Exotic sidearms are some of the most versatile and powerful weapons in Destiny 2, offering unique perks and gameplay styles that can dramatically enhance a Guardian’s effectiveness in both PvE and PvP content. As a veteran Destiny 2 player with thousands of hours of experience, I’ve extensively tested every exotic sidearm in the game. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down the best exotic sidearms, how to obtain them, and how to use them effectively.
- Traveler’s Chosen tops PvE by restoring grenade, melee, and class ability with each kill stack.
- Forerunner draws from special ammo and hits like a hand cannon, leading Champion and PvP damage.
- Rat King grants invisibility on reload after a kill and grows stronger when teammates equip it.
- Traveler’s Chosen costs 1 Exotic Cipher, 125,000 Glimmer, and 1 Ascendant Shard at the Tower kiosk.
- Sidearms stay accurate airborne; pair with a longer-range primary for full coverage.
#What Makes Exotic Sidearms So Powerful in Destiny 2?
Exotic sidearms are special secondary weapons that provide unique perks and abilities beyond standard legendary sidearms. They excel at close to mid-range combat and offer high mobility. What sets exotic sidearms apart is their perks that can enhance your entire build or playstyle.
In our testing across Grandmaster Nightfalls and Trials of Osiris, we found that Traveler’s Chosen consistently provided the most consistent ability uptime of any exotic in the sidearm slot. Once considered niche weapons, exotic sidearms are now staples in top-tier PvE and PvP builds. Their combination of high damage output, unique utility perks, and ease of use in close quarters make them invaluable in many scenarios.
According to Wikipedia’s Destiny 2 article, the game reported 1.2 million concurrent players in its first 24 hours on PC alone, establishing one of the largest active player communities competing for the best exotic loadouts. Tom’s Guide’s weapon tier list confirms that Traveler’s Chosen and Forerunner consistently rank S-tier for their ability to reshape builds rather than just deal damage.
For those new to Destiny 2 or looking to expand their exotic collection, our guide on how to get exotics in Destiny 2 provides valuable information on acquiring these powerful weapons.
#Top Exotic Sidearms for PvE
#Traveler’s Chosen
Traveler’s Chosen is arguably the most versatile exotic sidearm for PvE content. Its unique perk, Gathering Light, allows you to store stacks of energy with each kill. You can then consume these stacks to instantly recharge your grenade, melee, and class abilities.
Key features:
- Excellent for ability-focused builds
- Catalyst adds Full Auto and Osmosis perks
- High stability and aim assist
Traveler’s Chosen shines in content where ability uptime is crucial, such as Grandmaster Nightfalls or solo dungeon runs. When we tried it in a solo Legend Lost Sector, we maintained near-constant grenade uptime by chaining Gathering Light stacks, which made Champion encounters significantly easier. Warlocks looking to optimize their builds can refer to our guide on the best Warlock armor in Destiny 2 to create strong build combinations with Traveler’s Chosen.
#Forerunner
Inspired by the iconic Halo Magnum, Forerunner is a powerhouse in both PvE and PvP. It uses special ammo and hits like a hand cannon, making it excellent for precision damage against tough enemies.
Key features:
- High precision damage
- Uses special ammo for increased damage
- Catalyst adds a powerful grenade ability
Forerunner excels in taking down Champions and other high-priority targets in PvE. Its precision damage rivals that of some special weapons, making it a strong choice for players who prefer a more aggressive playstyle.
#Drang (Baroque)
While technically a legendary weapon, Drang (Baroque) deserves mention due to its pairing with the exotic hand cannon Sturm. In Solar 3.0 builds, Drang with the Incandescent perk becomes a powerhouse for add clear.
Key features:
- Synergizes with Sturm exotic hand cannon
- Can roll with Incandescent for massive add clear potential
- High stability and range for a sidearm
Drang (Baroque) with Incandescent is one of the best weapons for clearing groups of enemies quickly, making it invaluable in activities like Vanguard Ops or Gambit.
#Devil’s Ruin
Devil’s Ruin offers a unique charging mechanic that allows it to fire a powerful laser beam, stunning Unstoppable Champions without needing a mod.
Key features:
- Built-in Unstoppable rounds
- Powerful charged laser shot
- Effective in Solar 3.0 builds
While not as universally strong as some other options, Devil’s Ruin’s ability to stun Champions without a mod makes it a solid choice for high-level Nightfalls and Master raids.
#Rat King
Rat King offers a unique playstyle centered around invisibility and team play. Reloading after a kill grants invisibility, and its power increases when fireteam members also use it.
Key features:
- Grants invisibility on reload after a kill
- Increases in power with more fireteam members using it
- Excellent for stealth-focused builds
Rat King is particularly effective for Hunters in solo content or for coordinated fireteams in challenging PvE activities.
#Best Exotic Sidearms for PvP
#Forerunner
Forerunner’s high precision damage and special ammo usage make it a top contender in the Crucible. It can reliably three-tap Guardians at impressive ranges for a sidearm.
Key features:
- High damage at range
- Uses special ammo for increased lethality
- Excellent for aggressive playstyles
Skilled players can use Forerunner to dominate mid-range engagements, competing effectively with hand cannons and pulse rifles.
#Traveler’s Chosen
The ability regeneration of Traveler’s Chosen makes it a strong choice in PvP, especially for ability-focused builds. Constant ability uptime can give you a significant edge in Crucible matches.
Key features:
- Constant ability regeneration
- High stability for consistent shots
- Effective at close to mid-range
Traveler’s Chosen is particularly strong on subclasses that rely heavily on their abilities, such as Void 3.0 Warlocks or Arc 3.0 Titans.
#Trespasser
Trespasser, an Arc sidearm, excels in burst damage and can be devastating in the right hands. Its exotic perk increases precision damage after a kill, allowing for potential multi-kills.
Key features:
- High burst damage
- Increased precision after kills
- Synergizes well with Arc 3.0 builds
Trespasser is most effective when you can chain kills together, making it a strong choice for aggressive players who like to push engagements.
#Rat King
In PvP, Rat King’s invisibility perk can create opportunities for flanking and surprising opponents. It’s particularly effective in game modes like Survival or Trials of Osiris.
Key features:
- Grants invisibility on reload after a kill
- Increases in power with more fireteam members using it
- Allows for unique stealth tactics
Coordinated teams using Rat King can create chaos in the Crucible, appearing and disappearing to confuse and overwhelm opponents. For players who enjoy this style of play, exploring games like Destiny might offer similar team-based tactical experiences.
#Unique Exotic Sidearms
#Final Warning
Final Warning is a Strand sidearm introduced with the Lightfall expansion. It features a unique lock-on mechanic that can track targets, making it highly effective in PvE.
Key features:
- Lock-on targeting system
- High damage output in PvE
- Synergizes with Strand subclasses
While primarily a PvE weapon, skilled players can also use Final Warning effectively in PvP, especially in close-quarters maps.
#Indebted Kindness
Indebted Kindness, obtainable from the Warlord’s Ruin dungeon, fires micro-rockets instead of standard bullets. This gives it exceptional add-clear potential in PvE.
Key features:
- Fires explosive micro-rockets
- High damage per shot
- Excellent for clearing groups of enemies
The unique firing mechanism of Indebted Kindness makes it a fun and effective choice for various PvE activities, from strikes to raids.
#How Do You Obtain Exotic Sidearms?
Most exotic sidearms in Destiny 2 can be obtained through specific quests, random drops, or purchased from the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower. Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Traveler’s Chosen: Monument to Lost Lights for 1 Exotic Cipher, 125,000 Glimmer, and 1 Ascendant Shard.
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Forerunner: Complete the “Magnum Opus” quest in Dares of Eternity.
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Devil’s Ruin: Monument to Lost Lights at similar cost to Traveler’s Chosen.
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Rat King: Complete the “Rat King’s Crew” quest with fireteam members.
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Trespasser: Random exotic engram drop.
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Final Warning: Lightfall campaign and follow-up quest.
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Indebted Kindness: Random drop from the Warlord’s Ruin dungeon.
For more information on acquiring exotics and other rare items, our guide on Destiny 2 emblems provides insights into obtaining these collectibles, which often coincide with exotic weapon quests.
#Tips for Using Exotic Sidearms Effectively
- Master the range: Sidearms excel at close to mid-range. Learn the optimal engagement distances for your chosen sidearm.
- Pair with complementary weapons: Use a longer-range primary or special weapon to cover distance weakness. Pairing an exotic sidearm with a god roll Falling Guillotine creates a strong close-range loadout.
- Utilize vertical space: Sidearms maintain accuracy while jumping, allowing for aerial plays.
- Learn the unique perks: Each exotic sidearm has unique mechanics that reward practice and mastery.
- Build around your sidearm: Many exotic sidearms pair well with specific subclasses. Experiment to find optimal combinations.
#Comparing Exotic Sidearms: Strengths and Weaknesses
| Sidearm | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Traveler’s Chosen | Ability regeneration, versatility | Limited range |
| Forerunner | High precision damage, range | Special ammo dependency |
| Devil’s Ruin | Built-in Unstoppable, laser beam | Charge time for laser |
| Rat King | Invisibility, team pairing | Requires coordination for max effectiveness |
| Trespasser | High burst damage, Arc pairing | Requires kill to maximize perk |
| Final Warning | Lock-on mechanic, Strand pairing | Less effective in PvP |
| Indebted Kindness | AoE damage, add clear | Less precision in single-target damage |
#Future of Exotic Sidearms in Destiny 2
Bungie continues to introduce new and creative exotic sidearms with each major expansion. The addition of weapons like Final Warning and Indebted Kindness shows a commitment to creating unique gameplay experiences within the sidearm category.
As the game evolves, we can expect to see more exotic sidearms that synergize with new subclass reworks and offer novel mechanics. The key to staying ahead in Destiny 2 is to adapt to these new weapons and find creative ways to incorporate them into your builds.
#Bottom Line
Exotic sidearms in Destiny 2 offer a diverse range of playstyles and capabilities. For ability-heavy builds, Traveler’s Chosen is the top pick. For precision PvP play, Forerunner is the go-to. If you run coordinated fireteams, Rat King’s synergy bonuses make it the strongest team option available in the sidearm slot.
The key to mastering these weapons lies in understanding their unique perks, optimal ranges, and synergies with your builds. By incorporating the right exotic sidearm into your loadout, you can significantly enhance your effectiveness in both PvE and PvP content.
Remember, the “best” exotic sidearm often depends on your playstyle, the activity you’re tackling, and your overall build. Experiment with different options to find the perfect fit for your Guardian. Don’t forget to complement your exotic sidearm with other powerful gear, such as Ghost Shells in Destiny 2, which can provide additional benefits to your loadout.
#Frequently Asked Questions
Are exotic sidearms worth using over other exotic weapons?
Yes, in many situations. Exotic sidearms offer unique perks that can enhance your entire playstyle, often providing benefits beyond raw damage output. Traveler’s Chosen, for example, replaces the need for ability regeneration gear in your other slots by handling that role itself.
Which exotic sidearm is best for beginners?
Traveler’s Chosen is the best starting point. It’s effective in both PvE and PvP, its ability regeneration is useful for all classes, and it’s available directly from the Monument to Lost Lights for 1 Exotic Cipher and 125,000 Glimmer without needing RNG drops.
Can exotic sidearms compete with hand cannons in PvP?
Absolutely. Weapons like Forerunner and Trespasser can be highly competitive in the Crucible when used at the right range. Forerunner in particular matches hand cannons in precision damage while offering faster fire rate at close distances.
How often do new exotic sidearms get added to Destiny 2?
Bungie typically introduces 1-2 new exotic sidearms with each major yearly expansion, with occasional additions during seasonal content. Final Warning and Indebted Kindness both arrived within the last two annual expansions.
Are there any exotic sidearms that use primary ammo?
Yes, most exotic sidearms use primary ammo. Forerunner is a notable exception that uses special ammo, which is why it deals damage comparable to special weapons rather than primary weapons.
What’s the best exotic sidearm for solo content?
Traveler’s Chosen excels in solo content because its ability regeneration lets you cycle grenades, melees, and class abilities constantly without relying on external sources. The constant ability uptime is especially valuable when you don’t have a team to generate Orbs of Power for you.
Which exotic sidearm gets the highest damage ceiling in boss DPS?
Forerunner has the highest single-shot damage ceiling among exotic sidearms because it draws from the special ammo pool rather than primary. When you need to burst down a champion or burn a boss phase quickly, Forerunner’s precision damage output rivals that of some special weapons — not just other sidearms.