Destiny 2 has an ever-changing meta, constantly swapping from one element to the other. Unfortunately, Kinetic weapons have more or less taken a back seat to the power of elemental builds. That said, they are still very potent in nearly all content, some of which can be considered too strong in the current sandbox. So today, it’s time to discuss the top 10 Kinetic weapons in Destiny 2 for Season of the Deep in no particular order.
Best Kinetic Weapons In Destiny 2
Arbalest
This should be of no surprise to endgame players. Arbalest continues its reign as one of the most potent weapons in the game for activities with Champions. The ability to one-shot an Anti Barrier shield while also dealing substantial damage to that Champion is unparalleled. Nightfalls, Master Raids, Lost Sectors, no matter the activity, Arbalest will always be a great option when dealing with Anti Barrier Champions. Players can obtain this weapon by purchasing it from the Exotic Kiosk in the Tower.
Witherhoard
While Arbalest is extremely powerful for endgame content, using it over the all-mighty Witherhoard is tough. The first Kinetic Exotic Grenade Launcher, Witherhoard, has been a staple in nearly every Guardians loadout since it arrived all the way back in the Season of Arrival. The ability to stick an enemy with a damage over time shot and then swap to a higher damaging weapon is simply unmatched to this day. Not to mention this gun is excellent for ad clear, such as locking down spawn doors in Raids. Witherhoard remains one of the strongest, if not the strongest Kinetic weapon for PvE content in the entire game. Like Arbalest, you can pick up this gun from the Exotic Kiosk in the Tower.
No Time To Explain
High-Impact Pulse Rifles are very potent in the current PvP sandbox, and at the heart of it is the Kinetic Exotic Pulse Rifle, No Time To Explain. Even with a nerf that should have put it in its place, this weapon continues to dominate the Crucible. It’s not even due to its Exotic Perk, but mainly because it’s a High-Impact Pulse Rifle with incredible range. This weapon can easily two-burst opposing Guardians with minimal effort from ranges that put it on par with Scout Rifles. It’s safe to say this weapon is warranted for another nerf, and hopefully, it will be taken out of the meta for the foreseeable future. To acquire this gun, you must own the Beyond Light DLC and complete the campaign to unlock it.
Malfeasance
Having recently got a brand new Exotic Catalyst, the Malfeasance Exotic Hand Cannon has quickly jumped the ranks as one of the game’s most powerful weapons. Gaining access to Vorpal Weapon allows this gun to shred bosses and Champions easily. However, to truly let this gun shine, you should use it on a Hunter with the Lucky Pants Exotic Leg piece. With those boots, Malfeasance will do nearly double the damage, essentially melting any boss that stands in your way. We already have a guide on how to get the Catalyst here. Otherwise, you can obtain the gun by completing the Exotic quest from the Drifter in the Tower.
Izanagi’s Burden
The Kinetic Exotic Sniper Rifle, Izanagi’s Burden, has definitely seen some better days. However, don’t let its decreased usage deter you from how powerful the weapon truly is. While melting bosses is never usually an issue in the current sandbox, some continue to be annoying to fight against. Hot-swapping weapons are still viable, especially in situations like Day One Raids, where bosses refuse to go down. Veteran players know the “Izi-hot swaps” technique, where the user will shoot the Sniper and then swap to another weapon like a Rocket Launcher. Izanagi’s Burden may do less damage than it did back during the Shadowkeep days, but this weapon remains one of the best options to use for DPS in endgame content. You can purchase this weapon from the Exotic Kiosk in the Tower.
Crimson
If you’re an avid player of PvP, then you’ve definitely run into your fair share of the Exotic Hand Cannon, Crimson. Operating like a Pulse Rifle, this unique three-burst Hand Cannon has a natural advantage over most Hand Cannons with the ability to severely flinch opponents thanks to being a three-burst. With its gift of range and flinching, it’s no secret how this weapon has remained so dominant over the years. Not to mention its Exotic perk, Cruel Remedy, that heal the user on a kill, and a precision kill will even refill the magazine! Since its debut with the base game’s launch, Crimson has far and away been one of the best Kinetic weapons in Destiny 2. You can pick up this weapon from the Exotic Kiosk in the Tower.
Heritage
Slug Shotguns are typically used very specifically, but not the Legendary Kinetic Shotgun from the Deep Stone Crypt Raid, Heritage. Since its release in late 2020, Heritage has stolen the hearts of both PvE and PvP players alike, being a fantastic weapon to use in virtually all content. Two Seasons ago, during Season of the Seraph, the gun became even more powerful with the ability to be crafted. Having access to enhanced perks, the weapon is a must-run for any activity you partake in. You can obtain the Heritage by completing encounters in the Deep Stone Crypt Raid. Keep in mind that it isn’t guaranteed, so it may take a few runs before finally acquiring it.
Succession
The Deep Stone Crypt Raid features more than one powerful Kinetic weapon for Guardians to plunder. The Succession Sniper Rifle is the shining glimmer of hope for Snipers to one day return to the meta. Having access to the Reconstruction perk, which automatically reloads and overflows the weapon, and a great damage perk like Vorpal Weapon or Firing Line, this gun can easily evaporate bosses. The large majority of Sniper Rifles aren’t great in the current sandbox, but the Succession is an exception. Like the Heritage Shotgun, you can obtain this weapon by completing encounters in the Deep Stone Crypt Raid.
Ignition Code
Kinetic Grenade Launchers are, without a doubt, not as powerful energy. However, they can serve a different role, and the Ignition Code is the best choice. Not only can this weapon roll with Disorienting Grenades, which blinds enemies, but it can also roll with Slideshot. Slideshot will automatically reload the gun when the user slides. This perk is simply too strong on a Grenade Launcher, as the user can continuously slide, firing off shots left and right. This means you can endlessly fire blinding grenades at your enemies so long as you have ammo.
Needless to say, it’s a very potent combo. However, the means of obtaining this gun is very frustrating, as only the Dares of Eternity activity will drop it. On top of that, the weapon will only drop during a given week when Season of the Splicer guns is featured for completing runs of Dares. It’s a tall order, but the Ignition Code is definitely worth the trouble, as it’s one of the best Kinetic weapons in Destiny 2.
The Messenger
Wrapping up the list is the most recent addition to the game, the re-introduction of The Messenger Pulse Rifle. We’ve already talked about High-Impact Pulse Rifles earlier, and The Messenger is no exception. With the newly added Headseeker perk, this weapon will easily two-burst Guardians from ludicrous ranges. While High-Impact Pulse Rifles will likely be nerfed going into next season, it’s safe to say The Messenger will dominate the Crucible for the remainder of the Season of the Deep. You can acquire this weapon by completing matches of Trials of Osiris when featured in a given week.