Best PvP Weapons In Beyond Light

There are hundreds of different weapons in Destiny 2. Once you factor in the different random perks they might have, the number rises into thousands. Some Legendary weapons and all Exotic weapons come with unique abilities that completely set them apart from the rest, but the right combination of random perks (known as God Rolls) can be just as distinctive and powerful in action. With this much variation, perfect balance is impossible. Some weapons are bound to be the best at what they do, whether it is a particular playstyle or a whole area of player activity. PvP content like the Trials of Osiris or other Crucible modes provides one such broad area in which Destiny 2’s weapons are put to the ultimate test in the hands of competing Guardians.

The PvP meta is in a state of constant flux as weapons are buffed, nerfed, added, or removed, and as the players adjust to those changes by developing new tactics. Nevertheless, during any major phase in Destiny 2’s lifetime, you will find that some weapons are absolutely dominant while others are barely used. The Beyond Light expansion has shaken up the meta more than any update that came before it, with the sunsetting of many Legendary weapons and the appearance of Stasis powers. By this point, though, it is possible to see the clear favorites of this new era.

Auto rifles

Auto rifles are probably the deadliest Primary weapon type in the Crucible right now thanks to their great versatility and ease of use. The SUROS Regime exemplifies the type’s strengths with its high precision and rapid killing capabilities. Its Catalyst can greatly strengthen its life-stealing ability, making a skilled wielder nearly unstoppable. The Summoner is the strongest Legendary of this type, with an intimidating 600 RPM base firing speed and the chance to benefit from perks like Overflow, Rampage, or Dynamic Sway Reduction that allow its wielder to sustain momentum in different combat situations.

Hand cannons

Hand cannons may not down enemies as fast as auto rifles, but they are even more flexible – a critical advantage in a fight against other humans. Three Exotics are the most feared examples of this small but formidable type due to their unique abilities. Crimson fires in bursts and provides its wielder with healing and automatic reloading on kills and precision kills respectively, while its Catalyst overcomes most hand cannons’ greatest weakness by extending its range. Ace of Spades has a powerful synergy between its high stability and aim assistance features on one hand and perks that reward precision kills with reloading and damage bonuses and Solar explosions on the other. Thorn encourages players to go on the offensive by promising them ammo refills and damage over time bonuses for collecting the Remnants created with each kill.

Pulse rifles

Having received a buff during the Season of Arrivals and some recent reinforcements, pulse rifles have come into their own as easy-to-use long-range PvP weapons. The newly introduced No Time to Explain is ideal for taking advantage of the new Stasis powers, retrieving ammo after shots against targets affected by them as well as precision shots. Its solid stats make it one of the strongest weapons in long-range firefights, while its Catalyst can maximize the benefits of its unique time portal shot ability. Vigilance Wing’s five-round bursts allow it to take down any enemy in two or three shots, a capacity that becomes even stronger when its Catalyst gives it full-auto capabilities. Stars in Shadow, the new Legendary, also offers consistent rapid takedowns assisted by a rich selection of possible perks, including Outlaw and Kill Clip.

Shotguns

Shotguns continue to hold their own thanks to their ability to one-shot enemies at close range. The Chaperone, an Exotic slug shotgun with balanced stats, can achieve such results even at longer ranges if wielded by a crack shot and gets strong bonuses for precision kills. Astral Horizon is a less risky spread shotgun with God Rolls that may include such strong offensive perks as Quickdraw, Opening Shot, and Slideshot. Felwinter’s Lie, currently unobtainable but due to return in Season 13, is probably the single most formidable shotgun in the Crucible right now, with access to powerful perks like Vorpal Weapon and Full Choke.

Sniper rifles

While particularly dependent on player skill, sniper rifles may be the most lethal weapons in the game in the right hands. The Exotic Cloudstrike embodies this type’s challenging playstyle, rewarding rapid precision hits with an area of effect lightning storms that can wipe out entire teams if timed just right. Adored, a sequel of sorts to the sunset Beloved, is more adaptable and easier to use than many sniper rifles. Perks like Snapshot Sights and Killing Wind can make for a very agile sniper build.

Rocket launchers

Rocket launchers are generally accepted as the most powerful heavy weapons in PvP due to the ease with which they can inflict kills and multi-kills, even if wielded by an inexperienced player. Similarly, rocket launchers have an undisputed paragon in the form of the Wardcliff Coil, which fires entire volleys of tracking missiles. Its Catalyst makes it much more dependable by improving the tracking of its projectiles, increasing the likelihood of it wiping out entire enemy teams in one shot.

Of course, none of those weapons is universally unbeatable. All of them may be defeated in the right circumstances. Their actual utility depends heavily on factors like God Rolls (for Legendary weapons), Catalysts (for Exotic weapons), synergy with other weapons and Guardian abilities, and the skill of their users. The same is true for weapons that did not make this list; there is no reason why they can’t punch above their weight in the right hands. Nevertheless, for the moment, the weapons listed in this article are the widely acknowledged kings of the Crucible.