Destiny 2 Exotic Weapons Tier List [September 2023]

Ranking For The Best PVE & PVP Weapons

Destiny 2 is in season 21 currently, and with each season, it gets better exotic armor, weapons, higher levels, and much more. If you are looking for the best Destiny 2 Exotic Weapons Tier List, then you have come to the right place.

Key Takeaways
  • Known for its rich collection of both playable characters and Armor, Destiny 2 has got an equally amusing fighting weapon list that stretches up to 90 total weapons.
  • From Machine Guns to Shotguns, Launchers, Bows, Swords, and nearly seven different kinds of Rifles, all of the 90 Destiny 2 Exotic Weapons hail from a distinct style. 
  • Besides types, we have adopted overall efficacy and benefits as the primary factors for ranking each playable weapon option. 
  • Exotic Weapons that stand as the finest options in Destiny 2 are Bastion, Osteo Striga, Thunderlord, Chaperone, Forerunner, Monte Carlo, Divinity, Lorentz Driver, Gjallajorn, Witherhoard, Trinity Ghoul, The Lament, and Eriana’s Vow.
  • Destiny 2 Exotic Weapons that aren’t worth grinding include Cerberus+1, Borealis, Coldheart, Graviton Lance, Truth, and Worldine Zero.

But before ranking them, we need to know the important things about exotic weapons. If you are not new to the game, then feel free to skip this part. We know it might be frustrating for you, but we must keep everyone happy, from the veterans to the ones who are just starting. 

Destiny 2 Exotic Weapons Tier List Ranking Table
TypeS-TierA-TierB-TierC-Tier
ShotgunThe ChaperoneDuality, Lord of WolvesTractor Cannon, Bad Juju, The Fourth Horseman, Legend of Acrius
Machine GunHeir Apparent, ThunderlordXenophage
SMGOsteo StrigaAnarchy, Huckleberry
Pulse RifleNo Time to ExplainOutbreak PerfectedVigilance WingGraviton Lance
Fusion RifleVex Mythoclast, Bastion, Jötunn, 1k Voices, Vex MythoclastJötunnMerciless
Linear Fusion RifleLorentz DriverLorentz Driver, Sleeper SimulantThe Queenbreaker, Arbalest
Trace RifleAgers Scepter, DivinityWavesplitterRuinous EffigyPrometheus Lens, Coldheart
Sniper RifleWhisper of the Worm, Cloudstrike, Izanagi’s BurdenD.A.R.C.I, Borealis
Auto RifleMonte CarloHard LightTommy’s MatchbookCerberus+1, Sweet Business
Scout RifleDead Man’s TaleMIDA, Dead Man’s Tale, Polaris LanceSymmetry, Polaris LanceThe Jade Rabiit
SidearmTravelers Chosen, ForerunnerRat KingCrosethia 77k
Hand CannonThe Last Word, Ace of Spades, Eriana’s VowThorn, Crimson, Sunshot, Sturm, HawkmoonLumina, Malfeasance
SwordThe LamentBlack TalonBlack TalonWorldine Zero
Combat BowTrinity GhoulSky Burner’s Oath, Ticuu’s Divination, Wish-EnderLeviathan’s Breath
Grenade launcherWitherhoard, Dead MessengerParasite, AnarchyThe Colony, Fighting LionThe Prospector, Salvation’s Grip
Rocket LauncherGjallajornWardcliff Coil, Deathbringer, Eyes of TomorrowTwo-Tailed Fox, Truth

Now that you know the ranking, let’s briefly compare these Destiny 2 Exotic weapons by listing down their stats:

WeaponTierTypeImpact/Blast RadiusRangeReload SpeedRPM/Charge Time/Draw Time
Travelers ChosenS TierSidearm49.086.046.0RPM: 300
Vex MythoclastS TierFusion Rifle33.085.060.0RPM: 390
No Time to ExplainS TierPulse Rifle33.060.060.0RPM: 340
Ace of SpadesS TierHand Canon84.075.042.0RPM: 140
The Last WordS TierHand Canon78.020.080.0RPM: 225
The ChaperoneS TierShotgun75.0100.037.0RPM: 35
Heir ApparentS TierMachine Gun39.060.050.0RPM: 900
ForerunnerS TierSidearm32.0100.080.0RPM: 200
BastionS TierFusion Rifle80.025.024.0CT: 780
JötunnS TierFusion Rifle95.047.023.0CT: 820
1k VoicesS TierFusion Rifle0.0100.030.0CT: 1,000
Osteo StrigaS TierSMG25.080.018.0CT: 600
GjallarhornS TierRocket Launcher90.0N/A37.0RPM: 15
DivinityS TierTrace Rifle6.067.045.0RPM: 1,000
Agers ScepterS TierTrace Rifle6.069.055.0RPM: 1,000
Dead MessengerS TierGrenade Launcher100.0N/A50.0RPM: 72
Monte CarloS TierAuto Rifle21.045.079.0RPM: 600
WitherhoardS TierGrenade Launcher60.0N/A33.0RPM: 90
Dead Man’s TaleS TierScout Rifle67.060.050.0RPM: 120
Eriana’s VowS TierHand Canon100.0100.024.0RPM: 90
The LamentS TierSwordN/A40.0N/ACT: 20
ThunderlordS TierMachine Gun41.060.069.0RPM: 450
Lorentz DriverS TierLinear Fusion Rifle41.038.028.0RPM: 533
Trinity GhoulS TierCombat Bow80.080.050.0DT: 720
Wardcliff CoilA TierRocket Launcher10.0N/A50.0RPM: 60
Polaris LanceA TierScout Rifle67.0N/A33.0RPM: 150
Black TalonA TierSword60.040.0N/ACT: 75
DualityA TierShotgun80.070.01.0RPM: 65
ThornA TierHand Canon84.034.040.0RPM: 140
CrimsonA TierHand Canon92.055.060.0RPM: 415
MIDAA TierScout Rifle60.035.080.0RPM: 200
SturmA TierHand Canon92.060.050.0RPM: 120
DeathbringerA TierRocket Launcher90.0N/A33.0RPM: 15
Eyes of TomorrowA TierRocket Launcher50.0N/A46.0RPM: 20
HuckleberryA TierSMG23.048.0N/ARPM: 750
SunshotA TierHand Canon80.031.072.0RPM: 150
XenophageA TierMachine Gun100.068.031.0RPM: 120
AnarchyA TierGrenade Launcher70.0N/A63.0RPM: 150
Izanagi’s BurdenA TierSniper Rifle70.048.040.0RPM: 90
HawkmoonA TierHand Canon84.052.059.0RPM: 140
ParasiteA TierGrenade Launcher100.0N/A44.0RPM: 120
CloudstrikeA TierSniper Rifle55.060.040.0RPM: 140
Lord of WolvesA TierShotgun68.020.080.0RPM: 640
Whisper of the WormA TierSniper Rifle100.075.036.0RPM: 72
Outbreak PerfectedA TierPulse Rifle27.044.045.0RPM: 450
Hard LightA TierAuto Rifle21.040.064.0RPM: 600
Rat KingA TierSidearm49.030.040.0RPM: 300
WavesplitterA TierTrace Rifle49.030.040.0RPM: 300
Sleeper SimulantA TierLinear Fusion Rifle41.059.029.0RPM: 1,024
Fighting LionB TierGrenade Launcher100.0N/AN/ARPM: 90
The ColonyB TierGrenade Launcher30.0N/A60.0RPM: 140
Vigilance WingB TierPulse Rifle33.060.040.0RPM: 530
MercilessB TierFusion Rifle75.039.043.0RPM: 1,000
MalfeasanceB TierHand Canon78.040.080.0RPM: 180
Wish EnderB TierCombat Bow92.0N/A30.0DT: 780
Ruinous EffigyB TierTrace Rifle8.035.033.0RPM: 1,000
Legend of AcriusB TierShotgun84.0100.020.0RPM: 55
The Fourth HorsemanB TierShotgun80.022.036.0RPM: 360
Bad JujuB TierShotgun27.035.047.0RPM: 450
ArbalestB TierLinear Fusion Rifle41.036.028.0RPM: 533
Tractor CannonB TierShotgun65.010.015.0RPM: 80
Ticuu’s DivinationB TierCombat Bow68.0N/A60.0DT: 580
Sky Burner’s OathB TierScout Rifle67.070.050.0RPM: 150
LuminaB TierHand Canon84.053.061.0RPM: 140
Tommy’s MatchbookB TierAuto Rifle18.043.020.0RPM: 720
The QueenbreakerB TierLinear Fusion Rifle41.050.060.0RPM: 633
SymmetryB TierScout Rifle45.020.015.0RPM: 260
The Jade RabbitC TierScout Rifle67.080.054.0RPM: 150
Salvation’s GripC TierGrenade Launcher50.0N/A25.0RPM: 120
BorealisC TierSniper Rifle90.049.065.0RPM: 72
TruthC TierRocket Launcher90.0N/A39.0RPM: 15
ColdheartC TierTrace Rifle6.060.030.0RPM: 1,000
The ProspectorC TierGrenade Launcher10.0N/A25.0RPM: 165
Cryosthesia 77kC TierSidearm51.072.046.0RPM: 260
Two Tailed FoxC TierRocket Launcher30.0N/A29.0RPM: 40
Leviathan’s BreathC TierCombat Bow60.0N/AN/ADT: 1,328
Prometheus LensC TierTrace Rifle6.060.040.0RPM: 1,000
D.A.R.C.IC TierSniper Rifle55.030.060.0RPM: 140
Graviton LanceC TierPulse Rifle29.050.057.0RPM: 300
Sweet BusinessC TierAuto Rifle18.030.0N/ARPM: 360
Worldine ZeroC TierSword60.040.0N/ACT: 20
Cerberus+1C TierAuto Rifle33.0N/A35.0RPM: 360

Tier List Criteria

Every Exotic Weapon from Destiny 2 is included in this tier list. The Exotic Weapon Tier List for Destiny 2 assesses the usefulness and benefits of each piece of gear, allowing you to utilize it to determine which armor is most advantageous.

The Destiny 2 Exotic Armor Tier List is divided into the following four categories:

  • S-Tier: The most advantageous and finest weapons currently available in the game.
  • A-Tier: Exceptional, top-notch weapons that are always advantageous to you.
  • B-Tier: Balance yourself with stable weapons.
  • C-Tier: Weapons best avoided.

S Tier

Exotic Weapons of the S Tier in Destiny 2
Best Exotic S-Tier Weapons in Destiny 2

These weapons are/were the best in the game and are part of the ultimate Tier of Exputer’s Destiny Exotic Weapons Tier List. They are coupled with some good abilities and breathtaking attention to detail that make you stand out in the game.

WeaponTypePvP/PvE
Travelers ChosenSidearmPvP
Vex MythoclastFusion Rifle
PvP
No Time to ExplainPulse RiflePvP
Ace of SpadesHand CannonPvP
The Last WordHand CannonPvP
The ChaperoneShotgunPvP
Heir ApparentMachine GunPvP
ForerunnerSidearmPvP
BastionFusion RiflePvP
JötunnFusion RiflePvP
1k VoicesFusion RiflePvE
Osteo StrigaSMGPvE
GjallajornRocket LauncherPvE
DivinityTrace RiflePvE
Agers ScepterTrace RiflePvE
Dead MessengerGrenade LauncherPvE
Monte CarloAuto RiflePvE
WitherhoardGrenade LauncherPvE
No Time to ExplainPulse RiflePvE
Heir ApparentMachine GunPvE
Dead Man’s TaleScout RiflePvE
Eriana’s VowHand CannonPvE
The LamentSwordPvE
ThunderlordMachine GunPvE
Lorentz DriverLinear Fusion RiflePvE
Trinity GhoulCombat BowPvE
Vex MythoclastFusion RiflePvE

A Tier

A Tier Exotic Weapons in Destiny 2
Destiny 2’s Good Exotic Weapons

These weapons could be considered the second-best exotic weapons in the game. In our best Destiny 2 Exotic Weapons Tier List, they are ranked second, but one can put them easily on the ultimate tier.

WeaponTypePvP/PvE
Wardcliff CoilRocket LauncherPvP
Polaris LanceScout RiflePvP
Black TalonSwordPvP
Dead Man’s TaleScout RiflePvP
DualityShotgunPvP
Lorentz DriverLinear Fusion RiflePvP
ThornHand CannonPvP
CrimsonHand CannonPvP
MIDAScout RiflePvP
SturmHand CannonPvP
DeathbringerRocket LauncherPvP
Eyes of TomorrowRocket LauncherPvP
DeathbringerRocket LauncherPvE
HuckleberrySMGPvE
SunshotHand CannonPvE
ThornHand CannonPvE
XenophageMachine GunPvE
AnarchyGrenade LauncherRiskrunner – SMGPvE
Izanagi’s BurdenSniper RiflePvE
HawkmoonHand CannonPvE
ParasiteGrenade LauncherPvE
CloudstrikeSniper RiflePvE
Lord of WolvesShotgunPvE
Whisper of the WormSniper RiflePvE
Outbreak PerfectedPulse RiflePvE
JötunnFusion RiflePvE
Hard LightAuto RiflePvE
Rat KingSidearmPvE
WavesplitterTrace RiflePvE
Sleeper SimulantLinear Fusion RiflePvE

B Tier

B Tier Exotic Weapons in Destiny 2
Destiny 2’s Average Exotic Weapons

These weapons, in our opinion, are not worth the grind unless you want to or have unlocked them in the past and can be considered average and are the second worst on our Destiny 2 Exotic Weapons Tier List.

WeaponTypePvE/PvP
Fighting LionGrenade LauncherPvE
The ColonyGrenade LauncherPvE
Vigilance WingPulse RiflePvE
MercilessFusion RiflePvP
MalfeasanceHand CannonPvP
Wish-EnderCombat BowPvP
Polaris LanceScout RiflePvP
Ruinous EffigyTrace RiflePvP
Legend of AcriusShotgunPvP
The Fourth HorsemanShotgunPvP
Bad JujuShotgunPvP
ArbalestLinear Fusion RiflePvP
Tractor CannonShotgunPvP
Ticuu’s DivinationCombat BowPvP
Sky Burner’s OathCombat BowPvP
Black TalonSwordPvP
LuminaHand CannonPvP
Tommy’s MatchbookAuto RiflePvP
The QueenbreakerLinear Fusion RiflePvP
SymmetryScout RiflePvP

C Tier

Worst Exotic Weapons in Destiny 2
Destiny 2’s Worst Exotic Weapons

The worst weapons of our Destiny 2 Weapons Tier List. I am not sure if most people would even consider grinding for these unless they are obsessed with collecting exotic weapons, despite how bad they are.

WeaponTypePvP/PvE
The Jade RabiitScout RiflePvP
Salvation’s GripGrenade LauncherPvE
BorealisSniper RiflePvE
TruthRocket LauncherPvE
ColdheartTrace RiflePvE
The ProspectorGrenade LauncherPvE
Crosethia 77kSidearmPvE
Two Tailed FoxRocket LauncherPvE
Leviathan’s BreathCombat BowPvE
Prometheus LensTrace RiflePvE
D.A.R.C.ISniper RiflePvE
Graviton LancePulse RiflePvE
Sweet BusinessAuto RiflePvE
Worldine ZeroSwordPvE
Cerberus+1Auto RiflePvE

All About The Exotic Weapons

The exotic weapons are not so important for casual players or those who are just starting, but for the long-time enthusiasts of any game, they matter a lot. For those unaware, exotic weapons are rare and not easy to fetch.

Are They Optional?

Yes, the Exotic Weapons in Destiny 2 are optional, and you can enjoy the game without them, but if you go for it, it gives a new purpose to the game with great perks and stats enhancement.

Where To Get Them?

These optional weapons can be found only in random places, and you need to unlock them. The process can be simple if the weapon is not rare, but if it is otherwise, you need to go on challenging quests to be able to see the rare items in your possession.

Some of the ways of unlocking them are:

  1. The decryption of special exotic engrams.
  2. Random Rewards
  3. From Vendors
  4. Quests and Missions
  5. Buying a Season Pass
  6. Drops
  7. The decryption of the bright engrams. 

Can You Unlock All Exotic Weapons?

No, you can’t do that, unfortunately. With each season, the exotic weapons become time-bound, and as the new season comes, it is impossible to get the past season’s exotic weapons. 

Equipping Them

The game only allows you to equip one exotic weapon at one point. In all the updates till now, this has not been changed, and it is highly unlikely we will see it change.

Changes Due To Updates

Last Update: 7.1.0.2

Here are all the changes you need to be aware of that took place in the latest Destiny 2 Patch Update:

  • Some older Iron Banner Special/Power weapons that had lost their scope glint have been fixed.
  • Purchasing a Last Wish deep sight weapon from Hawthorne will no longer unintentionally award bonus pattern progress in addition to the progress provided by consuming the deep sight on the weapon.
  • The size of the red dot in Mecurial Overreach’s scope has been increased based on player feedback.
  • The damage of the Collective Action weapon perk against Guardians has been reduced to 10% from 20%.
  • The icon for the Navigator’s intrinsic trait has been changed.

Disclaimer

Our legendary Destiny 2 Exotic Weapons Tier List is based on our research, community input, and game time in Destiny 2. Some of these exotic weapons might be ranked higher or lower than your expectations.

Thus we are open to your feedback, but this Tier List can not be a subject of unjust criticism since ranking something is a variable thing to do. 

The exotic weapons in Destiny 2 are not easy to fetch, and many gamers are fond of them, maybe to flaunt them or for their sense of achievement or the love of the game. 

Therefore we must be aware of all the best exotic weapons in the game. Some are worth grinding for, while others are best avoided. We at Exputer have ranked them all in tiers to help you decide which weapons are worth the effort.

Related to this: Destiny 2 Weapons Tier List

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Muhammad Sanan Khan


Muhammad Sanan Khan is a Tier List expert on eXputer who loves to talk and write about everything related to video games. He’s got a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration & Management and half a decade's worth of experience writing for video games. You can also catch his work on TopTierList. Sannan has written several tier lists on eXputer. Experience: 5+ years || Education: Bachelor's in Business Administration || Founder at TopTierList || Mainly Covers Tier Lists on eXputer

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