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 D2 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. 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.
Destiny 2 Best PvE Weapons Summary Table
Weapon | Type | Category | Key Perks/Features | How to Get | Why It Dominates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Osteo Striga | Submachine Gun | Kinetic | Tracks targets, poisons groups | Witch Queen campaign + Enclave (DLC) | Unmatched crowd control with poison AoE |
Wish-Ender | Bow | Kinetic | Passive Anti-Barrier, wall vision | Shattered Throne quest (Forsaken) | Anti-Barrier and high burst damage |
Malfeasance | Hand Cannon | Kinetic | Exploding shots, 20% damage buff (Catalyst) | “Darkness in the Light” quest (Forsaken) | Synergy with Witherhoard, poisoned target damage |
Age-Old Bond | Auto Rifle | Kinetic | Repulsor Brace, Destabilizing Rounds | Last Wish Raid (Forsaken) | Void synergy for add-clear |
Sunshot | Hand Cannon | Energy | Explosive Rounds, chain explosions | “Fury” mission (Red War) | Crowd control with AoE explosions |
Riskrunner | Submachine Gun | Energy | Arc Conductor, Superconductor | “A Spark of Hope” quest | Near-invincibility vs Arc enemies |
Zaouli’s Bane | Hand Cannon | Energy | Explosive Payload, Incandescent | King’s Fall Raid (Craftable) | Solar synergy, explosive AoE |
Loaded Question | Fusion Rifle | Energy | Auto-Loading Holster, Controlled Burst | Nightfall drop (no DLC) | Excels in double-special builds |
Forbearance | Grenade Launcher | Energy | Ambitious Assassin, Chain Reaction | Vow of the Disciple Raid (Craftable) | Top-tier add-clearing |
Cold Comfort | Rocket Launcher | Heavy | Envious Assassin, Bait and Switch | Ghosts of the Deep dungeon | Best-in-slot for burst DPS |
Cataclysmic | Linear Fusion Rifle | Heavy | Fourth Time’s the Charm, Bait and Switch | Vow of the Disciple Raid (Craftable) | 35% damage buff for precision hits |
Gjallarhorn | Rocket Launcher | Heavy | Pack Hunter, extra rocket (Catalyst) | “And Out Fly the Wolves” quest (30th Anniversary) | Buffs ally rockets |
Commemoration | Machine Gun | Heavy | Reconstruction, Killing Tally | Deep Stone Crypt Raid (Craftable) | Best 450 RPM for add-clear |
Leviathan’s Breath | Bow | Heavy | High damage, utility | Exotic Kiosk (Shadowkeep) | Easy-to-use high-damage bow |
Two-Tailed Fox | Rocket Launcher | Heavy | Applies 3 debuffs (Catalyst) | Exotic Engrams (no DLC) | Multi-debuff utility |
Conditional Finality | Shotgun | Special Mention | Ignition synergy, one-shot champions | Root of Nightmares final boss (Lightfall) | Highest damage exotic shotgun |
The Navigator | Trace Rifle | Special Mention | Woven Mail, grapple points | Ghosts of the Deep dungeon | Strand build support, survivability |
Witherhoard | Grenade Launcher | Special Mention | AoE damage, synergy | Exotic Kiosk (no DLC) | Easy AoE and weapon synergy |
Acasia’s Dejection | Trace Rifle | Special Mention | Target Lock, Incandescent | Root of Nightmares Raid | Best Solar Trace Rifle |
Wilderflight | Grenade Launcher | Special Mention | Repulsor Brace, Vorpal Weapon | Spire of the Watcher dungeon | High DPS grenade launcher |
Izanagi’s Burden | Sniper Rifle | Special Mention | Sniper + rocket synergy | Exotic Kiosk (no DLC) | High burst damage synergy |
Arbalest | Linear Fusion Rifle | Special Mention | Compounding Force, Genesis (Catalyst) | Exotic Engrams/Xûr | Shield-piercing for all content |
Rufus’s Fury | Auto Rifle | Primary Highlight | Reconstruction, Target Lock | Root of Nightmares Raid (Adept) | High mag size, damage perks |
Quicksilver Storm | Auto Rifle | Primary Highlight | Grenade launcher mode | Lightfall DLC bonus | Huge AoE in alternate mode |
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.
Osteo Striga: The Add-Clearing Machine
- Why It Dominates: Poison damage + ease of use = unmatched crowd control.
- Strengths:
- Tracks targets and poisons groups
- Great for clearing adds and damaging majors
- How to Get: Complete The Witch Queen campaign and shape at the Enclave (requires DLC).
Wish-Ender: The Barrier Champion Slayer
- Why It Dominates: Anti-Barrier and high burst damage in one.
- Strengths:
- Passive Anti-Barrier Champion mod
- Sees through walls while drawn
- How to Get: Quest in Shattered Throne dungeon (Forsaken).
Malfeasance
- Why It Dominates: Exploding shots and bonus damage to poisoned targets.
- Strengths:
- Synergizes with Witherhoard
- 20% damage buff with catalyst (Vorpal Weapon)
- How to Get: “Darkness in the Light” questline (Forsaken).
Age-Old Bond
- Why It Dominates: Void synergy with Repulsor Brace and Destabilizing Rounds.
- How to Get: Last Wish Raid (Forsaken).
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
Strengths:
- Explosive Rounds: Deal area damage, excellent for crowd control.
- High Fire Rate: Allows for quick successive shots.
- Why It Dominates: Chain reaction explosions wipe out enemy groups.
- How to Get: Complete the “Fury” mission (Red War content).
Riskrunner: The Elemental Powerhouse
Strengths:
- Arc Conductor: Increases damage and chains lightning when taking Arc damage.
- Superconductor: Doubles the chaining capabilities when the Arc Conductor is active.
- Why It Dominates: Arc Conductor makes you unkillable vs Arc enemies.
- How to Get: “A Spark of Hope” quest.
Zaouli’s Bane
- Why It Dominates: Solar wave-frame synergy + explosive perks.
- Perks: Explosive Payload + Incandescent
- How to Get: King’s Fall Raid (Craftable).
Loaded Question
- Why It Dominates: Fusion rifle that excels in double-special builds.
- Perks: Auto-Loading Holster + Controlled Burst
- How to Get: Nightfall weapon drop (no DLC required).
Forbearance
- Why It Dominates: Add-clearing god in any PvE content.
- Perks: Ambitious Assassin + Chain Reaction
- How to Get: Vow of the Disciple Raid (Craftable).
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.
Cold Comfort
- Why It Dominates: Best-in-slot for burst DPS in raids.
- Perks: Envious Assassin + Bait and Switch
- How to Get: Ghosts of the Deep dungeon.
Cataclysmic: The Linear Fusion Powerhouse
Strengths:
- Fourth Time’s the Charm: Rewards precision hits with returned ammo.
- Bait and Switch: Increases damage after a successful kill.
- Why It Dominates: Precision LFR with a devastating 35% damage buff.
- Perks: Fourth Time’s the Charm + Bait and Switch
- How to Get: Vow of the Disciple Raid (Craftable).
Gjallarhorn:
- Why It Dominates: Rocket launcher buff machine.
- Strengths:
- Pack Hunter perk boosts ally rockets
- Catalyst adds extra rocket
- How to Get: “And Out Fly the Wolves” quest (30th Anniversary pack).
Commemoration: The Crowd-Clearing Machine
- Why It Dominates: Best 450 RPM Machine Gun for clearing content.
- Perks: Reconstruction + Killing Tally
- How to Get: Deep Stone Crypt Raid (Craftable).
Leviathan’s Breath
Strengths:
- Pack Hunter: Boosts damage for non-exotic rocket launchers used by allies.
- Wolfpack Rounds: Missiles split into tracking cluster missiles upon detonation.
- Why It Dominates: Easy-to-use high-damage bow with utility.
- How to Get: Exotic Kiosk (Shadowkeep required).
Two-Tailed Fox
- Why It Dominates: Applies 3 debuffs post-Catalyst.
- How to Get: Exotic Engrams (no DLC needed).
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.
Conditional Finality
- Why It Dominates: The highest damage exotic shotgun in the game.
- Strengths:
- Ignition synergy with Solar builds
- One-shot potential on many champions
- How to Get: Final boss in Root of Nightmares Raid (Lightfall).
The Navigator
- Why It Dominates: Support weapon for Strand builds and survivability.
- Strengths:
- Grants Woven Mail to allies
- Can create grapple points
- How to Get: Ghosts of the Deep dungeon.
Witherhoard
- Why It Dominates: Easy AoE + synergizes with other weapons.
- How to Get: Exotic Kiosk (no DLC required).
Acasia’s Dejection
- Why It Dominates: Best Solar Trace Rifle.
- Perks: Target Lock or Incandescent
- How to Get: Root of Nightmares Raid.
Wilderflight
- Why It Dominates: High DPS grenade launcher.
- Perks: Repulsor Brace + Vorpal Weapon
- How to Get: Spire of the Watcher dungeon.
Izanagi’s Burden
- Why It Dominates: Sniper + rocket combo damage synergy.
- How to Get: Exotic Kiosk (no DLC required).
Arbalest
- Why It Dominates: Shield-piercing for all content types.
- Perks: Compounding Force + Catalyst adds Genesis
- How to Get: Exotic Engrams or Xûr rotation.
PLUS 🌟 Primary Weapon Highlights
Rufus’s Fury
- Why It Dominates: Auto Rifle with high mag size and damage perks.
- Perks: Reconstruction + Target Lock
- How to Get: Root of Nightmares Raid (Adept version).
Quicksilver Storm
- Why It Dominates: Converts to grenade launcher mode for huge AoE.
- How to Get: Lightfall DLC bonus weapon.
🚀 Let LFCarry Handle the Grind for You
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.
Don’t have time to farm Root of Nightmares 20 times? Still chasing a Cold Comfort god roll? LFCarry has your back.
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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.