Destiny 2 is an ever-changing game. As new content gets released, the newest subclass usually gets all the attention. However, the OG subclasses don’t lose their viability in a competitive setting. While everyone is talking about the new Strand subclass, it’s important to remember that Arc isn’t something to scoff at either.
Combining arc weapons with the different Aspects and Fragments available to the Arc class is what makes them so good in various scenarios. The performance of the build is as dependent on the small things as it is on the weapon you’re using.
10 Stormchaser
Stormchaser is an Aggressive Frame Linear Fusion Rifle that is obtainable from the Duality dungeon that was released in Season of Haunted. Stormchaser was the first weapon of its frame and was extremely broken at launch by doing insane damage.
Though Linear Fusion Rifles have been nerfed, Stormchaser remains a solid option for damage. It can roll with perks like Auto-Loading Holster, Clown Cartridge, and Rapid Hit. In the right column, it can roll with perks like Frenzy, Firing Line, and Vorpal.
9 Delicate Tomb
Delicate Tomb is an Exotic Rapid-Fire Fusion Rifle that was released as the Exotic seasonal weapon of the Season of Plunder and can currently be obtained from the Monument of Lost Light in the Tower. Delicate Tomb has extremely good synergy with the Arc subclasses due to its exoticness.
Delicate Tomb creates Ionic Traces on kills, with Powerful foes and Guardians kills always creating an ionic trace. Its second Exotic perk, Tempest Cascade, allows this fusion to apply jolt after collecting an ionic trace, which makes this weapon an ad-clearing monster.
8 Tarnished Mettle
Tarnished Mettle is a Lightweight Frame Scout Rifle that was released in Season of Plunder. It is one of the first weapons that could roll with the perk Voltshot and is the only weapon in the game that has the combination of Demolitionist/Voltshot.
Scout Rifles are a safe choice for endgame PvE activities like Grandmaster Nightfall and one with Voltshot provides great ad-clear in high-difficulty situations. The interaction of Demolitionist with Voltshot gives you more grenade energy, making this Scout one of the best.
7 Trinity Ghoul
Trinity Ghoul was released with the Forsaken campaign and is a great ad-clear weapon in the game thanks to its Exotic perks and catalysts. Its Exotic perk, Lightning Rod, states “Precision kills grant the next shot chain-lightning capabilities.”
While this Exotic perk is nice on its own, the main appeal of this weapon is the Exotic catalyst that causes the Lightning rod to be triggered from any arc final blow, further increasing this weapon’s potential.
6 Iterative Loop
Iterative Loop is a Rapid-Fire Fusion Rifle that is obtained from the Neomuna destination. This weapon is also craftable, allowing for enhanced perks. Iterative Loop is one of the best weapons of Season of Defiance as it can roll with some amazing perks for both PvE and PvP.
In the left column, you have Compulsive Reloader, Lead form Gold for PvE, and Under Pressure for PvP. In the right column, you have Voltshot for PvE, and Elemental Capacitor, and Kickstart for PvP.
5 Thunderlord
Thunderlord was introduced in Season 4 but has been getting a lot of love recently with the Machine Gun changes with the launch of Lightfall. Due to the buffs, it received it is now a top-tier ad-clear as well as a DPS weapon.
Its exoticness comes from the Exotic perk Reign Havoc which generates lightning strikes from above as you shoot a target and also increases the rate of fire of the weapon. Its catalyst also refills a portion of the magazine every time a lightning strike is generated, allowing you to keep firing this weapon for a considerable time.
4 Sweet Sorrow
Sweet Sorrow is a Rapid-Fire Frame Auto Rifle that was released in Season of Risen. Sweet Sorrow is the best Arc Auto Rifle. Though it does not come with the perk Voltshot, it is just as deadly as the Voltshot weapons.
The main perk combination on this weapon is Stats for All combined with One for All. Just by hitting three targets, you get a boost to reload, stability, handling, and range, as well as a 30 percent damage bonus.
3 The Hothead
Ever since the launch of Lightfall, Rocket Launchers have entered the meta as a top-tier option for boss DPS and The Hothead is arguably the best Rocket Launcher for this purpose. The Hothead is an Adaptive Frame Rocket Launcher that was introduced in Season of the Lost.
In the left column, it can roll with perks like Auto-Loading Holster, Demolitionist, and Field Prep. In the right column, it can roll with perks Explosive Light for extra damage or Clown Cartridge for 2 rounds at a time.
2 Ikelos SMG
Ikelos SMG has always been a favorite of the Destiny 2 community ever since it launched in the Warmind expansion as V1.0.1. It was reintroduced in Season of Arrivals as V1.0.2 and lastly in Season of the Seraph, this time with some insane perk combinations for both PvE and PvP.
For PvE, Voltshot is the clear winner, with Frenzy being a close second. IKELOS is the only SMG that can roll with the Voltshot perk combined with Threat Detector or Feeding Frenzy in the left column. This SMG can also roll with Rangefinder making it one of the highest-reaching Submachine Guns in the game.
1 Forbearance
Forbearance was the first Arc Wave Frame released in Destiny 2, and it was made available from the Vow of the Disciple raid. Forbearance has to be the best special weapon that Destiny 2 has ever had due to the crazy perks and combos it can get.
Forbearance can roll with Ambitious Assassin and Unrelenting in the left column, with Ambitious Assassin being the main appeal. In the right column, Chain Reaction is the perk to go after, as it can clear rooms of enemies even in higher difficulty content with extreme ease. However, you can also go with Rampage, One for All, or Golden Tricorn for a damage boost.