Destiny 2 Best Weapons for PVP & PVE
Destiny 2 best weapons for PVP and PVE vary a lot based on how you like to play. The many different Autorifles, Scout Rifles, Hand Cannons and other weapons give you plenty to choose from when it comes to arming yourself, and there are a few combos that work better than others. In order to help you out, we’ve made this guide detailing the best weapons for PVP and PVE in Destiny 2.
What Weapons are Best for Destiny 2 PVP & PVE?
The best PVP / PVE weapons in Destiny 2 depend on your play style, but probably the best combos are Hand Cannon + Pulse Rifle or Hand Cannon + Scout Rifle. The Pulse Rifle / Hand Cannon works better in PVP, because there aren’t many situations where you’ll have to cover very long distances. The Hand Cannon will take care of up-close situations and is especially effective in duels, since it packs quite the punch up-close, but it’s rubbish at greater distances. The Pulse Rifle gives you an edge at mid and long ranges, but it’s difficult to aim in close quarters. The two give you a great overall combo.
In Destiny 2 PVE, though, you might want to swap the Pulse Rifle for a Scout Rifle. In PVE, being able to do massive damage from really long distances can come in very handy, and that’s exactly what you get from a Scout Rifle. The best use for the Scout Rifle is doing serious damage from very far away. They’re awful up close, but that’s what the Hand Cannon is for.
As for Autorifles, they’re just average. They’re at their best mid-range; they aren’t really spectacular in closed quarters and are almost worthless at a distance. The above two combos do mid range just fine, while giving you huge advantages at both long and short distances. SMGs, on the other hand, do a great job in duels and other close-and-personal fights, but they spray bullets everywhere, and hitting a critical against bosses can be frustratingly hard.
A few words on shotguns, snipers, fusion rifles, and launchers. Each have their place, again, depending on your style. Shotguns require you to approach enemies dangerously close, which can be a huge risk. The launchers are good for busting clusters of enemies, but aren’t much otherwise. The fusion rifle gives you a lot of damage at long ranges, but can’t do critical damage. Finally, the sniper rifle can give you an edge in PVP if you just need to cover an area and ward off enemies. Otherwise, you’ll just end up frustrated at quick enemies running around. In the end, though, it all depends on how you like to play.
If you need further help with Destiny 2 Shadowkeep, check out our guides on Dead Ghost Locations, Jade Rabbit Locations, and Eyes on the Moon - How to Start Vex Invasion. If it's Exotic Weapons that you're after, we've got you covered with our Pain And Gain Exotic Quest and Deathbringer Exotic Rocket Launcher - Symphony of Death guides. Going back in time for new players, we can offer you guides like Ikelos Weapons - How to Get SMG, Sniper Rifle, Shotgun, or, if you're playing Forsaken content, guides like Corsair Down & Badge - Dead Body Locations.
