In the intricate tapestry of Destiny 2’s universe, every Guardian’s strength is measured not just by their skill but also by the weapons they wield. Among the vast arsenal at your disposal, machine guns have consistently proven their worth, offering a blend of firepower and versatility that few can match. But with so many options, how does one discern the best from the rest? That’s where we come in. This guide is meticulously crafted to spotlight the machine guns that truly shine, whether you’re battling in the Crucible or facing the game’s most daunting PvE challenges. So, strap in and prepare to embark on a journey of discovery, strategy, and unparalleled firepower.
Best Machine Guns in Destiny 2 PvE
Circular Logic
Introduced in Destiny 2’s Lightfall expansion, Circular Logic stands out as the first Strand machine gun. This adaptive frame weapon is not just a testament to its damage output but also its versatility in PvE scenarios. With a range of perks that can cater to different playstyles, Circular Logic is a solid choice for those looking to maximize their DPS and add clear capabilities.
Pros:
- Versatile Perk Pool: With options like Feeding Frenzy, Envious Assassin, and Target Lock, players can tailor the weapon to their needs.
- Reload Management: Machine guns often suffer from reload downtime, but Circular Logic offers perks like Feeding Frenzy and Envious Assassin to mitigate this.
- DPS and Add Clear: Depending on the perk combination, Circular Logic can be optimized for either DPS (with Target Lock) or add clear (with Hatchling).
Cons:
- Ammo Consumption: As with most machine guns, it’s essential to manage your ammo to ensure sustained damage output.
- Perk Dependency: The weapon’s effectiveness can vary significantly based on the rolled perks.
How to Obtain: Circular Logic can be acquired by completing the Terminal Overload activity when it’s located in the Zephyr Concourse area. Players aiming for specific rolls might need to engage in the activity multiple times to get their desired combination of perks.
Retrofit Escapade
Introduced during Destiny 2’s Season of the Seraph, the Retrofit Escapade is a rapid-fire Void LMG that has piqued the interest of many Guardians. Its unique perk combinations, especially when considering its rapid-fire frame, make it a weapon worth exploring for PvE enthusiasts. Whether you’re mowing down hordes of enemies or focusing on a single high-value target, this machine gun has something to offer.
Pros:
- Versatile Perk Pool: With perks like Feeding Frenzy, Fourth Time’s the Charm, and Target Lock, players can adapt the weapon to various PvE scenarios.
- High Damage Output: The combination of Fourth Time’s the Charm and Target Lock can result in sustained damage, especially against tougher enemies.
- Add Clearing: Its rapid-fire nature combined with perks like Rampage makes it excellent for clearing out groups of enemies.
Cons:
- Ammo Management: Being a rapid-fire LMG, it can quickly consume ammo.
- Dependent on Perk Rolls: The weapon’s effectiveness can vary significantly based on the rolled perks.
How to Obtain: Retrofit Escapade can be acquired from completing Season of the Seraph seasonal activities. Additionally, players can focus it at the H.E.L.M. Once enough Deepsight versions of the weapon have been obtained, it can also be crafted.
Commemoration
Commemoration is a Legendary Machine Gun in Destiny 2. It’s known for its well-rounded grip, making it reliable and sturdy. The gun has an inscription inside the barrel: “Clovis-II-1.”
Pros:
- Reconstruction Perk: This perk allows the magazine to be continuously reloaded up to double its capacity, making it a powerful choice for sustained fire.
- Killing Tally: After securing three kills without stowing or reloading the weapon, you get a 30% damage boost, making it a formidable weapon for ad-clearing.
- Versatility: With various perks available, players can customize the weapon to suit their playstyle, whether for PvE or PvP.
- Craftability: The weapon is craftable, allowing players to pursue their desired roll.
Cons:
- Availability: The weapon is primarily sourced from the “Deep Stone Crypt” raid, which might not be accessible to all players.
- No Boss Damage Perk: The weapon lacks perks like Vorpal or Firing Line, typically desired for boss damage.
How to Obtain: Commemoration can be obtained from the “Deep Stone Crypt” raid. Additionally, with the introduction of crafting in Destiny 2, players can craft this weapon with their desired perks.
Best Machine Guns in Destiny 2 PvP
Qullim’s Terminus
Qullim’s Terminus is a legendary machine gun that returned in Destiny 2’s Season of Plunder. Originally from the King’s Fall raid in the first Destiny game, this weapon has been reimagined as a Stasis weapon. It’s known for its unique perks and ability to deal significant damage, especially in PvP scenarios.
Pros:
- Unique Perks: Comes with perks like “Stats for All” and “Runneth Over Origin Trait,” which can overflow its magazine.
- Versatility in Perks: Offers a range of strong options in the third and fourth columns, including Headstone, Firefly, and Killing Tally.
- PvP Efficiency: With perks like Dynamic Sway Reduction and Killing Tally, it can be a formidable choice in the Crucible.
- Potential for PvE: Bungie has hinted at making machine guns more efficient for add clearing in future updates, which could make Qullim’s Terminus a top pick.
Cons:
- Reload Speed: The weapon has a notably slow reload speed, which can be a drawback in intense combat situations.
- Availability: Exclusive to the King’s Fall raid, making it potentially challenging for some players to acquire.
How to Obtain: Qullim’s Terminus is exclusive to the King’s Fall raid in Destiny 2. It can drop from various encounters within the raid, including the Gate, Totems, Warpriest, Golgoroth, and Oryx. If players have previously earned the weapon in the raid, it can also appear as a reward from any secret chests. Players can purchase Qullim’s Terminus for 20 Spoils of Conquest from the final chest, but they must have acquired it at least once. Alternatively, the weapon can be crafted, but players must earn five Deepsight variants first.
Unwavering Duty
Unwavering Duty stands as a testament to the prowess of Guardians in the Trials of Osiris. Introduced in the Season of the Seraph, this Solar Machine Gun is the first of its kind in the Trials, Destiny 2’s pinnacle PvP activity. With the reintroduction of the fan-favorite perk, Killing Tally, it’s not just a weapon; it’s a statement in the Crucible.
Pros:
- Killing Tally Perk: Boosts damage on consecutive kills, making it lethal in skilled hands during PvP matches.
- Subsistence Perk: Ensures you rarely run out of bullets in the heat of battle by refreshing 10% of the magazine on each kill.
- Adept Version: A testament to its elite status, available only to those who achieve a flawless victory in Trials of Osiris.
- Dynamic Sway Reduction & Tap the Trigger: Ensures high stability on the first shots of an engagement and increases stability as you maintain fire, making it a beast in PvP scenarios.
Cons:
- Exclusive Availability: Its tie to Trials of Osiris and Saint-14’s reward track means only the best PvP players will likely get their hands on it.
- High Skill Ceiling: This weapon rewards skilled play, meaning it might not be as effective for casual PvP players.
How to Obtain: To claim the Unwavering Duty, Guardians must reach Rank 16 on Saint-14’s reward track during the Season of the Seraph. For those who prove their mettle by achieving a flawless victory in Trials of Osiris when Unwavering Duty is the weekly reward, an Adept version awaits.
Heir Apparent
The Heir Apparent, an exotic machine gun, is deeply intertwined with the Guardian Games event in Destiny 2. This weapon is a testament to a Guardian’s prowess in the Crucible and a symbol of their dedication to their class during the Guardian Games. Its unique perks make it a formidable choice in PvP scenarios.
Pros:
- Heavy Slug Thrower Perk: Requires the gun to fully spin before firing. Once spun up, it delivers devastating damage.
- Armor of the Colossus Trait: When at full health, this trait activates, granting the wielder an Arc Shield, making them a force to be reckoned with in PvP.
- High Damage Output: Especially when the weapon is fully spun up, ensuring quick eliminations in the Crucible.
Cons:
- Spin-Up Time: The need to get the gun fully spinning before it shoots can be a disadvantage in quick PvP engagements.
- Availability: Tied to a specific event, making it elusive for those who miss the Guardian Games.
How to Obtain: The Heir Apparent is closely associated with the Guardian Games event. To obtain it:
- Guardian Games Participation: The weapon becomes available during the Guardian Games, an annual event where the Guardian classes compete against each other.
- Quest Line: It’s believed to be part of the “Vying for Supremacy” quest line given by Zavala. This quest is time-gated and may take more than a week to complete.
- Top of Class Quest: Some players have reported obtaining it from the “Top of Class” quest. However, there have been instances where players received different rewards, possibly due to already owning the Heir Apparent.
- Eva Levante’s Quest: On the day the Guardian Games begin, players can speak to Commander Zavala at the Tower to get their class item. They are then directed to Eva Levante to start the quest “The Games Begin.” This quest involves various activities, from killing enemies with a machine gun to completing strikes. Upon completion, Eva hands over the Heir Apparent.
God Roll: Perpetual Motion/Moving Target and Target Lock
Destiny 2 Dual-Role Guns
Thunderlord
Thunderlord, an Exotic Arc machine gun, has significantly transformed Destiny 2. Once overlooked, this weapon has surged in popularity due to its unmatched DPS, exceptional add clear capabilities and a unique catalyst that allows it to reload from reserves as it fires. Whether you’re battling in the Crucible or facing off against Destiny’s toughest bosses, Thunderlord is a force to be reckoned with.
Pros:
- Unreal Add Clear: Thunderlord’s ability to produce lightning strikes on final blows can chain multi kills together, making it a PvE powerhouse.
- Excellent DPS: In both PvE and PvP, Thunderlord offers top-tier damage output.
- Unique Catalyst: The weapon’s catalyst allows it to reload its magazine from reserves as it fires, ensuring sustained damage.
Cons:
- Heavy Ammo Consumption: Being a machine gun, Thunderlord can quickly deplete your heavy ammo reserves if not managed properly.
- Availability: With many exotic weapons, obtaining Thunderlord might be tied to specific quests or events.
How to Obtain: The exact method to obtain Thunderlord has varied over time in Destiny 2. Originally, it was tied to a special quest during the Festival of the Lost event. However, for players who missed that opportunity, it was later added to the Exotic loot pool, meaning it can be obtained from Exotic engrams or other sources of Exotic gear in the game.
Corrective Measures
Corrective Measures is a Void Machine Gun that returned to Destiny 2 after reintroducing the Vault of Glass raid. This Power weapon offers a diverse range of perks, making it a versatile choice for both PvE and PvP scenarios. While it may not be the top pick for Crucible enthusiasts, who often prefer the Xenophage, its potential in PvE is undeniable.
Pros:
- Versatile Perk Pool: From Subsistence to Firefly, the weapon can roll with perks that cater to various playstyles.
- High Stability: With perks like Polygonal Rifling, the weapon offers good recoil control.
- Grenade Synergy: With the combination of Demolitionist and Adrenaline Junkie, players can maximize grenade usage and damage output.
Cons:
- PvP Limitations: While it has decent options for PvP, there are other machine guns or heavy weapons that might be preferred in Crucible.
- Ammo Consumption: Like all machine guns, managing ammo can be crucial, especially in high-intensity activities.
How to Obtain: Corrective Measures can be acquired from the Vault of Glass raid. Specifically, it drops from the Conflux, Templar, and Atheon encounters. Players aiming for specific rolls might need to run the raid multiple times to get their desired combination of perks.
Final Thoughts: Crafting Your Destiny with the Right Weapon
In the sprawling cosmos of Destiny 2, every weapon beckons with promises of unparalleled power and precision. But amidst this vast arsenal, how does one discern the weapon that becomes an extension of oneself, a true reflection of one’s unique playstyle? The myriad online guides can offer a glimpse, but true clarity comes from direct, personalized consultation. Don’t let the overwhelming choices cloud your vision. Instead, take the initiative to engage directly with the seasoned professionals on LFCarry.com’s chat. Share your gameplay aspirations, your victories, and even your defeats. They’ll guide you, offering a weapon recommendation and a holistic strategy to elevate your entire game.
Your journey in Destiny 2 is a unique tale, and the right weapon can make all the difference. Take your chance to rise above. Engage with the professionals at LFCarry.com and discover your perfect battle companion.
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