Best Destiny 2 PvE weapons: Meta guns in The Final Shape

Publish date: 2024-08-02

Using the best PvE weapons makes beating Destiny 2’s most challenging content much easier. To help you overcome what lies ahead, this list details everything you need to know about the meta Kinetic, Energy, and Heavy guns that you’ll want to be using in The Final Shape

Although off-meta weapons can be fun, it’s best to stick to the best Exotics and Legendary weapons when tackling more demanding content. The difference between a decent gun and a meta gun is huge, with your choice of loadout often being the lone reason why you clear a Raid, Dungeon, or Grandmaster Nightfall. 

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With so many randomized perks and different archetypes, there are always going to be guns that beat the competition. The PvE meta forms from these powerful weapons, and if you want the best DPS possible you’ll need to use them. 

A great weapon might excel because of its raw damage, or because it provides incredible utility. Either way, you have to use the strongest loadout possible, and to make sure that’s the case, these are all the weapons you’ll want to be using in The Final Shape.

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Destiny 2 Best Top Slot Weapons for PvE (Kinetic, Stasis, Strand)

Primary Kinetic Weapons

Blast Furnace

While everyone was chasing their dream Forbearance, Luna’s Howl, and Edge Transit, many Guardians overlooked Blast Furnace. It’s no surprise given how weak Pulse Rifles were in Season 23, but after The Final Shape buffs, this is now an unbelievably strong primary weapon. The best part about Blast Furnace is that Kinetic Tremors works with One For All, giving it a strong damage perk that can be activated at will.

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Breakneck

Look, I know you probably don’t want to go and grind Gambit. The reality is though, the reissued Breakneck is a fantastic weapon, being arguably the best Kinetic Auto Rifle in the sandbox. Its huge perk pool makes it a pain to farm, but if you persevere, the result is this incredible AR that deals Trace Rifle-like damage without the need for Special Ammo.

Midnight Coup

Kinetic Hand Cannons have been some of the best PvE Weapons in Destiny 2 since they were buffed in Season 21, but there weren’t too many good options. The introduction of Midnight Coup in Season 23 fixed that though, bringing back a classic weapon with a refreshed perk pool, including Firefly in the third slot. Even the new guns in The Final Shape haven’t slowed down Midnight Coup’s dominance.

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Related:

Destiny 2: Best Auto Rifles for PvE & PvP

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Rufus’s Fury

In the early days of Lightfall, there weren’t many good Strand weapons. However, Rufus’s Fury was the exception. Even now, an expansion later, the Auto Rifle is still a phenomenal option with a stacked perk pool. This is further helped by Rapid-Fire Frames being the best ARs in the meta, thanks to their great damage output and overall feel.

Warden’s Law

Warden’s Law is strong regardless of how you use it, but this Hand Cannon truly comes into its own when paired with Lucky Pants. That combination lets Hunters reach unbelievable DPS values that can compete with Heavy weapons. It also makes Warden’s Law by far the highest-damage primary weapon in Destiny 2, so it wouldn’t feel right to leave it off this list.

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Special Kinetic Weapons

Lost Signal

Lost Signal is the first Area Denial Frame, bringing a new add-clear option to the evergrowing sandbox. This new Grenade Launcher is effectively a Legendary Witherhoard, leaving behind damaging pools that take out enemies who step in then. Though Lost Signal is fantastic, this frame’s true potential will only be unlocked once one of these can get Chain Reaction. In the meantime, this debutant will serve you well.

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Riptide

The Chill Clip nerf in Season 22 did hurt Riptide a little, but its fast fire rate has allowed it to remain meta even after those changes. The Stasis Fusion Rifle’s main strength is that it can stun Unstoppable Champions without relying on the seasonal artifact. It’s also just a great all-around weapon that deals solid damage, though Aurvandil FR6 with Reconstruction is an equally strong alternative.

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Scatter Signal

Meet Riptide’s Strand-powered cousin. Scatter Signal is one of the most popular top slot weapons in Destiny 2 thanks to its impressive damage. It can even be used as a utility weapon with Slice severing combatants, weakening their damage output by 40%. This versatility and how easy it is to get make it no surprise Scatter Signal has emerged as one of the best PvE weapons.

Succession

There are only three Legendary Sniper Rifles worth using in PVE: Embraced Identity, Succession, and The Supremacy. Of these, the middleman is the best overall option, with it being a great all-purpose precision weapon that offers amazing burst damage for taking out tankier targets. Succession also thrives in higher-difficulty content where keeping your distance is often necessary to survive.

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The Call

Indebted Kindness set the stage for Rocket Sidearms to take over the Energy meta, and now The Call has arrived to do the same for Kinetic weapons. Its perk pool is honestly nothing too special, but the frame itself is so strong that it hardly matters. This is now the best Strand Special weapon in Destiny 2, and it’s not particularly close.

The Mountaintop

The Mountaintop was once the most dominant PvP weapon in Destiny 2, but these days it’s PvE where the Grenade Launcher excels instead. Its reissued variant released in Into The Light hits super hard when Recombination is charged up, and the popular top slot weapon can even be used to make platforming easier by rocket jumping.

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Exotic Kinetic Weapons

Izanagi’s Burden

While some Exotic weapons are used for their utility, others are solely used to deal damage. Izanagi’s Burden is one of those Exotics whose sole purpose is to hit hard. With some practice, you can weave both
Honed Edge and Peerless Edge into DPS rotations to massively boost your total damage. Alongside Still Hunt, this is the premier DPS option for snipers.

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Khvostov 7G-0X

This Exotic re-release of Destiny 2’s first-ever weapon is a pain to acquire, but it is all worth the effort for those who enjoy a simple yet effective Exotic. There’s not much to Khvostov, with its Exotic Perk simply ricocheting damage-enhanced bullets to other targets. This simple effect is stronger than it sounds, as these ricocheted bullets hit hard, and can chain between multiple targets for highly efficient add-clear.

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Osteo Striga

Osteo Striga is perhaps the only Precision frame SMG worth using right now. Despite its suboptimal frame, this meta Exotic is still extremely strong. The combination of Screaming Swarm and Toxic Overload allows Osteo Striga to spread poison and wipe out large groups of combatants with ease. Even better, it can be combined with Necrotic Grips for one of the nastiest add-clear builds in Destiny 2.

Quicksilver Storm

Quicksilver Storm almost missed out on this list after its big nerf in Season 23. However, it remains a great weapon as long as you make sure to fire as many grenades as possible. Its base damage is nothing special anymore though, and there are other Auto Rifles that are better suited to general use. With all that said, a Primary weapon with a grenade launcher that deals Special levels of damage is always going to be good.

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Witherhoard

Rather than being overpowered, Witherhoard’s real strength is its versatility. It can be used for overtime damage against bosses, for clearing adds, and to inflict the Blighted debuff. This Grenade Launcher even has fantastic ammo economy, which makes it easy to spam fire without having to worry about ammo. Its place in the meta is up for question now though, with Lost Signal filling a similar role.

Destiny 2 Best Energy Weapons for PvE (Arc, Solar, Void)

Primary Energy Weapons

Adhortative

Adhortative went largely overlooked in Season 23, as Pulse Rifles had no real place in the meta. However, following a huge buff to their damage potential, you are going to want to hope you can craft this dominant Solar weapon. With access to both Heal Clip and Incandescent, this is the Pulse Rifle equivalent to Luna’s Howl and Heliocentric QSc, so naturally it’s one of the best Primary weapons right now.

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Heliocentric QSc

For most of Lightfall, it was unimaginable that a Sidearm would make any meta PvE weapons list. However, Guardians have since opened up to the idea, with both Rocket Pistols and regular Pistols alike now getting used. Of the Primary ammo Sidearms, Heliocentric QSc is the stand-out option. It feels great to use, offers sustain through Heal Clip, and the pistol is amongst the strongest primaries in The Final Shape.

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No Hesitation

Destiny 2’s first Support Frame AR is a damn good one. It’s important to not fall into the trap of using this solely as a healing weapon. Treat No Hesitation as a Solar Auto Rifle that can heal, rather than vice versa. This isn’t a gimmick gun that Guardians will use for a week before moving on. It’s the Ammit AR2 replacement that will dominate high-end content throughout The Final Shape.

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Ros Arago IV

Adaptive frame Auto Rifles don’t see that much use in PvE. The frame’s slower fire rate doesn’t feel great to use, but what would happen if you took this frame and gave it some way to shoot faster? You’d end up with Ros Arago IV. This primary powerhouse is undoubtedly meta, as it outputs comparable DPS to Trace Rifles when it ramps up. The bad news is it’s still only available as a world drop, so good luck getting one.

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Zaouli’s Bane

Even though Episode One: Echoes’ seasonal artifact isn’t as beneficial for Solar as Season 23’s was, Zaouli’s Bane is still one of the best PvE Weapons in Destiny 2. While several Hand Cannons are great in the current meta, Zaouli’s Bane is the best all-purpose option. Explosive Payload lets it deal with tankier enemies in a way its competitors just can’t, while Incandescent gives this Hand Cannon great add clear potential.

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Special Energy Weapons

Aberrant Action

Say hello to by far the best seasonal weapon in Episode One: Echoes. Aberrant Action is a Solar version of Indebted Kindness, with Voltshot being swapped out for the equally brilliant Incandescent. In fact, for non-Arc builds, Incandescent is preferred as it triggers on every Final Blow, rather than only after reloading. This makes it much easier to activate and wipe out several combatants in a single shot.

Acasia’s Dejection

Trace Rifles got a big glow-up in The Final Shape, and Acasia’s Dejection was a massive beneficiary of these changes. This Solar weapon was already good, but an additional 20% damage versus both Minors and Majors has made it truly top-tier. If you aren’t into raiding, try using Retraced Path instead as an easier-to-access alternative.

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Forbearance

Both Forbearance and Undercurrent have been nerfed, but that doesn’t mean they are bad by any means. This Grenade Launcher is still incredibly easy to use, and once you procc Chain Reaction, nothing will remain standing as the explosions chain from one enemy to another. When your Fireteam says that they need more add-clear, this is the Special weapon you should be equipping.

Indebted Kindness

The Warlord’s Ruin dungeon introduced Indebted Kindness, the first-ever Rocket Pistol. Since then, The Call and Aberrant Action have followed suit, building on its initial success. Even now though, this Arc Sidearm is still one of the best PvE weapons in Destiny 2. Its add clear capabilities with Voltshot, overall damage output, and excellent ammo economy make it impossible to overlook.

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Techeun Force

There’s not much between Techeun Force and Loaded Question, but the former takes this spot as Rewind Rounds gives it great DPS potential. It’s extremely easy to use too, as all you have to do is land a full burst to activate Controlled Burst and then continue firing away. This is a great option to use alongside an auto-loading Rocket or Grenade Launcher, for an easy yet effective damage rotation.

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Exotic Energy Weapons

Buried Bloodline

Rocket Pistols are cool and all, but this Exotic takes things a step further by offering Devour and life steal on demand. With its catalyst equipped, Buried Bloodline can even weaken enemies too, giving it unmatched utility. This is a workhorse Exotic that works well with just about any build, but especially well with a dedicated Void loadout.

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Divinity

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why Divinity is so popular. This Exotic Trace Rifle is absurd as it can debuff enemies to take 15% more damage from all sources, stuns Overload Champions, and makes it way easier to deal precision damage. It’s so strong that in many Raid encounters, not running at least one Divinity is throwing, even after its substantial nerf in The Final Shape.

Red Death Reformed

Much like Buried Bloodline, Red Death Reformed is another Exotic that focuses on healing, albeit this time via Cure instead of Devour. Just get Final Blows and Red Death Reformed will keep you alive, it’s that simple. The best part is that once its catalyst becomes available in Episode Two, this Exotic Pulse Rifle will become even better. Its catalyst will let it create more healing and even let you heal teammates.

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Still Hunt

Still Hunt is Golden Gun in a Sniper Rifle. What more is there to say? Oh, it works with Celestial Nighthawk too, and hits nearly as hard as the actual Super. It’s possible to chain these throughout boss fights for some comical DPS, which is why it has been dominating loadouts in The Final Shape’s first raid. Of all the weapons on this list, this is the one that is most likely to get a nerf in the future.

Sunshot

Sunshot is a truly great Hand Cannon that is easily one of the best PvE weapons in Destiny 2. The best part is that it’s easy to use. All you have to do is defeat targets and let the fireworks begin. Now that Season 23’s Solar-focused artifact has passed, Sunshot is a little weaker than before, but it never relied on the artifact to be good in the first place.

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Trinity Ghoul

Sunshot is the best overall add-clear Exotic, as it works in every piece of content regardless of difficulty. However, Trinity Ghoul actually beats it in easier content and even holds its own in medium-tier activities. If you can one-shot enemies at a given power level, Trinity Ghoul is an outrageously strong option that’s hard to overlook, especially if you are using an Arc build.

Destiny 2 Best Heavy Weapons for PvE

DPS Heavy Weapons

Apex Predator

Apex Predator is the finest example of why reissuing weapons is such an important part of Destiny 2. This Solar Rocket Launcher was terrible when it was first released alongside Last Wish. Six years on, it’s now the best Rocket Launcher in Destiny 2, offering great ease of use, and incredible DPS for just about any boss encounter.

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Crux Termination IV

What on Earth was Bungie cooking when they came up with Crux Termination IV? Despite being a world drop, this Arc Rocket Launcher is spectacularly strong, featuring all kinds of meta-defining rolls. It straight up outclasses almost every raid, dungeon, and GM Nightfall heavy weapon. The bad news is that it’s impossible to farm, but if you happen to get a god roll Crux Termination IV, you’ve won the lottery.

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Doomed Petitioner

The Linear Fusion Rifle meta had grown stale through Lightfall, with the same old Taipan-4FR and Cataclysmic dominating it. Thankfully, Season 23 added Doomed Petitioner, which freshened up the meta with it being the new best LFR for DPS. If you missed Season of the Wish, this weapon is no longer available, and you’re better off pursuing Scintillation instead.

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Edge Transit

Heavy Grenade Launchers have been lurking around Destiny 2’s PvE meta for a little while. The first glimpse of their potential came with Cataphract GL3, but with the Strand HGL being exclusive to Trials of Osiris, most players didn’t bother getting it. Now though, Edge Transit offers the exact same god roll while being easier to farm, although with attunement now removed, you should still expect a grind.

Scintillation

Strand Heavy Weapons haven’t been easy to come by, with most being either bad, exclusive to Trials of Osiris, or no longer possible to get. It’s even worse for LFRs, with the dreadful Laser Painter being the only option until now. Thankfully, Scintillation is much, much better, with some incredible perk combinations for DPS.

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Add-clear Heavy Weapons

Commemoration

While it’s no longer the undisputed best Machine Gun in Destiny 2, Commemoration remains a fantastic PvE weapon for add-clear. Watch any high-level player in Raids who is on add-clear duty, and they will probably be using this beast. Being able to procc Killing Tally, and keep the stacks thanks to Reconstruction, makes this an easy S-tier weapon.

Hammerhead

Commemoration dominated the Machine Gun meta for eleven seasons. However, Hammerhead’s return has seen it compete head-to-head. It’s a close call of which is better, with both Machine Guns being incredibly strong at what they do. Commemoration probably just about edges it still, but Hammerhead is a fine alternative that delivers in everything from Contest Mode raids to Vanguard Ops.

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Hullabaloo

In the grand scheme of things, Hullabaloo isn’t meta. However, that’s more so because add-clear Heavy weapons aren’t meta rather than it being bad. This weapon’s unique combination of Voltshot + Chain Reaction is the stuff of dreams. So much so, that if you are in a situation where you only need to worry about add-clear and not DPS at all, this Grenade Launcher outclasses even the best Machine Guns.

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Pro Memoria

Whatever you do, don’t fall into the trap of running Bait and Switch on this. It excels as an add-clear weapon with Firefly, not a boss DPS weapon. Interestingly, this is the first Aggressive Frame Machine Gun to date, and its 600 RPM fire rate feels really strong at medium range. Will it replace Commemoration? Probably not, but Pro Memoria is still a superb option for those who don’t enjoy raiding.

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Song of Ir Yût

Available as a craftable weapon from Crota’s End, this Machine Gun is ugly. Even though it’s not exactly a looker, Song of Ir Yût’s effectiveness cannot be disputed. In many ways, this is the Arc version of Commemoration, with Sword Logic taking the place of Killing Tally. It’s not quite as good as the Void Machine Guns on this list, but during an Arc Surge, this LMG evolves into an add-clear monster.

Exotic Heavy Weapons

Dragon’s Breath

From Anarchy to Witherhoard, weapons that deal overtime damage have always featured in Destiny 2’s meta. Given this, it’s no surprise Dragon’s Breath is so popular. Fire a shot, switch to a Special DPS weapon, switch back, and shoot again. All you have to do is follow this simple rotation to output some of the best DPS possible.

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Microcosm

Microcosm is a Trace Rifle that deals a lot of damage. That’s it, that’s the weapon. It also charges your Super quickly, but that’s a secondary benefit to the immense damage. It’s so strong that a Fireteam of three using it can one phase Grasp of Avarice’s Phry’zhia the Insatiable. All you have to do is hold fire and track the target until you run out of ammo. It’s seriously that easy.

Thunderlord

No, Thunderlord is not a good boss DPS weapon. Whoever is telling you otherwise is trolling or ill-informed. However, it is a genuine jack-of-all-trades Exotic with no real downside. From taking out champions to mowing down combatants, there’s not too much that this lightning-spewing Machine Gun can’t do.

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Tractor Cannon

Similar to Divinity, Tractor Cannon is a utility weapon that debuffs enemies. After being shot by this bizarre-looking Exotic, combatants take 30% more damage from all sources. That makes Tractor Cannon a fantastic option to suppress bosses and let your team deal more damage. It can even be partnered with another shotgun with One-Two Punch and Synthoceps for some remarkable numbers.

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Whisper of the Worm

Assuming you can land precision hits over and over, Whisper of the Worm is a top-tier DPS weapon. It isn’t overly forgiving and just isn’t viable in some encounters, but where it excels, it is seriously strong. Its newer craftable variant didn’t change too much, though you can now run Field Prep, which is great for long damage phases.

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That’s everything you need to know about the best weapons to use in Destiny 2 for PvE content. For more detailed breakdowns, check out which Hand Cannons, Auto Rifles, SMGs, and Rocket Launchers are currently dominating the sandbox, or even what the Best PvP Weapons are if you enjoy The Crucible.

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