Despite some gripes the hardcore community might have, Destiny 2 has a lot of content for players to sink their teeth into. It can be daunting for newer Guardians to find what works best in different settings, such as PvE and PvP.
So, one of the most recurrent questions players have is: what are the best PvP weapons in Destiny 2? After all, these are two completely different experiences.
Some perks work best within the PvE sandbox or in tight, sweaty Crucible matches. Similarly, some archetypes reign supreme in one mode but might not be worth it in the other.
This list will give you a top five of the best weapons in Destiny 2 PvP modes. We also have a guide for our best PvE picks which you can check right here.
Best PvP weapons in Destiny 2
Similar to our best weapons for PvE, we'll consider some factors beyond the gun's performance, the most important being accessibility.
Also, since we have a dedicated best exotics in Destiny 2 article, we won't prioritise them in this one. Without further ado, let's begin.
The Immortal SMG
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+ 5One of the most broken PvP weapons the game has seen in recent years, The Immortal SMG might be getting nerfed in the near future, but as with many changes Bungie has applied to other broken guns, they might not be enough, making this still worth getting.
You can contest Pulse Rifle users, it has a fantastic perk pool, and if you're a PvP enthusiast, you'll be happy to know this is a Trials of Osiris weapon.
Cloudstrike sniper rifle
click to enlarge + 5If there's an exotic you want to bring into the PvP, it's likely the Cloudstrike sniper rifle. Even without considering its exotic trait, Cloudstrike has some solid base stats that make it worth picking up.
What makes this sniper rifle one of the PvP GOATS is its exotic capabilities. First off, every precision final blow (headshot kill) will trigger a lightning bolt around your opponent's deceased corpse. Even if you don't kill them, non-lethal final blows will create a lightning storm.
Furthermore, if you grind the Catalyst, it will add Triple Tap. So better get to grinding Empire Hunts to earn yourself a Cloudstrike.
Rose hand cannon
click to enlarge + 5Everyone loves a good hand cannon, and Rose is truly tailored for a competitive experience. To get it, you must grind the Competitive playlist of Crucible (play at least seven games).
With amazing perks like Rapid Hit, Explosive Payload, or Vorpal Weapon to choose from, you can't go wrong with this for your PvP grind.
IKELOS SMG
click to enlarge + 5Remember what we told you about Bungie nerfs barely touching a weapon's pick rate? Say "hi" to the IKELOS SMG.
A poster child for everything wrong with SMGs and how insanely overturned the aggressive frame types was, this third iteration of IKELOS boasts some amazing perks that synergize incredibly well with Arc builds, particularly Voltshot.
Did we mention you used to be able to craft a perfect god roll with enhanced perks?
Ace of Spades hand cannon
click to enlarge + 5Old reliable never disappoints. You don't have to worry about nerfs or grinding hard to get it. Ace of Spades is as trusty and iconic as its now former owner Cayde-6.
Radar is still available while scoped in, an exotic perk (Memento Mori) that works like a better version of Kill Clip, add the juicy Firefly perk that can be enhanced with the Catalyst, and you got the most perfect weapon Bungie has come up with.
Fun to use, fair and balanced, and truly a gentleman's weapon in a world of cheesy OP ones.
If you want more Destiny 2 content, check out all weapon changes coming with Season of the Deep.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Destiny and Gaming News page.