Top SMGs for PvE and PvP in Destiny 2

SMGs have consistently been top-performing weapons in Destiny 2 for close-quarters combat due to their rapid fire rate and ability to quickly deal significant damage. While they may not always be the most popular choices in the game’s meta, they have consistently proven to be reliable backup options.

Choosing the perfect SMG in the game can be a challenge, as there are numerous options to consider. It’s not uncommon to mistakenly discard one that could have been useful in a given situation.

In order to be prepared for The Final Shape in Destiny 2, knowing which SMGs are the top performers is crucial. This way, you will know which ones to keep when you come across them and avoid making any mistakes.

Best SMGs for PvE

1. Osteostriga

Statistics

• Impact: 25
• Range: 80
• Stability: 37
• Handling: 26
• Reload Speed: 18

The Oseo Striga is the most preferred option on the list due to its unique ability, Screaming Swarm. This feature enables the SMG to release a continuous stream of toxic projectiles that seek out targets, making it a formidable weapon in PvE scenarios. Additionally, landing a Final Blow or multiple precision hits can trigger a burst of poison, dealing damage not only to the target but also to those in their vicinity.

The Oseo Strige is a strong choice even in PvP, but it truly shines in PvE encounters. We have lost track of the number of times this weapon has helped us achieve victory in combat, making it more than deserving of our top spot.

Rice cookers

Statistics

• Impact: 20
• Range: 50
• Stability: 55
• Handling: 46
• Reload Speed: 35

The Riskrunner functions similarly to the Oseo Striga, however it utilizes Arc energy. Its Arc Conductor allows the weapon to strengthen and defend against Arc damage when activated by taking Arc damage. As you eliminate more enemies, the duration of this effect will increase. Additionally, the Superconductor feature enables the weapon to chain shots to other enemies and replenish ammo as long as Arc Conductor is active.

An excellent tool for clearing ads in the game is to use an Arc build. By throwing a grenade at your feet and allowing the Arc energy to flow through you, you can effortlessly eliminate large groups of enemies in a matter of seconds.

The Manticore

Stats

• Impact: 15
• Range: 41
• Stability: 58
• Handling: 68
• Reload Speed: 30

Using the Manticore will provide you with an aerial advantage in combat that can prove highly advantageous in any scenario. When firing the weapon while in the air, its damage potential will escalate, while utilizing it on the ground will activate its antigrav repulsors, allowing you to propel yourself upwards and enhance the damage dealt.

While it can be an effective tool for catching your opponents off guard and gaining an advantage, the antigrav repulsors will also limit your mobility, preventing you from flying around as freely as you might expect. This makes it easier for skilled enemies to shoot you out of the sky, which is why The Manticore is better suited for PvE rather than PvP combat.

4. CALUS Mini-Tool

Stats

• Impact: 15
• Range: 30
• Stability: 49
• Handling: 65
• Reload Speed: 31

The main focus of the CALUS Mini-Tool in Destiny 2 is its emphasis on movement and speed. This is evident in its increased movement speed and target acquisition when aiming down the sights, as well as a general improvement in movement speed while equipped with the SMG. Additionally, breaking an enemy’s shield with the SMG will temporarily boost the Kinetic stat.

Having the ability to navigate through a battlefield can provide significant advantages. By covering more distance in a shorter period, it could potentially be the determining factor between survival and fatality. Therefore, it is always wise to bring this weapon with you.

5. No Survivors

Stats

• Impact: 22
• Range: 44
• Stability: 17
• Handling: 57
• Reload Speed: 26

The advantages of No Survivors differ slightly from those of other SMGs on this list, as they vary depending on the Elements equipped for your Class. Here is a breakdown of its functionality:

• Solar: increases reload speed
• Arc: increases handling
• Void: increases stability
• Stasis: increases recoil control and movement speed when aiming down sights
• Strand: increases airborne effectiveness

Furthermore, the Restoration Ritual trait allows for instant reloading of the weapon through reviving teammates or performing Finishing Blows on enemies.

Best SMGs for Player vs. Player Combat

1. Raise it

Stats

• Impact: 22
• Range: 43
• Stability: 20
• Handling: 50
• Reload Speed: 35

The Tarrabah’s Ravenous Beast skill makes it one of the top choices for PvP scenarios in Destiny 2. By dealing and taking damage while using this SMG, the skill meter will gradually fill up. Once it reaches full capacity, simply hold down the reload button to activate it. This will significantly increase the weapon’s damage output for a duration of eight seconds, making it highly effective in taking down one or more opponents.

It is important to exercise caution when using it to passively increase your meter. Once it is full, wait for the enemy to be directly in your crosshairs before taking them down. It may be a bit challenging, but the satisfaction of successfully executing it is well worth the effort.

The Huckleberry

Stats

• Impact: 22
• Range: 48
• Stability: 36
• Handling: 56
• Reload Speed: 0

The Huckleberry is a strong choice for PvP due to its Rampage ability. This perk increases the weapon’s damage with each kill, stacking up to three times. Furthermore, the gun has Ride the Bull, which boosts its rate of fire and recoil as you continuously shoot, and partially reloads upon getting a kill with it.

The Huckleberry can be a formidable weapon if you are able to control its recoil effectively. Additionally, it is especially effective against enemies with depleted shields (i.e. red health bars), allowing you to swiftly eliminate them in a matter of seconds.

3. Funnelweb

Stats

• Impact: 15
• Range: 39
• Stability: 44
• Handling: 7-
• Reload Speed: 31

The Funnelweb offers improved accuracy while in motion, making it easier to move around. Additionally, utilizing a grenade kill or eliminating an enemy with the weapon can result in a damage boost.

In addition, it is equipped with a special attribute known as Veist Stinger, which offers the possibility of automatically reloading your weapon and boosting your mobility while aiming. This can greatly enhance your evasiveness and effectiveness in combat, as being able to navigate a PvP scenario can be crucial for survival.

Rapacious Appetite

Stats

• Impact: 22
• Range: 43
• Stability: 6
• Handling: 53
• Reload Speed: 22

The Rapacious Appetite is a one-of-a-kind weapon that enhances your strength when your abilities are not fully charged, provided that you possess the Unsated Hunger trait. This trait improves your handling, reload speed, and stability when none of your abilities are fully charged.

Having this can be a game-changer, as it enables you to stay alive until your powers return. This makes you stronger when you are most vulnerable. The Crucible takes longer to charge your abilities, so having this enhanced version is an effective way to counter that.

Shayura’s Fury

Stats

• Impact: 25
• Range: 59
• Stability: 44
• Handling: 27
• Reload Speed: 24

Our last SMG on this list for Destiny 2 possesses a unique feature known as Alacrity, which grants a boost in reload speed, aim assist, stability, and range when you are the sole survivor on your team or playing solo.

This perk can ensure your survival in a PvP battle while your team is waiting to re-enter. It also allows you to actively fight instead of hiding or being on the defensive, greatly increasing your team’s chances of winning.

The upcoming release of The Final Shape in Destiny 2 will bring about numerous changes. Be sure to read up on the new Pathfinder system, the anticipated release date of the new Raid, and a detailed overview of the new Dread enemy type.