Since Pulse Rifles in Destiny 2 have been driving the meta for a while, you should not waste your time using poorly rolled Pulse Rifles to pass harder content. They are not only useful for long-range combat along corridors, but Pulse Rifles also give you an advantage in close-range combat now that Titan Barriers have been placed all through the maps.
Having tested every Pulse Rifle in Destiny 2, we made a list that can be helpful for you to choose a weapon to clear either casual PvE content or hordes of enemies in the PvP mode. Pulse Rifles are currently the best weapon archetype in the game, meaning you should get the most out of them to come out victorious.
10 Graviton Lance
Taking down enemies with the Graviton Lance causes them to detonate and send Void projectiles to track down targets. You can combine it with a few perks to do some add-clear even at the highest level. The Graviton Lance’s second bullet on every burst deals more damage thanks to its Black Hole intrinsic trait.
9 The Messenger
The Messenger dictated the meta for a while when it was first released. It is still one of the solid picks for your arsenal, with its cool intrinsic trait making The Messenger more accurate when stationary, moving slowly, and aiming down sights. The weapon’s ability to roll a combination of broken perks like Outlaw and Desperado is its selling point.
Desperado increases fire rate if you reload after a precision kill, while Outlaw decreases reload time for more intense battles.
8 Insidious
This is one of the four-round burst Pulse Rifles capable of some perk combinations that give you an edge in casual PvE content and PvP matches. Recommended perks that can make you excited include Rapid Hit and Rampage, which allow you to deal tons of damage with less recoil. You can also consider other perks like Vorpal Weapon to catch a unique synergy in the PvP mode.
7 Disparity
Disparity remains a bit aggressive while dealing Stasis damage to adversaries. If you like to follow a Stasis build, this weapon is a viable choice for your arsenal. You can use the Disparity by combining the Ambush perk, which gives a 10% damage boost for the first few seconds of the combat.
6 Outbreak Perfected
Players were introduced to the Outbreak Perfected with the Rise of Iron expansion. It is still one of the best exotic rifles that create SIVA nanite swarms on rapid hits and precision kills. This intrinsic trait also deals more damage based on the number of Nanites attached.
Nanites are pretty good at ad-clear, which is the selling point of Outbreak Perfected. It is obtained from the Monument To Lost Lights Exotic Kiosk in the Tower.
5 No Time To Explain
Starting from its intrinsic trait, precision shots against enemies slowed or frozen by Stasis will return to the magazine, which makes the weapon more powerful in long-running combat. Having been nerfed a couple of times, No Time To Explain is still a viable choice no matter which mode you progress in. Its exotic perk not only gives you an edge in 1v1 duels but also grants a solid damage buff in casual PvE content.
4 Smite Of Merain
This weapon’s selling point is its ability to use tons of rolls that give you a unique boost in combat. It can be obtained from the War Priest encounter, the Sisters encounter, and the final battle against Oryx. If you opt for the Arrowhead Break perk, it will increase the handling and recoil for tighter control. You can also use the Tactical Mag to receive a bonus between magazine size, stability, and reload speed.
3 BxR-55 Battler
This stylish Pulse Rifle colored white and black holds a unique intrinsic trait called Legacy PR-55 Frame, which dramatically increases stability, accuracy, and targeting while hip firing. Introduced as part of the 30th Anniversary Pack, the BxR-55 Battler is excellent in ranged engagements thanks to its incredible zoom. It also has access to classic Pulse rolls like Outlaw and Kill Clip.
2 Veles-X
The Veles-X is a reliable option for controlling flanks, which allows you to change the course of the match. Added in the form of the ritual weapon in Season 19, you can complete your Void build with the Veles-X, which rolls with Repulsor Brace or Tunnel Vision that relieves your hand in the PvE and PvP modes, respectively. It is obtained by reaching rank 16 of the ritual activities.
1 Revision Zero
The number one pick, Revision Zero has become a fan-favorite weapon as a customizable exotic. Introduced in the Season of the Seraph, this Pulse Rifle has a sniper-like alt-fire mode dealing heavy damage to adversaries. In addition to being a perfect choice for casual PvE content, you can also utilize Revision Zero in the high-level difficulties in the PvP mode. The best weapon on the list is obtained by the completion of the Operation: Seraph’s Shield Exotic Quest.