Pulse rifles are powerful and flexible primary weapons in Destiny 2, useful across both PVP and PVE activities. There are a ton to choose from, including several Exotic weapons. After combing through the full list, here are our recommendations for the best pulse rifles in Destiny 2.
Bygones
Ever since its introduction back in Season 4, Bygones has been a pulse rifle to be reckoned with. Its adaptive frame makes it easy to work with, and it can roll some great perks. In PVE, you have the classic Outlaw/Rampage combo — but where Bygones really shines is in PVP. Aim for Arrowhead Break and High-Caliber or Ricochet Rounds, then Kill Clip or Rampage and Full Auto and a Range or Stability Masterwork.
Great For: PVP
Good For: PVE, Gambit
Blast Furnace
The king of aggressive burst pulse rifles, Blast Furnace is a fantastic all-around weapon with the right rolls. A Feeding Frenzy/Rampage roll with Meyrin RDS and Appended Mag is an incredible PVE add clear weapon and a terror in the Crucible to boot. Other options include Headseeker and Zen Moment for Crucible and Outlaw and Kill Clip for PVE. The thing about Blast Furnace is that it has a very small perk pool and nearly all of them are great.
Great For: PVE, PVP, Gambit
Vigilance Wing
Other Exotic pulse rifles may boast more useful perks, but Vigilance Wing is the only one that fires a staggering five-shot burst. That raw power has earned it a spot on the list of the most-used PVP weapons in Destiny 2. In PVE it’s outclassed by other pulse rifles on this list, but in the Crucible it continues to be a no-brainer weapon that’s easy to use effectively.
Great For: PVP
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Outlast
In many ways, Outlast is the anti-Bygones — it has a rapid-fire frame and is an energy weapon to Bygones’ adaptive kinetic build. And while it might be a little trickier to use, it can be just as deadly in the Crucible, with the added bonus of being pretty effective in PVE as well. Like Blast Furnace, it has a small pool of perks but nearly all of them are playable. A couple suggestions: Full Auto/Rampage, Feeding Frenzy/Kill Clip. For PVP: You may want to throw on a Counterbalance Mod to curb the gun’s recoil, but otherwise it’s a solid pick for any Guardian.
Great For: PVP, PVE, Gambit
Last Perdition
If you’re looking for a Void pulse rifle, Last Perdition has a lot to offer you. Rampage is a blast in PVE, and with Snapshot Sights and Rangefinder or Moving Target, it’s a great option for fighting at a distance in the Crucible.
Great For: PVP, PVE, Gambit
Sacred Provenance
Like Blast Furnace, Sacred Provenance is a hard-hitting four-shot burst kinetic pulse rifle. So why would you use it over the Black Armory weapon? Firstly, Sacred Provenance can roll barrel perks that can boost its stability and range. Second, it can have both High Caliber and Ricochet Rounds. And lastly, unlike the Blast Furnace, Sacred Provenance gets Rapid Hit, an absolute king of a perk on a PVP pulse rifle. It may be a pain to get, but if Blast Furnace is a little too unstable for you then this raid weapon is the way to go.
Great For: PVP
Ok For: PVE, Gambit
Those are our picks for the best pulse rifles in Destiny 2. Don’t see your fav represented? Let us know in the comments. We’ll update this post alongside most major Destiny 2 updates to add and remove any contenders for best available pulse rifles.
