Destiny 2 Heavy Grenade Launchers Tier List: Top Choices for PvE and PvP

Since the launch of The Final Shape in Destiny 2, Heavy Grenade Launchers have emerged as the ultimate power weapon for obliterating single targets, effectively dethroning Linear Fusion Rifles that reigned supreme in earlier seasons.

While Swords have carved out a role as practical tools due to their Keen Edge feature, and Machine Guns are often seen as the go-to choice for clearing adds, Grenade Launchers have taken the lead, surpassing even Rocket Launchers. Their diverse perk options provide impressive ammo capacity and adaptability across the game’s various playstyles.

In this guide, we’ve evaluated the current standing of Destiny 2’s top Grenade Launchers, considering their perk pool versatility, performance in both PvE and PvP settings, and overall usability. Below, you will find the complete tier list, followed by a detailed analysis of each standout weapon.

Heavy Grenade Launcher Tier List

Understanding Our Tiers

• S: The cream of the crop
• A: Highly effective
• B: Situationally viable
• C: Generally not recommended unless you prefer them

Meta Overview

With the effectiveness of Heavy Grenade Launchers already high in Destiny 2’s current meta, the introduction of Episode Revenant on October 8 promises to cement their status as essential weapons. This is largely due to the seasonal artifact that includes various mods designed to enhance their performance.

We will continue to refine this list as Bungie introduces new Grenade Launchers, so expect adjustments following significant updates.

S-Tier Weapons

Edge Transit

• Archetype: Adaptive
• Element: Void
• Source: Onslaught (Into the Light)
• Best Use: PvE

As you’ll see throughout this list, Spike Grenades often emerge as the preferred option for PvE, complementing barrels like Quick Launch or Volatile Launch. The ideal perk pairing includes Bait and Switch, which provides a substantial 35% damage boost for 10 seconds after delivering damage with all three of your weapons within a short time frame. Cascade Point and Envious Assassin create an excellent synergy, enhancing your fire rate and ammo reserves after securing kills.

Wendigo GL3

• Archetype: Adaptive
• Element: Arc
• Source: Nightfall
• Best Use: PvE & PvP

While Wendigo GL3 may not quite match Edge Transit in PvE efficiency, it holds its own and boasts two incredibly strong perks for PvP. As a guaranteed reward during specific Nightfall missions, it’s also more accessible for players seeking to farm it.

For PvE contexts, prioritize rolls with Auto-Loading Holster and Explosive Light, as the former automatically refills your magazine during downtime, while the latter boosts damage significantly after picking up an Orb of Light, stacking up to six times.

In PvP, the combination of Impulse Amplifier and Rangefinder boosts Wendigo’s Velocity considerably, making it a solid choice for long-range engagements against other Guardians.

Memory Interdict

• Archetype: Adaptive
• Element: Void
• Source: Possible Xur inventory
• Best Use: PvP

While Memory Interdict can have its applications in PvE if rolled correctly, it really shines in PvP scenarios. Hunt for configurations that pair Impulse Amplifier or Quickdraw with Danger Zone when Xur is in town.

This roll will enhance your grenade’s Velocity, crucial for PvP, while Danger Zone expands the Blast Radius when surrounded by foes. If you’re confident with landing shots directly on your enemies, Quickdraw is the better option.

Cataphract GL3

• Archetype: Adaptive
• Element: Strand
• Source: Trials of Osiris
• Best Use: PvP

Although primarily a PvP-focused GL, it’s important to note that Cataphract is the only Strand weapon of its type featured here. If you’re crafting a build around Darkness, a combination of Envious Assassin and Bait and Switch makes for an effective pairing.

In PvP, where the Trials rewards shine, securing a roll with Impulse Amplifier and Vorpal Weapon yields significant benefits. While Explosive Light is tempting as an alternative, its often excessive damage boost might be overkill in Crucible, whereas Vorpal Weapon provides a flat 10% damage increase with no preconditions.

Typhon GL5

• Archetype: Adaptive
• Element: Stasis
• Source: Possible Gunsmith inventory
• Best Use: PvE

Typhon GL5 is noted for its flexibility. In PvE, it serves effectively as both a boss and Major eliminator using Impulse Amplifier and Explosive Light, or it can excel as a crowd control weapon with Demolitionist and Chill Clip.

In PvP, you would want to swap Hard Launch for Volatile or Confined Launch to maximize Velocity, opting for Adrenaline Junkie as your second perk for increased handling following kills. That said, it isn’t the strongest choice in the current competitive landscape, with more favorable alternatives available.

A-Tier Weapons

Parasite

• Element: Solar
• Source: Exotic quest from Witch Queen
• Best Use: PvE

Parasite stands as the sole weapon on this list that should, without question, be excluded from PvP scenarios. However, it excels in sheer damage output compared to most other heavy weapons, albeit demanding a specific setup and a bold style of play.

This weapon fires live worms instead of conventional ammunition, each worm gaining a stacking buff to both explosive range and damage relative to the number of foes eliminated just prior with your other weapons. Combining the full stacks from Worm’s Hunger with Worm Byproduct facilitates an easy time dispatching bosses.

Warlocks, benefiting from generous self-healing options, find Parasite particularly advantageous, although Titans and Hunters can also optimize its use with Healing Grenades.

Marsilion-C

• Archetype: Rapid-Fire
• Element: Solar
• Source: Lost Sectors
• Best Use: PvE

Marsilion-C, the only Rapid-Fire type on this list, joins Cry Mutiny as one of the few heavy GLs capable of rolling with Incandescent; however, unlike Cry Mutiny, there’s no limit on which perks it can feature.

When combined with Envious Assassin, Marsilion can clear out entire areas with indiscriminate Solar explosions and minimal downtime. For broader utility, swapping Incandescent for Explosive Light is a valid option.

One drawback is its randomness, as it can only be obtained from Lost Sectors, making it a time-consuming task to perfect your roll.

reigning

• Archetype: Adaptive
• Element: Void
• Source: Avalon Exotic Mission
• Best Use: PvE

Regnant, a Void counterpart to Wendigo, features perks not accessible on Wendigo like Destabilizing Rounds.

Use Envious Assassin or Auto-Loading Holster to establish this weapon as your ad-clear choice, or filter into single-target builds using Explosive Light and Envious Assassin.

Interference VI

• Archetype: Adaptive
• Element: Arc
• Source: General world drop
• Best Use: PvE

While pursuing world drops can be a tedious task in Destiny 2, if you exercise a little patience, Interference VI can be a remarkable Grenade Launcher for PvE.

With a roll featuring Clown Cartridge—a chance to increase magazine capacity—and Full Court, you’ll be obliterating bosses from long distances, as Full Court grants additional damage (up to 25%) based on the travel distance of each grenade.

B-Tier Weapons

Weapon	Source	Best Roll (PvE)	Best Roll (PvP)
Berenger’s Memory	World drop	Barrel: Hard LaunchMagazine: Spike GrenadesPerk 1: Clown CartridgePerk 2: Auto-Loading HolsterMasterwork: Blast Radius	Barrel: Volatile LaunchMagazine: Proximity GrenadesPerk 1: Threat DetectorPerk 2: DemolitionistMasterwork: Handling
Canis Major	Potential Xur inventory	Barrel: Volatile LaunchMagazine: Spike GrenadesPerk 1: Clown CartridgePerk 2: Chain ReactionMasterwork: Blast Radius	Barrel: Volatile LaunchMagazine: Proximity GrenadesPerk 1: Impulse AmplifierPerk 2: Vorpal WeaponMasterwork: Handling
Crowd Pleaser	Gambit	Barrel: Volatile LaunchMagazine: Spike GrenadesPerk 1: Ambitious AssassinPerk 2: Chain ReactionMasterwork: Blast Radius	Barrel: Volatile LaunchMagazine: Spike Grenades or Proximity GrenadesPerk 1: Killing WindPerk 2: DemolitionistMasterwork: Velocity
Dimensional Hypotrochoid	Neomuna activities	Barrel: Volatile LaunchMagazine: High-Velocity RoundsPerk 1: Envious AssassinPerk 2: Chain ReactionMasterwork: Handling	Barrel: Volatile LaunchMagazine: High-Velocity RoundsPerk 1: Threat DetectorPerk 2: Chain ReactionMasterwork: Handling
Hullabaloo	Guardian Games	Barrel: Linear CompensatorMagazine: High-Velocity RoundsPerk 1: VoltshotPerk 2: Chain ReactionMasterwork: Handling	Barrel: Linear CompensatorMagazine: High-Velocity RoundsPerk 1: Impulse AmplifierPerk 2: Chain ReactionMasterwork: Handling
Koraxis’s Distress	Root of Nightmares	Barrel: Volatile LaunchMagazine: Spike GrenadesPerk 1: ReconstructionPerk 2: HatchlingMasterwork: Blast Radius	Barrel: Quick LaunchMagazine: Proximity GrenadesPerk 1: Impulse AmplifierPerk 2: SurroundedMasterwork: Blast Radius
Outrageous Fortune	World drop	Barrel: Volatile LaunchMagazine: Spike GrenadesPerk 1: Auto-Loading HolsterPerk 2: RampageMasterwork: Blast Radius	Barrel: Volatile LaunchMagazine: Remote Detonation or Proximity GrenadesPerk 1: Auto-Loading HolsterPerk 2: QuickdrawMasterwork: Handling

C-Tier Weapons

Weapon	Source	Best Roll (PvE)	Best Roll (PvP)
Blast Beat	Lost Sectors	Barrel: Volatile LaunchMagazine: Spike GrenadesPerk 1: Clown CartridgePerk 2: Chain Reaction or Auto-Loading HolsterMasterwork: Blast Radius	Barrel: Volatile Launch or Confined LaunchMagazine: Proximity GrenadesPerk 1: Threat DetectorPerk 2: Disruption Break or WellspringMasterwork: Handling
Cry Mutiny	Monument to Lost Lights	Fixed roll	Fixed Roll
Love and Death	Moon activities	Barrel: Quick LaunchMagazine: Spike GrenadesPerk 1: Field PrepPerk 2: Full CourtMasterwork: Velocity	Barrel: Confined LaunchMagazine: Proximity GrenadesPerk 1: Auto-Loading HolsterPerk 2: SwashbucklerMasterwork: Blast Radius or Reload Speed
Tarnation	The Wellspring	Barrel: Volatile LaunchMagazine: Spike GrenadesPerk 1: Clown CartridgePerk 2: Danger ZoneMasterwork: Blast Radius	Barrel: Confined LaunchMagazine: Proximity GrenadesPerk 1: Killing WindPerk 2: Chain ReactionMasterwork: Blast Radius

Source

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