The PvP meta in Destiny 2 is always evolving, particularly with the introduction of new weapons in the latest Episode, Revenant, providing players with numerous exciting choices.
Despite ongoing debates among players, the Crucible remains a highly favored arena where Guardians can face off against each other. Bungie recognizes this popularity, introducing various buffs and nerfs this season to keep gameplay engaging.
The thrill of PvP lies in strategizing builds and identifying the most effective legendary and Exotic weapons to gain the upper hand. This task becomes increasingly challenging as new, powerful weapons enter the game, compelling players to hunt for new god rolls with each update.
As expected, the PvP Meta comprises the most effective weapons available. Several factors can contribute to a weapon’s success in the Crucible, such as a desirable perk pool, a swift Time To Kill (TTK), or simply how satisfying it feels in combat. Here are the essential meta weapons to ensure you remain competitive.
Top PvP Weapon Recommendations for the Current Meta
As of now, Auto Rifles, Hand Cannons, and Pulse Rifles reign supreme as the best primary weapons, while Shotguns and Sniper Rifles serve as the most effective special weapon choices, delivering unmatched lethality when taking aim at enemy Guardians.
Here are the top PvP weapons we strongly recommend for Competitive play and Trials of Osiris, featuring the best options in their respective categories:
- Auto Rifles: Khvostov 7G-0X and The Summoner
- Hand Cannons: Ace of Spades and Rose
- Pulse Rifles: Elsie’s Rifle and The Messenger
- Shotguns: Conditional Finality, Matador 64, and Someday
- Sniper Rifles: Cloudstrike and Beloved
The aforementioned firearms are the most effective choices in the Crucible, which explains why they are favored by top-tier players. Each of these weapons offers a swift TTK, impressive statistics, and either a fantastic perk pool or powerful Exotic perks optimized for PvP.
To maximize your effectiveness, aim to farm god rolls for these weapons, preparing yourself for any scenario, as each weapon excels in different map types. For instance, snipers like Cloudstrike are highly effective on open terrains (Disjunction, Radiant Cliffs, Vostok, etc.), while Shotguns such as Conditional Finality and Matador 64 do particularly well in close-quarters combat arenas (Burnout, Dead Cliffs, Rusted Lands, etc.).
Premier Top Slot Weapons for PvP (Kinetic, Stasis, Strand)
Kinetic Primary Weapons
Hung Jury SR4
- Weapon Type: Scout Rifle
- Element: Kinetic
- Weapon Frame: Precision
- Debut Season: Season 23 (Reissued)
- PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Box Breathing
Hung Jury SR4 was already a formidable choice upon its initial release in Season 20, and the reissued variant from Onslaught maintains its strength. Its ability to access Box Breathing grants a highly competitive 670 ms TTK against 100 Resilience, making it an exceptional pick for larger maps.
Midnight Coup
- Weapon Type: Hand Cannon
- Element: Kinetic
- Weapon Frame: Adaptive
- Debut Season: Season 23 (Reissued)
- PvP God Roll: Explosive Payload + Zen Moment
Reissued as part of Onslaught’s loot pool, Midnight Coup stands out as a stellar Hand Cannon that can compete with the best. Its feel during gameplay is exceptional, and its stats are solid for an Adaptive Frame. It’s an impressively balanced weapon that Hand Cannon lovers will appreciate.
Rose
- Weapon Type: Hand Cannon
- Element: Kinetic
- Weapon Frame: Lightweight
- Debut Season: Season 19 (Reissued)
- God Roll: Slideshot/Rapid Hit + Explosive Payload
Currently, Rose is considered the top Legendary Hand Cannon in PvP. It offers the reliability and damage of an Adaptive frame while blending in the handling and mobility benefits of a Lightweight Frame. However, its availability can be challenging as farming it takes time. If you’re willing to invest that effort, Rose is definitely worth pursuing.
The Messenger
- Weapon Type: Pulse Rifle
- Element: Kinetic
- Weapon Frame: High-Impact
- Debut Season: Season 21 (Reissued)
- PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Headseeker/Keep Away
The Messenger is a remarkable Pulse Rifle capable of delivering highly consistent two-burst kills. It operates similarly to a Legendary version of No Time to Explain, and given that the Exotic variant has dominated PvP, that’s quite impressive. However, gaining access to The Messenger is exclusive to Trials of Osiris, making it tricky for casual players to farm.
Unending Tempest
- Weapon Type: SMG
- Element: Stasis
- Weapon Frame: Precision
- Debut Season: Season 22
- God Roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction + Target Lock
Here’s the weapon that outperformed The Immortal. Despite nerfs to both SMGs and Target Lock in PvP, Unending Tempest continues to excel. Its sights are impressive, it boasts a fast TTK, and it’s user-friendly, whether you are a seasoned player or a newcomer. A god roll of Unending Tempest should be on your to-do list.
Kinetic Special Weapons
Defiance of Yasmin
- Weapon Type: Sniper Rifle
- Element: Kinetic
- Weapon Frame: Adaptive
- Debut Season: Season 18
- God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Opening Shot
While choices in top-tier Sniper Rifles are few, Defiance of Yasmin stands out among the best in PvP. Gained from King’s Fall, this raid weapon is fantastic, featuring high Aim Assistance and the coveted perk combination of Snapshot Sights and Opening Shot.
Fractethyst
- Weapon Type: Shotgun
- Element: Stasis
- Weapon Frame: Precision
- Debut Season: Season 15
- God Roll: Quickdraw/Slideshot + Opening Shot
Fractethyst, an older weapon introduced before The Witch Queen, is still a powerhouse in today’s metagame. Its synergy with Opening Shot and Quickdraw or Slideshot ensures it remains one of the best Stasis Shotguns for PvP, if not the top Special Legendary weapon as well.
Imperial Decree
- Weapon Type: Shotgun
- Element: Kinetic
- Weapon Frame: Aggressive
- Debut Season: Season 18 (Reissued)
- God Roll: Slideshot + Opening Shot
If you’re a fan of Precision Frame Shotguns, Fractethyst shines, but for those who prefer Aggressive Frames, Imperial Decree is the way to go. The reissued version is a PvP juggernaut: Slideshot negates reloading, while Opening Shot enhances consistency. However, acquiring Imperial Decree is challenging, as it’s no longer obtainable from seasonal activities.
Scatter Signal
- Weapon Type: Fusion Rifle
- Element: Strand
- Weapon Frame: Rapid-Fire
- Debut Season: Season 23
- God Roll: Surplus + Kickstart
Although Fusion Rifles aren’t currently dominating the meta, Scatter Signal has found its place as a solid option. The standout perk, Kickstart, provides a significant damage boost while sliding, making it an ideal fit for a Rapid-Fire Frame that delivers rapid fire rates, enabling players to slide into enemies swiftly.
Someday
- Weapon Type: Shotgun
- Element: Kinetic
- Weapon Frame: Precision
- Debut Season: Season 24 (Episode: Echoes)
- God Roll: Threat Detector/Elemental Capacitor (Arc) + Opening Shot
Given the scarcity of quality top-slot shotguns in Destiny 2, the introduction of Someday alongside Echoes is a refreshing addition. This Precision Frame shotgun boasts excellent range and handling, and it is easily farmable as a craftable weapon from The Pale Heart, making it a highly attractive option in PvP.
Kinetic Exotic Weapons
Ace of Spades
- Weapon Type: Hand Cannon
- Element: Kinetic
- Exotic Perks: Memento Mori, Firefly
- Catalyst: Funeral Pyre
- Debut Season: Season 4
Ace of Spades is one of the simplest yet effective Exotic Weapons available. By securing kills, you activate Memento Mori, enhancing your next six shots for increased damage that can easily eliminate Guardians.
Conditional Finality
- Weapon Type: Shotgun
- Element: Stasis
- Exotic Perks: Split Decision, Paracausal Pellets
- Catalyst: N/A
- Debut Season: Season 8
Conditional Finality offers a unique twist with its dual-barrel design, unleashing flames from one side and ice from the other. The fire triggers Ignitions for added damage, while the ice freezes opponents. Its impressive handling makes it ideal for an aggressive playstyle, pushing into close-range encounters.
Forerunner
- Weapon Type: Sidearm
- Element: Kinetic
- Exotic Perks: Full Stop, Pace Yourself
- Catalyst: The Rock
- Debut Season: Season 15
Benefiting from recent Crucible adjustments in Season 23, Forerunner functions effectively as a high-mobility Scout Rifle in medium-range engagements. It can outperform most weapons because it requires only three shots for a kill while maintaining a speedy fire rate of 200 RPM.
Khvostov 7G-0X
- Weapon Type: Auto Rifle
- Element: Kinetic
- Exotic Perks: The Right Choice, Shoot to Loot
- Catalyst: N/A
- Debut Season: Season 24
Initially introduced in The Final Shape, Khvostov emerged as a top-tier Exotic in the PvP arena, although subsequent nerfs balanced its power. Nevertheless, it retains its position as a leading Auto Rifle for those adept at tracking. Acquiring Khvostov can be labor-intensive, but the effort proves rewarding given its strength.
Outbreak Perfected
- Weapon Type: Pulse Rifle
- Element: Kinetic
- Exotic Perks: The Corruption Spreads, Parasitism
- Catalyst: The Corruption Spreads (Enhanced)
- Debut Season: Season 23 (Reissued)
Before Season 23, Outbreak Perfected wasn’t particularly effective in PvP due to slow handling and reloading speeds. Following the release of a craftable variant that allows weapon customization, its standing has significantly improved. Its ability to utilize Headseeker also secures its place among the elite PvP weapons.
Top Energy Weapons for PvP (Arc, Solar, Void)
Primary Energy Weapons
Claws of the Wolf
- Weapon Type: Pulse Rifle
- Element: Void
- Weapon Frame: Rapid-Fire
- Debut Season: Season 24 (Reissued)
- God Roll: Headseeker + Zen Moment/Kill Clip
From a PvP perspective, Claws of the Wolf presents a captivating addition during Iron Banner. Its unique ability to roll with Headseeker enhances its damage output, especially when paired with another damage perk like Zen Moment or Kill Clip, making it an effective weapon overall.
Elsie’s Rifle
- Weapon Type: Pulse Rifle
- Element: Void
- Weapon Frame: High-Impact Frame
- Debut Season: Season 23
- God Roll: Zen Moment + Headseeker
Formerly known as The Stranger’s Rifle, Elsie’s Rifle illustrates Destiny 2’s classic appeal. While it may lack purpose in PvE scenarios, it excels in PvP, boasting a reliable two-burst capability against enemy Guardians. Zen Moment is particularly effective, enhancing the weapon’s consistency.
Igneous Hammer
- Weapon Type: Hand Cannon
- Element: Solar
- Weapon Frame: Aggressive
- Debut Season: Season 22 (Reissued)
- God Roll: Keep Away + Eye of the Storm
If aggressive Hand Cannons resonate with you, Igneous Hammer is an ideal choice. When Keep Away activates, it behaves like a fast-handling Scout Rifle, equipped with top-tier PvP perks for overwhelming power.
Prosecutor
- Weapon Type: Auto Rifle
- Element: Arc
- Weapon Frame: Precision
- Debut Season: Season 23 (Reissued)
- God Roll: Zen Moment + Target Lock/Tap the Trigger
Despite some players neglecting the refreshed Prophecy loot pool, it introduced notable new options, particularly Prosecutor, which currently stands as the top Arc Auto Rifle. Its outstanding stats ensure it dominates PvP engagements while offering a diverse range of perks for PvE purposes. Be sure to farm this weapon from Prophecy’s first encounter.
The Summoner
- Weapon Type: Auto Rifle
- Element: Solar
- Weapon Frame: Adaptive
- Debut Season: Season 23 (Reissued)
- God Roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction/Zen Moment + Target Lock
If you prefer Adaptive Frame Auto Rifles instead of Precision ones, The Summoner is a robust alternative to Prosecutor. This weapon combines a fantastic TTK with precise accuracy, solidifying its status within The Final Shape’s PvP meta.
Special Energy Weapons
Beloved
- Weapon Type: Sniper Rifle
- Element: Solar
- Weapon Frame: Adaptive
- Debut Season: Season 17 (Reissued)
- God Roll: Snapshot Sights + Moving Target/Quickdraw
Beloved remains a top Sniper Rifle choice due to its attractive perk pool and low zoom. Contrary to typical expectations, its low zoom enhances aggressive play, benefiting skilled players. However, obtaining a craftable version of Beloved has become increasingly difficult without using Deepsight Harmonizers.
Felwinter’s Lie
- Weapon Type: Shotgun
- Element: Solar
- Weapon Frame: Shot Package (Unique)
- Debut Season: Season 10
- God Roll: Curated Roll
Although Felwinter’s Lie is the oldest weapon on this list, it remains a formidable choice, still effective four years post-release. Its unique weapon frame provides a consistent pellet spread, making it viable for one-tap eliminations on unsuspecting Guardians.
Matador 64
- Weapon Type: Shotgun
- Element: Arc
- Weapon Frame: Precision
- Debut Season: Season 15
- God Roll: Threat Detector/Perpetual Motion + Opening Shot
Matador 64 has risen to become the most popular gun in Destiny 2’s evolving meta since its introduction. It possesses incredible ease of use alongside powerful perks, making it a sought-after shotgun in PvP. Its farming process is straightforward, as it frequently drops from Grasp of Avarice.
Retold Speech
- Weapon Type: Shotgun
- Element: Void
- Weapon Frame: Precision
- Debut Season: Season 23 (Reissued)
- God Roll: Quickdraw/Slideshot + Snapshot Sights
The return of Retold Tale during Season 23 did little to diminish its effectiveness. Equipped with Quickdraw or Slideshot in combination with Snapshot Sights, this Precision Frame shotgun remains lethal in combat, capable of dominating opponents up to 7 meters range.
The Epicurean
- Weapon Type: Fusion Rifle
- Element: Solar
- Weapon Frame: Precision
- Debut Season: Season 15
- God Roll: Snapshot Sights/Surplus + Rangefinder/Backup Plan
For enthusiasts of Precision Fusion Rifles, The Epicurean delivers a reliable option for one-shot kills. You can either boost its range with Surplus and Rangefinder or enhance handling using Snapshot Sights and Backup Plan, ensuring effective performance in any PvP match.
Exotic Energy Weapons
Cloudstrike
- Weapon Type: Sniper Rifle
- Element: Arc
- Exotic Perks: Mortal Polarity, Stormbringer
- Catalyst: Triple Tap
- Debut Season: Season 12
Cloudstrike stands out as a highly enjoyable Sniper Rifle to wield, with its unique perk, Mortal Polarity, summoning lightning strikes to target enemies upon securing kills. In PvP, the lightning can take out groups of Guardians, creating opportunities for spectacular moments.
Gravity Lance
- Weapon Type: Pulse Rifle
- Element: Void
- Exotic Perks: Black Hole, Cosmology
- Catalyst: Vorpal Weapon, Turnabout
- Debut Season: Season 1
Even after its nerf in Season 23, Graviton Lance holds strong as one of the premier choices in PvP. While it may not dominate in chaining multi-kills anymore, it remains formidable during one-on-one engagements. It’s imperative to remember that Graviton Lance behaves more like a Scout Rifle than a typical Pulse Rifle.
Jotunn
- Weapon Type: Fusion Rifle
- Element: Solar
- Exotic Perks: Charge Shot, Shield Disorient
- Catalyst: Cornered, Incandescent
- Debut Season: Season 5
With a bit of practice, Jotunn emerges as one of the most lethal Special weapons in PvP. This unique weapon acts like a mini rocket launcher with its tracking projectiles. However, be mindful of its infamous reputation for being perceived as a “toxic”weapon, which might lead to some colorful exchanges from opposing teams.
Red Death Reformed
- Weapon Type: Pulse Rifle
- Element: Solar
- Exotic Perks: Redemption, Inverse Relationship
- Catalyst: Helping Hand
- Debut Season: Season 24 (Episode: Echoes)
Red Death Reformed shines as an Exotic weapon featured in The Final Shape, excelling particularly in PvP. While it’s a competent Pulse Rifle from a TTK perspective, its self-healing ability sets it apart, providing a health regeneration mechanic with every elimination. Its Catalyst can further amplify healing, introducing an area-of-effect aspect with each additional kill.
Vex Mythoclast
- Weapon Type: Fusion Rifle
- Element: Solar
- Exotic Perks: Timeless Mythoclast, Temporal Unlimiter
- Catalyst: Calculated Balance
- Debut Season: Season 14
Vex Mythoclast challenges expectations, serving as an Exotic that deviates from conventional Fusion Rifle gameplay. It performs admirably as an Auto Rifle instead. Its reduced fire rate of 360 RPM serves as a constraint, but should its RPM return to 390 RPM, you can expect Vex Mythoclast to reclaim its meta status.
Top Heavy Weapons for PvP
Legendary Heavy Weapons
Cataphract GL3
- Weapon Type: Heavy Grenade Launcher
- Element: Strand
- Weapon Frame: Adaptive
- Debut Season: Season 22
- God Roll: Impulse Amplifier + Chain Reaction
Acquiring the Cataphract GL3 can be quite a challenge; however, for those who persist through the grind, it stands out as the best Heavy weapon in PvP. Opt for Proximity Mines and Impulse Amplifier, with other perks being secondary. Best of luck with the farming!
Edge Transit
- Weapon Type: Heavy Grenade Launcher
- Element: Void
- Weapon Frame: Adaptive
- Debut Season: Season 23 (Reissued)
- God Roll: Impulse Amplifier + Explosive Light
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to avoid the lengthy farming process for Cataphract GL3, Edge Transit is an excellent substitute that closely mirrors its effectiveness. The removal of weapon attunement from Onslaught has made obtaining it slightly more time-consuming; however, it’s considerably easier than farming the Cataphract GL3.
Hammerhead
- Weapon Type: Machine Gun
- Element: Void
- Weapon Frame: Adaptive
- Debut Season: Season 23 (Reissued)
- God Roll: Under-Over + Tap The Trigger
While often overlooked in PvP due to the rapid kill potential of other Heavy weapons, Hammerhead still provides a swift TTK that can obliterate primary or special weapons. Several LMGs are currently viable, including Heir Apparent and Commemoration, but Hammerhead’s access to Tap The Trigger enhances its consistency over distance.
Semiotician
- Weapon Type: Rocket Launcher
- Element: Strand
- Weapon Frame: High-Impact Frame
- Debut Season: Season 22
- God Roll: Impulse Amplifier + Explosive Light
Though Rocket Launchers are generally overshadowed by Grenade Launchers in PvP, Semiotician remains a noteworthy option. This High-Impact Frame weapon, paired with Impulse Amplifier, offers significant killing potential owing to its impressive blast radius and fast projectile speed. If you have a craftable version, it’s worth integrating into your loadout for the next Crucible match.
The Other Half
- Weapon Type: Sword
- Element: Void
- Weapon Frame: Adaptive
- Debut Season: Season 15
- God Roll: Eager Edge + Vorpal Weapon
This could easily apply to any sword equipped with Enhanced Eager Edge. Whether you opt for this weapon or Half-Truths, both function equally well. The key is that this perk enables an extensive lunge, offering unmatched mobility. Pair it with Grapple for evading incoming fire, making it immensely challenging to counter once you’ve perfected its use. The Other Half becomes deadly in these skilled hands.
Exotic Heavy Weapons
Deathbringer
- Weapon Type: Rocket Launcher
- Element: Void
- Exotic Perks: Dark Deliverance, Dark Descent
- Catalyst: Dead Weight
- Debut Season: Season 8
The unique mechanics of Deathbringer make it a powerful weapon in PvP, albeit requiring skill to master. Firing overhead releases an orb that subsequently detonates and rains down Void damage on Guardians below, proving instrumental for retaking objectives by forcing enemies off points and creating opportunistic captures.
Slag corner
- Weapon Type: Rocket Launcher
- Element: Solar
- Exotic Perks: Wolfpack Rounds, Pack Hunter
- Catalyst: More Wolves
- Debut Season: Season 15
While Gjallarhorn may compete closely with Tractor Cannon for relevance in the PvP scene, it remains highly effective. Although it might not overpower many meta Heavy Grenade Launchers, its homing rounds and broad area-of-effect capabilities make it remarkably easy to utilize. Anyone experienced with Gambit can attest to its formidable power when deployed expertly.
Thunderlord
- Weapon Type: Machine Gun
- Element: Arc
- Exotic Perks: Reign Havoc, Feeding Frenzy
- Catalyst: Return Stroke
- Debut Season: Season 4
Although alternative weapons may coexist within the Exotic slot, Thunderlord presents a reliable choice. Similar to Cloudstrike, it can generate lightning strikes, stunning and striking opponents. Its rapid TTK and impressive stats reinforce its viability for players who prefer not to engage with Grenade Launchers or Rocket Launchers.
Wardcliff Coil
- Weapon Type: Rocket Launcher
- Element: Arc
- Exotic Perks: Mad Scientist, Mechanized Autoloader
- Catalyst: Pinpoint Guidance Module
- Debut Season: Season 1
Though Wardcliff Coil isn’t recommended as a primary weapon, its potential for surprising enemy teams can’t be understated. When launched, it releases a swarm of rockets, overwhelming adversaries and achieving eliminations in a single moment. This overwhelming firepower can effectively swing momentum in tight situations, a rarity among most weapons.
That summarizes the top PvP Weapons to consider using in Destiny 2.
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