Destiny 2 is Bungie's shared-world looter shooter combining FPS gunplay with MMO-style progression, RPG buildcrafting, and some of gaming's best raid encounters. Three classes — Titan, Hunter, Warlock — each have multiple subclasses with unique supers, grenades, and class abilities. The game's seasonal model adds new story content, activities, and gear regularly. With the addition of Prismatic subclasses combining Light and Dark powers, and the conclusion of the Light and Darkness saga, Destiny 2 offers deep buildcrafting and challenging endgame content.
Your choice of weapons defines your damage output and playstyle. This guide ranks every major option, explains what makes each one strong, and tells you which builds they pair best with.
Weapons Rankings
| Weapon | Tier | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gjallarhorn | S | All classes — team DPS heavy weapon | The iconic rocket launcher returning from Destiny 1. |
| Witherhoard | A | All classes — boss DPS combo weapon | An exotic grenade launcher that creates a persistent Taken blight pool dealing damage over time. |
| Izanagi's Burden | A | All classes — burst DPS in boss phases | An exotic sniper that loads all 4 rounds into one Honed Edge shot dealing 4x+ damage. |
| Arbalest | B | All classes — Match Game content, Anti-Barrier | An exotic linear fusion rifle that breaks all shield types regardless of element. |
| Outbreak Perfected | B | All classes — sustained primary DPS | An exotic pulse rifle that creates SIVA nanites on precision hits, dealing increasing damage as more nanites attach. |
S-Tier: Gjallarhorn
The iconic rocket launcher returning from Destiny 1. Wolfpack Rounds (tracking cluster missiles) deal massive damage. Its exotic perk Pack Hunter gives nearby allies' legendary rockets Wolfpack Rounds too. The best team DPS heavy weapon for most encounters.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Best For | All classes — team DPS heavy weapon |
| Key Mechanic | light subclasses |
| Recommended Role | Titan |
How to get it: Available from mid-game onward. See our walkthrough for the exact progression point.
Best builds using Gjallarhorn: Pairs naturally with Titan thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Witherhoard
An exotic grenade launcher that creates a persistent Taken blight pool dealing damage over time. Stick it to a boss for constant damage while you shoot with your primary. The best passive DPS exotic — fire and forget. Obtainable from the Exotic Kiosk.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | All classes — boss DPS combo weapon |
| Key Mechanic | exotic armor synergy |
| Recommended Role | Hunter |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Witherhoard: Pairs naturally with Hunter thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Izanagi's Burden
An exotic sniper that loads all 4 rounds into one Honed Edge shot dealing 4x+ damage. The highest burst damage special weapon in the game. Combo: Izanagi shot → weapon swap → rocket for massive burst windows.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | All classes — burst DPS in boss phases |
| Key Mechanic | raid mechanics |
| Recommended Role | Warlock |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Izanagi's Burden: Pairs naturally with Warlock thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Arbalest
An exotic linear fusion rifle that breaks all shield types regardless of element. Essential for Match Game activities where specific elements are needed. Also deals excellent precision damage against Champions. A utility king.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | All classes — Match Game content, Anti-Barrier |
| Key Mechanic | seasonal artifact |
| Recommended Role | Prismatic Build |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Arbalest: Pairs naturally with Prismatic Build thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Outbreak Perfected
An exotic pulse rifle that creates SIVA nanites on precision hits, dealing increasing damage as more nanites attach. Multiple teammates using Outbreak stack damage multiplicatively. The best primary DPS for sustained encounters.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | All classes — sustained primary DPS |
| Key Mechanic | mod system |
| Recommended Role | Strand Build |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Outbreak Perfected: Pairs naturally with Strand Build thanks to stat scaling synergies.
Weapons Progression Path
The order you should acquire weapons as you progress:
- Starting gear → Enough to clear The Tower
- Witherhoard → Your first real upgrade, available early
- Izanagi's Burden → Mid-game upgrade with good scaling
- Gjallarhorn → Best-in-slot, aim for this by late game
- Upgrade to max → The power spike from max upgrades is enormous
Weapons Tips
- Always upgrade your primary weapon before diversifying — one strong option beats three mediocre ones.
- Match your weapons to your build's stat priorities for maximum scaling.
- Complete the New Light quest line first — it introduces all core activities and rewards useful starter gear. New players should finish this before tackling endgame.
- Check our tier list for how weapons rankings affect overall build effectiveness.
More Destiny 2 Guides
- Destiny 2 Destiny 2 Overview
- Destiny 2 Best Builds
- Destiny 2 Tier List
- Destiny 2 Walkthrough
- Destiny 2 Beginner's Guide
- Destiny 2 Tips & Tricks
- Destiny 2 Combat Guide
- Destiny 2 Boss Guide
- Destiny 2 Maps & Locations
- Destiny 2 Crafting Guide
- Destiny 2 Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Destiny 2, check out these related guides:
- Counter-Strike 2 Weapons Guide — fps game with similar mechanics
- Apex Legends Weapons Guide — fps game with similar mechanics
- Rainbow Six Siege Weapons Guide — fps game with similar mechanics
