Home » Home » Destiny 2 Weapons List: Legendary Guns And Exotics

Destiny 2 Weapons List: Legendary Guns And Exotics

By  //  January 28, 2025

Let’s face it. Your arsenal in Destiny 2 can make or break your experience.

Whether you’re battling your way through a high-stakes raid or dominating in PvP, having the right weapons is crucial. And if you’re hunting for the Last Word Destiny (pun intended), finding the best guns—Legendary and Exotic alike—is your ultimate goal.

In this guide, we’ll break down what makes Legendary weapons shine, dive into the top 10 picks, and explore the jaw-dropping power of Exotics. If you’re tired of being outgunned, keep reading. Let’s gear up.

What Are Legendary Weapons?

Legendary weapons are the bread and butter of your Destiny 2 loadout. They pack enough punch to carry you through tough missions and boss fights, but don’t take up your coveted Exotic slot. 

Legendary weapons are reliable. They offer versatility—great for both PvE (player vs. environment) and PvP (player vs. player) activities. Plus, they’re highly customizable. With perks like Outlaw, Frenzy, and Rampage, you can tailor these weapons to your playstyle. Think of them as the Swiss Army knife of your arsenal.

How to Obtain Legendary Weapons

So, where do you find these gems? Good news: Legendary weapons drop all over the game. You’ll get them from:

  • Strikes and Nightfalls
  • Crucible matches
  • Raids and Dungeons
  • Vendors like Banshee-44 and Xûr
  • Seasonal activities and quests

Pro tip? Always keep an eye out for god rolls. These are versions of Legendary weapons with the perfect perks for your needs.

Top 10 Legendary Weapons

Now for the fun part. Here’s our curated list of the 10 best Legendary weapons in Destiny 2. Each of these deserves a spot in your inventory.

  1. Funnelweb

Ever heard of Recluse? Funnelweb is its spiritual successor. This Void SMG is a beast in PvE. It shreds through enemies like a hot knife through butter, especially with perks like Subsistence and Frenzy. Its rapid-fire archetype ensures consistent damage, making it an essential pick for clearing adds. In Void builds, it synergizes perfectly with Volatile Rounds, making it even more devastating.

  1. The Immortal (Adept)

This Strand SMG is a Crucible staple. With insane range and perks like Rangefinder, you’ll dominate PvP matches in no time. Its pinpoint accuracy and stability make it a nightmare for opponents in competitive play. For those who thrive in Trials of Osiris, obtaining the Adept version gives you access to enhanced perks and stat boosts, elevating your gameplay to the next level.

  1. Osteo Striga

Technically an Exotic, but its synergy with certain Legendary setups is undeniable. This poison-spewing SMG melts hordes of enemies effortlessly. Pair it with Necrotic Grips, and you’re unstoppable. Its area-of-effect damage and ability to chain poison to nearby enemies make it a standout choice for crowd control. Perfect for activities where you’re overwhelmed by waves of enemies.

  1. Retrofit Escapade

Machine guns aren’t just for show. Retrofit Escapade is a top-tier pick for DPS phases, especially with a Void build. Perks like Fourth Time’s Charm and Target Lock ensure sustained, high-damage output during boss fights. Its synergy with Volatile Rounds in a Void 3.0 setup further amplifies its destructive potential, making it a favorite for endgame content.

  1. Palindrome (Adept)

Love hand cannons? Palindrome is one of the best. Its high impact and range make it deadly in both PvE and PvP. Perks like Rangefinder and Overflow allow for precise, hard-hitting shots. It’s especially lethal in Nightfalls, where the Adept version can be equipped with Adept mods for even greater effectiveness. If you’re a fan of hand cannons, this one is a must-have.

  1. Izanagi’s Burden

This sniper rifle is a precision powerhouse. Great for high-damage phases during raids, it’s a favorite among players who demand accuracy. Its unique perk, Honed Edge, allows you to combine ammo for an insanely powerful shot. Mastering the reload timing is key, but once you do, Izanagi’s Burden can deal devastating damage to bosses and Champions alike.

  1. Riptide

Fusion rifles don’t get enough love. Riptide, however, stands out. It’s excellent for freezing enemies with Stasis and pairs well with builds that rely on crowd control. Perks like Chill Clip turn this weapon into a utility powerhouse, slowing and freezing enemies to give you a tactical advantage. It’s also incredibly fun to use, making it a go-to option for creative builds.

  1. Unforgiven

This Void SMG thrives in PvE. With perks like Demolitionist and Adrenaline Junkie, it’s a must-have for grenade-focused builds. It excels at clearing waves of enemies while simultaneously regenerating your grenade energy. If you love fast-paced gameplay with plenty of explosions, Unforgiven will fit perfectly into your loadout.

  1. Calus Mini-Tool

Lightweight and fast, this Solar SMG is a fan favorite for PvE. Pair it with perks like Incandescent, and you’ll ignite enemies left and right. A great addition to any Solar build, it also shines in activities with lots of grouped enemies. Its handling and reload speed make it incredibly smooth to use, ensuring it remains effective in both casual and endgame content.

  1. Out of Bounds

This Arc pulse rifle is a sleeper hit in PvP. With perks like Perpetual Motion and Kill Clip, it’s perfect for aggressive, fast-paced playstyles. Its versatility also makes it a reliable option for PvE. Farming this weapon is relatively easy, and its consistent performance ensures it’s a worthy addition to your arsenal, no matter the activity.

What Are Exotic Weapons?

If Legendary weapons are your bread and butter, Exotics are the cherry on top. They’re flashy, powerful, and come with unique perks that can’t be found anywhere else.

Exotic weapons often define a Guardian’s playstyle. For example, Gjallarhorn’s wolfpack rounds make it a DPS king in PvE, while Thorn’s poison bullets excel in PvP. But there’s a catch: you can only equip one Exotic weapon at a time. That means every choice matters.

Most Exotics come from specific quests, high-level activities, or random world drops. If you see a powerful Guardian in the Tower, chances are they’re rocking an Exotic.

Top Exotic Weapons to Look Out For

Not sure which Exotics are worth the grind? Here are a few game-changers:

  1. Gjallarhorn

The rocket launcher that redefined DPS phases. Gjallarhorn’s wolfpack rounds ensure every rocket spawns additional projectiles, making it the ultimate boss-killer. Its versatility also makes it excellent for clearing waves of enemies.

  1. Witherhoard

This grenade launcher is a multitasking marvel. Its blight effect creates poisonous pools that damage enemies over time, perfect for controlling areas in PvE or keeping foes away in PvP. It’s a must-have for objective-based modes.

  1. Arbalest

An anti-barrier linear fusion rifle that’s a lifesaver in high-level activities. It deals precision damage that can rip through enemy shields effortlessly. Whether you’re tackling a Grandmaster Nightfall or taking on Champions, Arbalest has your back.

  1. Thorn

For PvP enthusiasts, Thorn is a dream weapon. It deals damage over time with its poison effect, which can give you an edge in one-on-one duels. The Soul Devourer perk adds even more lethality, rewarding skilled players.

  1. Dead Man’s Tale

A scout rifle with a unique lever-action feel. Dead Man’s Tale is both powerful and stylish, excelling in mid-range combat. The Cranial Spike perk increases precision damage, making it deadly in capable hands.

Each Exotic weapon has its own flavor, so experiment to find the one that fits your playstyle. And remember: the grind is always worth it when you’re chasing something truly exceptional.

How to Optimize Your Loadout

So you’ve got Legendary and Exotic weapons. Now what? Optimizing your loadout is key to tackling everything from casual strikes to sweaty PvP matches.

  1. Balance Is Key

Your loadout should complement your subclass and armor mods. For instance, running a Void build? Equip Void weapons like Funnelweb or Retrofit Escapade to maximize synergy. A Solar build? Go for Calus Mini-Tool or Skyburner’s Oath to bring out your subclass’s full potential. It’s all about creating a cohesive setup where every piece works together.

  1. Match Activities

Different activities demand different loadouts. For example:

  • PvE: Focus on weapons with perks like Frenzy, Rampage, or Outlaw for consistent damage and reload speed. Riptide or Retrofit Escapade work wonders here.
  • PvP: Opt for high-impact weapons with stability and range perks. The Immortal and Palindrome excel in competitive modes.
  • Endgame Content: Champions require specific mods and weapon types. Make sure to bring Anti-Barrier, Overload, or Unstoppable weapons—Arbalest or a good pulse rifle will do the trick.

  1. Test and Adjust

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Test out different combinations of weapons, armor mods, and subclass abilities. Pay attention to how they interact. A great loadout feels seamless. You’ll know it when you find it—your abilities recharge faster, your damage output is consistent, and you’re always ready for what’s next.

  1. Communicate in Teams

If you’re playing with friends, coordinate your loadouts. For example, one player can bring Gjallarhorn while others use Legendary rocket launchers to benefit from its wolfpack rounds. Synergy across the team can elevate your performance in challenging activities like raids.

The key to success? Stay flexible and adapt to the situation. A well-optimized loadout isn’t just about power—it’s about precision.

Where to Find Legendary and Exotic Weapons

Weapons don’t grow on trees (unfortunately). But with a little effort, you’ll build an arsenal that rivals the best Guardians.

Legendary Weapon Sources

  • Strikes: A consistent source of drops.
  • Vendors: Banshee-44 often sells excellent options.
  • Seasonal Activities: Keep an eye on seasonal challenges for rewards.

Exotic Weapon Sources

  • Xûr: Your go-to vendor for Exotics. Check his inventory weekly.
  • Quests: Many Exotics come with questlines. Be prepared to grind.
  • Random Drops: Sometimes, luck is on your side.

The key? Stay persistent. The more you play, the better your odds of snagging top-tier gear.

Build Your Arsenal

At the end of the day, Destiny 2 is all about choices. Legendary and Exotic weapons add depth, strategy, and fun to your experience. Whether you’re chasing god rolls or grinding for a shiny new Exotic, remember—it’s all part of the journey.

Now it’s your turn. Load up, jump in, and make those weapons work for you. Who knows? The perfect loadout might just be one drop away.