Legendary weapons are essential for Guardians wishing to take on the game's numerous activities, including PvE missions, raids, and competitive PvP bouts in the Crucible. Legendary weapons are one step below Exotic weapons in rarity. Yet, they are essential for maximizing loadouts due to their unique perks, attributes, and the ability to equip multiple at once.

In Destiny 2, the meta constantly evolves each Season, bringing certain legendary weapons to the forefront for PvE and PvP activities. Here's a rundown of the top 20 legendary weapons currently dominating the game's meta, categorized by their effectiveness in various scenarios:

20. Ammit AR2

Dying edge dual-chamber stabilization matrix technology makes this the most balanced Auto Rifle that Omolon has ever produced.

The Ammit AR2 stands out for its vast perk selection, particularly "Dynamic Sway Reduction," which improves its compatibility with solar setups and PvP performance. This auto rifle has an impressive range, making it an excellent choice for PvE encounters.

Ammit AR2 Stats

• Impact: 29
• Range: 61
• Stability: 45
• Handling: 46
• Reload Speed: 38
• Reload Time: 2.21 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 44
• Inventory Size: 48
• Zoom: 15
• Airborne Effectiveness: 20
• Recoil: 71
• Rounds Per Minute: 450
• Magazine: 32

PvP God roll:

• Barrel: Arrowhead Brake
• Magazine: High-Caliber Rounds
• Perk 1: Dynamic Sway Reduction
• Perk 2: Tap the Trigger

How to get Ammit AR2

In the Season of the Witch, the only way to get this weapon is from the gunsmith vendor (Banshee-44). Banshee has sold some amazing rolls of this weapon in the past and offers it frequently in its inventory. You must watch its daily offerings and might be lucky enough to get a god-roll.

19. Matador 64

Be the bull.

While Matador did not make as great a splash in Destiny 2 as in the original, it is still one of the game's strongest and most reliable shotguns. Thanks to excellent base stats and powerful perk combinations, Matador's versatility shines through. It includes elements that improve movement and handling, allowing for quick, responsive gameplay. 

Matador 64 Stats

• Impact: 70
• Range: 65
• Stability: 48
• Handling: 43
• Reload Speed: 48
• Aim Assistance: 65
• Inventory Size: 45
• Zoom: 12
• Airborne Effectiveness: 2
• Recoil: 77
• Rounds Per Minute: 65
• Magazine: 5

PvP God roll:

• Barrel: Fullchoke
• Magazine: Accurized Rounds
• Perk 1: Perpetual Motion
• Perk 2: Opening Shot

How to get Matador 64 

You can grab Matador by completing encounters of the Grasp of Avarice dungeon. This weapon can drop from all three encounters, but we highly suggest you farm the first encounter as it is the fastest to finish. The loot pool of the first encounter is also small, increasing this weapon's drop chances.

18. Cataclysmic

Shape: Fatal

Even though linear Fusion Rifles aren't at the top of the meta right now, it's a good idea to get Cataclysmic with a full pattern for specific DPS phases and your overall collection. If Linear Fusion Rifles become a hit again, Cataclysmic will stand out owing to its tremendous perk combinations.

Cataclysmic Stats

• Impact: 41
• Range: 39
• Stability: 48
• Handling: 31
• Reload Speed: 25
• Aim Assistance: 65
• Inventory Size: 37
• Zoom: 25
• Airborne Effectiveness: 13
• Recoil: 70
• Charge Time: 533
• Magazine: 6

PvE God roll:

• Barrel: Arrowhead Brake
• Magazine: Accelerated Coils
• Perk 1: Fourth Time’s the Charm
• Perk 2: Bait and Switch 

How to get Cataclysmic

You can get this weapon from the Vow of the Disciple (VoD) raid, specifically the raid's final encounter. Once the weapon drops, it can appear in secret chests hidden throughout the activity. You can easily farm the red borders of this weapon once this raid is the featured raid of the week.

17. Cataphract GL3

Inexorable force is the quickest path between two destinations.

Season of the Witch has been remarkable for introducing exciting new loot, with Cataphract GL3 potentially being the best among the additions. As a Strand-based Adaptive Frame Grenade Launcher, Cataphract GL3 is poised to become an essential item for Guardians in PvE scenarios. It boasts an impressive selection of perks suitable for PvE and PvP, ensuring its prominence once it becomes available in Trials of Osiris.

Cataphract GL3 Stats

• Blast Radius: 50
• Velocity: 40
• Stability: 44
• Handling: 47
• Reload Speed: 47
• Reload Time: 3.33 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 63
• Inventory Size: 55
• Zoom: 13
• Airborne Effectiveness: 12
• Recoil: 69
• Rounds Per Minute: 120
• Magazine: 6

PvP God roll:

• Barrel: Volatile Launch    
• Magazine: Proximity Grenades
• Perk 1: Demolitionist
• Perk 2: Chain Reaction

How to get Cataphract GL3 Adept

Cataphract GL3 (Adept) is one of the difficult weapons to get as it is linked with the Trials of the Osiris activity. You can only obtain it from the lighthouse chest, which you can only unlock by going flawless in trials. Once you open it in your collections, you can buy another one from Saint-14 by sacrificing your card and a few other resources.

16. Beloved

An Earth artifact, refashioned to suit the Emperor's modest tastes.

Beloved, widely considered the most favoured legendary sniper across the franchise by the community, has made a celebrated comeback, surpassing its previous glory. First seen in Season of Opulence, Beloved earned its reputation as the premier PvP Sniper Rifle thanks to its low zoom, high aim assist, the new ability to craft it, and the highly sought-after Snapshot Sights perk. 

Beloved Stats

• Impact: 70
• Range: 50
• Stability: 46
• Handling: 47
• Reload Speed: 38
• Reload Time: 3.26 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 68
• Inventory Size: 36
• Zoom: 40
• Airborne Effectiveness: 3
• Recoil: 77
• Rounds Per Minute: 90
• Magazine: 4

PvP God roll:

• Barrel:  Fluted Barrel
• Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
• Perk 1: Snapshot Sights
• Perk 2:  Moving Target

How to get Beloved

In the Season of the Witch, the only way to get this weapon is from the gunsmith vendor (Banshee-44). Banshee has sold some amazing rolls of this weapon in the past and offers it frequently in its inventory. You must watch its daily offerings and might be lucky enough to get a god-roll.

15. Apex Predator

Is it you or I that tops the food chain, o challenger mine?

Apex Predator is easily one of the greatest legendary rocket launchers, with awesome features like Bait and Switch and Reconstruction. It has a great theme of Last Wish Raid Plus; now that you can craft it, getting that perfect god roll became much easier. 

Apex Predator Stats

• Blast Radius: 50
• Velocity: 49
• Stability: 43
• Handling: 44
• Reload Speed: 44
• Reload Time: 3.37 s
• Aim Assistance: 68
• Inventory Size: 33
• Zoom: 20
• Airborne Effectiveness: 3
• Recoil: 61
• Rounds Per Minute: 20
• Magazine: 1

PvE God roll:

• Barrel: Volatile Launch
• Magazine: Impact Casing
• Perk 1: Reconstruction
• Perk 2: Bait and Switch

How to get Apex Predator    

You'll need to venture into the Last Wish raid to acquire Apex Predator. During the Season of the Witch, completing any encounter within the raid has a chance to drop this formidable rocket launcher. Once you've unlocked it in your collections, you can also obtain it from the secret chests scattered throughout the raid.

14. Forbearance

Shape: Temperance

Forbearance is Destiny 2's primary PvE Grenade Launcher, outperforming other options for easily clearing ads. Its dominance originates from the ideal combination of the Ambitious Assassin and Chain Reaction perks for its class, which is supported further by its Origin trait.

Forbearance Stats

• Blast Radius: 100
• Velocity: 74
• Stability: 27
• Handling: 70
• Reload Speed: 71
• Reload Time: 2.2 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 79
• Inventory Size: 67
• Zoom: 13
• Airborne Effectiveness: 4
• Recoil: 73
• Rounds Per Minute: 72
• Magazine: 1

PvE God roll:

• Barrel: Volatile Launch
• Magazine: High-Velocity Rounds
• Perk 1: Ambitious Assassin
• Perk 2: Chain Reaction

How to get Forbearance

Forbearance can only be acquired from the fourth(The Caretaker) and final(Rhulk ) encounter of the Vow of the Disciple (VoD) raid. The fourth encounter is relatively easy and fast to farm this weapon. Once you have unlocked it in your collections, you can also get it from the secret chests.

13. Unending Tempest

Now it's worse and here to stay.

The Unending Tempest is now widely recognized as the best submachine gun available, outperforming its competitors. This precision frame SMG features a great time-to-kill ratio, significant range, and an optimal assortment of perks, including the renowned Target Lock, which has established it as a serious competitor to The Immortal.

Unending Tempest Stats

• Impact: 25
• Range: 53
• Stability: 41
• Handling: 23
• Reload Speed: 19
• Reload Time: 2.28 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 58
• Inventory Size: 44
• Zoom: 14
• Airborne Effectiveness: 19
• Recoil: 85
• Rounds Per Minute: 600
• Magazine: 27

PvP God roll:

• Barrel:  Corkscrew Rifling
• Magazine: Accurized Rounds
• Perk 1: Gutshot Straight
• Perk 2:  Target Lock

How to get Unending Tempest

The easiest way to get Unending Tempest is to save Crucible Engrams and use them to buy Unending Tempests from Lord Shaxx.

12. BXR-55 Battler

A treasured competition piece from a bygone era.

This weapon stands out as the best legendary pulse rifle in Destiny 2, and it is popular for both PVP and PVE activities. Its design pays homage to gaming history, drawing inspiration from the Halo Battle Rifle. The best perks for a Godroll are Demolitionist and Incandescent, which let it efficiently remove ads in raids or other endgame PVE challenges. 

BXR-55 Battler Stats

• Impact: 70
• Range: 68
• Stability: 43
• Handling: 70
• Reload Speed: 45
• Aim Assistance: 68
• Inventory Size: 49
• Zoom: 12
• Airborne Effectiveness: 5
• Recoil: 60
• Bounce Intensity: 40
• Rounds Per Minute: 65
• Magazine: 6

PvP God roll:

• Barrel:  Arrowhead Brake 
• Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
• Perk 1: Demolitionist 
• Perk 2:  Incandescent

How to get BXR-55 Battler

Players can get this weapon from Dares of Eternity.

11. Zaouli’s Bane

As the teeth rend and tear, my consolation is that the child lives.

Zaouli's Bane is a legendary hand cannon from the King's Fall raid that has created a lasting impression on Destiny players due to its distinctive design and narrative. Despite its extremely slow reload speed, which many players found inconvenient, its consistent damage output and the intrinsic joy of holding a piece of the Hive's armament made it an unforgettable choice for PvE encounters.

Zaouli’s Bane Stats

• Impact: 84
• Range: 43
• Stability: 52
• Handling: 46
• Reload Speed: 43
• Reload Time: 3.16 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 77
• Inventory Size: 50
• Zoom: 14
• Airborne Effectiveness: 19
• Recoil: 89
• Rounds Per Minute: 140
• Magazine: 10

PvE God roll:

• Barrel: Hammer-Forged Rifling
• Magazine: Tactical Mag
• Perk 1: Explosive Payload
• Perk 2: Incandescent

How to get Zaouli’s Bane

You can get Zaouli's Bane from the King's Fall Raid in Destiny 2, which has a chance to drop in three encounters. You can open reward chests to find this hand cannon after defeating Golgoroth, the Daughters of Oryx, and Oryx himself. 

10. CALUS Mini-Tool

An Earth artifact, refashioned to suit the Emperor's modest tastes.

The Calus Mini-Tool is a unique take on Destiny 2's beloved SMG genre, infused with the richness and flair of Emperor Calus and his Leviathan. This Lightweight Frame submachine gun is recognized for its rapid-fire capability, making it an ideal choice for Guardians who enjoy getting up close and personal with their enemies.

CALUS Mini-Tool Stats

• Impact: 15
• Range: 30
• Stability: 49
• Handling: 65
• Reload Speed: 31
• Reload Time: 2.27 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 49
• Inventory Size: 70
• Zoom: 14
• Airborne Effectiveness: 28
• Recoil: 80
• Rounds Per Minute: 900
• Magazine: 37

PvE God roll:

• Barrel:  Smallbore 
• Magazine: Accurized Rounds
• Perk 1: Unrelenting
• Perk 2:  Incandescent 

How to get CALUS Mini-Tool

In the Season of the Wish, the only way to get this weapon is from the gunsmith vendor (Banshee-44). Banshee has sold some amazing rolls of this weapon in the past and offers it frequently in its inventory. You must watch its daily offerings and might be lucky enough to get a god-roll.

9. The Messenger (Adept)

The bearer of bad news.

The Messenger significantly impacted the Crucible meta upon its debut in Season of the Chosen. Despite being reissued several times afterward, none of the reissues enhanced The Messenger as much as the Season of the Wish version did. The Messenger's excellent base stats are retained, alongside its impressive origin traits. It is without a doubt the best legendary pulse rifle in the game.

The Messenger (Adept) Stats

• Impact: 33
• Range: 66
• Stability: 54
• Handling: 31
• Reload Speed: 38
• Reload Time: 2.3 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 37
• Inventory Size: 49
• Zoom: 18
• Recoil: 60
• Bounce Intensity: 40
• Rounds Per Minute: 340
• Magazine: 31

PvP God roll:

• Barrel: Chambered Compensator (Stability +10, Recoil +10, Handling -5)
• Magazine: Ricochet Rounds (Range +5, Stability +10)
• Perk 1: Killing Wind
• Perk 2: Desperado

How to get The Messenger (Adept) 

Players can obtain the Igneous Hammer from the lighthouse chest, which can only be unlocked by going flawless in trials.

8. Round Robin

Standard-issue weapon provided for Golden Age extraplanetary expeditions, retrofitted to combat Vex.

The Messenger significantly impacted the Crucible meta upon its debut in Season of the Chosen. Despite being reissued several times afterward, none of the reissues enhanced The Messenger as much as the SeasonSeason of the Wish version did. The Messenger's excellent base stats are retained, alongside its impressive origin traits. It is, without a doubt, the best legendary pulse rifle in the game.

Round Robin Stats

• Impact: 92
• Range: 56
• Stability: 20
• Handling: 24
• Reload Speed: 22
• Reload Time: 3.81 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 58
• Inventory Size: 52
• Zoom: 14
• Airborne Effectiveness: 14
• Recoil: 97
• Rounds Per Minute: 120
• Magazine: 8

PvP God roll:

• Barrel: Fluted Barrel
• Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
• Perk 1: Keep Away
• Perk 2: Kill Clip

How to get Round Robin

There are multiple ways to farm Round Robin in the game. The weapon was released with the lightfall expansion, and the grind was tied to the new destination, Neomuna. You can get it from the Lightfall engrams and the chests of Terminal Overload activity. The fastest and easiest way to farm it is by completing the Heroic Petrols on Neumona.

7. Heritage

A single word etched inside the barrel: "Wilhelmina-1."

Heritage is a fantastic choice if you're searching for a reliable Shotgun. Slug Shotguns excel in PvE with their high damage output, offer impressive one-shot capabilities in PvP, and are generally user-friendly. Opting for a Heritage with the Hip-Fire Grip and Moving Target perks will provide you with one of the most dependable Legendary PvP Shotguns available.

Heritage Stats

• Impact: 70
• Range: 68
• Stability: 43
• Handling: 70
• Reload Speed: 45
• Aim Assistance: 68
• Inventory Size: 49
• Zoom: 12
• Airborne Effectiveness: 5
• Recoil: 60
• Rounds Per Minute: 65
• Magazine: 6

PvE God roll:

• Barrel: Hammer-Forged Rifling
• Magazine: Accurized Target
• Perk 1: Reconstruction 
• Perk 2: Snapshot Sights

How to get Heritage

You can get this weapon from the Deep Stone Crypt Raid, specifically the raid's second (Replication) and third (Disarmament) encounters. Once the weapon drops, it can appear in secret chests hidden throughout the activity. You can easily farm the red borders of this weapon once this raid is the featured raid of the week.

6. Riptide

"Sudden, swift, and deadly."

Even after Chill Clip was heavily nerfed, Riptide remains the top legendary Fusion Rifle in Destiny 2. Its quick Charge Time and outstanding perks, particularly Chill Clip, keep it in the lead. The key feature is its ability to accumulate Slow Stacks, making it a breeze to freeze enemies in their tracks.

Riptide Stats

• Impact: 55
• Range: 21
• Damage Falloff: ~11.24m Hip / 14.61 ADS
• Stability: 31
• Handling: 50
• Reload Speed: 45
• Reload Time: 2.22 s
• Aim Assistance: 31
• Inventory Size: 46
• Zoom: 15
• Airborne Effectiveness: 3
• Recoil: 53
• Charge Time: 500
• Magazine: 7

PvE God roll:

• Barrel: Arrowhead Brake
• Magazine: Enhanced Battery
• Perk 1: Auto-Loading Holster
• Perk 2: Chill Clip 

How to get Riptide 

Riptide was released in season 17 as a reward for crucible activities. You can get this weapon in the Season of the Witch by decoding the crucible engrams. With the reprised system, you can focus your crucible engrams on any weapon to get your favorite god roll.

5. Igneous Hammer

Forged by fire and might.

The Igneous Hammer isn't as powerful as it was a year ago, but it still has the greatest stats of any 120 RPM Hand Cannon and comes with some extremely cool perks. Even if it isn't the most popular weapon, it can still hold its own and shine in almost any setting.

Igneous Hammer Stats

• Impact: 92
• Range: 65
• Stability: 35
• Handling: 37
• Reload Speed: 30
• Reload Time: 3.55 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 69
• Inventory Size: 55
• Zoom: 14
• Airborne Effectiveness: 23
• Recoil: 95
• Rounds Per Minute: 120
• Magazine: 9

PvP God roll:

• Barrel:  Hammer Forged Rifling
• Magazine: Accurized Rounds
• Perk 1: Rapid Hit
• Perk 2:  Opening Shot

How to get Igneous Hammer

Players can obtain the Igneous Hammer from the lighthouse chest, which can only be unlocked by going flawless in trials.

4. Fatebringer

Delivering the inevitable, one pull at a time.

The Fatebringer is Destiny 2's version of a classic, blowing things up in style since its debut in the original game. This famous hand cannon is a beast because of its combination of Explosive Payload and Firefly perks, which causes things to explode whenever you fire precision shots.

Fatebringer Stats

• Impact: 84
• Range: 46
• Stability: 57
• Handling: 55
• Reload Speed: 46
• Reload Time: 3.08 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 84
• Inventory Size: 53
• Zoom: 14
• Airborne Effectiveness: 10
• Recoil: 98
• Rounds Per Minute: 140
• Magazine: 11

PvP God roll:

• Barrel:  Smallbore
• Magazine: Accurized Rounds
• Perk 1: Killing Wind    
• Perk 2:  Opening Shot

How to get Fatebringer 

Fatebringer can only be dropped by completing the third encounter ( The Templar) of the Vault of the Glass raid. The encounter has other weapons in the pool, so getting the hand cannon may take a few tries. To get the Timelost version of the gun, you must complete the encounter on the Master difficulty. Once you have unlocked the weapon in your collections, you can also buy it from the final chest of the raid.

3. The Immortal

Not one, but many.

The Immortal is currently the most powerful legendary SMG in Destiny 2. It's packed with fantastic stats and benefits that shine in PvP, and in PvE, it works well with options like Demolitionist and Hatchling. Yes, entering the Trials of Osiris to obtain it may appear daunting, but believe me, it is well worth the effort.

The Immortal Stats

• Impact: 23
• Range: 40
• Stability: 25
• Handling: 58
• Reload Speed: 30
• Reload Time: 2.28 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 39
• Inventory Size: 37
• Zoom: 14
• Airborne Effectiveness: 25
• Recoil: 96
• Rounds Per Minute: 720
• Magazine: 28

PvP God roll:

• Barrel:  Corkscrew Rifling
• Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
• Perk 1: Rangefinder
• Perk 2:  Target Lock

How to get The Immortal 

The Immortals Adept weapon is challenging to acquire because it is associated with the Trials of Osiris activity. You must access the lighthouse chest to get it, which is only possible by achieving a flawless trial run. After unlocking it in your collections, you can purchase an additional one from Saint-14 by giving up your card and a handful of other materials.

2. IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3

Subroutine IKELOS: Status=reinitiated.

APOTHEOSIS: Status=active…

IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3 is currently one of the best legendary SMGs available in the game. The IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3 is an improved version of Destiny 2's legendary IKELOS submachine gun family, distinguished by its sleek look and association with the Warmind Rasputin. 

IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3 Stats

• Impact: 78
• Range: 32
• Stability: 55
• Handling: 33
• Reload Speed: 33
• Reload Time: 3.46 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 75
• Inventory Size: 53
• Zoom: 14
• Airborne Effectiveness: 14
• Recoil: 91
• Rounds Per Minute: 180
• Magazine: 12

PvP God roll:

• Barrel:  Chambered Compensator
• Magazine: Seraph Rounds
• Perk 1: Dynamic Sway Reduction
• Perk 2:  Tap the Trigger

How to get IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3

In the Season of the Wish, the only way to get this weapon is from the gunsmith vendor (Banshee-44). Banshee has sold some amazing rolls of this weapon in the past and offers it frequently in its inventory. You must watch its daily offerings and might be lucky enough to get a god-roll.

1. Rose

In his strong hand the man held a Rose. And his aura burned bright.

Rose stands out as one of the best legendary hand cannons in the game, although it is not currently available. It is unique because it is the game's only Lightweight Hand Cannon, providing a large boost to mobility (+20 to Mobility) and a 6.25% increase in sprint speed while worn. Although it performs similarly to a 140 RPM Hand Cannon, Rose stands out with its excellent handling and an impressive base aim assist of 85.

Rose Stats

• Impact: 84
• Range: 43
• Stability: 45
• Handling: 60
• Reload Speed: 55
• Reload Time: 2.84 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 85
• Inventory Size: 58
• Zoom: 14
• Airborne Effectiveness: 20
• Recoil: 95
• Rounds Per Minute: 140
• Magazine: 11

PvP God roll:

• Barrel: Hammer-Forged Rifling
• Magazine: Accurized Rounds
• Perk 1: Perpetual Motion
• Perk 2: Rangefinder

How to get Rose 

Rose was the reward for the PvP Competitive Playlist in a previous season. Unfortunately, there is no way to obtain this gun in the game right now.

 

You may also be interested in:

• Destiny 2 Class Tier List: The Best Destiny 2 Classes and Subsclasses
• Top 10 Best Destiny 2 Auto Rifles Right Now
• Top 10 Destiny 2 Best Exotic Weapons for PvP