Top Destiny 2 Machine Guns for PvE and PvP Gameplay

<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