Venturing into the most dangerous parts of the galaxy to face the fiercest monsters and mobs of enemies requires skill, courage, and a wise selection of weapons. DPS, crowd control, AOE damage, and even increased damage toward powerful enemies and bosses are what we are looking for here, and there are a lot of options to pick from, so here's what we consider the best PVE weapons of the current Destiny 2 meta.
About the Author
If there is a game mode that has taken my focus in quite a disproportionate way, that would be PVE — which includes campaign missions, Exotic quests, Nightfalls, and the PVE side of Gambit. Additionally, I used Charlemagne’s Warmind.io popularity list to bring forth a perfect collection of weapons.
Disclaimers About the Tier List
This tier list can help you find the best PVE weapons in Destiny 2. There are many factors to consider when choosing specific weapons, including average rolls, god rolls, game mode, weapon type, weapon archetype, and Bungie’s constant balance changes. Also, tier lists are inherently opinionated — even if they’re driven by data like popularity and DPS output. Finally, since popular and powerful PVE weapons are abundant in Destiny 2, we've streamlined this list to show the best for each tier. Regardless of the tier rating, these are all suitable for PVE activities, so give them a chance to see if they fit your playstyle and build.
Tier List For Best PVE Weapons
- S: These are best-in-class weapons that are the go-to options for anyone using the archetype.
- A: These weapons are popular overall, but are edged out for one reason or another by the truly top-tier weapons.
- B: These weapons usually have an inherent weakness or downside compared to the higher-tiered options usually due to things like perk pool.
- C: These weapons are just average. Nothing special to set them apart.
- F: These weapons are lackluster and mediocre. You’ll rarely see them used.
Tier List Ranks and Explanations
- Wish-Ender (S Tier)
- Sunshot (S Tier)
- Dragon’s Breath (S Tier)
- Avalanche (A Tier)
- Calus Mini-Tool (A Tier)
- Monte Carlo (A Tier)
- Ammit AR2 (B Tier)
- Riskrunner (B Tier)
- Old Sterling (C Tier)
- Forbearance (C Tier)
S Tier PVE Weapons
Wish-Ender
The Wish-Ender is not only the most used Kinetic weapon of the bunch, but it has also managed to steal this slot from Guardians since Season 4. Bows are experiencing a great deal of love during the Season of the Wish. Getting it in your arsenal will allow you to destroy Barrier Champions, and its Broadhead perk is worth utilizing against enemies in PVE.
- Excels in: PVE
- Source: Destiny 2: Forsaken Exotic quest.
- Craftable: No
Sunshot
The Sunshot is the most popular Solar and Energy weapon in Destiny 2 and is a must-have for every Guardian. The Incandescent trait combined with its raw power can defeat mobs of enemies in an instant, and sometimes, you only need to defeat a single add to trigger several explosions. No wonder it has survived since Season 1 and continues to be an incredibly valuable weapon today. The only caveat is the randomness of its drop, but its potential is so great that I still consider it an S-tier weapon.
- Excels in: PVP/PVE
- Source: Exotic engrams and world loot pool.
- Craftable: No
Dragon’s Breath
The Dragon’s Breath Exotic rocket launcher is a new seasonal weapon, making it popular among players. But its sheer power and utility make Dragon's Breath deserving of this spot on the list. The Dragon’s Breath is a monstrous weapon that deals scorching fire damage like there’s no tomorrow. It has saved me from numerous close encounters since it decimates enemy lines when using Composite Propellant and High Octane.
- Excels in: PVE
- Source: Season of the Wish pass reward.
- Craftable: No
A Tier PVE Weapons
Avalanche
The Avalanche has been the subject of ridicule for quite some time, but new perks in Dawning 2023 made it an incredibly desirable weapon — as long as the RNG allowed you to get the perfect roll. Firing bullets that return automatically to your magazine while also dealing a significant amount of Solar and Scorching damage is a delight!
- Excels in: PVE
- Source: Purchased from Eva Levante during the Dawning event.
- Craftable: No
- PVE God Roll: Subsistence or Rewind Rounds + Incandescent
- PVP God Roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction + Vorpal Weapon
Calus Mini-Tool
This weapon is robust, but the only thing that keeps it below S-tier is how rare the drops are. This submachine gun is a dream for Solar Guardian enthusiasts due to its trait pool and how it promotes speed, thanks to its unique MIDA Synergy archetype. If you get Calus Mini-Tool, this weapon is worth spending Deepsight Harmonizers to make it craftable.
- Excels in: PVE
- Source: Presage Exotic mission (Exotic Mission Rotator).
- Craftable: Yes
- PVE God Roll: Graverobber + Incandescent
- PVP God Roll: Moving Target + Feeding Frenzy
Monte Carlo
The Monte Carlo is great for Guardians who like taking matters into their own hands. Titans, take notice, this weapon is a great addition to your arsenal. Not only will this weapon reduce your melee cooldown and even potentially fully charge your melee ability after each kill, but it will also gain increased damage after each melee or weapon kill you get. You even get ammo for getting melee kills!
- Excels in: PVE
- Source: Exotic engrams and world loot pool.
- Craftable: No
B Tier PVE Weapons
Ammit AR2
I have been using the Ammit AR2 quite often since it's great weapon. However, it does lose some points in raw power. It compensates for it with the Incandescent trait and even the Ambitious Assassin, which overflows bullets in my magazine after each rapid kill. But honestly, Sunshot seems like a better Solar choice since they both share the same weapon slot.
- Excels in: PVE / PVP
- Source: Legendary engrams.
- Craftable: Yes
- PVE God Roll: Stats for All or Ambitious Assassin + Incandescent or Adrenaline Junkie
- PVP God Roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction + Tap The Trigger
Riskrunner
Solar is all the hype so Riskrunner's Arc damage has not been one of my favorites. Undeniably, this weapon is an effective crowd-control weapon through its Superconductor Exotic trait. Chaining up lightning to get rid of incoming enemies is always fun. Although some players hold on to Riskrunner for nostalgia, it's a reliable SMG to keep in your arsenal.
- Excels in: PVE
- Source: Exotic engrams and world loot pool.
- Craftable: No
C Tier PVE Weapons
Old Sterling
While not having the greatest trait pool, Old Sterling is a decent weapon that you may come across whenever you open a Legendary engram. Rewind Rounds is always a fun time, although I would prefer something like the Avalanche’s Subsistence. Auto rifles are slowly taking second place, so you might be better off picking hand cannons and submachine guns.
- Excels in: PVE
- Source: Legendary engrams.
- Craftable: No
- PVE God Roll: Rewind Rounds + Frenzy
- PVP God Roll: Discord + Harmony
Forbearance
Forbearance is a wonderful grenade launcher that you should consider getting despite ranking C-tier. For one, this is a Vow of the Disciple weapon, so the chances of getting it are entirely based on raid runs. On the other hand, there are other much easier weapons to get such as the Undercurrent, which could provide something similar to the Forbearance's Wave Frame energy.
- Excels in: PVE
- Source: Vow of the Disciple raid.
- Craftable: Yes
- PVE God Roll: Ambitious Assassin + Chain Reaction
- PVP God Roll: Surplus + Rampage
What Are the Go-To Weapons?
Since the arrival of the Season of the Wish and several weapon balance changes, there's a significant increase in players using hand cannons as DPS weapons. It is no mystery that the Sunshot is the most common PVE weapon of all, and that’s because its sheer power is undeniable. Other hand cannons such as the Zaouli’s Bane, Epochal Integration, Malfeasance, and the Thorn (thanks to its recent catalyst) are consistently ranking in the most used weapons lists. Hand cannons reign, but submachine guns and bows look like they are already pushing assault rifles to the side.
