Why are we focusing on PvE weapons? Let’s get straight to the point: PvE is the cornerstone of the Destiny 2 experience. This is where you’ll immerse yourself in story missions, tackling challenging strikes, and diving deep into dungeons and raids. The weapons you choose are more than just tools; they’re game-changers that can either catapult you to victory or leave you struggling in the dust.
The goal of this article is crystal clear: to provide you with a definitive list of top-tier PvE weapons that will enhance your gameplay and prepare you for the unique challenges that the Season of the Witch has to offer.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Adapting to the Fluid Meta of Destiny 2
Hey, Guardians, let’s get real. Destiny 2’s meta is like quicksand—always shifting. We’re in the Season of the Witch, you can bet the game’s dynamics have changed again. If you’re not updating your loadout, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
Why does the meta matter? Simple. It dictates which weapons will give you an edge in PvE. It’s not just about firepower; it’s about having the right tools for the current challenges. Trust me, you don’t want to be the one dragging the team down in a raid.
So, how do you stay ahead? Keep yourself updated. Patch notes are your friend, and articles like this are your roadmap.
To sum it up: In Destiny 2, especially in the Season of the Witch, keeping your loadout meta-relevant is non-negotiable.
Kinetic Weapons - The Must-Haves for PvE in Destiny 2
In Destiny 2’s PvE, Kinetic Weapons often play second fiddle to their flashier Energy and Heavy counterparts. But underestimate them at your peril. These workhorse weapons are the backbone of any well-rounded loadout, offering a blend of versatility, power, and ammo efficiency that can’t be ignored. In this section, we’re spotlighting three kinetic must-haves that are not just weapons—they’re game-changers. Whether tackling The Witch Queen’s campaign or facing off against Barrier Champions in Grandmasters, these Kinetic Weapons will ensure you’re always bringing your A-game. Let’s dive into the specifics of Osteo Striga, Quicksilver Storm, and Wish-Ender and why they deserve a permanent spot in your PvE arsenal as of October 2023.
Osteo Striga: The Add-Clearing Machine
Osteo Striga is not just another D2 kinetic weapon; it’s a powerhouse in PvE. Its poisonous projectiles and tracking give you enough firepower to take down red-bar enemies easily, even in higher-end content.
Strengths:
- High Impact: Excellent for taking down bosses and high-health enemies.
- Versatility: Suitable for both close and long-range combat.
- Ammo Efficiency: Consumes less ammo compared to other kinetic weapons.
How to Acquire:
Complete The Witch Queen’s campaign.
Quicksilver Storm: The Workhorse Gun
Quicksilver Storm is indispensable for PvE. Its ability to swap from regular, fast fire to heavy-hitting grenades makes it a versatile workhorse. The 40-percent buff to red-bar enemies makes it even deadlier.
Strengths:
- Versatility: Adapts to various combat scenarios.
- Rapid Fire: High rate of fire for dealing with mobs.
- Elemental Damage: Effective against shielded enemies.
How to Acquire:
Complete the Lightfall campaign.
Wish-Ender: The Barrier Champion Slayer
Wish-Ender has gained newfound relevance, especially against Barrier Champions. It can one-shot any Champions’ barrier when fully charged, even in Grandmasters.
Strengths:
- Anti-Barrier Rounds: Effective against Barrier Champions.
- High Damage: Gained even more damage with the recent buff.
How to Acquire:
Energy Weapons - The Unsung Heroes of Destiny 2's PvE
In Destiny 2, especially in the Season of the Witch, your Energy Weapons can make or break your PvE experience. These weapons often provide the utility to deal with various enemy types and situations. Let’s dive into some of the top picks in this category.
Sunshot: The Crowd Control Maestro
Sunshot is the Energy Weapon you didn’t know you needed. Its explosive rounds and chain reactions make it a crowd-control beast. If you’re dealing with mobs, this is your go-to weapon.
Strengths:
- Explosive Rounds: Deal area damage, excellent for crowd control.
- High Fire Rate: Allows for quick successive shots.
How to Acquire:
As of October 2023, you can acquire Sunshot by completing the “Fury” mission on Io, which is part of the “Red War” campaign. After completing the mission, you must visit Devrim Kay in the Tower, who will give you the “Enhance” mission. Complete it, and Devrim Kay will reward you with the Sunshot Exotic Hand Cannon.
Riskrunner: The Elemental Powerhouse
Riskrunner is not just an SMG; it’s an elemental powerhouse. When taking Arc damage, it becomes an unstoppable force, chaining lightning between enemies. This weapon is perfect for facing enemies that can cause Arc Damage, which will continuously empower the Exotic Submachine Gun and protect you from the damage.
Strengths:
- Arc Conductor: Increases damage and chains lightning when taking Arc damage.
- Superconductor: Doubles the chaining capabilities when the Arc Conductor is active.
How to Acquire:
Acquired as a reward for the A Spark of Hope quest.
Battle Scar: The Kinetic Pulse Rifle You Need
Battle Scar is a lightweight frame kinetic pulse rifle added in the Destiny 2 Season of Defiance. This weapon is not just another pulse rifle; it’s a PvE powerhouse. With a 10% damage bonus against unshielded targets and a unique perk called Kinetic Tremors, which causes damage to surrounding enemies on sustained damage to a target, this weapon is a must-have for your PvE loadout.
Strengths:
- Kinetic Tremors: This new perk emits a shockwave that damages nearby enemies when you sustain kinetic damage to a target.
- Field-Tested: This Origin Trait boosts your range, stability, handling, and reload speed merely by damaging an enemy.
- Lightweight Frame: Increases your movement speed while the weapon is equipped.
How to Acquire:
Battle Scar can be obtained by opening Legendary engrams and ranking up with vendors. It’s also occasionally sold by Banshee-44 in the Tower. Given it’s a world drop weapon, there’s no 100% way to farm for it, but keep an eye on Banshee-44’s inventory.
The Heavy Hitters: Unleashing the Best Heavy Weapons in Destiny 2 for PvE
When dealing massive damage in Destiny 2’s PvE, nothing beats the raw power of Heavy Weapons. You turn to these tools when you need to obliterate a boss or clear a room full of enemies in the blink of an eye. This section delves into three heavy weapons in the current meta: Cataclysmic, Commemoration, and the legendary Gjallarhorn. These weapons bring something unique to the table, from damage buffs to crowd control. Let’s dive in and find out what makes these heavy weapons the top picks for PvE as of October 2023.
Cataclysmic: The Linear Fusion Powerhouse
Cataclysmic isn’t your average Linear Fusion Rifle; it’s a damage-dealing monster. With its Fourth Time’s Charm and Bait and Switch perks, it offers a 35% damage buff that can decimate bosses in PvE.
Strengths:
- Fourth Time’s the Charm: Rewards precision hits with returned ammo.
- Bait and Switch: Increases damage after a successful kill.
How to Acquire:
This weapon is a random drop from the 1st and 2nd encounters in the Vow of the Disciple Raid. Note that you’ll need the Witch Queen DLC to access this raid.
Commemoration: The Crowd-Clearing Machine
Commemoration is more than just a machine gun; it’s a crowd-clearing machine. With its Reconstruction and Killing Tally perks, you can mow down enemies faster than you can say “Guardian down.”
Strengths:
- Reconstruction: Automatically reloads the magazine over time.
- Killing Tally: Kills increase damage until the weapon is stowed or reloaded.
How to Acquire:
Available as a random drop from the last boss in the Deep Stone Crypt Raid. You’ll need the Beyond Light DLC to get your hands on this weapon.
Gjallarhorn: The Legendary Rocket Launcher Returns
Gjallarhorn is back and better than ever. This exotic rocket launcher is not just about nostalgia; its Pack Hunter perk increases the damage dealt by non-exotic rocket launchers of your allies, making it a must-have in any fireteam.
Strengths:
- Pack Hunter: Boosts damage for non-exotic rocket launchers used by allies.
- Wolfpack Rounds: Missiles split into tracking cluster missiles upon detonation.
How to Acquire:
You must complete the “And Out Fly the Wolves” quest to acquire Gjallarhorn. You’ll need the Bungie 30th Anniversary pack to access this quest.
Special Mentions: The Underdogs You Shouldn't Ignore in Destiny 2 PvE
Regarding Destiny 2’s PvE, the meta often overshadows some hidden gems that deserve a spot in your loadout. While they may not be the first weapons you think of, they offer unique advantages that can make your PvE experience more efficient and enjoyable. This section will spotlight two weapons: Rufus’ Fury and Fatebringer. Let’s investigate why these underdogs deserve your attention as of October 2023.
Rufus’ Fury: The Strand Auto Rifle
Rufus’ Fury is a 720 RPM Auto Rifle that stands out for its unique element, Strand. Originating from the Root of Nightmares raid, this weapon is a top-tier choice for PvE, especially when looking for something that can handle various situations.
Strengths:
- High RPM: Allows for quick successive shots, making it excellent for add clearing and boss damage.
- Versatile Perk Pool: Offers perks like Demolitionist or Reconstruction for Strand builds or consistent damage, respectively.
Why It’s a Must-Have:
Rufus’ Fury is not just another auto rifle; its Strand element and excellent PvE perk pool make it indispensable. Whether battling through hordes of Cabal enemies or facing off against bosses, this weapon has got you covered.
How to Acquire:
Rufus’ Fury can be obtained from the Root of Nightmares raid, specifically from the third (Zo’aurc) and final (Nezarec) encounters. Once you’ve acquired it, you can also find it in hidden chests throughout the raid or purchase additional copies with Spoils of Conquest.
Fatebringer: The Classic Hand Cannon
Fatebringer is an iconic Hand Cannon that has made its way from the original Destiny into Destiny 2. With its adaptive frame and powerful PvE and PvP perks, it’s a must-have for any Guardian focusing on marksman weapons.
Strengths:
- Explosive Payload or Rewind Rounds: These primary perks are excellent for AoE damage and sustainability.
- Firefly: This perk causes enemies to explode upon precision kills, making it great for crowd control.
Why It’s a Must-Have:
Fatebringer is not just another Hand Cannon; it’s a PvE powerhouse. This weapon excels in area damage thanks to perks like Explosive Payload and Firefly and can rapidly clear rooms full of enemies.
How to Acquire:
Fatebringer can be obtained from the Vault of Glass raid, specifically during the third and fourth encounters (Templar and Gatekeeper). Once you’ve acquired it, you can also find it in hidden chests throughout the raid or purchase additional copies with Spoils of Conquest for a random roll.
Mastering Destiny 2 PvE with the Right Arsenal
Alright, Guardians, we’ve dissected the ins and outs of Destiny 2’s PvE weaponry, from meta dominators to underrated gems. Whether you’re a Destiny 2 veteran or a bright-eyed Kinderguardian, the right weapon can make or break your PvE experience. But let’s be real—sometimes, even the most god-rolled weapon isn’t enough to conquer the toughest challenges.
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So, if you’re looking to turn your Destiny 2 PvE experience from “just another game” to “legendary,” it’s time to check out LFCarry.com. After all, why settle for the ordinary when you can be extraordinary?
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And there you have it—your ultimate guide to the best PvE weapons in Destiny 2, updated for October 2023. Choose your weapons wisely, Guardians, and let your Light blaze a trail through the cosmos.
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Lana Shakh is a dedicated gaming expert specializing in Destiny 2 and other popular online titles, creating in-depth guides that break down complex mechanics, optimize gameplay strategies, and help players of all skill levels achieve their in-game goals.
12 comments
Plaguebringer77
February 26, 2025 at 2:11 pmSolid list! Been running Witherhoard for ages, and it still slaps in PvE. Curious, though—do you think it’ll ever get a nerf?
Grinder
February 26, 2025 at 2:11 pmLove that you included underdog weapons. People always sleep on stuff like Graviton Lance, but it actually shreds in certain situations!
Quickshot93
February 26, 2025 at 2:12 pmMan, I really wish we’d get more love for sidearms in PvE. I know they’re more of a PvP thing, but they can be fun in the right setup.
Tony Jankovic
February 26, 2025 at 2:12 pmGjallarhorn still dominating the Heavy slot after all these years. Some things never change. 😂
Jerry
February 26, 2025 at 2:13 pmDo you think Adaptive Frame pulse rifles are worth running in PvE now? Feels like they lack the punch compared to SMGs and hand cannons.
IronLordDelta
February 26, 2025 at 2:13 pmKinetic weapons are in a weird place right now. Feels like if you’re not running Arbalest or a crafted Outlaw/Rampage hand cannon, you’re missing out.
ArcTitanX
February 26, 2025 at 2:13 pmWould love to see a follow-up article on best loadouts instead of just weapons. Synergy is everything in high-end PvE.
Chillz89
February 26, 2025 at 2:14 pmGlad to see you mention Coldheart. The sustained DPS it pumps out in PvE is seriously underrated!
SolarBoi99
February 26, 2025 at 2:14 pmEnergy slot is stacked right now. Between Doom of Chelchis, Riptide, and BXR, I never know what to run!
VexMythicMain
February 26, 2025 at 2:14 pmQuestion: Is there a solid primary weapon that pairs well with Divinity? My team runs it a lot in raids, and I wanna maximize damage.
RaidRaider
February 26, 2025 at 2:15 pmHeavy weapons meta is wild. One season it’s rockets, next it’s linears, then it’s machine guns. Bungie really keeping us on our toes.
SniperWolfXL
February 26, 2025 at 2:15 pmI swear, if one more person tells me to use Izanagi’s Burden, I’m gonna lose it. 😂 It’s good, but I’m so tired of seeing it in every guide.