Destiny 2 has almost 100 exotic weapons for players to use. With so many options, it can be hard to choose one, but the game’s constantly changing meta can also mean certain weapons are good in one season and not another. In Season of the Lost, there are quite a few exotic weapons that stand out from the pack, but only a handful have become necessities.
This doesn’t mean players shouldn’t use whatever weapons they want in Destiny 2, but some options are more reliable than others. For those looking to see the very best weapons available in the current meta, the following tier list should prove to be extremely useful.
Season of the Lost PvE Exotics
For PvE, there are quite a few weapons that players should consider using if they have them in Destiny 2. While fusion rifles are dominating the landscape in Season of the Lost, there are still reliable options found in other weapon classes. Some will be difficult to get, but others are as easy as a trip to the Monument to Lost Lights.
S-Tier – Vex Mythoclast and Lorentz Driver
- These two weapons are going to be the best options for players this season. While both exotic weapons are solid on their own, the meta this season focuses on their weapon classes. With the option to run an Unstoppable mod that grants Unstoppable to both fusion rifles and linear fusions rifles, as well as the Particle Deconstruction mod, Vex Mythoclast and Lorentz Drive become two of the most valuable guns in the game. The good news for players is that Lorentz Driver can be obtained through the seasonal rewards, but the bad news is that Vex Mythoclast is a raid drop from the Vault of Glass, leaving Guardians’ ability to get it up to chance.
A-Tier – One Thousand Voices, Sleeper Simulant, and Trinity Ghoul
- One Thousand Voices and Sleeper Simulant are again a fusion rifle and linear fusion rifle respectively. Their usefulness in Season of the Lost comes from pretty much the same place that Vex Mythoclast and Lorentz Driver’s do. The difference between these two, though, is their burst DPS potential. While they don’t excel at clearing enemies in the same way, they make up for it by delivering immense power. These weapons are ideal for taking down Champions and any bosses that players run into. One Thousand Voices runs into the same downside as Vex Mythoclast, though, as it's a raid reward and drops at the end of the Last Wish raid. Thankfully, Sleeper Simulant can be easily obtained from the Monument to Lost Lights.
- Trinity Ghoul is going to be one of the best options for players when it comes to clearing out enemies. The bow's perks spreads arc damage that make chains between mobs that are close to one another. With the burst of lightning, the strike of the arrows, and chain damage, Trinity Ghoul can make quick work of squishy groups. Bows also have an Overload mod in Season of the Lost, making Trinity Ghoul a valuable asset when dealing with overpowered Overload Champions in Destiny 2.
B-Tier – Telesto and The Lament:
- Telesto benefits from Particle Deconstruction like the other fusion rifles and linear fusion rifles in Destiny 2, but its lack of power makes it a solid middle-of-the-pack weapon. While Telesto can clear out enemies pretty well and will be good against Unstoppable champions, at the end of the day there are better options to choose from. That doesn’t mean the weapon isn’t effective, but if it isn’t someone’s only option for a Nightfall Strike, then they’ll probably be better off choosing a higher rated or an alternative exotic.
- The Lament has been a reliable option since its release, but like Telesto, it can become situational. While the exotic sword’s burst damage is incredible, and it has intrinsic anti-barrier capabilities as well as a sword mod for Overload Champions this season, getting in close to strong enemies and Champions in higher-level activities can be dangerous. The Lament continues to be a great solution for raids like the Vault of Glass or tearing down Atraks in the Deep Stone Crypt, but players looking to use it in Grandmaster Nightfall strikes should be incredibly confident and just as quick on their feet.
C-Tier – Ager’s Scepter and Leviathan’s Breath
- Despite the two champion mods that Leviathan’s Breath has at its disposal this season, the bow still feels pretty situational. Its intrinsic effectiveness against Unstoppable Champions and high damage makes it a heavy hitter, but there are some faster firing options with better ammo economy. Similarly, Leviathan’s Breath falls short against Overload Champions when there are weapons that use special and primary ammo instead of heavy ammo.
- Ager’s Scepter breaks away from the other weapons mentioned so far by not having an applicable Champion mod available for it. While it would be nice to see trace rifles have an applicable mod once the Witch Queen expansion releases, for now, the class of weapons is reliant on its clearing abilities. Luckily, Ager’s Scepter does this well and stacks great with items like Mantle of Battle Harmony. With the shatter stasis damage that Ager’s Scepter has and its catalyst, the weapon outshines some key exotics from past seasons and can be great for general PvE activities. Once again, though, there are several better options available to Destiny 2 fans.
Season of the Lost PvP
The PvP meta in Destiny 2 doesn’t change as often as PvE’s, but that doesn’t mean things don’t get shaken up sometimes. The recent matchmaking changes to Trials of Osiris and the game mode’s overhaul are good examples of how PvP can evolve. The addition of new weapons can also shift the landscape as players develop new tactics and impressive ways to use their exotic gear.
S-Tier – Vex Mythoclast and The Chaperone
- The Vex Mythoclast stability and rate of fire outperforms many weapons, and players with the catalyst can be hard to beat in one-on-one situations. The Vex Mythoclast's drop rate from the Vault of Glass has made it a nightmare for some in PvP, but those that have it should use it.
- The Chaperone’s ability to kill is unmatched by many shotguns, and fast-moving Hunters can surprise other Guardians with a well-placed slug. Its range and damaged are a great asset for anyone that feels they can outmaneuver opponents.
A-Tier – Ace of Spades, Dead Man’s Tale
- From longer distances, Dead Man’s Tale can make quick work of enemies with high precision damage and a fast rate of fire. While not as obnoxious as it once was in PvP spaces, even after a nerf DMT can dominate in matches.
- The Ace of Spades is deadly at close-to-mid ranges and packs one of the most effective PvP perks out there. With Memento Mori, Guardians can pay homage to Cayde-6 and deliver six buffed rounds when they reload after a kill. While it requires Guardians to have already eliminated an opponent, a quick kill and reload can result in skilled players wiping out enemy teams in Trials of Osiris.
B-Tier – Thorn
- Thorn sees consistent use in the Crucible in Destiny 2, but it doesn’t stand out as much as other weapons in PvP. Despite this, Thorn can be a lethal addition to anyone’s loadout and compliments an array of playstyles. Poking at enemies in small team encounters becomes easier with the damage over time that hits from Thorn, while its place as a hand cannon means it can make quick work of enemies at mid-range. It won’t replace the Ace of Spade in many people’s inventories, but it’s still a solid option for players that want to pressure their opponents.
C-Tier – Jotunn
- Jotunn has its usefulness in the Crucible, but the tracking mechanic of the fusion rifle can be unreliable. Unsuspecting Guardians become quick work for the explosive round that Jotunn fires, but its charge time can occasionally ruin opportunities for a clean kill. It seems like a gun that could be useful at long ranges, but enemies that find cover won’t take as much damage (if any), and as a result, Jotunn can become a situational option for mid-range engagements.
While these weapons are favored by many players and perform well, they're not requirements. Exotic weapons in Destiny 2 often push players' play styles and have a primary focus. What suits one Guardian might not always suit another, making less used options great for those that want to experience something off-meta. Still, for those that are only looking to use the best of the best, that information should now be clear.
Destiny 2 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.