Destiny 2: Best Machine Guns for PvE & PvP

Machine Guns are extremely potent weapons in Destiny 2, providing sustained gunfire that inflicts significant damage. They excel in taking down powerful bosses and eliminating large groups of swarming enemies, such as Thralls.

As The Final Shape approaches, it is crucial to identify the most effective weapons for quickly dealing high damage. Machine Guns are among the top choices for achieving this and will prove to be valuable assets when the Salvation’s Edge Raid is launched.

For this reason, we have put together a compilation of the top Machine Guns that can provide you with an advantage in the largest Destiny 2 battle.

Best Machine Guns for PvE

In evaluating weapons for Destiny 2’s PvE modes, we focused on those that provide high power for both defeating large groups of smaller enemies and taking down formidable bosses. These scenarios are when Heavy weapons are most useful, making them a crucial factor in our selection process.

Grand Overture

Destiny 2 Grand Overture
Bungie

Stats

  • Impact: 53
  • Range: 85
  • Stability: 80
  • Handling: 36
  • Reload Speed: 60

What sets this machine gun apart from others is its unique firing mechanism. Instead of bullets, it shoots slugs at a slower pace, unless you hold down the fire button to charge it up for rapid automatic shooting. Not only do these large projectiles inflict damage, but they also add to your ammunition for firing a barrage of missiles.

The primary objective of this weapon is to unleash a barrage of missiles. Although the slugs are capable of inflicting significant damage, the missiles are more than sufficient for eliminating large groups of enemies or dealing a substantial blow to a boss’ health in PvE.

Xenophage

Destiny 2 Xenophage Exotic
Bungie

Statistics

  • Impact: 100
  • Range: 68
  • Stability: 32
  • Handling: 30
  • Reload Speed: 31

The Xenophage is a powerful option with slow firing and high damage capabilities. It excels at both Precision Shots and body shots, thanks to its explosive rounds and impressive range for a Machine Gun.

Having the ability to avoid Precision Shots can relieve a significant burden and be highly effective against individual targets, such as bosses. With the option to simply spray-and-pray, dealing with overwhelming swarms becomes much more manageable when you have this in your possession.

Deterministic Chaos

Destiny 2 Deterministic Chaos
Bungie

Stats

  • Impact: 70
  • Range: 44
  • Stability: 40
  • Handling: 44
  • Reload Speed: 38

Each fourth bullet fired from this Machine Gun will inflict the Volatile status on the target and reduce their strength by 15%. This weapon is especially effective against Barrier Champions, known to be some of the most frustrating adversaries in the game.

The ability to weaken an enemy and make them Volatile can greatly aid in defeating tougher villains in PvE. This technique minimizes the risk of facing powerful bosses during gameplay.

Circular Logic

Circular Logic Strand legendary machine gun in Destiny 2.
Bungie

Using Circular Logic to quickly eliminate enemies will result in a temporary boost to your reload speed and also generate Grenade energy. This energy can then be used to replenish your ammunition.

This feature greatly simplifies dealing with minions, and having increased opportunities to utilize your Grenade is always beneficial.

Hammerhead

Hammerhead machine gun in Destiny 2.
Bungie

Stats

  • Impact: 41
  • Range: 40
  • Stability: 33
  • Handling: 58
  • Reload Speed: 50

In order to fully utilize this Machine Gun’s potential, it is crucial to consistently land rapid Precision hits, which will result in two additional rounds being returned to the magazine. Additionally, achieving kills with this weapon will also increase its damage output until it is either stowed or reloaded.

This is an enormous aid when facing the larger boss battles, as they often have vulnerable spots that are more accessible to attack. It is useful for eliminating the minions during a boss fight before utilizing your grenade on the main target to inflict significant damage.

Unwavering Duty

Destiny 2 Unwavering Duty
Bungie

Stats

  • Impact: 41
  • Range: 58
  • Stability: 60
  • Handling: 50
  • Reload Speed: 68

In Destiny 2, this particular Machine Gun operates in a unique manner. If you are able to land Final Blows or sustained Precision Hits with a different weapon, the rate of fire for Unwavering Duty will increase. Additionally, Final Blows will grant you improved range, stability, and accuracy when firing from the hip.

This weapon is highly recommended for any PvE mission or activity due to its ease in landing Precision Shots. In PvE, you will have no trouble hitting your targets with precision, making this gun a valuable asset.

Best Machine Guns for PvP

In terms of PvP modes, we have carefully considered the Machine Guns that are most suitable for the fast-paced environments of Crucible and Gambit. These guns offer swift targeting and some area-of-effect damage to assist with taking down groups of enemy players.

Heir Apparent

Destiny 2 Heir Apparent Exotic
Bungie

Stats

  • Impact: 39
  • Range: 60
  • Stability: 53
  • Handling: 58
  • Reload Speed: 50

Similar to a gatling gun, Heir Apparent must be spun up before it can begin firing. Fortunately, simply aiming down its sights will initiate the spinning of the barrel. Additionally, if done at full health, this action will also grant you an Arc shield.

The shield is highly effective both offensively and defensively, making it a formidable choice in PvP. Its ability to swiftly defeat enemies and block a significant amount of damage makes it a top contender for battle.

Thunderlord

Thunderlord Arc exotic machine gun in Destiny 2.
Bungie

Stats

  • Impact: 41
  • Range: 60
  • Stability: 50
  • Handling: 60
  • Reload Speed: 68

Although many Machine Guns become less accurate as you fire continuously, this particular one will actually improve accuracy and fire at a faster rate. Additionally, continuously damaging your targets will result in lightning strikes, and final blows will also generate this powerful lightning.

If you are skilled at hitting your targets, then any opposing Guardian in a PvP match will have little chance of defeating you. In PvP, where other players are constantly on the move, having precise aim while continuously firing is crucial.

Commemoration

Commemoration void machine gun in destiny 2
Bungie

Stats

  • Impact: 41
  • Range: 58
  • Stability: 55
  • Handling: 57
  • Reload Speed: 55

Commemoration is a reliable choice for PvP as it enhances stability and accuracy as the magazine depletes. Additionally, it offers a faster reload speed upon swiftly eliminating enemies.

Additionally, the enhanced stability and precision gained from continuous firing greatly facilitates the elimination of another player. Similar to the Thunderlord, possessing greater accuracy in PvP situations can greatly improve one’s chances of survival.

Retrofit Escapade

Retrofit Escapade Void legendary machine gun in Destiny 2.
Bungie

Stats

  • Impact: 25
  • Range: 23
  • Stability: 44
  • Handling: 56
  • Reload Speed: 67

Continuously hitting Precision shots on a target with this gun will result in two rounds being replenished in your magazine, a challenging feat in PvP. Yet, the incredible ability of Retrofit Escapade to amplify damage with three consecutive hits on separate targets makes it a valuable asset for clearing objectives.

If you come across a group of opponents gathered in one location, such as on a Control point, you will have the advantage even if they outnumber you. The ability to swiftly secure an objective can make all the difference between winning and losing.

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