With changes to weapon types and new weapons altogether, the best guns in Destiny 2 have shifted a lot. While each type of weapon is different, there are typically weapon types that players lean toward over other archetypes. Weapon archetypes will be ranked in order of how much of a boost they are to a loadout. For example, a good Rocket Launcher is a massive boost, meanwhile, a good Sidearm doesn’t change too much.
This article will rank the 5 best and most impactful weapons in Destiny 2 right now, and some examples of the standout weapons in that archetype. The entries on this list scale excellently and still perform brilliantly in more challenging content.
5 Shotguns
Shotguns have been a staple of Destiny 2 for quite some time. Providing solid damage and versatility, Shotguns, especially Slug Shotguns, have practically always been a solid pick. In fact, Shotguns in the past were optimal weapons for damage with a weapon hot-swapping glitch, and while that time has since passed, Slug Shotguns still pump out considerable damage to even the hardest of bosses.
An immediate example of a good Shotgun is Deep Stone Crypt’s Heritage. Boasting excellent perks and a nice model, it’s hard not to love the Heritage. There are also some good Exotic Shotguns too, Conditional Finality for example is one of the best weapons in the game right now. Shotguns also pack a punch in PvP with options like Fractethyst, Matador, and The Chaperone all being great choices. Shotguns are also quite a new-player-friendly weapon type, making them good weapons for any new players to the Crucible.
4 Linear Fusion Rifles
Linear Fusion Rifles are still excellent. While they have been dethroned as the top damage option, they still are excellent picks for total damage, providing some of the best numbers in all content. The reason Linear Fusion Rifles don’t come higher is that Rocket Launchers are simply so powerful that they nuke most bosses anyway, making a Linear Fusion Rifle’s total damage advantage worthless. Linear Fusion Rifles also require constant precision warranting the use of Divinity which neuters the damage of the player running Divinity.
The best example of a Linear Fusion Rifle is Cataclysmic. By far the strongest legendary Linear, Cataclysmic comes with Fourth Time’s the Charm and Bait and Switch which is an excellent perk combination. Sleeper Simulant is also a solid Exotic option too if you don’t have access to Cataclysmic
3 Submachine Guns
Submachine Guns, or, ‘SMGs’ are still one of the best weapon types in the entire game. While the prevalence of double special weapon loadouts is nothing to scoff at, SMGs have remained in many players’ loadouts simply because they are that good. Ripping through enemies regardless of content, SMGs are viable everywhere, with Aggressive and Lightweight Frame SMGs both containing top contenders.
The main SMG that comes to mind is the IKELOS SMG v1.0.3. This SMG comes with excellent perks like Feeding Frenzy and Voltshot which can destroy ads with ease. There are other solid options though like Funnelweb or Unforgiven. SMGs are also brilliant in PvP, weapons like The Immortal and once again, the IKELOS SMG, are both top picks. Riskrunner is also a great Exotic pick if you want to run an Exotic Primary.
2 Fusion Rifles
Ever since their buffs many seasons ago, Fusion Rifles have been a solid pick in any player’s loadout. Providing high burst damage, and solid utility with certain perks, Fusions come loaded with potential. They are also one of the best weapon types to incorporate into a double special weapon loadout as they are quite ammo efficient and can burst down tanky enemies.
Some of the best examples of Fusion Rifles are Riptide and Deliverance. Both of these Fusion Rifles can come with Chill Clip which provides excellent utility. In the energy slot, Cartesian Coordinate and Lightfall’s Iterative Loop are both popular options, coming with Vorpal Weapon and Voltshot respectively.
1 Rocket Launchers
Rocket Launchers are the strongest weapons in the game right now. Providing incredible boss damage, not having a Rocket Launcher in your loadout means you miss out on the highest DPS in the entire game. Regardless of difficulty, Rocket Launchers are almost never a bad pick and always provide raw burst damage which can be incredibly useful in plenty of situations.
The best thing about Rocket Launchers is how many powerful options there are. Hothead, Blowout, Two-Tailed Fox, and Gjallarhorn are all excellent options that provide their own value. Explosive Light is an incredible perk, and Demolitionist can combine with certain builds to pump out remarkable damage. While the weapons listed here are considered the ‘best’ weapon types, there are other brilliant weapons that can be used, especially certain Exotics that are some of the strongest in the game that haven’t been mentioned here.