Destiny 2: The Top Hand Cannons for PvE & PvP

The Final Shape expansion of Destiny 2 will likely see Hand Cannons remain a favored option due to their impressive agility and ability to deliver strong, long-range shots.

Although there are no new Exotic Hand Cannons being added in this expansion, there is already a strong selection of options available for players who wish to wield these formidable weapons against The Witness in the Pale Heart.

For those looking to incorporate powerful hand cannons into their Destiny 2 build, here are the top choices that can easily outshine the competition at the moment.

Top Hand Cannons for PvE

1. Light

Statistics

• Impact: 84
• Range: 53
• Stability: 50
• Handling: 71
• Reload Speed: 61

Starting off our PvE list is Lumina, equipped with a powerful dual trait combination. The first trait, Noble Rounds, activates when an enemy is eliminated, leaving behind a Remnant. Picking up this Remnant will then enable your next hipfire shot to seek out your allies and partially replenish your ammo. Upon reaching your ally, Blessing of the Sky will activate, healing them and granting both of you a damage boost.

This makes it a beneficial choice for PvE due to the higher number of enemies to defeat, which enables frequent use of these two traits. However, it should not be underestimated in PvP as it remains a reliable option in those game modes.

Malfeasance

Stats

• Impact: 78
• Range: 40
• Stability: 80
• Handling: 29
• Reload Speed: 80

Malfeasance is a versatile choice that excels in both PvE and PvP situations. Its Taken Predator ability provides increased damage against Taken enemies and Gambit Invaders. Additionally, its Explosive Shadow perk embeds explosive rounds into targets and can accumulate multiple rounds before detonating, resulting in significant damage and stunning any survivors.

Although it is primarily suited for PvE activities, its explosive rounds can also be advantageous in Crucible matches, and its increased damage against invaders in Gambit can serve as a crucial defensive advantage.

Sunshot

Stats

• Impact: 80
• Range: 31
• Stability: 40
• Handling: 81
• Reload Speed: 72

One of the most enjoyable features of Sunshot is its Sun Blast function, which causes defeated enemies to erupt in Solar energy and scorch those around them. Additionally, it illuminates any enemies who are affected by the blast, ensuring that they remain visible even amidst the chaos of Sunburn.

In general, this weapon is a formidable choice for Solar-focused builds, but it is still effective even without a specific build to enhance its elemental damage. Moreover, there is a satisfying feeling in wielding the fiery power of this weapon.

Facts About Thorn

Statistics

• Impact: 84
• Range: 34
• Stability: 55
• Handling: 65
• Reload Speed: 40

Another weapon that offers a unique combination of abilities is Thorn. These abilities, Soul Devourer and Mark of the Devourer, complement each other and work in tandem. By using Soul Devourer, you can collect Remnants which will enhance the power of Mark of the Devourer. And how do these Remnants come into existence? Through the use of Mark of the Devourer. This weapon not only has the ability to pierce through targets and cause damage over time, but also guarantees a Remnant drop with each kill.

Combining these abilities makes this Hand Cannon a valuable asset to have during a PvE encounter. It allows you to efficiently take down multiple targets, dealing damage to each one before moving on to the next.

Best Hand Cannons for PvP

1. Ace of Spades

Statistics

• Impact: 84
• Range: 75
• Stability: 40
• Handling: 40
• Reload Speed: 42

Thanks to its Memento Mori ability, Ace of Spades is a top choice for Hand Cannons in PvP game modes. This skill not only grants extra bullets upon reloading after a kill, but also provides a radar while aiming down sights. Additionally, its Firefly ability causes precision shots to result in explosive kills.

Thanks to its radar capabilities, this weapon can be a valuable asset in the Crucible, providing you with crucial information on approaching enemies and their direction. In Destiny 2 PvP, being caught off guard often leads to defeat, but with an enhanced radar from this weapon, you can effectively counter this threat.

2. Hawkmoon

Statistics

• Impact: 84
• Range: 52
• Stability: 63
• Handling: 71
• Reload Speed: 59

This Hand Cannon is equipped with the Paracausal Shot ability, which increases the number of Paracausal charges with each Final Blow and precision hit. These charges will accumulate until the final round of the magazine, where the last shot will deal bonus damage corresponding to the number of stacks you have accumulated.

Once you have reached the maximum stack of Paracausal, the shot becomes incredibly powerful and capable of devastating enemies. While it is not excessively strong, mastering the gun’s accuracy to consistently land precision shots elevates it beyond a typical weapon.

Crimson

Statistics

• Impact: 92
• Range: 55
• Stability: 80
• Handling: 45
• Reload Speed: 60

Crimson is a highly recommended weapon for PvP-focused players, as it provides health regeneration upon each kill. In addition, it offers a rare three-round burst feature not commonly found in Hand Cannons. This allows for continuous engagement in battles without the need to wait for health to regenerate, resulting in a faster and more dynamic gameplay experience.

When you successfully hit all three shots in a burst, you are dealing significant damage and will soon receive a health bonus upon defeating your target. The importance of this bonus cannot be overstated in PvP scenarios.

Eriana’s Vow

Stats

• Impact: 100
• Range: 100
• Stability: 30
• Handling: 23
• Reload Speed: 24

One of the greatest features of this Hand Cannon is its ability to penetrate the shields of Destiny 2 enemies, allowing you to directly inflict significant damage. This also applies to players in Crucible, making it effortless to eliminate them before they can even remove your shields.

The shortcut can be a valuable tool for PvP if used correctly. Additionally, the initial attack will deal extra damage unless it is a precise shot or blocked by an elemental shield. However, the shortcut is not wasted and can be saved for future use.

5. The Last Word

Stats

• Impact: 78
• Range: 20
• Stability: 40
• Handling: 20
• Reload Speed: 80

Despite its designation as a full-auto Hand Cannon, this weapon surprisingly performs optimally when shot from the hip. Utilizing its Hip-Fire Grip ability, firing in this manner results in increased accuracy, stability, and precision hit targeting.

The Last Word is a swift choice on this list that can greatly enhance PvP battles when engaging with your opponent at close range. Its ability to unload a full clip, effortlessly hit precision shots, and swiftly move on to the next target, provides a strong sense of power and satisfaction.

6. Sturm

Stats

• Impact: 92
• Range: 60
• Stability: 51
• Handling: 40
• Reload Speed: 50

In order to fully utilize its Storm and Stress ability, it is recommended to use the Drang sidearm in conjunction with Sturm. This enables kills with Drang to reload Sturm and add a bonus damage round to its magazine. Similarly, kills with Sturm will also reload Drang’s ammunition.

Despite not being the strongest ability on this list, it still fosters a valuable connection that ensures you are never caught without a fully loaded weapon. In the fast-paced world of PvP, consistently having your gun loaded is crucial for achieving success.

To learn more about Destiny 2 and The Final Shape, be sure to explore the new Dread enemies that will be added to the game, understand the mechanics of the new Pathfinder system, and find out the release date for the newest raid.