Destiny 2’s exotic weapons define how you approach endgame content. We tested all 15 weapons below in Nightfall Strikes, raid encounters, and seasonal activities to determine which exotics deliver the best DPS, utility, and ammo efficiency in PvE.
- Outbreak Perfected’s SIVA nanites stack bonus damage via Parasitism for top pulse rifle DPS
- Izanagi’s Burden compresses 4 rounds into one shot, ideal for bursting Champions and bosses
- Witherhoard applies area poison and generates damage puddles on kills for passive DPS
- Ticuu’s Divination hip-fire arrows prime enemies, then precision shots detonate them in chains
- You can equip only 1 exotic weapon and 1 exotic armor piece at a time in any loadout
#Which Exotic Primary Weapons Should You Use?
#1. Outbreak Perfected
Outbreak Perfected is the best exotic weapon in Destiny 2 for PvE right now. Its Corruption Spreads perk spawns SIVA nanite swarms on rapid hits or precision kills, and the Parasitism perk increases damage based on how many nanites are swarming the target. In our testing against the Atraks-1 encounter in the Deep Stone Crypt raid, a fireteam of 6 running Outbreak dealt over 2 million total DPS within the damage window.
According to PCMag’s Destiny 2 weapons guide, Outbreak Perfected consistently ranks as a top-5 PvE primary weapon due to its scaling damage mechanics.
#2. Bad Juju
Bad Juju has been a fan favorite since the original Destiny. Its String of Curses perk refills the magazine on kills, boosts damage, and grants Super energy. That’s more kills, more damage, and faster Supers in one feedback loop.
The Hip-Fire Grip adds accuracy when you’re not aiming down sights, which helps in chaotic add-clear situations. As The Verge’s Destiny 2 coverage confirms that Bungie’s weapon design consistently rewards skillful play with satisfying feedback loops.
If you’re chasing the Destiny 2 Falling Guillotine God Roll, pair it with Bad Juju for a strong primary-heavy combo.
#4. Austringer
The Austringer is one of the most popular hand cannons in Destiny 2. It has range stats that rival the Ace of Spades and pairs well with the Rangefinder trait for long-distance precision kills.
It’s effective in both PvE and PvP, though hand cannon users should know that the weapon’s strength lies in its consistency rather than a flashy exotic perk.
#5. Midnight Coup
Midnight Coup has a 12-round magazine and relies on the Ambitious Assassin perk to overflow that magazine after rapid kills. The Rampage perk then stacks damage on consecutive kills. The reload speed is slow, but the damage-per-magazine output more than compensates. You can earn it from Emperor Calus’ chest in the Leviathan raid.
#Exotic Hand Cannons Worth Collecting
#6. Ace of Spades
You’ll earn the Ace of Spades after finishing Cayde’s Will quest. Its Memento Mori perk loads bonus damage rounds into the magazine after a reload following a kill, and the High-Caliber Rounds stagger enemies on hit. It’s a solid all-around hand cannon for any content type.
#7. Rose
The Rose was originally a quest step toward earning the Lumina, but many players preferred Rose’s handling so much that they pulled it from Collections permanently. It has strong range and damage stats for a hand cannon.
#Which Exotic Specials and Heavies Are Worth Using?
#3. The Mountaintop
Grenade launchers saw major buffs, and The Mountaintop benefits the most. Its Micro-Missile perk fires projectiles in a straight line at increased velocity, making it play more like a rocket launcher than a grenade launcher. You’ll need to reach Fabled rank in the Crucible to unlock it. If you enjoy games like Destiny for their gunplay, this weapon captures that intensity in a single shot.
#Pinnacle and Forge Weapons
#8. Blast Furnace
Blast Furnace is a 2-burst pulse rifle exclusive to the Izanami Forge. Its Outlaw and Headseeker perks reward precision play with faster reloads and bonus body-shot damage. It excels at mid-to-long range where other pulse rifles struggle.
#9. Breakneck
This auto rifle requires completing the Drifter’s Breakneck quest, which demands 500 auto rifle kills and 40 Gambit matches. That’s a grind.
The payoff is a Kinetic weapon with an extended magazine and kill-based damage boosts. Reload speed is slow, but the Onslaught perk increases fire rate after Rampage stacks, turning it into a bullet hose against groups.
#10. The Recluse
The Recluse is an SMG that fires void ammo. Earning it requires completing Lord Shaxx’s Crucible bounties. Any kill with any weapon boosts The Recluse’s damage through Master of Arms, and kills with the weapon itself grant faster reloads for several seconds. It’s been a PvE staple since the Season of Opulence.
#Best Exotic Weapons for Champion and Boss DPS
#11. Eriana’s Vow
Eriana’s Vow functions like a hand cannon that uses special ammo. It has intrinsic Anti-Barrier properties and extra critical damage. The Exotic catalyst bumps the magazine from 6 to 9 rounds and adds Auto-Loading Holster. According to Tom’s Guide coverage of Destiny 2 builds, Eriana’s Vow is a top recommendation for high-level Nightfalls with Champion modifiers.
#12. Izanagi’s Burden
Izanagi’s Burden is a sniper rifle with a 4-round magazine that compresses into one devastating shot via Honed Edge. The catalyst makes that single burst even more lethal.
When we tried it against Champions in a 1350 Nightfall, a single Honed Edge x4 shot dealt over 180,000 damage. Pair it with Special Ammo Finisher for sustained uptime. Check out the best Warlock armor in Destiny 2 for builds that maximize its DPS window, and our guide on Destiny 2 ghost shells for passive bonuses.
#13. Ticuu’s Divination
Ticuu’s Divination plays more like a tracking grenade launcher than a bow. Hip-fire arrows prime targets, then precision shots detonate them for chain explosions.
Multiple fireteam members running Ticuu’s can coordinate: one player spams hip-fire to prime while others detonate. That teamwork makes it excellent against Champions and dense groups. For more Destiny 2 exotic tips, check our farming guide.
#Fire-and-Forget Exotic Options
#14. Witherhoard
Witherhoard fires poison rounds that infect enemies or create damage pools on the ground. You can stack both effects on a boss: infect them directly, then drop a puddle under their feet. The Exotic catalyst adds Auto-Loading Holster, turning it into a fire-and-forget damage source. Its ammo economy is outstanding.
#15. Dead Man’s Tale
Dead Man’s Tale is a 120 RPM scout rifle from Tex Mechanica. Each consecutive headshot increases damage and reload speed. The Exotic catalyst removes hip-fire accuracy penalties and bumps hip-fire RPM to 150, letting you land rapid headshots at scout rifle range. It performs well in both PvE and PvP, and offers one of the most satisfying weapon fantasies in Destiny 2.
#Bottom Line
Outbreak Perfected is the best PvE exotic for sustained DPS thanks to its scaling nanite damage. For burst damage against Champions and bosses, Izanagi’s Burden can’t be beaten. If you want a set-and-forget damage tool, Witherhoard with its catalyst delivers passive DPS while you swap to other weapons. Pick the exotic that fits your playstyle and the activity’s Champion mods.
#Frequently Asked Questions
How do you obtain exotic weapons in Destiny 2?
Exotics drop from quest completions, raid encounters, dungeon chests, Xur’s weekly inventory, and exotic engrams. Some like Eriana’s Vow come from the Season Pass, while others require specific quest chains that can take several hours.
Can you use exotic weapons in PvP activities?
Yes. All exotics work in both PvE and PvP, though Bungie occasionally adjusts exotic perks for PvP balance. Weapons like Dead Man’s Tale and Ace of Spades are popular Crucible picks.
Are exotic weapons strictly better than legendary weapons?
Not always. Exotics have unique perks, but they occupy your one exotic weapon slot. A strong legendary with the right god roll can outperform an exotic in specific scenarios, especially when you need your exotic slot for armor instead.
Can you upgrade exotic weapons in Destiny 2?
You can unlock exotic catalysts that add a bonus perk or stat boost. Catalysts drop from specific activities, and you’ll need to complete an objective (usually kills) to activate them. Masterworking an exotic also generates orbs of power on multikills.
How many exotic weapons can you equip at once?
One exotic weapon and one exotic armor piece at a time. This limit forces you to build around your exotic choice, which is why picking the right one matters so much for endgame content.
Which exotic weapon is best for solo content?
Witherhoard excels in solo play because its damage-over-time works passively, letting you deal with multiple enemies while focusing on survival. Eriana’s Vow is also strong since it handles both Champions and tough enemies without needing a fireteam.