Top Destiny 2 Auto Rifles for PvE and PvP Gameplay

Destiny 2 presents a wide selection of Auto Rifles, with this classic weapon category standing out as one of the most dependable options available in the game.

The allure of Auto Rifles is unparalleled, as they offer a straightforward yet effective choice for players. Once viewed as mere average weapons, Auto Rifles have regained their prominence in the current meta, frequently featuring in Raids, Dungeons, and Grandmaster Nightfalls.

Currently, Auto Rifles are in an excellent state, providing an ideal blend of damage output, user-friendliness, and reliability. Whether you opt for Legendary or Exotic weapons within this category, you are guaranteed to have a formidable Primary weapon suitable for your preferred type of content.

This tier list evaluates the power of each Auto Rifle based on the present gameplay environment. Although some may require considerable effort to acquire, every recommended weapon here is certainly worth the grind. Ultimately, utilizing top-tier weapons is crucial to ensure you contribute effectively to your fireteam.

Auto Rifle Tier List

Tier	Weapon
S	Khvostov 7G-0X, Choir of One, The Summoner, The Riposte, Ammit AR2, Rufus’s Fury, Horror Story, Fair Judgment, Chroma Rush
A	VS Pyroelectric Propellant, Necrochasm, Quicksilver Storm, Abyss Defiant, Age-Old Bond, Prosecutor, No Hesitation, Ros Arago IV, Lethal Abundance, Centrifuse
B	Tommy’s Matchbook, Cerberus+1, Monte Carlo, Shadow Price, Tigerspite, Sweet Sorrow, Sorrow’s Verse, Perpetualis, SUROS Regime, Arctic Haze, Duty Bound, Veiled Threat, Braytech Werewolf, Firefright, Herod-C, Krait, Old Sterling, The Last Breath
C	The Forward Path, The Number, Seventh Seraph Carbine, Arc Logic, Chrysura Melo, Hard Light, Sweet Business

Understanding Our Tiers

S: The most powerful Auto Rifles in the game.
A: Strong Auto Rifles that can compete at higher difficulty levels.
B: These Auto Rifles can perform decently under certain circumstances but don’t dominate the meta.
C: These Auto Rifles are best left unused.

S-Tier

Khvostov 7G-0X

Khvostov serves as an exceptional addition for PvP enthusiasts in The Final Shape.

Element: Kinetic
Source: The Pale Heart Exotic Quest
Optimal Use: Both PvE and PvP

Curated Roll
Barrel: Hammer-Forged Rifling Magazine: Alloy Magazine Basic Trait: Shoot to Loot Exotic Perks: Eyes Up, Guardian, The Right Choice Exotic Catalyst: N/A

The Khvostov 7G-0X ranks among the top weapons introduced in The Final Shape. This weapon features a unique ability where every seventh round inflicts additional damage and ricochets to strike surrounding targets, making it formidable in any setting. Despite being nerfed, Khvostov continues to be a popular choice in PvP.

With a magazine capacity of 43, this weapon allows players to engage multiple adversaries before needing to reload. The challenge lies in acquiring the Khvostov 7G-0X through an extensive Exotic quest, but its immense power makes the effort worthwhile.

The Summoner

The Summoner stands out as a premier Auto Rifle for PvP in Destiny 2.

Element: Solar
Archetype: Adaptive
Source: Trials of Osiris
Optimal Use: PvE & PvP

PvE God Roll	PvP God Roll
Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Ricochet Rounds Perk 1: Heal Clip Perk 2: Incandescent Masterwork: Stability	Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Ricochet Rounds Perk 1: Dynamic Sway Reduction Perk 2: Kill Clip or Onslaught Masterwork: Range

The Summoner is one of the defining weapons within Destiny’s history. Its reputation is not just for appearances; it is truly exceptional in PvP, excelling in both 6v6 and 3v3 matches.

While the combination of Heal Clip and Kill Clip is effective, it’s the Onslaught perk that elevates this weapon’s threat level. However, it’s important to note that obtaining The Summoner requires participation in the Trials of Osiris, which can be challenging for those who are not well-versed in high-stakes PvP.

Ammit AR2

The best choice for medium to long-range combat, the Ammit AR2 is both easy to craft and obtain.

Element: Solar
Archetype: Precision
Source: Gunsmith
Optimal Use: PvE & PvP

PvE God Roll	PvP God Roll
Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Ricochet Rounds Perk 1: Stats for All Perk 2: Incandescent Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Ricochet Rounds Perk 1: Dynamic Sway Reduction Perk 2: Tap the Trigger Masterwork: Range

The Ammit AR2 boasts an excellent Origin Trait, Omolon Fluid Dynamics, remarkable range, and the outstanding duo of Dynamic Sway Reduction and Tap the Trigger. While it may not have any flashy tricks, its overall capability makes it an indispensable addition to any player’s arsenal.

It pairs well with various loadouts, and its red border is easily obtained as a reward for completing The Witch Queen campaign, solidifying the Ammit AR2’s status as a highly accessible Auto Rifle that excels in PvP.

Rufus’s Fury

Rufus’s Fury has emerged as the foremost Strand Auto Rifle for PvE.

Element: Strand
Archetype: Rapid Fire
Source: Root of Nightmares Raid
Optimal Use: PvE & PvP

PvE God Roll	PvP God Roll
Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Ricochet Rounds Perk 1: Reconstruction Perk 2: Hatchling or Target Lock Masterwork: Range	Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Ricochet Rounds Perk 1: Reconstruction or Moving Target Perk 2: Tap the Trigger Masterwork: Range

As far as Legendary Auto Rifles go, Rufus’s Fury ranks at the top. It provides similar advantages to Abyss Defiant but for Strand builds. With the Rapid Fire Frame, it excels in dispatching Minor enemies and performs exceptionally well given the current game landscape.

Additionally, Rufus’s Fury is more attainable than The Summoner, as the Root of Nightmares raid offers a less daunting challenge, making it a viable option for newcomers.

A-Tier

Age Old Bond

A screenshot from the game Destiny 2 — Source: Bungie

For Void subclass builds, Age Old Bond serves as a potent Auto Rifle.

Element: Void
Archetype: High Impact
Source: Last Wish Raid
Optimal Use: PvE

PvE God Roll	PvP God Roll
Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Tactical Mag Perk 1: Repulsor Brace Perk 2: Destabilizing Rounds Masterwork: Stability	Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Dynamic Sway Reduction Perk 2: Kill Clip Masterwork: Range

Age Old Bond stands as the premier Auto Rifle for players employing a Void strategy, especially effective for Warlocks. The combination of Repulsor Brace and Destabilizing Rounds allows players to maintain a Void Shield and trigger Volatile Rounds seamlessly, which is advantageous for clearing adds.

Moreover, these perks enable players to sustain Devour for longer durations through continuous eliminations, enhancing survivability. Particularly in some of Destiny’s most challenging activities, sustain often outweighs raw damage, making Age Old Bond a reliable weapon for intense encounters.

No Hesitation

No Hesitation introduces a novel Auto Rifle archetype known as the Support Frame.

Element: Solar
Archetype: Support
Source: The Pale Heart
Optimal Use: PvE

PvE God Roll	PvP God Roll
Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Physic Perk 2: Circle of Life or Incandescent Masterwork: Handling	Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Demolitionist Perk 2: Desperate Measures Masterwork: Range

Added in The Final Shape, No Hesitation marks the arrival of a Support Frame weapon where dealing damage generates a restorative charge that can be released by hip-firing to heal teammates. However, it is crucial to avoid the misconception of viewing this weapon solely as a quirky healing tool.

For best results, No Hesitation should be utilized as a reliable Solar Auto Rifle that also offers healing capabilities, rather than simply a healing weapon with Solar traits. Approaching it this way allows players to maximize its effectiveness alongside other popular Solar Auto Rifles like Ammit AR2.

Abyss Defiant

Farmed from Crota’s End, Abyss Defiant is one of the top rewards players can experience.

Element: Solar
Archetype: High Impact
Source: Crota’s End Raid
Optimal Use: PvE

PvE God Roll	PvP God Roll
Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Ricochet Rounds Perk 1: Heal Clip Perk 2: Incandescent Masterwork: Stability	Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Ricochet Rounds Perk 1: Zen Moment Perk 2: Eye of the Storm Masterwork: Range

Abyss Defiant is among the best choices for PvE at present. Its outstanding combination of perks and accessibility appeals to those who thrive on raiding. The Heal Clip and Kill Clip synergy bolsters both damage output and sustainability, while the Reconstruction and Incandescent perks align excellently with Solar builds.

Crafting this weapon enhances its usability further, providing players the opportunity to select their desired Masterwork for improved stats. The only hurdle lies in gathering a fireteam to run the Crota’s End raid, which might require some effort.

Quicksilver Storm

The Quicksilver Storm epitomizes all the great features of an Exotic Auto Rifle.

Element: Strand
Source: Monument to Lost Lights
Optimal Use: PvE & PvP

Curated Roll
Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling Magazine: High-Caliber Rounds Basic Trait: N/A Exotic Perks: Rocket Tracers, Grenade Chaser Exotic Catalyst: Nano-entanglement

While Rufus’s Fury is optimal for Warlocks, Quicksilver Storm is favored among Hunters and Titans. Its powerful shots paired with devastating Grenades result in impressive damage output. Players can achieve around 45,000 to 50,000 damage per shot when using Grenade Chaser, making it one of the few Primary weapons capable of efficiently eliminating Majors.

Additionally, with a firing rate of 720 RPM, Quicksilver Storm is exceptional for clearing adds. However, ensure accuracy to effectively recharge Grenades, particularly after notable nerfs implemented in Season 23.

Centrifuse

Centrifuse is a formidable Arc Auto Rifle with an entertaining quirk.

Element: Arc
Source: Monument to Lost Lights
Optimal Use: PvE & PvP

Curated Roll
Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling Magazine: Appended Mag Basic Trait: N/A Exotic Perks: Overcharge Capacitor, Regenerative Motion Exotic Catalyst: Static Buildup

Introduced in Season 21, Centrifuse is unique in that it rarely requires reloading, as it automatically refills its magazine while you move. Its distinctive feature, which grants substantially increased range, positions this Auto Rifle as a versatile choice for aggressive playstyles.

When paired with an Arc build, securing a kill activates the Amplified buff, allowing players to navigate the map at incredible speeds. Consider synergizing it with The Stag or any top-tier Prismatic Exotic.

For optimal performance, explore the best Hunter builds, Titan builds, and Warlock builds to accompany these Auto Rifles in The Final Shape. Staying updated on the current Dungeon and Raid rotation will also be essential to seize opportunities for acquiring Exotics from these encounters.

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