Image: PC Invasion

Best Destiny 2 PvP weapons, ranked

Are you ready to conquer the Crucible, Guardian?

Anthony Yates

Published: Oct 19, 2023 09:13 pm

Destiny 2 has a tremendous amount of PvE content, from the Story and Strikes to Dungeons and Raids.

Top 10 Best PvP Weapons in Destiny 2

There’s a layer of complexity to PvP in Destiny 2, and you can’t simply pick a good gun and expect to dominate the competition. That said, a solid weapon is a good start, and if you’re willing to learn, you may just find a home in The Crucible. This ranked list is aimed at new players, so I won’t include Trials of Osiris weapons like The Immortal SMG, even though it’s incredible. Exotics are fair game, as most are obtainable in PvE.

Every weapon here is powerful and viable for The Crucible and Iron Banner. I’ve ranked them with power and ease of use as a newcomer in mind, but any weapon in this list will serve you well.

10. Quicksilver Storm

Rarity: Exotic
Type: Auto Rifle
Element: Kinetic (Strand with Catalyst)

The Quicksilver Storm has virtually zero recoil and can put Guardians down at all ranges. Because the weapon is so easy to use, you may feel like you can poke at long-range opponents, but I recommend getting a little closer unless you want to become Scout Rifle fodder.

This Exotic Auto Rifle is great for both PvP and PvE content, and if you struggle with precision weapons, it’s a superb choice.

9. Felwinters Lie

Rarity: Legendary
Type: Shotgun
Element: Solar

While arguably showing its age a little, the Felwinters Lie is a classic Destiny 2 Shotgun, well deserving of its spot on this list. The Felwinters Lie is easy to use and does obnoxious damage up close.

You may remember this weapon dominating Iron Banner if you’re a returning player. While not a meta-defining powerhouse anymore, it’s still a great weapon that’s easy to use and has immense stopping power.

8. No Time To Explain

Rarity: Exotic
Type: Pulse Rifle
Element: Kinetic

I’m not usually a fan of Pulse Rifles, but after getting wrecked by it in Iron Banner, I begrudgingly tried it out. The No Time To Explain is the real deal and deletes players at mid to long-range.

The weapon’s Exotic perk returns some shots to the magazine, so reloading is less of an issue in a gunfight. Don’t be a fool like me. Take No Time To Explain for a spin, and thank me later.

7. Mercurial Overreach

Rarity: Legendary
Type: Sniper Rifle
Element: Arc

There are plenty of decent PvP Sniper Rifles, but the Mercurial Overreach is easily obtainable by completing competitive Crucible matches.

If you want to try your hand at Sniping in Destiny 2, the Mercurial Overreach can have Snapshot Sights. You can almost quick scope with this Trait, and it makes the gun feel far more mobile than many other rifles. Sniping takes practice, but if you want to learn, this is a fantastic weapon to do it with.

6. Ammit AR2

Rarity: Legendary
Type: Auto Rifle
Element: Solar

Many of the best PvP weapons reward precision aiming, but you’ll likely prefer an Auto Rifle if you struggle with that. The Ammit AR2 is a punchy Auto Rifle and a popular weapon in The Crucible. The gun is easy to control and puts Guardians down at respectable ranges.

While lacking burst damage, it really doesn’t need it. You’ll be killed a lot by this beast in PvP, so it’s only polite to return the favor.

5. Matador 64

Rarity: Legendary
Type: Shotgun
Element: Arc

Shotguns are hit or miss in PvP, but the Matador 64 is definitely the former. This brute has been around for a few seasons and can compete with the best close-range weapons in the game.

Like the Unending Tempest, Perpetual Motion is a real treat on the Matador 64, and Opening Shot gives the first shot more accuracy and range. This popular boomstick will serve you well if you’re comfortable closing the distance.

4. Unending Tempest

Rarity: Legendary
Type: SMG
Element: Stasis

All SMGs require Guardians to make their fights up close and personal. If you can do that, the Unending Tempest absolutely shreds and can score kills in a split second.

Target Lock is a fantastic Perk on this weapon as it increases damage if you’re accurate. Pair that with Perpetual Motion, which gives bonuses while you’re moving, and enjoy your time at the top of the scoreboard.

3. The Chaperone

Rarity: Exotic
Type: Shotgun
Element: Kinetic

The Chaperone may be tricky to use as it fires slugs instead of typical shotgun rounds. This ammo means you must be accurate, but if you can get used to it, The Chaperone can erase Guardians in a single well-placed headshot.

The headshot requirement is why The Chaperone isn’t chilling at the top of the list, but it’s a terrifying weapon to deal with. If you put the time in, you’ll learn to love this close-range monster.

2. Crimson

Rarity: Exotic
Type: Hand Cannon
Element: Kinetic

The Crimson is a unique Hand Cannon as it fires 3-round bursts. The Exotic perk heals you when you defeat opponents, and precision hits refill the magazine.

Burst fire won’t be to everyone’s taste, but if you can master The Crimson, you can play aggressively and stay in the fight longer if you score kills. I’ve had plenty of opponents rush me when I should be on low health with this gun, and turning the fight around is so satisfying.

1. Ace of Spades

Rarity: Exotic
Type: Hand Cannon
Element: Kinetic

The Ace of Spades is one of the most stylish guns in Destiny 2, with the stats and stopping power to match. You’ll find the Ace of Spades chilling near the top of most PVP tier lists for a good reason. This gun can drop Guardians at all ranges. It’s suitable for new players and is downright terrifying in the hands of a skilled user.

If your aim is a little shaky, precision weapons may put you off, but the Ace of Spades sometimes feels like it shoots tennis balls. Give it a go, and I bet you won’t be disappointed.

Those are my picks for the best PvP weapons in Destiny 2, but playstyle is a massive part of choosing a gun to get comfortable with. I’ve seen Guardians proficient with weapons that are written off as useless by the community, so don’t think of my list (or anyone else’s) as gospel.