in PvE. In PvP, its precision and reliability make this gun fit for the good players, if not the best players only, without a doubt.
Best For: Raids, Nightfalls, ordinary PVEs and PVPS.
2. Special weapons: Your Power Punch in Crucible and PvE
Special weapons in Destiny 2 are more often than not the decisive factor in the game. Be it a close range shotgun in an enemy’s face, a charged shot from a fusion rifle or a sniper shot in the enemies’ forehead, they all change the course of the battle. These are unprecedented special weapons of the season in destiny 2.
2.1 The Chaperone (Exotic Shotgun)
Crucible players leaning towards aggression appreciate The Chaperon exotic slug shotgun that works best where most shotguns will level off, the mid-range. This weapon punishes inaccurate fire and can even melt through enemies whose defenses are high enough to withstand most conventional fire.
Perks: Precision Slug, Roadborn (how precision killings improves range and handling).
Why It’s Great: The range on this shotgun is one of the longest in the game, allowing for one-shot kills on precision hits. Roadborn grants more of this power, allowing you to perform kill chains much quicker.
Best For: PvP, but foreground ranges, and tight spaces are more advantageous.
2.2 Lorentz Driver (Exotic Linear Fusion Rifle)
Destiny 2 has a new category of weapons with the introduction of the Lorentz Driver. It is a linear fusion rifle that has proven the test of time in PvE and PvP with its flexible performance, overkill damage, and useful exotic perk.
Perks: Lagrangian sight (an ability that targets and replenishes some energy on precision final blows), EM Anomaly (sucks everything around it on precision kills).
Why It’s Great: The ability to track enemies makes it very easy for players using it to snipe. In boss fights, it’s very effective against boss damage and has a power that makes enemies disappear while clearing adds.
Best For: Sniping in PvP, boss damage in PvE.
2.3 Salvager’s Salvo (Legendary Grenade Launcher)
Most people prefer grenade launchers for knockdown damage and area damage due to their destructive nature, and Salvager’s Salvo has thus become one of the all-time best performing grenade launchers. The set of its advantages makes it very effective for both PvE and PvP activities.
Advantages: Demolitionist (gains grenade power from kills), Chain Reaction (kills result in blasts).
Why It Is Good: Chain Reaction is a very useful perk in PvE as it helps to eliminate multiple targets with one shot. In PvP, it is effective for lane control and pushing enemies back.
Ideal For: Clearing adds in PvE, control in PvP.
3. Heavy Weapons: Damage to the Boss, and Containing the Mobs
The heavies in Destiny 2 are created to maximize the damage whether it be the boss fights within raids or sweeping of mobs in PvE. Some of the recommended heavy weapons within the existing meta are as follows.
3.1 Gjallarhorn (Exotic Rocket Launcher)
One of the most venerable gadgets in any part of the Destiny timeline, Scorpions Strike belongs to roses with a signature return to Destiny 2 during the 30th Anniversary spectacle. As the New Year begins, this rocket launcher reaches new heights as an offensive weapon for dealing damage and dispersing hordes of enemies.
Perks: Wolfpack Rounds (proyectiles divide into cluster bombs), Pack Hunter (improves handling and reload speed of weapons if allies are around the user).
Why It’s Great: Gjallarhorn’s Wolfpack Rounds makes it effective in single target boss damage and clearing out reds as well. For the endgame content, it is essential because of the his versatility.
Best For: Raids, Nightfalls, and fights against bosses in PvE.
3.2 Falling Guillotine (Legendary Sword)
Flying Guillotine is one of the best swords that can output high damage almost in every game mode-be it PvE or PvP. Its spinning heavy attack makes its one of the close range combat weapons with the highest DPS.
Additional Features: Whirlwind Blade (deals more damage with each hit), Relentless Strikes (restores ammo on subsequent hits).
Why It’s Great: Heavy attack of the Falling Guillotine can deal massive damage to the bosses in PvE, while it is an effective weapon in close quarter PvP battles. It is the impressive combination of burst damage and those quick repetitive attacks that makes it special.
Best For: Dealing damage to bosses in PvE, ad-clearing and close range PvP.
3.3 The Lament (Exotic Sword)
The Lament specialist exotic sword offers extreme melee attack striking properties. Furthermore, it also has a unique feature like that of chainsaw which allows the user to cut through enemy shields. This is a popular weapon because of its efficient capabilities in shredding bosses and Champions in the endgame activities.
Perks: Banshee’s Wail (damage increases after a block), Revved Consumption (health replenished on damage).
Why It’s Great: The combination of perks that The Lament possesses perfectly fits the endgame activities which feature enemies with a large amount of health allotments or shields. The fact it even offers healing on strike gives it an advantage for players who prefer to play solo.
Best For: PvE mostly Nightfalls and raid bosses.
4. PvP Powerhouses – Best Weapons for the Crucible
Crucible is a highly competitive activity, and one needs to have weapons with exceptional performance to beat the competition. Below are some of the best weapons that excel in PvP in Destiny 2.
4.1 Vex Mythoclast {Exotic Fusion Rifle)
Vex Mythoclast is a fusion rifle which acts like an auto rifle: therefore, creating an advantage while engaging in a Mid range or Close range combat. Its exotic perk allows it to fire in full auto, thereby, making it a very flexible weapon for PvP.
Perks: Timeless Mythoclast (auto firing fusion rifle), Overcharge (increased damage and fire rate per kill).
Why It’s Great: Overcharge and Vex Mythoclast’s chaining of kills makes it a menace in the Crucible. Its random maneuverability at different ranges and scenarios makes it appealing to pro players in the PVP arena.
Best For: Aggressive PvP and every other Crucible activity.
4.2 No Time to Explain (Exotic Pulse Rifle)
No Time to Explain is another exotic pulse rifle which people have used inside the confines of PvP rather successfully. This pulse rifle is a wonderful weapon for players that can consistently hit enemies in the head as it has perfect unique perks and playstyle, however, is also quite effective for those that fight with their gun.
Perks: Tether the time (damage when holding the trigger) and Rewind Again (ammunition replenished after landing headshots).
Why It’s Great: The feature of this weapon that in battle it is possible to shoot at the enemy repeatedly and still be able to deliver high damage inflicts fear on enemy players and bosses alike. The use of Its Rewind Again perk ensures that there is no cause for alarm that one will run out of bullets aimed at the enemy since the shooting can go on for a long time, making it very effective for use in such battles. Best For: Crucible contests, mostly for players who focus on precision shots.
4.3 Succession (Legendary Hand Cannon)
Little known to players, Succession is one more famous within the category hand cannon. This weapon can inflict very high damage in PvP, and it is quite common to see it with some quick handling and damage output.
Perks: Explosive Payload (some damage dealt as splash damage) and Opening Shot (improved accuracy and range on the first shot).
Praise the Cannon: The explosive power and the lengthy range precluded canon that the player and the weapon system in constant motion do not suffer from the bludgeoning effect. This duality is crucial in the context of the player performance because there is little room for waste of motion due to high speeds involved.
Best For: Engagements in the Crucible, mostly range fittings.
4.4 Reclusing (Legendary Submachine Gun)
With all the buffs and nerfs in the history of gaming, Recluse has always been in the balance because of its fast firing rate and damage over other primary shooters.
Perks: Master of Arms (after a fast reload damage increases) Feeding Frenzy (faster reload after a number of kills).
Why It’s Great: The advantage in the gears allows one to easily finish, dash, and create considerable damage effects after the kill. Once inside the danger zone, the player simply reaches for the SMG and mix it up; no kills are guaranteed losses. This is the kind of SMG that is perfect for 1v1’s and more so within slugs.
Best For: Short-term engagements in Player-versus-player, tactical support in Player-versus-environment.
5. Best Weapons for Raids and Endgame Content
As it goes in every video game including Destiny 2, the raids and the endgame content demand different types and designs of weapons that can effectively deal with the challenges and the wear they will encounter. Therefore, the circumstantially focused selection of weapons suited to these will be presented.
5.1 Succession (Legendary Hand Cannon)
It was already discussed above in the PvP arms section but also Succession performs well in raids. Helping to simply eliminate them thanks to the dps and precision perks of this hand cannon suited for dealing with heavy targets.
Perks: Explosive Payload and Opening Shot.
Why It’s Great: This hand cannon can be useful in taking down anyone from raid bosses to high-ranked enemies making it a suitable weapon in any endgame situation.
Best For: Raids, particularly the boss fights.
5.2 Trustee (Legendary Scout Rifle)
Known as the Trustee, this peculiar scout rifle has won the hearts of a sizeable number of players, especially those who are up for the challenge.
Mods: Vorpal weapon (increased damage against bosses and vehicles) and Rapid Hit (increased reload speed).
Why it’s great: Thanks to the Vorpal weapon and Rapid Hit mods, this scout rifle is one of the best boss damage dealing scout rifles particularly suitable for raid fights where one has to keep their distance. Best for: raid bosses, nightfalls, and other extensive PvE activities.
5.3 Trustee (Exotic Rocket Launcher)
The trustee rocket launcher is more like a Quotidian rocket launcher. Of course, it is better in that it offers a different style of play but achieves its maximally in certain situations. The way it is designed is capable of inflicting a lot of damage whilst serving its purpose off the ease of controlling the field.
Mods: Locus of control (less effective performance when standing still) and auto-loading holster (juices itself after a couple of seconds)
Why it’s great: This rocket launcher is great not only for its primary attack against individual targets but also for associating it with intense damage dealing versus turret-defense stage bosses and other heavy units which strongly complete many loadouts.
Best for: raiding, dense PvE interactions.
5.4 Dead Man’s Tale (Exotic Scout Rifle)
Although the Dead Man’s Tale scout rifle is a deadly weapon, there is more to it. Certainly, it is not only its damage that makes this weapon stand out among others. There is no denying that it has an exotic skill that allows gamers to “fan the hammer”, the increase in damage as well as the fire rate.
Advantages: Cranial Spike for Precision In Concrete Terms (deals bonus damage on clean headshots) and sustained automatic fire. Why You Will Love This: The scout rifle provides considerable scope and adaptability to the players in dealing with the subsequent cohorts and also dealing with the hardest foes. Also, it suits well for players who want to go for a headshot only game. Suitable for: Raids, Nightfall strikes and other PvE activities of that nature.
6. Comparisons of Exotics and Legendaries: Which Should You Choose?
There are other aspects that should be taken into account when determining the best weapon to use in Destiny 2 and one of such aspects is whether to choose exotic or legendary weapons.
6.1 Exotics: Distinctive Anatomy and Mechanics
Every exotic weapon in Destiny 2 has its own fighting difficulty changing the very essence of how you play.
Advantages: Novel mechanics, very high DPS, can usually help complete certain roles in a team. Disadvantages: Limitations in regards to equipping exotics – players can only equip one at a time.
6.2 Legendaries: Adaptability and Adjustable Take
Legendary guns give more options and help us fit our modded and perked weapons to the proper playstyle. Usually, they are not as hard to find as exotics, and still work well in most situations.
Advantages: You may carry more than one legendary weapon, customization with amends and perks, acquired easily. Disadvantages: They mostly do not contain the special features that exotics have which makes them boring in some cases.
7. Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Weapon Loadout
In the expansive worlds of Destiny 2, weaponry can significantly enhance the gameplay offering a sense of satisfaction with every confrontation. Whether one loves exotic weapons for their extreme destructive capabilities or prefers legendaries for their universal design, it is important to know what weapon works best in what situation if one intends to indeed play the game well.
Final Remarks about Weapons
Balance Your Weapon Loadout: When trying to find the ideal loadout for yourself as a player, do not shy away from trying out some primary special and heavy weapon combinations.
Be Informed: The weapons meta in Destiny 2, is never static, it is important to be on the lookout for patches, expansions and forums in order to know the current best weapons.
There Are No Shortcuts: Remember, no weapon is good without a good shooter, therefore, practice with the weapons you intend to dedicate yourself in for maximum capacity.
When it all comes down to it, the appropriate weapon is the one that is most suited to your individual style of play complements your abilities and is simply fun to use. Play Destiny 2, find its rich weaponry, and use what you like the most. Good hunting, Guardians!