Destiny 2 Exotic Tier List: Best Exotics for PvE & PvP (2024)

Khvostov 7G-0X
Khvostov 7G-0X

Auto Rifle

Auto RifleExoticPrimaryKineticThe Final ShapeYesS+ > MetaThe Pale Heart

Meta

❘ S+

Excels in:
PvE + PvP

The Pale Heart

The Final Shape

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Every seventh bullet from this weapon deals additional damage and ricochets to nearby targets. Features the Shoot to Loot perk."

► The Khvostov is absolutely bonkers in both PvE and PvP. In PvE, it's one of the best ad-clearing primaries in the game and also comes with Shoot to Loot, making it incredibly fluid to use. In PvP, it's extremely powerful when dueling and can score random kills around corners thanks to its ricocheting bullets, making it outrageously oppressive in PvP.

The Final Shape

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Every seventh bullet from this weapon deals additional damage and ricochets to nearby targets. Features the Shoot to Loot perk."Top-tierRed Death Reformed
Red Death Reformed

Pulse Rifle

Pulse RifleExoticPrimarySolarFree-to-PlayYesS › BestSeason Pass

Best

❘ S

Excels in:
PvE + PvP

Season Pass

Free-to-Play

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Final blows with this weapon cure you and increase reload speed; reloading after final blows cures nearby allies. When you deal damage with this weapon, it gains increased handling, takes reduced flinch, and movement speed is increased for a short time. When you are at reduced health, this weapon deals additional damage."

► Red Death is one of the nicest feeling weapons in D2, mainly thanks to the recent Pulse Rifle buffs. Plus, Red Death's "Redemption" perk providing Cure x2 on kills means it is almost impossible to die when slaying out in PvE. In PvP, it is very stable and can two burst enemies. Its health regen will also save you every so often.

The Final Shape

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Final blows with this weapon cure you and increase reload speed; reloading after final blows cures nearby allies. When you deal damage with this weapon, it gains increased handling, takes reduced flinch, and movement speed is increased for a short time. When you are at reduced health, this weapon deals additional damage."Top-tierGraviton Lance
Graviton Lance

Pulse Rifle

Pulse RifleExoticPrimaryVoidFree-to-PlayYesS › BestExotic Engram

Best

❘ S

Excels in:
PvE

Exotic Engram

Free-to-Play

Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Second shot of a burst rips a hole through space-time, doing high damage and recoil with no falloff. Kills with this weapon cause enemies to detonate and spawn tracking Void projectiles."

► Graviton Lance is a beast of a weapon. It clears out entire rooms thanks to its explosive capabilities. It also synergizes well with certain builds, making it an excellent option right now.

Season 1

Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Second shot of a burst rips a hole through space-time, doing high damage and recoil with no falloff. Kills with this weapon cause enemies to detonate and spawn tracking Void projectiles."Top-tierSunshot
Sunshot

Hand Cannon

Hand CannonExoticPrimarySolarFree-to-PlayYesS › BestExotic Engram

Best

❘ S

Excels in:
PvE

Exotic Engram

Free-to-Play

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires explosive rounds. Targets killed with Sunshot explode in Solar energy."

► While it may not have access to the Season 23 Artifact that made it truly pop, Sunshot continues to dominate the current PvE meta. Even if you aren't rocking a Solar build, this weapon is a great option for any PvE activity you dive into.

Season 1

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires explosive rounds. Targets killed with Sunshot explode in Solar energy."Top-tierTrinity Ghoul
Trinity Ghoul

Combat Bow

Combat BowExoticPrimaryArcForsaken PackYesS › BestExotic Engram

Best

❘ S

Excels in:
PvE

Exotic Engram

Forsaken Pack

Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Fires an arrow that splits when released. Aiming down sights and fully drawing the bow both decrease the spread. Precision kills grant the next shot chain-lightning capabilities."

► Trinity Ghoul has always been brilliant for ad-clear, and that doesn't seem to be changing any time soon. Despite the more ability-focused meta we have right now, Trinity Ghoul is still a top contender for ad-clear in all PvE content.

Season 4

Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Fires an arrow that splits when released. Aiming down sights and fully drawing the bow both decrease the spread. Precision kills grant the next shot chain-lightning capabilities."Top-tierWish-Ender
Wish-Ender

Combat Bow

Combat BowExoticPrimaryKineticForsaken PackYesS › BestExotic Quest

Best

❘ S

Excels in:
PvE

Exotic Quest

Forsaken Pack

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "While aiming down sights with a fully drawn Bow, combatants behind walls are highlighted, and arrows pierce shields. Strong against Barrier Champions. One shot can over-penetrate multiple targets."

► Wish-Ender has never been this strong or popular. With the newfound intrinsic ability to deal with Anti Barrier Champions with ease, even in Master and Grandmaster levels, and the fact that it effectively hits 3 times per arrow due to its piercing perk, Wish-Ender is currently a monster in PvE.

Season 4

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "While aiming down sights with a fully drawn Bow, combatants behind walls are highlighted, and arrows pierce shields. Strong against Barrier Champions. One shot can over-penetrate multiple targets."Top-tierMalfeasance
Malfeasance

Hand Cannon

Hand CannonExoticPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesS › BestExotic Quest

Best

❘ S

Excels in:
PvE

Exotic Quest

Free-to-Play

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Shoot tainted slugs that burrow into the enemy. Stacking enough slugs causes them all to explode. Bonus damage against Taken enemies and Gambit invaders."

► Malfeasance has always been a fascinating weapon, and with the buffs to Hand Cannons, it quickly became one of the strongest Kinetic Primaries in the game, especially against Taken enemies. Malfeasance is even stronger when using the Lucky Pants Exotic, allowing for ridiculous damage.

Season 4

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Shoot tainted slugs that burrow into the enemy. Stacking enough slugs causes them all to explode. Bonus damage against Taken enemies and Gambit invaders."Top-tierOutbreak Perfected
Outbreak Perfected

Pulse Rifle

Pulse RifleExoticPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesS › BestZero Hour

Best

❘ S

Excels in:
PvE

Zero Hour

Free-to-Play

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon creates SIVA nanite swarms on rapid hits and precision kills and does more damage to enemies based on the number of SIVA nanites that attach to them."

► Now craftable, Outbreak is the best pulse rifle in the game. Rewind Rounds makes it a solid primary damage weapon, and Headseeker (along with other perks) can turn it into a Crucible nightmare. Did I also mention all pulse rifles got a buff in Final Shape?

Season 6

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon creates SIVA nanite swarms on rapid hits and precision kills and does more damage to enemies based on the number of SIVA nanites that attach to them."Top-tierRat King
Rat King

Sidearm

SidearmExoticPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesS › BestExotic Kiosk

Best

❘ S

Excels in:
PvP

Exotic Kiosk

Free-to-Play

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This fully automatic weapon becomes stronger when nearby allies also have it equipped. Reloading immediately after a kill grants a brief period of invisibility."

► The change to Rat King's recoil has massively boosted its strength in PvP. It's feels like an absolute laser beam and is amazing for 1v3 situations thanks to its invisibility and regen capabilities.

Season 1

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This fully automatic weapon becomes stronger when nearby allies also have it equipped. Reloading immediately after a kill grants a brief period of invisibility."Top-tierAce of Spades
Ace of Spades

Hand Cannon

Hand CannonExoticPrimaryKineticForsaken PackYesS › BestExotic Kiosk

Best

❘ S

Excels in:
PvP

Exotic Kiosk

Forsaken Pack

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision kills increase reload speed and cause the target to explode. Reloading after a kill increases damage. Grants radar while aiming down sights."

► Arguably the best 140 RPM hand cannon in the game, Ace of Spades has a lot to offer. With excellent base stats and some of the best perks around, namely Momento Mori, which is like Kill Clip on steroids and the ability to see your radar while zoomed in, this weapon has a bit of everything.

Season 4

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision kills increase reload speed and cause the target to explode. Reloading after a kill increases damage. Grants radar while aiming down sights."Top-tierThorn
Thorn

Hand Cannon

Hand CannonExoticPrimaryKineticForsaken PackYesS › BestExotic Kiosk

Best

❘ S

Excels in:
PvP

Exotic Kiosk

Forsaken Pack

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Rounds pierce targets and deal damage over time. Kills leave behind Remnants which, when absorbed, increase damage."

► Thorn has rocketed right back into the meta with the release of its Exotic Catalyst. This catalyst provides practically everything: Range, Mobility, Handling, and Stability upon a single kill, or absorbing a remnant. This allows for constant kill-chaining and lets good players take over any lobby.

Season 6

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Rounds pierce targets and deal damage over time. Kills leave behind Remnants which, when absorbed, increase damage."Top-tierHawkmoon
Hawkmoon

Hand Cannon

Hand CannonExoticPrimaryKineticBeyond Light PackYesS › BestXûr

Best

❘ S

Excels in:
PvP

Xûr

Beyond Light Pack

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Final blows and precision hits with Hawkmoon grant stacks of Paracausal Charge. The final round in the magazine deals bonus damage based on the number of stacks. Stowing Hawkmoon on the final round removes this bonus."

► Hawkmoon is one of the strongest Exotic Hand Cannons in PvP. It can consistently 2-tap (and even 1-tap) opposing Guardians, provided you are accurate enough. In the hands of an experienced player, Hawkmoon is definitely something to fear.

Season 12

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Final blows and precision hits with Hawkmoon grant stacks of Paracausal Charge. The final round in the magazine deals bonus damage based on the number of stacks. Stowing Hawkmoon on the final round removes this bonus."Top-tierDead Man's Tale
Dead Man's Tale

Scout Rifle

Scout RifleExoticPrimaryKineticBeyond Light PackYesS › BestPresage

Best

❘ S

Excels in:
PvP

Presage

Beyond Light Pack

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Chaining precision hits grants bonus target acquisition and range" + Killing Wind

PvP God Roll: Outlaw (also good: Vorpal Weapon )

► Dead Man's Tale is incredible in the Crucible right now. Due to the recent patch slowing the game down, players are able to take advantage of Dead Man's Tale's incredible range and hip-fire dueling potential.

Season 13

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Chaining precision hits grants bonus target acquisition and range" + Killing Wind

PvP God Roll: Outlaw (also good: Vorpal Weapon )

Top-tierLumina
Lumina

Hand Cannon

Hand CannonExoticPrimaryKineticForsaken PackYesA › StrongExotic Kiosk

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE + PvP

Exotic Kiosk

Forsaken Pack

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Kills with this weapon leave behind Remnants which convert your next hip fired shot into an ally-seeking Noble Round that heals them and grants both of you a weapon damage bonus for a short duration."

►Lumina is one of the most unique Exotics in Destiny 2, allowing you to heal allies and spread one of the most potent damage buffs in the game. If you're looking to optimize a DPS phase—or want to play a more significant support role—this is a fantastic pick. This applies to PvP too.

Season 7

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Kills with this weapon leave behind Remnants which convert your next hip fired shot into an ally-seeking Noble Round that heals them and grants both of you a weapon damage bonus for a short duration."Top-tierNo Time to Explain
No Time to Explain

Pulse Rifle

Pulse RifleExoticPrimaryKineticBeyond Light PackYesA › StrongBeyond Light Campaign

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE + PvP

Beyond Light Campaign

Beyond Light Pack

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision shots and shots against combatants affected by Stasis return to the magazine. At 10 stacks, a small portal will open, shooting bullets from an alternate timeline version of this weapon. Precision hits extend the portal's duration."

► An exceptional pick in PVP (and a fun one in PVE), No Time to Explain's ability to provide you with an extra set of bullets continues to be helpful in most areas of the game.

Season 12

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision shots and shots against combatants affected by Stasis return to the magazine. At 10 stacks, a small portal will open, shooting bullets from an alternate timeline version of this weapon. Precision hits extend the portal's duration."Top-tierFinal Warning
Final Warning

Sidearm

SidearmExoticPrimaryStrandLightfallYesA › StrongExotic Quest

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE + PvP

Exotic Quest

Lightfall

Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Holding down the trigger marks targets and loads multiple bullets, which fire in a burst with increased stability on trigger release. Hitting a marked target with a fully charged burst will unravel them.
Hipfiring Projectiles will track marked targets and deal increased body shot damage. Aiming Projectiles have greatly increased velocity and deal extra critical hit damage."

► Final Warning is a bit of a gimmick weapon, but it definitely has its merits. In PvP, it can be incredibly frustrating to play against, but the weapon does have a noticeable skill curve to be used effectively against good players. In PvE, with the catalyst, Final Warning can do incredible damage and burst Majors, or be a good swap weapon when out of ammo.

Season 20

Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Holding down the trigger marks targets and loads multiple bullets, which fire in a burst with increased stability on trigger release. Hitting a marked target with a fully charged burst will unravel them.
Hipfiring Projectiles will track marked targets and deal increased body shot damage. Aiming Projectiles have greatly increased velocity and deal extra critical hit damage."Top-tierRiskrunner
Riskrunner

Submachine Gun

Submachine GunExoticPrimaryArcFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongExotic Quest

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE

Exotic Quest

Free-to-Play

Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "When taking Arc Damage, this weapon becomes more powerful and resists incoming Arc Damage. Shots fired can become chain lightning and return ammo. Kills extend the duration of the effect."

► Riskrunner can make you unstoppable, assuming you're taking arc damage (which includes throwing your arc grenade at your feet!). When its perk activates, you literally become an unkillable god able to lethal deal chain damage with ease.

Season 1

Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "When taking Arc Damage, this weapon becomes more powerful and resists incoming Arc Damage. Shots fired can become chain lightning and return ammo. Kills extend the duration of the effect."Top-tierPolaris Lance
Polaris Lance

Scout Rifle

Scout RifleExoticPrimarySolarFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongExotic Kiosk

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE

Exotic Kiosk

Free-to-Play

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision hits return ammo to the mag. Landing 4 precision hits loads a delayed Solar explosive round for your next shot."

► Polaris has definitely fallen in terms of strength, mainly because the Season 23 Seasonal Artifact that helped it a lot are no longer available. However, Polaris Lance is still a solid weapon, just perhaps not as powerful as it once was.

Season 3

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision hits return ammo to the mag. Landing 4 precision hits loads a delayed Solar explosive round for your next shot."Top-tierCryosthesia 77K
Cryosthesia 77K

Sidearm

SidearmExoticPrimaryStasisBeyond Light PackYesA › StrongExotic Kiosk

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE

Exotic Kiosk

Beyond Light Pack

Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Press and release to fire individual shots. Hold to fire a Charged Shot when Liquid Cooling is active. Final blows with this weapon enable a Charged Shot for a short duration. Targets hit by this shot are instantly frozen."

► Cryosthesia is an incredibly frustrating weapon to play against in the Crucible, but it has a hard time competing with the top meta picks in terms of raw duelling potential. This sidearm is definitely powerful, but there are better options out there.

Season 14

Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Press and release to fire individual shots. Hold to fire a Charged Shot when Liquid Cooling is active. Final blows with this weapon enable a Charged Shot for a short duration. Targets hit by this shot are instantly frozen."Top-tierQuicksilver Storm
Quicksilver Storm

Auto Rifle

Auto RifleExoticPrimaryStrandLightfallYesA › StrongExotic Kiosk

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE

Exotic Kiosk

Lightfall

Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Landing multiple hits turns your next shot into a homing micro-rocket. Landing multiple rockets loads a grenade."

► Quicksilver Storm remains a solid workhorse weapon, but with options such as Khvostov, Necrochasm, or Outbreak Perfected at your disposal, it is hard to recommend Quicksilver Storm as a top pick anymore. Those other weapons are simply superior at ad-clearing.

Season 18

Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Landing multiple hits turns your next shot into a homing micro-rocket. Landing multiple rockets loads a grenade."Top-tierRevision Zero
Revision Zero

Pulse Rifle

Pulse RifleExoticPrimaryKineticThe Witch QueenYesA › StrongOperation: Seraph's Shield

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE

Operation: Seraph's Shield

Witch Queen

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision hits grant targeting data. Swap to the alternate scope, loading high-damage rounds based on the amount of targeting data. Strong against Barrier Champions. Increased movement speed and target acquisition when moving while aiming down sights."

► Revision Zero is THE Anti-Barrier Champion weapon. With increased damage to Champions, intrinsic Anti-Barrier, and a sniper mode that deals chunky damage, this weapon is an all-around solid option.

Season 19

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision hits grant targeting data. Swap to the alternate scope, loading high-damage rounds based on the amount of targeting data. Strong against Barrier Champions. Increased movement speed and target acquisition when moving while aiming down sights."Top-tierNecrochasm
Necrochasm

Auto Rifle

Auto RifleExoticPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesA › StrongCrota's End Raid

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE

Crota's End Raid

Free-to-Play

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision final blows with this weapon trigger a Cursed Thrall explosion. Final blows with Cursed Thrall explosions refill the magazine."

► Necrochasm remains a top-used weapon in both PvE and PvP, but it truly shines at ad-clearing. It's powerful as is due to its exploding perk, Cursebringer, but if you can get the catalyst, One For Thrall will increase damage, range, and handling when you hit 3 opponents. Perfect for ad control.

Season 22

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision final blows with this weapon trigger a Cursed Thrall explosion. Final blows with Cursed Thrall explosions refill the magazine."Top-tierAlethonym
Alethonym

Grenade Launcher

Grenade LauncherExoticPrimaryStasisEpisode 2: RevenantYesA › StrongSeason Pass

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE

Season Pass

Episode 2: Revenant

Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: Fires a Harvester Spike projectile. Dealing final blows with this weapon creates a single Vestige at the target’s location. Impaling more powerful combatants with the projectile creates a steady stream of Vestiges from the target.

Gains energy when picking up Vestiges. Hold reload with at least 50% energy to cause your next projectile to create ammo bricks for you and your allies on impact. Special bricks are created at 50% energy while Heavy bricks are created at 100% energy.

► This weapon plays heavily into the role of ammo support for you and your allies. Alethonym is a solid pick for those who want to take up a support role while not completely sacrificing damage.

Episode 2

Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: Fires a Harvester Spike projectile. Dealing final blows with this weapon creates a single Vestige at the target’s location. Impaling more powerful combatants with the projectile creates a steady stream of Vestiges from the target.

Gains energy when picking up Vestiges. Hold reload with at least 50% energy to cause your next projectile to create ammo bricks for you and your allies on impact. Special bricks are created at 50% energy while Heavy bricks are created at 100% energy.

Top-tierLe Monarque
Le Monarque

Combat Bow

Combat BowExoticPrimaryVoidForsaken PackYesB › AverageExotic Kiosk

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE + PvP

Exotic Kiosk

Forsaken Pack

Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Arrows fired quickly after a full draw become poison arrows. Precision hits with poison arrows spread poison to nearby enemies."

► Le Monarque isn't as oppressive as it used to be back in its heyday. While it still is a solid pick for both PvE and PvP, it isn't the monster it once was.

Season 5

Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Arrows fired quickly after a full draw become poison arrows. Precision hits with poison arrows spread poison to nearby enemies."Devil's Ruin
Devil's Ruin

Sidearm

SidearmExoticPrimarySolarShadowkeep PackYesB › AverageExotic Kiosk

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE + PvP

Exotic Kiosk

Shadowkeep Pack

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Variable trigger. Press and release to fire individual shots. Hold to charge up a high-powered, staggering laser."

► Able to deal with Unstoppable Champions, this is a fun weapon that does decent damage and melts shotgun apes in PVP when in laser mode. You will rarely see it in the wild, but this weapon deserves more attention, especially now that primary ammo is unlimited.

Season 9

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Variable trigger. Press and release to fire individual shots. Hold to charge up a high-powered, staggering laser."Traveler's Chosen
Traveler's Chosen

Sidearm

SidearmExoticPrimaryKineticShadowkeep PackYesB › AverageExotic Kiosk

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE + PvP

Exotic Kiosk

Shadowkeep Pack

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Final blows grant stacks of Gathering Light. Consuming stacks, grant melee, grenade, and class ability energy based on the number of stacks. Each stack of Gathering Light improves this weapon's reload, handling, and target acquisition."

► Traveler's Chosen isn't anything special, but it is a solid option if you want to use an exotic Sidearm.

Season 11

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Final blows grant stacks of Gathering Light. Consuming stacks, grant melee, grenade, and class ability energy based on the number of stacks. Each stack of Gathering Light improves this weapon's reload, handling, and target acquisition."Vex Mythoclast
Vex Mythoclast

Fusion Rifle

Fusion RifleExoticPrimarySolarFree-to-PlayYesB › AverageVault of Glass Raid

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE + PvP

Vault of Glass Raid

Free-to-Play

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires a single bolt with each trigger pull. Defeating targets builds stacks of Overcharge. Swap firing modes when fully Overcharged to charge up and fire more powerful linear fusion shots."

► Vex Mythoclast is solid, but not groundbreaking. It is a good workhorse weapon and has some unique features, but it simply doesn't excel anymore.

Season 14

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires a single bolt with each trigger pull. Defeating targets builds stacks of Overcharge. Swap firing modes when fully Overcharged to charge up and fire more powerful linear fusion shots."Trespasser
Trespasser

Sidearm

SidearmExoticPrimaryArcThe Witch QueenYesB › AverageExotic Kiosk

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE + PvP

Exotic Kiosk

Witch Queen

Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Reloading after defeating a target causes the next burst to be a longer, more powerful superburst. Final blows with Unrepentant superbursts automatically reload your weapon and provide an Unrepentant superburst."

► Trespasser is the mid-tier slayer. It destroys anything and everything in low to mid-tier content but will struggle in high-level content. It can also find some success in PvP, but there are more straightforward options you can use.

Season 17

Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Reloading after defeating a target causes the next burst to be a longer, more powerful superburst. Final blows with Unrepentant superbursts automatically reload your weapon and provide an Unrepentant superburst."Wish-Keeper
Wish-Keeper

Combat Bow

Combat BowExoticPrimaryStrandLightfallYesB › AverageStarcrossed

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE + PvP

Starcrossed

Lightfall

Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision hits and final blows build energy towards a Snareweaver arrow that can be fired from the hip. On impact, Snareweaver arrows create a pattern of traps that suspend nearby targets. This weapon deals bonus damage to suspended targets. Gain faster draw time for a short duration when you suspend or damage a suspended target with this weapon."

► Wish-Keeper is a fun and solid option if you want to lean into Strand and the suspending capabilities of the subclass. It also lets you access Suspend on a non-strand subclass, which can be surprisingly powerful.

Season 23

Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision hits and final blows build energy towards a Snareweaver arrow that can be fired from the hip. On impact, Snareweaver arrows create a pattern of traps that suspend nearby targets. This weapon deals bonus damage to suspended targets. Gain faster draw time for a short duration when you suspend or damage a suspended target with this weapon."The Huckleberry
The Huckleberry

Submachine Gun

Submachine GunExoticPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesB › AverageExotic Engram

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE

Exotic Engram

Free-to-Play

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Increased rate of fire and recoil while you're holding down the trigger. Kills with this weapon temporarily grant increased damage and partially reload the magazine."

► The Huckleberry is a fun and satisfying weapon to use, but if we look at some other options, there are Legendary weapons that can accomplish the same goals without using up your valuable Exotic weapon slot.

Season 3

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Increased rate of fire and recoil while you're holding down the trigger. Kills with this weapon temporarily grant increased damage and partially reload the magazine."Tarrabah
Tarrabah

Submachine Gun

Submachine GunExoticPrimarySolarForsaken PackYesB › AverageExotic Kiosk

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE

Exotic Kiosk

Forsaken Pack

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon stores power when dealing or receiving damage. Once full, hold reload to unleash the beast."

► Tarrabah is still pretty strong, but it doesn't see as much usage as it once did. The meta has simply shifted away from it, and towards Legendary SMGs that are just as deadly.

Season 4

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon stores power when dealing or receiving damage. Once full, hold reload to unleash the beast."Bad Juju
Bad Juju

Pulse Rifle

Pulse RifleExoticPrimaryKineticForsaken PackYesB › AverageExotic Kiosk

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE

Exotic Kiosk

Forsaken Pack

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Kills refill the magazine, increase damage for a short duration, and grant Super energy based on the number of kills. Fires full-auto."

► Bad Juju is one of the most underrated weapons in Destiny 2, and with the buffs to Pulse Rifles, it has become slightly stronger. Still, there are stronger ad-clearing options out there.

Season 7

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Kills refill the magazine, increase damage for a short duration, and grant Super energy based on the number of kills. Fires full-auto."Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo

Auto Rifle

Auto RifleExoticPrimaryKineticShadowkeep PackYesB › AverageExotic Engram

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE

Exotic Engram

Shadowkeep Pack

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Dealing damage with this weapon reduces melee cooldown and can fully charge your melee with each kill. Melee kills and kills with this weapon increase damage."

► Monte Carlo is a decent auto rifle with a clean aesthetic and nice stats overall. Its exotic perk grants you melee energy with hits and kills, and on top of that, it also comes with an exotic version of Swashbuckler, which is a nice touch and pairs really well with melee-focused playstyles.

Season 8

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Dealing damage with this weapon reduces melee cooldown and can fully charge your melee with each kill. Melee kills and kills with this weapon increase damage."Osteo Striga
Osteo Striga

Submachine Gun

Submachine GunExoticPrimaryKineticThe Witch QueenYesB › AverageThe Witch Queen Campaign

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE

The Witch Queen Campaign

Witch Queen

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Fires a stream of sentient, toxic projectiles that track the targeted enemy. Landing a final blow or multiple precision hits triggers a burst that poisons nearby targets."

► Osteo Striga has been nerfed quite hard. While it's still definitely viable, it's no longer the incredibly powerful and brainless pick it used to be. Other Kinetic Exotics can now do the same job, but more efficiently.

Season 16

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Fires a stream of sentient, toxic projectiles that track the targeted enemy. Landing a final blow or multiple precision hits triggers a burst that poisons nearby targets."Collective Obligation
Collective Obligation

Pulse Rifle

Pulse RifleExoticPrimaryVoidThe Witch QueenYesB › AverageVow of the Disciple Raid

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE

Vow of the Disciple Raid

Witch Queen

Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon leeches Void debuffs when damaging targets that are suppressed, weakened, or volatile. Once charged, damage from this weapon applies the same Void debuffs that were leeched. Weapon automatically reloads when you gain Devour, a Void overshield, or become invisible."

► With the ability to debuff everything in sight, Collective Obligation can do things no other weapon can. That being said, you're almost required to create a build with it to make it worth your exotic slot. While this weapon has potential, having to work so hard to make your exotic feel "exotic" isn't great.

Season 16

Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon leeches Void debuffs when damaging targets that are suppressed, weakened, or volatile. Once charged, damage from this weapon applies the same Void debuffs that were leeched. Weapon automatically reloads when you gain Devour, a Void overshield, or become invisible."Touch of Malice
Touch of Malice

Scout Rifle

Scout RifleExoticPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesB › AverageKing's Fall Raid

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE

King's Fall Raid

Free-to-Play

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "The final round in the magazine deals bonus damage and then regenerates itself. Rapidly defeating three targets restores health. Precision hits drain combatants' life force and charge up a ball of darkness."

► Touch of Malice remains an decent option, but given the rise of other Exotic Primary weapons such as Final Warning or Outbreak Perfected, Touch of Malice can barely compete anymore.

Season 18

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "The final round in the magazine deals bonus damage and then regenerates itself. Rapidly defeating three targets restores health. Precision hits drain combatants' life force and charge up a ball of darkness."The Manticore
The Manticore

Submachine Gun

Submachine GunExoticPrimaryVoidThe Witch QueenYesB › AverageExotic Kiosk

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE

Exotic Kiosk

Witch Queen

Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Dealing damage while grounded charges antigrav repulsors. Dealing damage while airborne extends antigrav repulsors. Dealing damage while airborne increases this weapon's damage output."

► With its Catalyst, The Manticore can put in some solid work when paired with a good Void build. However, many players may prefer to use a Hand Cannon or Pulse Rifle like Graviton Lance as they are simply superior in today's meta.

Season 19

Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Dealing damage while grounded charges antigrav repulsors. Dealing damage while airborne extends antigrav repulsors. Dealing damage while airborne increases this weapon's damage output."Verglas Curve
Verglas Curve

Combat Bow

Combat BowExoticPrimaryStasisFree-to-PlayYesB › AverageExotic Kiosk

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE

Exotic Kiosk

Free-to-Play

Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Final blows with this weapon grant Stasis arrows. Your next hip-fire shot will fire all of them in a single volley. Stasis arrows freeze targets on contact and create Stasis crystals when affecting the environment."

► Verglas Curve is a fun and unique option that acts as a Stasis Trinty Ghoul (that requires extra steps). Good add clear, and the ability to generate Stasis Crystals is nothing to scoff at, but overall, it's outclassed by other Exotics.

Season 20

Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Final blows with this weapon grant Stasis arrows. Your next hip-fire shot will fire all of them in a single volley. Stasis arrows freeze targets on contact and create Stasis crystals when affecting the environment."Centrifuse
Centrifuse

Auto Rifle

Auto RifleExoticPrimaryArcFree-to-PlayYesB › AverageExotic Kiosk

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE

Exotic Kiosk

Free-to-Play

Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Sprinting, sliding, and firing this weapon builds a temporary electrostatic charge, increasing range and reload speed. Final blows with high charge cause explosions, and maximum charge explosions blind targets."

► Sprinting with Centrifuse will charge up its arc damage output. It works like a toned-down take on Zhalo Supercell from Destiny 1. The weapon is solid in PvE as it is great at crowd control when the perk is charged, but otherwise, this is a fairly tame exotic option.

Season 21

Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Sprinting, sliding, and firing this weapon builds a temporary electrostatic charge, increasing range and reload speed. Final blows with high charge cause explosions, and maximum charge explosions blind targets."Wicked Implement
Wicked Implement

Scout Rifle

Scout RifleExoticPrimaryStasisFree-to-PlayYesB › AverageExotic Quest

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE

Exotic Quest

Free-to-Play

Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Rapidly landing precision hits causes targets to become slowed. Precision final blows create a Stasis shard that returns to you. Collecting Stasis shards refills the magazine."

► With the buffs to Stasis and the addition of Frost Armour, Wicked Implement increases in value as a self-sustaining workhorse weapon. This gun is a great pick for those who want an Exotic Primary that is easy to use, enjoy, and works well with Stasis.

Season 21

Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Rapidly landing precision hits causes targets to become slowed. Precision final blows create a Stasis shard that returns to you. Collecting Stasis shards refills the magazine."Fighting Lion
Fighting Lion

Grenade Launcher

Grenade LauncherExoticPrimaryVoidFree-to-PlayYesB › AverageExotic Engram

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvP

Exotic Engram

Free-to-Play

Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Grenade projectiles will bounce off surfaces. Hold to fire, and release to detonate. Direct hits do more damage to enemy shields. Rapid kills against grenade-damaged enemies refill the magazine."

► The Fighting Lion can be one of the most fun weapons to use but also one of the most annoying weapons to fight against. Mastering the Fighting Lion playstyle in the Crucible can yield excellent results. However, it takes time to master and it requires quite a niche playstyle.

Season 1

Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Grenade projectiles will bounce off surfaces. Hold to fire, and release to detonate. Direct hits do more damage to enemy shields. Rapid kills against grenade-damaged enemies refill the magazine."Crimson
Crimson

Hand Cannon

Hand CannonExoticPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesB › AverageExotic Engram

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvP

Exotic Engram

Free-to-Play

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires a 3-round burst. Kills with this weapon heal the wielder. Precision kills also refill the magazine."

► Effectively a Hand Cannon version of Red Death from Destiny 1, Crimson is often a misunderstood weapon and typically receives mixed reviews. But just like The Last Word, Crimson can be very good for PvP, provided you're using a controller.

Season 2

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires a 3-round burst. Kills with this weapon heal the wielder. Precision kills also refill the magazine."SUROS Regime
SUROS Regime

Auto Rifle

Auto RifleExoticPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesB › AverageExotic Engram

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvP

Exotic Engram

Free-to-Play

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "The bottom half of each magazine deals bonus damage and can return health on kill. Holding down the trigger increases rate of fire."

► SUROS Regime's ability to combine a higher damage per bullet and a faster rate of fire can absolutely shred opposing Guardians. This makes SUROS an incredibly oppressive option if used correctly. It has fallen slightly behind, though, especially in this current long-range meta.

Season 3

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "The bottom half of each magazine deals bonus damage and can return health on kill. Holding down the trigger increases rate of fire."The Last Word
The Last Word

Hand Cannon

Hand CannonExoticPrimaryKineticForsaken PackYesB › AverageExotic Kiosk

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvP

Exotic Kiosk

Forsaken Pack

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires full auto. Hip-fire shots deal bonus precision damage while increasing reload speed and accuracy."

► The Last Word is notorious for being way better on a controller than on mouse and keyboard. These days, it's much less common in The Crucible; however, it's still an alright pick for controller players who don't have much else to run.

Season 5

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires full auto. Hip-fire shots deal bonus precision damage while increasing reload speed and accuracy."Symmetry
Symmetry

Scout Rifle

Scout RifleExoticPrimaryArcShadowkeep PackYesC › WeakExotic Kiosk

Weak

❘ C

Excels in:
PvP

Exotic Kiosk

Shadowkeep Pack

Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision hits build up Dynamic Charge. Swapping to Arc Seeker mode increases damage and partially reloads the magazine. Arc Seekers track toward combatants you target."

► Symmetry is an unique weapon that can easily catch opponents off guard. However, its main perk will be less effective against better players, neutering its value in more challenging PvP settings. That said, you can still frag out with it in more casual settings.

Season 9

Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision hits build up Dynamic Charge. Swapping to Arc Seeker mode increases damage and partially reloads the magazine. Arc Seekers track toward combatants you target."MIDA Multi-Tool
MIDA Multi-Tool

Scout Rifle

Scout RifleExoticPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesC › WeakExotic Kiosk

Weak

❘ C

Exotic Kiosk

Free-to-Play

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon boosts move speed. Radar stays active while aiming down sights."

► MIDA Multi-Tool isn't what it used to be in PvP. It gets outclassed by most other weapon types and will struggle to find success in most hands.

Season 1

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon boosts move speed. Radar stays active while aiming down sights."Skyburner's Oath
Skyburner's Oath

Scout Rifle

Scout RifleExoticPrimarySolarFree-to-PlayYesC › WeakExotic Engram

Weak

❘ C

Exotic Engram

Free-to-Play

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit (also good: Subsistence) + Rampage
PvP God Roll: Surplus (also good: Rapid Hit) + Kill Clip

► Skyburner's Oath is still a solid weapon, but some other alternatives, such as Polaris Lance, outperform it, as Polaris can wreak much more havoc without having to only use hip-fire.

Season 1

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit (also good: Subsistence) + Rampage
PvP God Roll: Surplus (also good: Rapid Hit) + Kill ClipSweet Business
Sweet Business

Auto Rifle

Auto RifleExoticPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesC › WeakExotic Quest

Weak

❘ C

Exotic Quest

Free-to-Play

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Larger magazine. Increased accuracy when firing from the hip. Picking up ammo for this weapon immediately reloads it."

► Sweet Business is fun, but that's about it. It can have an excellent TTK when it's ramped up, but when enemies hear a revved-up Sweet Business, they will simply either take cover or peek shoot. This renders the Sweet Business mostly ineffective.

Season 1

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Larger magazine. Increased accuracy when firing from the hip. Picking up ammo for this weapon immediately reloads it."Hard Light
Hard Light

Auto Rifle

Auto RifleExoticPrimaryVoidFree-to-PlayYesC › WeakExotic Engram

Weak

❘ C

Exotic Engram

Free-to-Play

Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Rounds fired from this weapon have reduced damage falloff, over-penetrate targets, and ricochet off hard surfaces dealing extra damage. It can also change its damage type."

► The days of Hard Light's domination over the Crucible are long gone, and these days it sits in the middle of the pack. It does have its niche uses and fun ways to ricochet kill enemies, but many Legendary alternatives surpass it in both PvE and PvP.

Season 1

Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Rounds fired from this weapon have reduced damage falloff, over-penetrate targets, and ricochet off hard surfaces dealing extra damage. It can also change its damage type."The Jade Rabbit
The Jade Rabbit

Scout Rifle

Scout RifleExoticPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesC › WeakExotic Engram

Weak

❘ C

Exotic Engram

Free-to-Play

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Chain body shots to gain bonus damage on your next precision shot, return ammo to the magazine, and increases its stability."

► Scout Rifles aren't too popular right now in PvP, especially because Auto Rifles and Hand Cannons are in such a better place overall. Given the prevalence of weapons like the Khvostov in PvP, it's hard to recommend Jade Rabbit as a serious pick.

Season 2

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Chain body shots to gain bonus damage on your next precision shot, return ammo to the magazine, and increases its stability."Cerberus+1
Cerberus+1

Auto Rifle

Auto RifleExoticPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesC › WeakExotic Engram

Weak

❘ C

Exotic Engram

Free-to-Play

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Shoots erratic bullets from all gun barrels at the same time. Aiming this weapon reduces the spread of its projectiles."

► To say Cerberus+1 is a niche option is an understatement. Cerberus can be useful at dealing with Titan Barricades, especially Citan's Rampart barricades, but other than that, this is a poor weapon, too erratic to do anything notable with.

Season 4

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Shoots erratic bullets from all gun barrels at the same time. Aiming this weapon reduces the spread of its projectiles."Tommy's Matchbook
Tommy's Matchbook

Auto Rifle

Auto RifleExoticPrimarySolarShadowkeep PackYesC › WeakExotic Kiosk

Weak

❘ C

Exotic Kiosk

Shadowkeep Pack

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Sustained fire with this weapon overheats it, increasing damage but burning the user. Overheat damage is reduced while hip firing."

► Tommy's Matchbook can be deadly in certain scenarios, but realistically speaking, there will always going to be better options at your disposal for both PvE and PvP.

Season 10

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Sustained fire with this weapon overheats it, increasing damage but burning the user. Overheat damage is reduced while hip firing."Ticuu's Divination
Ticuu's Divination

Combat Bow

Combat BowExoticPrimarySolarBeyond Light PackYesC › WeakExotic Kiosk

Weak

❘ C

Exotic Kiosk

Beyond Light Pack

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Hipfiring this weapon fires multiple tracking projectiles. Targets marked explode upon death, or when struck again. Arrows fired while aiming down sights cause Sacred Flames to instantly detonate."

► Ticuu's Divination is a powerful option, but it is grossly outclassed by too many weapons. Polaris Lance does more work in high-level content and Trinity Ghoul is way better at ad clear. Ticuu's is decent, but it just can't stand against its rivals.

Season 13

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Hipfiring this weapon fires multiple tracking projectiles. Targets marked explode upon death, or when struck again. Arrows fired while aiming down sights cause Sacred Flames to instantly detonate."Hierarchy of Needs
Hierarchy of Needs

Combat Bow

Combat BowExoticPrimarySolarWitch Queen Dungeon KeyYesC › WeakSpire of the Watcher Dungeon

Weak

❘ C

Spire of the Watcher Dungeon

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision hits and final blows build Guidance Ring energy. Arrows fired through a Guidance Ring release seeking projectiles, which do more damage based on distance traveled."

► While it is incredibly unique and can pump out some respectable damage for a primary weapon, Hierarchy of Needs is simply too clunky and too niche, especially when Touch of Malice can accomplish the same goal and more.

Season 19

Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Precision hits and final blows build Guidance Ring energy. Arrows fired through a Guidance Ring release seeking projectiles, which do more damage based on distance traveled."Vigilance Wing
Vigilance Wing

Pulse Rifle

Pulse RifleExoticPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesD › WorstExotic Engram

Worst

❘ D

Excels in:
PvP

Exotic Engram

Free-to-Play

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires a 5-round burst. When a nearby ally is killed, gain health regeneration, and increased movement speed."

► Vigilance Wing has been massively powercrept. There is practically no reason to run this over any other Exotic Primary in PvP, making it one of the weakest Exotics today.

Season 1

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "This weapon fires a 5-round burst. When a nearby ally is killed, gain health regeneration, and increased movement speed."Sturm
Sturm

Hand Cannon

Hand CannonExoticPrimaryKineticFree-to-PlayYesD › WorstExotic Kiosk

Worst

❘ D

Exotic Kiosk

Free-to-Play

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Kills fill the magazine of the equipped Energy weapon from reserves. Kills with Drang reload this weapon and provides bonus damage."

► Sturm is a pretty niche pick. Even if you play into the gameplay loop of using this gun by equipping Drang, it just feels like a lot of work for not too much payoff. While unique and fun at times, Sturm can't be considered a top-tier pick right now.

Season 1

Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: "Kills fill the magazine of the equipped Energy weapon from reserves. Kills with Drang reload this weapon and provides bonus damage."