10 Legendary Must-Have Weapons in Destiny 2

Best Legendary Weapons in Destiny 2
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Enter the realm of Destiny 2, where countless battles unfold and coveted arsenals await. Amidst the vast armamentarium of legendary weapons, certain standouts emerge, promising immense power and tactical superiority. Embark on a journey to discover the best legendary weapons that will elevate your gameplay to new heights, shaping the destiny of every Guardian who wields them.

From the precision of hand cannons to the devastating force of rocket launchers, each legendary weapon in Destiny 2 possesses unique characteristics that cater to diverse playstyles. Some excel in close-quarters combat, offering rapid-fire capabilities and exceptional stability. Others dominate mid-range encounters, boasting pinpoint accuracy and impressive magazine sizes. As you ascend through the ranks of Guardians, acquiring these legendary weapons will become pivotal to your success in raids, Nightfalls, and Trials of Osiris. Their exceptional perks and intrinsic traits will amplify your combat capabilities, turning the tide of battle in your favor.

Beyond their raw power, legendary weapons in Destiny 2 are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your specific needs. Masterwork upgrades, mods, and shaders provide avenues to enhance their performance, optimize their handling, and express your personal style. As you embark on this pursuit of legendary weaponry, remember that obtaining them may require completing challenging quests, triumphing over formidable foes, or delving into the mysteries of hidden chests. But know this, Guardian: the rewards are well worth the effort, for they will forever etch themselves into the annals of your Destiny 2 legend.

Precision Powerhouses: The Best Scout Rifles

1. Dead Man’s Tale

Dead Man’s Tale is a Legendary Kinetic Scout Rifle that has quickly become a fan favorite since its introduction in Season of the Chosen. Its unique Cranial Spike trait, which grants increased critical damage upon precision kills, makes it a devastating weapon in skilled hands.

Originally acquired via an Exotic quest, Dead Man’s Tale can now be crafted from the Enclave on Mars. This allows Guardians to tailor it to their specific preferences, including its masterwork and seasonal mods.

Key Features:

  • Cranial Spike Trait: Increases critical damage after precision kills
  • High Impact Frame: Deals significant precision damage
  • Fourth Time’s the Charm Perk: Reloads the magazine after three precision kills

2. Trustee

Trustee is an excellent Void Scout Rifle introduced in Season of the Splicer. Its Rapid-Fire Frame delivers a high rate of fire, making it ideal for both PvE and PvP encounters.

Key Features:

  • Rapid-Fire Frame: Fires quickly, allowing for sustained damage output
  • Overflow Perk: Increases magazine size when picking up Special ammo
  • Killing Wind Perk: Grants increased mobility and handling after kills

3. Polaris Lance

Polaris Lance is a returning Exotic Scout Rifle from Destiny 1 that has been reintroduced in Season of the Lost. Its Perfect Fifth perk creates a powerful burning explosion on precision kills, damaging nearby enemies and setting them on fire.

Key Features:

  • Perfect Fifth Perk: Creates an explosion on precision kills, damaging nearby enemies
  • High-Impact Frame: Deals substantial precision damage
  • Explosive Payload Perk: Rounds explode on impact, dealing additional damage

Unmatched Firepower: Legendary Auto Rifles

Auto Rifles are the workhorses of the Destiny 2 arsenal, delivering consistent damage at medium range. These weapons excel in both PvE and PvP, and there are several legendary options that stand out as top-tier choices.

One of the standout ARs is the **Chroma Rush**. This weapon has an incredibly high rate of fire and stability, making it ideal for mowing down enemies in close quarters. Its unique perk, **Zen Moment**, further enhances stability when landing critical hits, making it even more deadly with each successful shot.

Another exceptional AR is the **Monte Carlo**. This weapon is a favorite among aggressive players due to its unique perk, **Monte Carlo Method**. This perk generates melee energy with every kill, allowing players to chain together multiple melee attacks for devastating damage. The Monte Carlo also has excellent recoil control and a fast reload speed, making it a well-rounded choice for both PvE and PvP.

Auto Rifle RPM Stability Range Magazine Size
Chroma Rush 600 92 45 50
Monte Carlo 600 80 40 30

Explosive Excellence: Top-Tier Grenade Launchers

Grenade launchers are a versatile and devastating weapon class in Destiny 2, capable of decimating groups of enemies or melting powerful bosses. Here are the top legendary grenade launchers you should consider:

1. Ignition Code

This kinetic grenade launcher features high impact and a large blast radius, making it ideal for clearing out crowds of weaker enemies. It also boasts the Demolitionist perk, which reloads the magazine after a grenade kill, increasing your sustained damage output.

2. Anarchy

A special grenade launcher, Anarchy fires arc mines that can be detonated remotely or by enemy contact. This allows for creative setups and traps, making it a great choice for boss damage and crowd control.

3. Gjallarhorn

The legendary Gjallarhorn is one of the most sought-after weapons in Destiny 2. It fires high-damage rockets with tracking capabilities, making it a devastating tool against any enemy type. Additionally, it has the Wolfpack Rounds perk, which splits each rocket into three smaller rockets upon impact, maximizing its damage potential. This iconic weapon has become synonymous with high-level content and is a must-have for any serious Destiny 2 player.

| Grenade Launcher | Perks | Description |
|————-|————-|————-|
| Ignition Code | Demolitionist | Reloads magazine after grenade kill |
| Anarchy | Remote Detonation | Fires arc mines that explode upon detonation |
| Gjallarhorn | Wolfpack Rounds | Rockets split into smaller rockets upon impact |

Calculated Destruction: Precision Snipers

In the relentless battles of Destiny 2, precision reigns supreme when it comes to eliminating foes from afar. Among the formidable arsenal of legendary weapons, precision snipers stand tall as the epitome of deadly accuracy and unmatched range. These weapons empower Guardians to dispatch their enemies with surgical strikes that shatter hope with every shot.

1. Beloved

Renowned for its exceptional aim assist and stability, Beloved is a sniper’s dream come true. Its crisp handling and high impact frame make it a formidable companion for both PvE and PvP encounters, allowing for devastating headshots that send opponents reeling.

2. Eye of Sol

A relic of the Golden Age, Eye of Sol boasts an astonishing range and the ability to pierce through targets. This Void-energy weapon excels in high-level activities and end-game encounters where precision is paramount. With its low zoom, Eye of Sol provides a wider field of view, offering greater flexibility on the battlefield.

3. The Long Shadow

A versatile sniper, The Long Shadow is renowned for its consistent accuracy and snappy handling. Its Lightweight frame grants increased mobility and reload speed, making it an ideal choice for Guardians who favor quick adaptation and aggressive playstyles.

4. Adored

An energy machine gun that mimics the functionality of a sniper rifle, Adored offers unrivaled sustained damage and suppression capabilities. Its massive magazine size and slow-firing nature make it perfect for taking down hordes of enemies or suppressing high-value targets.

5. Sole Survivor

Element

Magazine Size

Impact

Sole Survivor

Solar

8

120

A standout in the Kinetic slot, Sole Survivor combines high impact with a large magazine size. Its explosive rounds deal heavy damage upon impact, making it an excellent choice for taking down shielded enemies and bosses alike. Sole Survivor’s unique perk, Fourth Time’s the Charm, grants an additional round to the magazine if the previous three shots missed, providing an invaluable margin for error.

Kinetic Kinetics: The Best Pulse Rifles

The pulse rifle is a versatile weapon that can excel in both close-quarters combat and long-range engagements. Its unique burst-fire mode allows it to control recoil and land consecutive shots with precision, making it a formidable choice for both PvE and PvP content.

1. Bad Juju

With its exotic perk String of Curses, this pulse rifle continuously stacks a damage buff for every precision kill, up to a maximum of 35%. This makes it an incredibly powerful option for ad-clear and boss DPS, especially when combined with its high stability and rapid fire rate.

2. Outbreak Perfected

Outbreak Perfected is another exotic pulse rifle that excels in both PvE and PvP. Its unique perk, SIVA Nanites, creates a damaging SIVA swarm on precision kills, which can spread to nearby enemies. This allows it to clear large groups of enemies efficiently and deal significant boss damage.

3. Vigilance Wing

Vigilance Wing is a legendary pulse rifle that is renowned for its stability and range. Its unique perk, Kill Clip, grants increased damage after rapidly reloading, making it a deadly choice in PvP. Its high precision damage and low recoil also make it a solid option for PvE encounters.

4. No Time to Explain

No Time to Explain is an exotic pulse rifle that offers a unique blend of burst damage and sustained fire. Its Timelost perk allows it to charge and release a powerful burst of energy with increased damage, making it ideal for taking out key targets or dealing with groups of enemies.

5. Graviton Lance

Graviton Lance is a legendary pulse rifle that stands out with its unique perk, Black Hole. Precision kills create a singularity that pulls in nearby enemies and deals damage over time. This makes it particularly effective against large groups of enemies or stationary targets.

6. The Messenger

The Messenger is an extremely versatile legendary pulse rifle that boasts an impressive range of weapon perks. It can roll with a combination of high-stability perks, like Arrowhead Brake and Full Bore, as well as damage-boosting options, such as Kill Clip and Rampage. Its customizable nature allows it to tailor to various playstyles and PvE or PvP scenarios, making it a top-tier choice for Kinetic Pulse Rifles.

The following table provides a summary of the best Kinetic Pulse Rifles in Destiny 2:

Weapon Perks
Bad Juju String of Curses
Outbreak Perfected SIVA Nanites
Vigilance Wing Kill Clip
No Time to Explain Timelost
Graviton Lance Black Hole
The Messenger Customizable Perk Combinations

Arc Annihilators: Exotic Bow Recommendations

Bow enthusiasts in Destiny 2 have a plethora of arc-infused options for their arsenal. Among these, three legendary bows stand out as exceptional choices for dealing devastating arc damage:

Whispering Slab

With its lightweight frame, Whispering Slab boasts a rapid draw time and high ammo capacity. Its intrinsic trait “Archer’s Tempo” further increases its rate of fire after precision hits.

Accrued Redemption

Accrued Redemption offers a unique combination of precision and power. Its “Killing Wind” perk grants increased mobility, handling, and range upon rapid eliminations.

Ticuu’s Divination

Ticuu’s Divination is a precision bow with a twist. It fires two arrows simultaneously, with the second arrow seeking nearby targets and detonating on impact. Its “Hip-Fire Grip” perk enables hip-firing for enhanced maneuverability.

Trinity Ghoul

Trinity Ghoul is an exotic bow that fires chain lightning arrows. Precision hits generate lightning bolts that seek additional targets, creating a devastating chain reaction.

Le Monarque

Le Monarque is a unique exotic bow that infuses its arrows with poison. Its “Polymer String” perk ensures precision hits poison targets, dealing continuous damage over time.

The Fourth Horseman

The Fourth Horseman is a shotgun/bow hybrid that excels in close-quarters combat. Its “Trespasser” perk activates when hip-fired, releasing a shotgun blast with each subsequent bow shot.

Wish-Ender

Wish-Ender is an exotic bow with a unique perk called “TrueSight.” This perk grants wallhacks on targets hit by its arrows, revealing their location to the user’s team.

Bow Intrinsic Trait Perks Exotic Perk
Whispering Slab Archer’s Tempo
Accrued Redemption Killing Wind
Ticuu’s Divination Hip-Fire Grip
Trinity Ghoul Chain Lightning
Le Monarque Polymer String
The Fourth Horseman Trespasser
Wish-Ender TrueSight

Void Viciousness: Legendary Fusion Rifles

Fusion rifles are a powerful weapon type in Destiny 2, and they can be especially effective when used against Void-shielded enemies. Here are some of the best legendary fusion rifles for taking down those pesky Void enemies:

1. Cartesian Coordinate

This rapid-fire fusion rifle is a great all-rounder, with good range, stability, and damage. It’s also relatively easy to obtain, as it can be dropped from world engrams or purchased from Banshee-44.

2. Null Composure

This precision fusion rifle is a bit slower firing than the Cartesian Coordinate, but it makes up for it with its increased accuracy and range. It’s also very stable, making it easy to control even in long-range engagements.

3. Praedyth’s Revenge

This adaptive fusion rifle is a good choice for players who want a bit more versatility. It can be fired in either semi-automatic or fully automatic mode, and it has a decent range and stability.

4. Erentil FR4

This lightweight fusion rifle is a great option for players who want a fast-firing, close-range weapon. It has a very high rate of fire, and it can deal a lot of damage in a short amount of time.

5. Glacioclasm

This precision fusion rifle is a good choice for players who want a weapon with a lot of range. It has a very long range, and it can deal a lot of damage at long distances.

6. Retrofuturist

This adaptive fusion rifle is a good choice for players who want a versatile weapon that can be used at a variety of ranges. It has a decent range and stability, and it can be fired in either semi-automatic or fully automatic mode.

7. Deliverance

This rapid-fire fusion rifle is a good choice for players who want a fast-firing, close-range weapon. It has a very high rate of fire, and it can deal a lot of damage in a short amount of time.

8. Empirical Evidence

This adaptive fusion rifle is unique from the rest of the guns on the list as it can roll with the perk Reservoir Burst. Reservoir Burst allows the user to store up to three fusion rifle shots that can be fired off all at once. With the right perks, this gun can deal devastating damage if used correctly.

Name Perks Acquisition
Cartesian Coordinate Vorpal Weapon, Wellspring World drops, Banshee-44
Null Composure Moving Target, Rangefinder Garden of Salvation raid
Praedyth’s Revenge Under Pressure, High-Impact Reserves Deep Stone Crypt raid
Erentil FR4 Slideshot, Kill Clip Iron Banner
Glacioclasm Fourth Time’s the Charm, Vorpal Weapon Empire Hunt: The Glassway
Retrofuturist Heating Up, Rangefinder World drops
Deliverance Slideshot, Kill Clip Trials of Osiris
Empirical Evidence Reservoir Burst, Tap the Trigger Trials of Osiris

Solar Scorchers: Incendiary Hand Cannon Options

In the roaring inferno of battle, solar weaponry reigns supreme. Among the blazing hand cannons, several stand out as true scorchers, leaving enemies as mere embers.

Crimson

With its innate regenerating health bonus, Crimson allows you to face the heat without flinching. Its unique three-burst fire pattern makes aiming for precision shots a breeze.

Sunshot

Sunshot unleashes a fiery explosion on solar kills, setting nearby foes ablaze. Its explosive rounds spread across a wide area, guaranteeing maximum destruction.

Hawkmoon

Renowned for its randomized target highlighting, Hawkmoon packs a powerful punch with its long-range precision shots. Landing back-to-back precision hits grants a devastating bonus.

Ace of Spades

Ace of Spades, crafted by the enigmatic Cayde-6, delivers exceptional hip-fire accuracy and grants “Memento Mori” after a precision kill, increasing damage on subsequent headshots.

Eyasluna

Eyasluna, the venerable hand cannon, boasts a comfortable recoil pattern and a high aim assist. Its multiple perk options allow for customization to suit your playstyle.

Fatebringer

Fatebringer, a Timelost Weapon from the Vault of Glass, provides a 30% damage increase to Taken enemies. Its “Firefly” perk triggers an explosion on precision kills, roasting nearby foes.

Malfeasance

Malfeasance, an exotic hand cannon, embeds slugs in enemies that explode on subsequent hits. Its unique ricochet pattern grants bonus damage and ammo return on precision kills.

Thorn

Thorn, a poison-tipped hand cannon, inflicts a deadly DoT effect on targets. Its exotic perk, “Mark of the Devourer,” grants bonus damage to marked targets and a health boost upon their death.

The Last Word

The Last Word, a fan-favorite exotic hand cannon, excels in hip-fire combat. Its rapid fire rate and forgiving bloom spread allow for aggressive playstyles.

| Hand Cannon | Perk 1 | Perk 2 |
|—|—|—|
| Crimson | Health Regeneration | Rapid Hit |
| Sunshot | Explosive Rounds | Dragonfly |
| Hawkmoon | Reconstruction | Bows and Arrows |

Destiny 2’s Divine Arsenal: God Roll Recommendations

The Palindrome

Primary weapon | Hand Cannon | Energy slot

Highlighted Perks: Outlaw, Rangefinder

The Palindrome is a well-rounded and reliable Hand Cannon with a high rate of fire and good stability. Its Outlaw and Rangefinder perks make it incredibly effective at longer ranges, allowing it to compete with Pulse Rifles and Scouts in certain engagements.

The Fatebringer

Primary weapon | Hand Cannon | Kinetic slot

Highlighted Perks: Firefly, Explosive Payload

The Fatebringer is an iconic Hand Cannon that has returned from the original Destiny. It has a slightly slower rate of fire than the Palindrome but compensates with its high damage per shot and excellent stability. Firefly and Explosive Payload add extra damage potential and allow it to clear groups of enemies efficiently.

Gnawing Hunger

Primary weapon | Auto Rifle | Energy slot

Highlighted Perks: Subsistence, Swashbuckler

The Gnawing Hunger is an exceptional Auto Rifle that is highly adaptable to various playstyles. Its Subsistence perk allows it to sustain its high rate of fire without having to reload frequently. Swashbuckler grants bonus damage after dealing rapid precision hits, making it devastating against bosses and groups of enemies.

Trinity Ghoul

Primary weapon | Bow | Kinetic slot

Highlighted Perks: Lightning Rod, Archer’s Tempo

The Trinity Ghoul is a unique and powerful Bow that fires lightning arrows. Its Lightning Rod perk causes enemies struck by a precision hit to chain lightning, damaging nearby enemies. Archer’s Tempo increases its rate of fire after landing consecutive precision hits, making it especially effective for crowd control.

Igneous Hammer

Primary weapon | Hand Cannon | Kinetic slot

Highlighted Perks: Heating Up, Rampage

The Igneous Hammer is a high-impact Hand Cannon with a slower rate of fire but packs a punch. Its Heating Up perk increases its stability and accuracy with each consecutive hit, while Rampage grants bonus damage for each enemy defeated while the weapon is active.

Reed’s Regret

Heavy weapon | Linear Fusion Rifle | Power slot

Highlighted Perks: Vorpal Weapon, Firing Line

Reed’s Regret is a precision Linear Fusion Rifle with exceptional range and damage output. Vorpal Weapon increases its damage against bosses and vehicles, while Firing Line grants bonus damage when standing near allies.

Truthteller

Heavy weapon | Grenade Launcher | Power slot

Highlighted Perks: Lasting Impression, Quickdraw

The Truthteller is a versatile Grenade Launcher with a unique delayed detonation mechanic. Lasting Impression increases its damage after a short delay, allowing it to deal massive splash damage to groups of enemies. Quickdraw significantly reduces its handling speed, making it easy to quickly equip and fire in a pinch.

Eyes of Tomorrow

Heavy weapon | Linear Fusion Rifle | Power slot

Highlighted Perks: Chain Reaction, Linear Compensator

The Eyes of Tomorrow is an Exotic Linear Fusion Rifle that fires a cluster of six projectiles. Chain Reaction causes the projectile hit to explode, creating additional explosions that damage nearby enemies. Linear Compensator reduces the recoil of the weapon, making it more manageable to control.

Xenophage

Heavy weapon | Machine Gun | Power slot

Highlighted Perks: Auto-Loading Holster, Fourth Time’s the Charm

The Xenophage is a unique Heavy Machine Gun that fires a powerful beam of energy. Auto-Loading Holster automatically reloads the weapon after a short delay, allowing it to stay in the fight longer. Fourth Time’s the Charm grants bonus damage after four consecutive precision hits, making it a potent boss-killing weapon.

Anarchy

Heavy weapon | Grenade Launcher | Power slot

Highlighted Perks: Chain Reaction, Feeding Frenzy

The Anarchy is an Exotic Grenade Launcher that fires adhesive grenades that stick to surfaces and explode repeatedly over time. Chain Reaction causes the grenades to spread the initial explosion, damaging nearby enemies. Feeding Frenzy increases its reload speed after each kill, making it a reliable add-clearing weapon.

Destiny 2 Best Legendary Weapons

In Destiny 2, legendary weapons are some of the most powerful and versatile weapons you can use. They come in a variety of different types, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Some of the best legendary weapons in the game include:

  • Kinetic Weapons: These weapons are effective against unshielded enemies and can also break enemy shields.
  • Energy Weapons: These weapons are effective against shielded enemies and can also deal bonus damage to certain enemy types.
  • Power Weapons: These weapons are the most powerful weapons in the game and can deal massive damage to both shielded and unshielded enemies.

When choosing which legendary weapons to use, it is important to consider your playstyle and the specific enemies you will be facing. For example, if you are playing a close-range build, you may want to use a shotgun or submachine gun. If you are playing a long-range build, you may want to use a sniper rifle or scout rifle. And if you are facing a boss with a large health pool, you may want to use a rocket launcher or linear fusion rifle.

People Also Ask

What are the best legendary weapons for PvP?

Some of the best legendary weapons for PvP include the following:

  • Kinetic Weapons: The Messenger (pulse rifle), The Last Word (hand cannon), or Sturm (auto rifle)
  • Energy Weapons: The Fatebringer (hand cannon), The Stranger’s Rifle (scout rifle), or The Huckleberry (submachine gun)
  • Power Weapons: The Falling Guillotine (sword), The Tractor Cannon (shotgun), or The Truth (rocket launcher)

What are the best legendary weapons for PvE?

Some of the best legendary weapons for PvE include the following:

  • Kinetic Weapons: The Gnawing Hunger (auto rifle), The Recluse (submachine gun), or The Monte Carlo (auto rifle)
  • Energy Weapons: The Ikelos SMG (submachine gun), The Riskrunner (auto rifle), or The Symmetry (scout rifle)
  • Power Weapons: The Anarchy (grenade launcher), The Whisper of the Worm (sniper rifle), or The Deathbringer (rocket launcher)

What are the best legendary weapons for Gambit?

Some of the best legendary weapons for Gambit include the following:

  • Kinetic Weapons: The Bad Juju (pulse rifle), The Redrix’s Broadsword (pulse rifle), or The Randy’s Throwing Knife (scout rifle)
  • Energy Weapons: The Sunshot (hand cannon), The Trinity Ghoul (bow), or The Wavesplitter (trace rifle)
  • Power Weapons: The Sleeper Simulant (linear fusion rifle), The Loaded Question (fusion rifle), or The Malfeasance (hand cannon)