Gambit brings the best of both worlds, combining PVE elements with Guardians defeating mobs of enemy targets with PVP Guardians threatening the opposing zone. It is competitive — the final moments when both teams are attempting to take down a Primeval bring out the best of the PVPVE mode. Well, bringing powerful and well-crafted weapons is the first step toward victory, so if you are struggling in Gambit, here are the best weapons for Gambit in Destiny 2.
About the Author
Gambit is my mode for completing bounties, ranking Guardian kills, while also experimenting with PVP and PVE weapon metas. I have seen too many Primevals in my Destiny 2 journey, and have lost count of the amount of Motes I have cashed in.
Disclaimers About the Tier List
This tier list is designed to help you figure out the best Gambit weapons in Destiny 2. There are many different factors to consider when considering a specific weapon including average rolls, god rolls, game mode, weapon type, weapon archetype, and Bungie’s constant balance changes. Because of this, it’s important to understand the context around these weapons in our explanations. As always, tier lists are inherently opinionated as well even if they’re driven by data like popularity and DPS output.
Finally, since there are lots of popular and great Gambit weapons, we have to pick the best out of each tier, making this a more reduced, but direct list. All of the weapons on this list regardless of their rating are perfectly usable while playing Gambit, so give them a chance to see if they fit your playstyle and build.
Tier List for For Best Gambit 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
- Quicksilver Storm (S Tier)
- Sunshot (S Tier)
- Dragon’s Breath (S Tier)
- Thorn (A Tier)
- Epochal Integration (A Tier)
- Gjallarhorn (A Tier)
- Breakneck (B Tier)
- Xenophage (B Tier)
- Ros Arago IV (C Tier)
- Recurrent Impact (C Tier)
S Tier Gambit Weapons
Quicksilver Storm
We start with the most used kinetic weapon on the list. The Quicksilver Storm is an Exotic Strand auto rifle that has the unique Exotic perk called Rocket Tracers, which makes it a complete beast. This perk rewards multiple successful hits with a homing micro rocket, and thanks to the Grenade Chaser perk, landing those rockets successfully loads a grenade that gets fired by the Quicksilver Storm’s alternate firing mode.
- Excels in: PVE/PVP
- Source: Lightfall purchase reward, Monument to Lost Lights.
- Craftable: No
Sunshot
If we are going to play a match that prominently features PVE qualities, then of course we are going to bring forth one of the best weapons in the game. Sunshot is an absolute beast in every sense of the world due to Sunburn and Sun Blast, transforming bullets into explosive Solar projectiles that consume everything in their path. It is also a decent weapon when facing enemy Guardians, so be prepared when invaded.
- Excels in: PVE/PVP
- Source: Exotic engrams and world loot pool.
- Craftable: No
Dragon’s Breath
If there is something that defines the Season of the Wish, it is the absolute death machine called the Dragon’s Breath. Yes, it won’t be as useful to defeat Guardians, but if you are collecting motes or trying to get rid of multiple blockers, then shooting a single projectile from this Exotic Solar rocket launcher will suffice. Don’t rush your aim though, Composite Propellant rewards your patience.
- Excels in: PVE
- Source: Season Pass reward.
- Craftable: No
A Tier Gambit Weapons
Thorn
If there is something that I love about hand cannons, it is how they inflict severe damage. Now, the Thorn is on another level entirely. Not only does it inflict piercing damage that slowly reduces the enemy’s health over time on top of its initial impact damage with the Mark of the Devourer perk. Also, absorbing Remnants after killing enemies with the Thorn potentially allows you to shoot forever without needing to reload due to the Remnant mechanic and the Soul Devourer perk. It's a great weapon for PVE and PVP.
- Excels in: PVP/PVE
- Source: Exotic archive.
- Craftable: No
Epochal Integration
Another hand cannon, after all, they are on top of the current meta. This Legendary Solar weapon can guarantee great crowd control, thanks to its Incandescent perk, making sure that you collect those valuable motes one at a time. While it may not be the greatest weapon or hand cannon in the game for PVP encounters, it certainly can be used as an alternative for defending or invading during Gambit.
- Excels in: PVE
- Source: “Parting the Veil” Lightfall mission reward.
- Craftable: No
- PVE God Roll: Stats for all + Incandescent
- PVP God Roll: Keep Away + Eye of the Storm
Gjallarhorn
The Gjallarhorn Exotic Solar rocket launcher continues to be one of the most renowned weapons in Destiny. While the Dragon’s Breath has taken its place in recent times, Gjallarhorn’s abilities and perks are still well regarded. The Wolfpack Rounds Exotic perk shoots tracking cluster missiles after detonation and the Pack Hunter perk increases your handling and decreases your reload speed whenever you are standing near allies. Not only that, it grants Wolfpack Rounds to nearby allies that wield non-Exotic rocket launchers.
- Excels in: PVE/PVP
- Source: “And Out Fly The Wolves” quest.
- Craftable: No
B Tier Gambit Weapons
Breakneck
After receiving an update during the Season of the Wish, the Breakneck Kinetic auto rifle is a balanced auto rifle that adapts itself perfectly for all your Gambit needs. While it is not as overpowered as its pre-Sunset predecessor, it still has a lot of perk potential for both PVE and PVP. Overall a well-rounded weapon that takes care of mobs and the occasional Invader.
- Excels in: PVE/PVP
- Source: Legendary engrams and world loot pool.
- Craftable: No
- PVE God Roll: Subsistence + Onslaught
- PVP God Roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction + Onslaught
Xenophage
While not the go-to weapon for most players, the Xenophage Exotic machine gun is still a pretty decent PVE weapon that has survived the passing of time. Its Pyrotoxin Rounds perk makes your projectiles explosive and Rangefinder increases its range and zoom while aiming, which arguably can help with enemy invasions. It might have been displaced by more recent machine guns such as the Eleatic Principle or even the Avalanche, but you can still give it a chance.
- Excels in: PVE
- Source: Shadowkeep Exotic quest.
- Craftable: No
C Tier Gambit Weapons
Ros Arago IV
One of the newest weapons on the list, the Ros Arago IV Legendary Void auto rifle is a great PVE Season of the Wish weapon. Just like with Breakneck, this auto rifle carries the Onslaught perk, which makes it a great crowd-control weapon, perfectly combining with the Rewind Rounds to refill the weapon’s magazine depending on the number of previous hits. It may be lacking on the PVP side, but it is a decent auto rifle for some mote-collecting.
- Excels in: PVE
- Source: Legendary engrams and world loot pool.
- Craftable: Yes
- PVE God Roll: Rewind Rounds + Onslaught
- PVP God Roll: Dynamic Sway Reduction + Golden Tricorn
Recurrent Impact
A very colorful and arguably rare Legendary Stasis machine gun because of its drop chance during the Vox Obscura Exotic mission. The Recurrent Impact is a great weapon that fires an increasing number of rounds with its Subsistence perk. To sum up, Recurrent Impact will decimate the Primeval’s health bar in the blink of an eye.
- Excels in: PVE
- Source: Vox Obscura Exotic mission, Exotic Mission Rotator.
- Craftable: Yes
- PVE God Roll: Subsistence + Headstone
- PVP God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Tap the Trigger
PVE-friendly weapons reign dominant in Gambit?
Though players will be invading the enemy zone and defeating Guardians, most of the time, mobs of enemies will be the biggest threat. And while there is certainly a big chunk of weapons that excel both in PVE and PVP — those of which make up this list for the most part — rarely would I change my PVE loadout whenever I enter a Gambit match. Maybe it is the current state of Gambit, but I would say that as long as your build can crowd-control and deal great single-target damage, then you are good to go.
