Best Destiny 2 PvP Weapons: Meta Guns for Competitive & Trials of Osiris

The PvP meta in Destiny 2 is in a constant state of change due to the frequent addition of new weapons, and The Final Shape is one such example. Here are some of the top PvP weapons in Destiny 2 that excel in both Competitive and Trials of Osiris.

Despite any misconceptions, the Crucible remains a highly sought-after arena for Guardians to challenge each other’s skills. Bungie is aware of this, as evidenced by their addition of three new maps for Guardians to explore in Season 23.

Despite the constant release of more powerful weaponry, the challenge of creating the perfect build and obtaining the most powerful Exotic and Legendary weapons remains a major attraction for players in PvP. This requires constant adaptation and farming for new weapons with each update in order to maintain dominance over the competition.

It is expected that the top weapons in the sandbox would dominate Destiny 2’s PvP Meta. There are numerous factors that contribute to a weapon’s success in the Crucible, such as a strong perk selection or a satisfying feel when using it. Regardless, these are the weapons that should be utilized in PvP during this season.

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

Primary Kinetic Weapons

Hung Jury SR4

Weapon Type: Scout Rifle
Element: Kinetic
Weapon Frame: Precision
Debut Season: Season 23 (Reissued)
PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Box Breathing

The original Hung Jury SR4 was a standout in Season 20, and the reissued version in Onslaught is just as formidable. The main advantage of this Scout Rifle over others is its access to Box Breathing, which enables a 670 ms TTK against 100 Resilience. This makes the Hung Jury SR4 a highly competitive choice, especially on larger maps.

Midnight Coup

Weapon Type: Hand Cannon
Element: Kinetic
Weapon Frame: Adaptive
Debut Season: Season 23 (Reissued)
PvP God Roll: Explosive Payload + Zen Moment

Additionally, Midnight Coup is included in Onslaught’s loot table and stands out as a top-performing Hand Cannon. Its Adaptive Frame provides impressive stats, making it a favorite among Hand Cannon enthusiasts. With its superb overall performance, this weapon is bound to be adored by all who wield it.

Types of Roses

Weapon Type: Hand Cannon
Element: Kinetic
Weapon Frame: Lightweight
Debut Season: Season 19 (Reissued)
God Roll: Slideshot/Rapid Hit + Explosive Payload

Currently, Rose stands out as the top Legendary Hand Cannon in PvP. It boasts the reliability and power of an Adaptive frame, while also providing the agility and mobility boosts of a Lightweight Frame. The only factor holding it back from dominating PvP completely is the fact that it may take some time to acquire. However, for those willing to invest the effort, Rose is undoubtedly the go-to weapon.

The Messenger

Weapon Type: Pulse Rifle
Element: Kinetic
Weapon Frame: High-Impact
Debut Season: Season 21 (Reissued)
PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Headseeker/Keep Away

The Messenger, available exclusively in Trials of Osiris, is a remarkable Pulse Rifle capable of consistently delivering two-burst kills. Its performance rivals that of the popular Exotic weapon No Time To Explain, making it a valuable addition to any player’s arsenal. However, obtaining The Messenger may prove challenging for casual players due to its limited availability.

Unending Tempest

Weapon Type: SMG
Element: Stasis
Weapon Frame: Precision
Debut Season: Season 22
God Roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction + Target Lock

Introducing the weapon responsible for taking down The Immortal. Despite the PvP nerfs to both SMGs and Target Lock, Unending Tempest continues to reign as a dominant force. With excellent sights, a quick TTK, and effortless control, this gun is a must-have for both top 1% players and beginners alike. Obtaining a god roll of Unending Tempest is crucial for success.

Special Kinetic Weapons

Defiance of Yasmin

Weapon Type: Sniper Rifle
Element: Kinetic
Weapon Frame: Adaptive
Debut Season: Season 18
God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Opening Shot

When it comes to the best PvP Sniper Rifles, there are limited options available. While most of the top choices are energy weapons, Defiance of Yasmin breaks this trend. Acquired as a drop from King’s Fall raid, this gun stands out with its high Aim Assistance and coveted perks of Snapshot Sights and Opening Shot.

Fractethyst: A Guide to the World of Crystals

Fractehyst shotgun in Destiny 2 — Bungie

Weapon Type: Shotgun
Element: Stasis
Weapon Frame: Precision
Debut Season: Season 15
God Roll: Quickdraw/Slideshot + Opening Shot

Despite being released before The Witch Queen, Fractethyst remains one of the oldest weapons on this list. However, it continues to perform exceptionally well, thanks to its combination of Opening Shot and either Quickdraw or Slideshot. Despite its age of three years, Fractethyst remains the top choice for a Stasis Shotgun in PvP, and some may argue it is the best Special Legendary weapon overall.

Imperial Decree

Weapon Type: Shotgun
Element: Kinetic
Weapon Frame: Aggressive
Debut Season: Season 18 (Reissued)
God Roll: Slideshot + Opening Shot

For those who favor Aggressive Frames, Imperial Decree is the top choice. Fractethyst may be unbeatable for fans of Precision Frame Shotguns, but the reissued version of Imperial Decree excels in PvP with Slideshot eliminating the need for reloading and Opening Shot providing exceptional consistency. However, obtaining Imperial Decree has become quite difficult as it is no longer obtainable through seasonal activities.

Scatter Signal

Weapon Type: Fusion Rifle
Element: Strand
Weapon Frame: Rapid-Fire
Debut Season: Season 23
God Roll: Surplus + Kickstart

While Fusion Rifles may not be in their prime, Scatter Signal remains a top pick for those who enjoy using them. The standout perk, Kickstart, offers a significant damage increase when sliding, making it a perfect fit for Rapid-Fire Frames. The increased fire rate allows for quick, reactive slides into enemies, taking them out in a single burst.

Someday

Weapon Type: Shotgun
Element: Kinetic
Weapon Frame: Precision
Debut Season: Season 24
God Roll: Threat Detector/Elemental Capacitor (Arc) + Opening Shot

Obtaining a Meta top slot shotgun in Destiny 2 has been a challenge, as desirable Fractethyst and Imperial Decree god rolls are becoming increasingly difficult to acquire. Luckily, The Final Shape has introduced Someday, a top-notch Precision Frame shotgun that is highly effective in PvP. Boasting exceptional range and handling, Someday is a convenient option to farm as it is one of the craftable weapons offered by The Pale Heart.

Kinetic Exotic Weapons

Ace of Spades

Weapon Type: Hand Cannon
Element: Kinetic
Exotic Perks: Memento Mori, Firefly
Catalyst: Funeral Pyre
Debut Season: Season 4

The Ace of Spades is considered a relatively uncomplicated Exotic Weapon. By eliminating enemy players, you activate Memento Mori, enhancing your next six shots. These augmented shots inflict greater damage and have the potential to eliminate other Guardians if aimed precisely.

Conditional Finality

Weapon Type: Shotgun
Element: Stasis
Exotic Perks: Split Decision, Paracausal Pellets
Catalyst: N/A
Debut Season: Season 8

Conditional Finality is a unique weapon that unleashes flames and ice simultaneously from its twin barrels. The fire inflicts devastating damage through Ignitions, while the Ice freezes enemy Guardians, leaving them vulnerable. What truly sets Conditional Finality apart in PvP is its exceptional Handling, making it an ideal choice for aggressive play and close combat.

Forerunner

Weapon Type: Sidearm
Element: Kinetic
Exotic Perks: Full Stop, Pace Yourself
Catalyst: The Rock
Debut Season: Season 15

In Season 23, Forerunner saw significant improvements due to the Crucible changes. Despite being categorized as a Sidearm, it performs exceptionally well as a mobile Scout Rifle designed for medium-range combat. With proper utilization, Forerunner can easily outmatch most weapons, thanks to its ability to take down enemies in only three shots, despite having a high fire rate of 200 RPM.

Outbreak Perfected

Weapon Type: Pulse Rifle
Element: Kinetic
Exotic Perks: The Corruption Spreads, Parasitism
Catalyst: Enhanced The Corruption Spreads
Debut Season: Season 23 (Reissued)

Before Season 23, Outbreak Perfected was not a strong choice for PvP due to its slow handling and reload speed. It was difficult to find a reason to use it. However, Season 23 introduced a craftable version that allows players to customize their barrel and grip options. This alone would have made it a top choice in the PvP meta, but the addition of Headseeker solidifies its position among the best Exotic Pulse Rifles.

Thorn

Weapon Type: Hand Cannon
Element: Kinetic
Exotic Perks: Mark of the Devourer, Soul Devourer
Catalyst: Refined Soul
Debut Season: Season 6

Despite being overshadowed by numerous other impressive Hand Cannons due to power creep, Thorn received a resurgence in Season 23 with the introduction of its new catalyst. The catalyst significantly increases Thorn’s Range, making it a viable option once again. Along with this boost, Remnants also provide bonuses to Range, Mobility, and Handling, solidifying this iconic Hand Cannon as a dominant force.

Destiny 2’s Top Energy Weapons for PvP (Arc, Solar, Void)

Primary Energy Weapons

Urge

Drang (Baroque) sidearm in Destiny 2 — Bungie

Weapon Type: Sidearm
Element: Solar
Weapon Frame: Unique (Together Forever)
Debut Season: Season 17
God Roll: Moving Target/Quickdraw + Zen Moment

While it may not be the most user-friendly weapon, Drang (Baroque) is a highly recommended choice for Sidearm enthusiasts. However, it is not recommended to pair it with Sturm, as this may be enjoyable in casual game modes but is not effective in Competitive or Trials of Osiris. Additionally, it is advised to avoid using Incandescent as it is not a beneficial perk for PvP, despite what some may claim.

Elsie’s Rifle

Weapon Type: Pulse Rifle
Element: Void
Weapon Frame: High-Impact Frame
Debut Season: Season 23
God Roll: Zen Moment + Headseeker

Formerly known as The Stranger’s Rifle, Elsie’s Rifle is Destiny 2’s version of a beloved classic. While not particularly effective in PvE, Elsie’s Rifle shines in PvP and stands out as one of the few remaining Pulse Rifles capable of consistently taking down opposing Guardians in just two bursts. The addition of Zen Moment in the third slot only enhances this weapon’s already impressive accuracy, making it a formidable choice in any encounter.

Igneous Hammer

Weapon Type: Hand Cannon
Element: Solar
Weapon Frame: Aggressive
Debut Season: Season 22 (Reissued)
God Roll: Keep Away + Eye of the Storm

If you are a fan of Aggressive Frame Hand Cannons, Igneous Hammer is the perfect choice. When Keep Away is activated, this Hand Cannon becomes almost like a compact Scout Rifle. It boasts quick handling and the ability to equip any of the popular PvP perks. While Keep Away and Eye of the Storm are impressive, you also have the option to utilize Rapid Hit, Rangefinder, Moving Target, or Opening Shot.

Prosecutor

Weapon Type: Auto Rifle
Element: Arc
Weapon Frame: Precision
Debut Season: Season 23 (Reissued)
God Roll: Zen Moment + Target Lock/Tap the Trigger

The updated Prophecy loot table was not given much attention by many Destiny 2 players. Despite this, it still brought some excellent weapons, with Prosecutor standing out as the best. This Arc Auto Rifle currently reigns as the top AR in Destiny 2, excelling not only in PvP but also boasting a strong perk pool for PvE. Take advantage and farm the first encounter in Prophecy to obtain one for yourself.

Summoner

Weapon Type: Auto Rifle
Element: Solar
Weapon Frame: Adaptive
Debut Season: Season 23 (Reissued)
God Roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction/Zen Moment + Target Lock

If you’re not a fan of Precision Frame Auto Rifles, you may want to try out The Summoner instead of Prosecutor. This Adaptive Frame AR is highly enjoyable to use and comes with a variety of top-tier PvP perks. With its impressive time-to-kill and pinpoint accuracy, it has solidified its position in The Final Shape’s PvP meta.

Special Energy Weapons

Beloved

Weapon Type: Sniper Rifle
Element: Solar
Weapon Frame: Adaptive
Debut Season: Season 17 (Reissued)
God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Moving Target/Quickdraw

Beloved has remained a top choice among Sniper Rifles for quite some time, primarily due to its impressive perk selection and low zoom capabilities. While low zoom may seem like a disadvantage, it actually allows for a more aggressive playstyle, making it a favorite among skilled players. However, obtaining a craftable version of Beloved has become a challenge in recent times, unless one resorts to using Deepsight Harmonizers.

Matador 64

Weapon Type: Shotgun
Element: Arc
Weapon Frame: Precision
Debut Season: Season 15
God Roll: Threat Detector/Perpetual Motion + Opening Shot

Currently, Matador 64 reigns as the most dominant weapon in Destiny 2’s meta. Since its introduction, this Arc Shotgun has maintained its top-tier status in PvP. Along with its impressive perks, the distinct feel of the weapon has contributed to its widespread popularity. Despite its ease of use, it remains a formidable force on the battlefield. Additionally, obtaining the Matador 64 is relatively effortless as it regularly drops from the Grasp of Avarice.

Retold Speech

Retold Tale shotgun in Destiny 2. — Bungie

Weapon Type: Shotgun
Element: Void
Weapon Frame: Precision
Debut Season: Season 23 (Reissued)
God Roll: Quickdraw/Slideshot + Snapshot Sights

Despite being reissued in Season 23, this weapon’s viability did not see much improvement. However, this was not a major issue as it was already an exceptional weapon. It still remains a formidable close-range weapon when paired with Quickdraw or Slideshot and Snapshot Sights for fast handling. Additionally, its Precision Frame allows for an extended Range of up to 7 meters, making it a devastating choice for taking down enemies.

The Epicurean

Weapon Type: Fusion Rifle
Element: Solar
Weapon Frame: Precision
Debut Season: Season 15
God Roll: Snapshot Sights/Surplus + Rangefinder/Backup Plan

If you’re not a fan of Rapid-Fire Fusion Rifles, The Epicurean provides a reliable alternative for securing one-shot kills. You have the choice to improve its range with Surplus and Rangefinder, or increase its handling by using Snapshot Sights and Backup Plan. This weapon is highly effective in PvP and remains a dominant force, despite Fusion Rifles not being considered meta in The Final Shape.

Exotic Energy Weapons

Cloudstrike

Weapon Type: Sniper Rifle
Element: Arc
Exotic Perks: Mortal Polarity, Stormbringer
Catalyst: Triple Tap
Debut Season: Season 12

Cloudstrike is primarily a Sniper Rifle that provides an excellent user experience. What sets it apart is its exclusive Exotic Perk, Mortal Polarity, which summons lightning with each final blow. In PvP, this lightning strike has the ability to eliminate multiple Guardians simultaneously, allowing for impressive and noteworthy plays that could be featured in a montage.

Gravity Lance

The Graviton Lance Exotic Pulse Rifle from Destiny 2 with UI hidden. — Bungie

Weapon Type: Pulse Rifle
Element: Void
Exotic Perks: Black Hole, Cosmology
Catalyst: Vorpal Weapon, Turnabout
Debut Season: Season 1

Despite being nerfed in Season 23, Graviton Lance still maintains its dominance in Destiny 2 PvP. While it may not be able to chain multi-kills like before, it remains one of the top weapons for one-on-one gunfights. Don’t let its classification as a Pulse Rifle fool you, as Graviton Lance plays more like a meta Scout Rifle than anything else.

Jotunn

Weapon Type: Fusion Rifle
Element: Solar
Exotic Perks: Charge Shot, Shield Disorient
Catalyst: Cornered, Incandescent
Debut Season: Season 5

Although it may require some practice, once you have mastered it, Jotunn is a powerful Special ammo weapon in PvP. With its tracking projectiles, this turbo toaster functions similar to a mini Rocket Launcher. However, it has gained notoriety as a toxic weapon, so do not be surprised if the opposing team’s language becomes increasingly colorful as you dominate them with it.

Red Death Reformed

Weapon Type: Pulse Rifle
Element: Solar
Exotic Perks: Redemption, Inverse Relationship
Catalyst: Helping Hand
Debut Season: Season 24

The recently introduced Red Death Reformed is an Exotic weapon featured in The Final Shape, specifically designed for PvP battles. While its time-to-kill ratio is already commendable for a Pulse Rifle, its exceptional self-healing capabilities truly set it apart. With every successful final blow, this Exotic Pulse Rifle bestows the Cure, continuously restoring your health. To top it off, its Inverse Relationship perk is an amplified version of Zen Moment, a highly sought-after ability that is already considered a staple in the current meta.

Mythoclast Vex

Destiny 2 Vex Mythoclast Exotic Auto Rifle — Bungie

Weapon Type: Fusion Rifle
Element: Solar
Exotic Perks: Timeless Mythoclast, Temporal Unlimiter
Catalyst: Calculated Balance
Debut Season: Season 14

Despite being classified as a Fusion Rifle, the Vex Mythoclast is an Exotic weapon that defies expectations. It excels as an Auto Rifle and can hold its own against any weapon in its class. Its only limitation is its slightly lower fire rate of 360 RPM, but if it were to be restored to its original 390 RPM, a Vex Mythoclast meta would surely ensue.

Destiny 2 Best Heavy Weapons for PvP

Heavy Legendary Weapons

Cataphract GL3

Weapon Type: Heavy Grenade Launcher
Element: Strand
Weapon Frame: Adaptive
Debut Season: Season 22
God Roll: Impulse Amplifier + Chain Reaction

It has been discovered by numerous Destiny 2 players that obtaining Cataphract GL3 is a challenging task. Despite this, if you are willing to endure the rigorous farming and have a fondness for Trials of Osiris, it stands as the top Heavy weapon for PvP at the moment. It is crucial to have both Proximity Mines and Impulse Amplifier, while the remaining perks hold less significance. Best of luck with your efforts to obtain this weapon!

Edge Transit

Weapon Type: Heavy Grenade Launcher
Element: Void
Weapon Frame: Adaptive
Debut Season: Season 23 (Reissued)
God Roll: Impulse Amplifier + Explosive Light

If you don’t have the time or desire to spend countless hours farming for the perfect Cataphract GL3, consider obtaining the Edge Transit instead. It offers similar perks and efficiency at a 95% rate and is significantly easier to obtain. Although weapon attunement is now excluded from Onslaught, obtaining the Edge Transit may still require some time, but it pales in comparison to the effort needed for the Cataphract GL3.

Hammerhead

Weapon Type: Machine Gun
Element: Void
Weapon Frame: Adaptive
Debut Season: Season 23 (Reissued)
God Roll: Under-Over + Tap The Trigger

Machine Guns are often underrated in PvP due to the instant kill potential of other Heavy weapons. While Hammerhead may not have that capability, it still has a fast time-to-kill (TTK) that can easily overpower any automatic Primary or Special weapon. Although there are a few viable LMGs currently, such as Heir Apparent and Commemoration, Hammerhead stands out with its Tap The Trigger perk which provides consistent accuracy at long distances.

Semiotician

Weapon Type: Rocket Launcher
Element: Strand
Weapon Frame: High-Impact Frame
Debut Season: Season 22
God Roll: Impulse Amplifier + Explosive Light

Despite being typically overshadowed by Grenade Launchers in PvP, Semiotician should still be taken into consideration. It boasts a High-Impact Frame and access to Impulse Amplifier, making it a formidable weapon with a large blast radius and high projectile velocity. If you have this weapon available from Season 22, it would be worth giving it a try during your next match in The Crucible.

The Other Half

Weapon Type: Sword
Element: Void
Weapon Frame: Adaptive
Debut Season: Season 15
God Roll: Eager Edge + Vorpal Weapon

In reality, any Sword with Enhanced Eager Edge could fulfill this role. You can also replace it with Half-Truths, as both abilities are equally effective. The key feature is the ability to lunge forward with unmatched mobility. When combined with Grapple, it becomes incredibly challenging for the opposing team to defeat you. While it may be difficult to master, The Other Half can be deadly in skilled hands.

Heavy Exotic Weapons

Deathbringer

Weapon Type: Rocket Launcher
Element: Void
Exotic Perks: Dark Deliverance, Dark Descent
Catalyst: Dead Weight
Debut Season: Season 8

Although it can be challenging to master, this peculiar Exotic Rocket Launcher is highly effective in PvP. The concept behind the Deathbringer is to launch an orb above the opposing team, causing it to detonate and unleash a barrage of Void damage, swiftly eliminating any Guardians in its path. This makes it a valuable asset for reclaiming objectives, as it can force enemy players to retreat from the point, allowing you to easily capture it.

Megaphone

Gjallerhorn exotic rocket launcher from Destiny 2. — Bungie

Weapon Type: Rocket Launcher
Element: Solar
Exotic Perks: Wolfpack Rounds, Pack Hunter
Catalyst: More Wolves
Debut Season: Season 15

Despite Tractor Cannon being a potential contender, Gjallarhorn remains the sole Exotic Heavy Weapon that is truly valuable in PvP. While it may not always match up to the power of popular Heavy Grenade Launchers in the current meta, its homing projectiles and wide range of destruction make it incredibly effortless to wield. Players who partake in Gambit are well aware of the immense potential of this weapon when utilized effectively.

Wardcliff Coil

Weapon Type: Rocket Launcher
Element: Arc
Exotic Perks: Mad Scientist, Mechanized Autoloader
Catalyst: Pinpoint Guidance Module
Debut Season: Season 1

Although it is not advisable to rely solely on the Wardcliff Coil as a weapon, this powerful Exotic Rocket Launcher can surprise other teams if utilized effectively. Its volley of rockets can overwhelm and eliminate enemy teams, particularly if they are grouped closely together. With the ability to quickly turn the tide of a battle with just one shot, the Wardcliff Coil sets itself apart from most other weapons.

These are the top PvP Weapons to utilize in Destiny 2 The Final Shape.