<p>In Destiny 2, Machine Guns are essential for managing adds effectively, making them a top choice across all gameplay modes. Here are the premier Machine Guns currently dominating the meta.
The PvE environment highlights the significance of Machine Guns, which excel in rapidly eliminating enemy hordes. Similarly, in the PvP landscape, their quick time-to-kill makes them formidable contenders in both The Crucible and Gambit.
Nevertheless, not all Machine Guns are created equal. While some reign supreme in their category, others fail to meet expectations. To assist you in identifying the top-performing options, we’ve compiled a comprehensive tier list featuring the best Machine Guns tailored for both PvE and PvP scenarios.
Machine Gun Tier Rankings
| TIER | WEAPON |
|---|---|
| S | Commemoration, Hammerhead, Thunderlord, Song of Ir Yut, Pro Memoria, Corrective Measure |
| A | 21% Delirium, Fixed Odds, Unwavering Duty, Qullim’s Terminus, Speleologist, Avalanche, Archon’s Thunder, Heir Apparent |
| B | Xenophage, Recurrent Impact, Circular Logic, The SWARM, Deterministic Chaos, Retrofit Escapade, Terminus Horizon, Qua Xaphan V, A Fine Memorial, Marcato-45, Shattered Cipher, Temporal Clause, Thermal Erosion |
| C | Edgewise, Chain of Command, Grand Overture, Planck’s Stride, Bane of Sorrow, Eleatic Principle, Seventh Seraph SAW, Exitus Mk.1 |
Explanation of Tiers
- S: The top-tier Machine Guns available
- A: Great Machine Guns capable of excelling in challenging content
- B: These Machine Guns can be effective in specific situations but don’t dominate
- C: These Machine Guns are best avoided
Current Meta Overview
Machine Guns are the go-to option for clearing adds in Destiny 2, whether you’re tackling high-difficulty environments or more straightforward activities. While other weapon types can serve a similar purpose, none compare to the efficiency of top-tier Machine Guns when it comes to quickly dispatching numerous foes.
For optimal performance, look for top picks like Commemoration, Hammerhead, and Song of Ir Yut, which stand out among legendary Machine Guns. These weapons deliver unparalleled damage and consistency, making them particularly effective in various scenarios.
If you’re willing to utilize an Exotic slot, Thunderlord is an excellent choice that performs admirably for both add-clearing and defeating Champions, although a Rocket Launcher or Heavy Grenade Launcher may be more suitable for boss damage to avoid hindering your team’s output.
This list will be revised regularly as Bungie continues to introduce new Machine Guns or refresh existing ones, so anticipate updates after major patches. For now, continue reading for an in-depth analysis of each notable Machine Gun.
S-Tier Machine Guns
Commemoration
- Element: Void
- Archetype: Adaptive
- Source: Deep Stone Crypt
- Best Use: PvE & PvP
| PVE GOD ROLL | PVP GOD ROLL |
|---|---|
| Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Extended Mag Perk 1: Reconstruction Perk 2: Killing Tally Masterwork: Handling | Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Dynamic Sway Reduction Perk 2: High-Impact Reserves Masterwork: Range |
Since its debut in Season 12, Commemoration has cemented itself as Destiny 2’s premier Machine Gun. Renowned for its outstanding capability to clear adds, it has become an essential part of high-tier content runs, appearing frequently in Contest Mode raids or dungeons.
The synergy between Reconstruction and Killing Tally creates an impressive damage output, with nearly a constant 30% boost without requiring any specific action, allowing it to effortlessly handle waves of enemies.
Hammerhead
- Element: Void
- Archetype: Adaptive
- Source: Onslaught
- Best Use: PvE
| PVE GOD ROLL | PVP GOD ROLL |
|---|---|
| Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Extended Mag Perk 1: Rewind Rounds Perk 2: Killing Tally Masterwork: Handling | Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Under-Over Perk 2: Tap The Trigger Masterwork: Range |
After ten seasons dominated by Commemoration, the return of Hammerhead in “Into The Light”marked a new chapter, positioning it as one of the top Machine Guns in the game. Its performance rivals that of Commemoration, effectively filling the same niche.
Much like Commemoration, Hammerhead makes use of Rewind Rounds to maintain its damage boost, offering comparable performance and accessibility since it can be earned through Onslaught activities instead of high-level raid encounters.
Thunderlord
- Element: Arc
- Source: Exotic Engrams
- Best Use: PvE
| Curated Roll |
|---|
| Barrel: Polygonal Rifling Magazine: Armor-Piercing Rounds Basic Trait: Feeding Frenzy Exotic Perks: Reign Havoc, Lightning Rounds Exotic Catalyst: Return Stroke |
Unlike many Exotic Machine Guns that often underperform, Thunderlord distinguishes itself with remarkable area-denial capabilities. This Exotic gun unleashes powerful lightning strikes, providing significant damage output while also clearing adds effectively. It even boasts the ability to stun Overload Champions.
Moreover, Thunderlord is equipped with a catalyst that allows it to load rounds from reserves, setting it apart from other Exotic Machine Guns. This enhances its overall versatility, ensuring its effectiveness in most content.
Song of Ir Yut
- Element: Arc
- Archetype: Adaptive
- Source: Crota’s End
- Best Use: PvE
| PVE GOD ROLL | PVP GOD ROLL |
|---|---|
| Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Extended Mag Perk 1: Reconstruction Perk 2: Sword Logic Masterwork: Handling | Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Ricochet Rounds Perk 1: Keep Away Perk 2: Target Lock Masterwork: Stability |
As Crota’s End remains a challenging raid to assemble a team for, the incredible Song of Ir Yut is only available through this undertaking. As the preeminent Arc Machine Gun, it competes closely with Exotics like Thunderlord for top honors, proving invaluable when optimized through its craftable nature.
Its line-up of Reconstruction and Sword Logic enables it to maintain effective damage output similar to Commemoration and Hammerhead, hitting harder due to the potential 50% damage boost from Sword Logic. As a notable contender within the meta, its craftability is an added benefit.
Pro Memoria
- Element: Strand
- Archetype: Aggressive
- Source: The Pale Heart
- Best Use: PvE & PvP
| PVE GOD ROLL | PVP GOD ROLL |
|---|---|
| Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Extended Mag Perk 1: Reconstruction Perk 2: Dragonfly Masterwork: Handling | Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Ricochet Rounds Perk 1: To The Pain Perk 2: Tap The Trigger Masterwork: Range |
Pro Memoria is exceptionally accessible, being the only S-Tier Machine Gun that any player can obtain without completing high-level activities, raids, or dungeons. Instead, it can be crafted through The Pale Heart, a beginner-friendly area from “The Final Shape,”suitable for all players.
Despite its easy acquisition, it holds its ground among the best. Thanks to the powerful Reconstruction perk and the solid alternative of Dragonfly for additional area damage, Pro Memoria remains a strong asset for any player, regardless of skill level. Even end-game players will find it a viable addition to their arsenal.
Corrective Measure
- Element: Void
- Archetype: Adaptive
- Source: Vault of Glass
- Best Use: PvE & PvP
| PVE GOD ROLL | PVP GOD ROLL |
|---|---|
| Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Extended Mag Perk 1: Rewind Rounds Perk 2: Firefly Masterwork: Handling | Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Ricochet Rounds Perk 1: Dynamic Sway Reduction Perk 2: Tap The Trigger Masterwork: Range |
While it may not surpass Commemoration or Hammerhead in power, Corrective Measure stands as a strong alternative that performs admirably. It may lack Killing Tally, but it compensates with superior add-clear potential thanks to Firefly, making it unique among Void weapons.
Corrective Measure shines especially in PvP scenarios, leveraging Dynamic Sway Reduction and Tap The Trigger to become incredibly accurate at various ranges, making it a reliable option in Gambit and beyond.
A-Tier Machine Guns
21% Delirium
- Element: Arc
- Archetype: Rapid-Fire
- Source: Exotic Archive
- Best Use: PvE
| Curated Roll |
|---|
| Barrel: Polygonal Rifling Magazine: Extended Mag Park 1: Overflow Perk 2: Killing Tally |
First introduced in Season 6, 21% Delirium is the oldest entry on this list. After briefly being sunset, Bungie has restored this fan-favorite weapon in “The Final Shape.”
Even after five years, 21% Delirium remains a proficient machine gun, especially for Arc builds. Its ability to load numerous rounds with Overflow and receive the same 30% damage boost from Killing Tally ensures it remains a solid choice for dealing with adds and an acceptable option for DPS.
Fixed Odds
- Element: Solar
- Archetype: High-Impact
- Source: Duality
- Best Use: PvE
| PVE GOD ROLL | PVP GOD ROLL |
|---|---|
| Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Tactical Mag Perk 1: Feeding Frenzy Perk 2: Incandescent Masterwork: Reload Speed | Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Ricochet Rounds Perk 1: Quickdraw Perk 2: Rangefinder Masterwork: Range |
For players seeking Solar Machine Guns, Fixed Odds emerges as the top choice, especially in PvE content. It boasts efficiency with its low fire rate coupled with Incandescent perks for clearing adds, the primary focus of using such a weapon. For boss engagements, it would be best to rely on a different weapon suited to that role.
Although Feeding Frenzy may not match the potential of Reconstruction or Rewind Rounds, it still serves well enough, ensuring that reloading doesn’t become a frequent issue. If you need Solar synergy for your build or there’s an active Solar Surge, Fixed Odds is a strong candidate.
Unwavering Duty
- Element: Solar
- Archetype: Adaptive
- Source: Trials of Osiris
- Best Use: PvP
| PVE GOD ROLL | PVP GOD ROLL |
|---|---|
| Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Appended Mag Perk 1: Subsistence Perk 2: Incandescent Masterwork: Stability | Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Ricochet Rounds Perk 1: Dynamic Sway Reduction Perk 2: Tap The Trigger Masterwork: Range |
While Unwavering Duty boasts reasonable capabilities in PvE, its true power shines in PvP gameplay. Its Adaptive frame classification makes it highly efficient in Player versus Player encounters, further enhanced by benefits like Dynamic Sway Reduction and Tap The Trigger for optimal accuracy.
Though focusing on PvP may seem unusual for a Machine Gun, it has made perfect sense given its access as a Trials of Osiris reward. Furthermore, Unwavering Duty is still practical in PvE contexts, utilizing Subsistence to maintain its ammo supply while leveraging Incandescent for clear adds efficiently.
Qullim’s Terminus
- Element: Stasis
- Archetype: High-Impact
- Source: King’s Fall
- Best Use: PvE & PvP
| PVE GOD ROLL | PVP GOD ROLL |
|---|---|
| Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Tactical Mag Perk 1: Unrelenting Perk 2: Killing Tally Masterwork: Stability | Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Dynamic Sway Reduction Perk 2: Eye of the Storm Masterwork: Stability |
Despite being one of only a couple of competitive Machine Guns available to Stasis builds, Qullim’s Terminus offers a solid choice, particularly for PvP, where its accuracy is exceptional. In PvE, it stands out thanks to Unrelenting, providing significant healing as you dispatch enemies when paired with Killing Tally.
This weapon excels in scenarios demanding high damage resilience, allowing you to recover health while clearing out enemy ranks efficiently.
Speleologist
- Element: Solar
- Archetype: Rapid-Fire
- Source: Episode: Echoes seasonal activities
- Best Use: PvE
| PVE GOD ROLL | PVP GOD ROLL |
|---|---|
| Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Tactical Mag Perk 1: Envious Assassin Perk 2: Incandescent Masterwork: Stability | Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Firmly Planted Perk 2: Target Lock Masterwork: Stability |
Initially, Speleologist was met with a lukewarm reception, but it’s stronger than most players give it credit for. While it may not reach S-tier status, this Solar Machine Gun has a solid perk pool and features an Origin Trait that causes explosions on target elimination, enhancing its overall effectiveness.
While Rapid-Fire Frames aren’t leading the current meta, Speleologist remains a viable choice, particularly for new players seeking Solar options. It effectively fills the role of a seasonal weapon, so while it may not be your top choice, it provides useful functionality until you can secure better alternatives.
Avalanche
- Element: Solar
- Archetype: Adaptive
- Source: The Dawning
- Best Use: PvE & PvP
| PVE GOD ROLL | PVP GOD ROLL |
|---|---|
| Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Extended Mag Perk 1: Rewind Rounds Perk 2: Incandescent Masterwork: Range | Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Dynamic Sway Reduction Perk 2: Target Lock Masterwork: Stability |
Avalanche wasn’t particularly well received initially, likely due to the timing of its return. However, the gun’s potential should not be underestimated as it possesses two excellent perks: Rewind Rounds and Incandescent, making it a worthy Adaptive Frame option.
The primary drawback is its limited ammo reserves, making it somewhat inefficient when compared to other Machine Guns. If Bungie can rectify this issue, Avalanche could easily rise to one of the top Machine Guns in the game.
Archon’s Thunder
- Element: Stasis
- Archetype: High-Impact
- Source: Iron Banner
- Best Use: PvE & PvP
| PVE GOD ROLL | PVP GOD ROLL |
|---|---|
| Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Tactical Mag Perk 1: Envious Assassin Perk 2: Killing Tally Masterwork: Stability | Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Dynamic Sway Reduction Perk 2: Tap The Trigger Masterwork: Range |
This revived legacy weapon received a fresh set of perks that enhance its viability, especially since Stasis Machine Guns are rarer. The current season focuses heavily on Stasis, making Archon’s Thunder an excellent option due to its synergy with the Revenant artifact, unlike many other Machine Guns.
Although not exceptional, its Killing Tally perk provides a potent 30% damage increase and easy activation. With Envious Assassin allowing for magazine flexibility, Archon’s Thunder remains competitive in PvP, though Adaptive Frames are generally favored over High-Impact ones.
Heir Apparent
- Element: Solar
- Source: Guardian Games
- Best Use: PvE & PvP
| Curated Roll |
|---|
| Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling Magazine: Appended Mag Basic Grip: Combat Grip Exotic Perks: Heavy Slug Thrower, Armor of the Colossus Exotic Catalyst: Legion’s Bulwark |
Heir Apparent stands out as one of the most unique Machine Guns in Destiny 2, designed like a minigun with hip-fire capabilities. What truly differentiates it is its ability to create an Arc shield, providing substantial protection from incoming fire, especially when utilizing its catalyst for enhanced shield effectiveness.
This shield function allows Heir Apparent to support a tank-like playstyle, enabling you to act as a shield for teammates while they deal damage. This capability extends beyond PvE, proving advantageous in PvP as it helps control areas and secure objectives effectively.
B-Tier Machine Guns
| WEAPON | ARCHETYPE | PVE GOD ROLL | PVP GOD ROLL |
|---|---|---|---|
 Xenophage |
Solar(Exotic) | Curated Roll | Curated Roll |
 Recurrent Impact |
Stasis (Rapid Fire) | SubsistenceFrenzy | Perpetual MotionTap The Trigger |
 Circular Logic |
Strand(Adaptive) | Feeding FrenzyHatchling | Keep AwayEye of the Storm |
 The SWARM |
Arc(High-Impact) | Feeding FrenzyDragonfly | Dynamic Sway ReductionTarget Lock |
 Deterministic Chaos |
Void(Exotic) | Curated Roll | Curated Roll |
 Retrofit Escapade |
Void(Rapid-Fire) | Fourth Time’s the CharmTarget Lock | Zen MomentTap The Trigger |
 Through Xaphan V |
Void(High-Impact) | Triple TapDestabilizing Rounds | Dynamic Sway ReductionElemental Capacitor |
 Terminus Horizon |
Arc(High-Impact) | Triple TapTarget Lock | Triple TapTarget Lock |
 A Fine Memorial |
Arc(Adaptive) | SubsistenceFrenzy | QuickdrawSnapshot Sights |
 Marked-45 |
Strand(Adaptive) | Triple TapOnslaught | Threat DetectorUnder-Over |
 Shattered Cipher |
Void(Rapid-Fire) | Auto-Loading HolsterRampage | SlidewaysSnapshot Sights |
 Temporal Clause |
Void(Rapid-Fire) | Auto-Loading HolsterRampage | QuickdrawEye of the Storm |
 Thermal Erosion |
Solar(Rapid-Fire) | Field PrepDragonfly | Zen MomentSnapshot Sights |
C-Tier Machine Guns
| WEAPON | ARCHETYPE | PVE GOD ROLL | PVP GOD ROLL |
|---|---|---|---|
 Edgewise |
Solar(Rapid-Fire) | Feeding FrenzyRampage | Field PrepRampage |
 Chain of Command |
Stasis(Adaptive) | OsmosisDemolitionist | Adrenaline JunkieDemolitionist |
 Grand Overture |
Arc(Exotic) | Curated Roll | Curated Roll |
 Planck’s Stride |
Arc(Rapid-Fire) | Grave RobberSwashbuckler | Perpetual MotionTap The Trigger |
 Bane of Sorrow |
Void(High-Impact) | Feeding FrenzyRampage | Snapshot SightsHigh-Impact Reserves |
 Eleatic Principle |
Arc(Rapid-Fire) | Eddy CurrentTarget Lock | Zen MomentRangefinder |
 Seventh Seraph SAW |
Arc(High-Impact) | Auto-Loading HolsterFiring Line | Zen MomentElemental Capacitor |
 Issue Mk1 |
Void(Adaptive) | Killing Wind | Killing Wind |
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