Dominating the Crucible: Your Guide to the Best PvP Guns in Destiny 2
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The Crucible in Destiny 2 is a relentless battleground where skill and weapon choice collide. Choosing the right arsenal can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, what are the absolute best guns to bring into the fray? While the meta constantly shifts with updates and patches, several weapons consistently stand out for their effectiveness and popularity in PvP. Conditional Finality, a powerhouse shotgun, has seen high usage, boasting a unique ability to freeze opponents. In the primary slot, Ammit AR2 and Igneous Hammer (Adept) are excellent picks for their ease of use and damage output, while the BXR-55 Battler dominates at pulse rifle ranges. Cloudstrike stands as a top-tier sniper, and Malfeasance is considered the most powerful primary weapon due to its poison damage and interactions. This guide will delve into these top contenders and explore other fantastic options to help you dominate in the Crucible.
Top PvP Weapon Categories
Hand Cannons: Precision and Power
Hand Cannons are a staple in Destiny 2 PvP for their high damage per shot and ability to duel at a medium range. Some of the most notable hand cannons include:
- Ace of Spades: A classic choice known for its excellent stats, Mementos Mori perk (increased damage after a kill), and satisfying feel.
- Igneous Hammer (Adept): A Trials of Osiris reward, this hand cannon boasts excellent base stats, making it incredibly potent in skilled hands.
- Rose: A strong pick for skilled players, offering a high skill ceiling with its excellent handling and aim assist.
- Austringer: A popular craftable option known for a flexible range of perks.
Pulse Rifles: Consistent Damage at Range
Pulse Rifles are excellent for mid-range engagements and provide a steady stream of damage. Standout pulse rifles include:
- BXR-55 Battler: Inspired by Halo battle rifles, this weapon combines a fast fire rate with good range, making it a force to be reckoned with.
- Graviton Lance: This void pulse rifle packs a huge punch and is often cited as one of the strongest primary weapons, especially after buffs.
- No Time to Explain: A powerful exotic option, it provides consistent damage and even calls a portal, offering cover fire.
Auto Rifles: Versatile and Reliable
Auto Rifles are user-friendly and effective at close-to-medium ranges, making them ideal for beginners and veterans alike. Notable auto rifles include:
- Ammit AR2: Praised for its user-friendliness, good base stats, and the range of perks available when crafting.
- Quicksilver Storm: An exotic auto rifle that launches rockets on alternate shots, causing havoc.
- Positive Outlook: This auto rifle has great stats, and is considered one of the best auto rifles for PvP.
Submachine Guns: Close-Quarters Combat
Submachine Guns (SMGs) are perfect for aggressive, close-range plays. Some top SMGs are:
- The Immortal: Known for its aggressive frame and high damage potential.
- Unending Tempest: A consistent and reliable option, making it a popular pick in the crucible.
- IKELOSSMGv1.0.3: A versatile and strong legendary option, with a great perk pool.
- Funnelweb: Another popular pick known for its high rate of fire, good stats and access to the perk “Frenzy”.
Shotguns: Close-Range Powerhouses
Shotguns are the kings of close-quarters engagements, capable of one-shotting opponents. Top contenders include:
- Conditional Finality: A powerful exotic shotgun that freezes targets, giving it an edge in duels.
- Imperial Decree: A strong legendary option that is great for aggressive playstyles.
- Found Verdict: An aggressive frame shotgun with a high handling stat, great for aggressive players.
- Matador 64: A popular legendary shotgun that can be farmed for great perks.
Sniper Rifles: Long-Range Precision
Sniper Rifles excel at long-range engagements and can pick off opponents with well-placed shots. Standout snipers are:
- Cloudstrike: An exotic sniper with lightning strikes that can chain to nearby enemies, making it extremely deadly.
- 1000 Yard Stare: A great legendary sniper rifle with good handling, range, and access to useful perks.
- Eye of Sol: A versatile trials of Osiris sniper rifle which can be farmed for great perks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the current meta in Destiny 2 PvP?
The PvP meta is always changing with updates and balance patches. However, shotguns like Conditional Finality and pulse rifles like BXR-55 Battler are consistently strong. Hand Cannons, Auto Rifles and SMGs also feature heavily in the meta, with weapons like Ammit AR2, and Unending Tempest seeing high usage.
2. Are exotic weapons always better than legendary weapons in PvP?
Not necessarily. While many exotics offer unique perks, legendary weapons with well-rolled perks can be just as effective, and often more consistent. The meta also often favours the use of specific legendary weapons. It often comes down to personal playstyle and comfort with the weapons in your loadout.
3. How important is weapon crafting in PvP?
Weapon crafting has become increasingly important as it allows players to customize perks to their liking. Weapons like the Ammit AR2 and Austringer are popular choices for crafting, and are excellent for PvP.
4. Does light level matter in the crucible?
No, light level differences do not affect damage output or damage taken in the Crucible. However, higher light level armor may provide better stats such as discipline, intellect and strength, affecting the cooldown of abilities.
5. What’s the best way for new players to get good at PvP?
New players should start with auto rifles for close-to-medium-range engagements and pulse rifles for longer ranges. The legendary auto rifle Origin Story is a great option. Focus on learning maps, practicing movement, and understanding weapon perks.
6. Are sidearms good in the crucible?
Yes, sidearms can be very effective in close-quarters combat. They have a high damage per bullet and excel at cleaning up weakened enemies, making them a solid choice. They can even out-duel an SMG in the right situations.
7. What is the hardest hitting pulse rifle in Destiny 2?
Graviton Lance is a very hard-hitting pulse rifle with a 67% damage buff, making it one of the strongest primary weapons in Destiny 2.
8. What is the most powerful primary weapon in Destiny 2?
Malfeasance is considered the most powerful primary weapon. It deals additional damage to enemies affected by the poison from Witherhoard, making for a devastating combination.
9. What is the best class in Destiny 2 for the crucible?
Hunters are generally considered the best class for PvP due to their high mobility, strong abilities, and powerful exotics. However, all three classes (Titan and Warlock too) can be successful with the right build and strategy.
10. Does weapon level matter in PvP?
No, weapon level does not matter in PvP. However, weapons still have their own base stats which will be used within the crucible environment. Focus on the perks and how the weapon feels to use.
11. What is the fastest way to level up weapons in Destiny 2?
The fastest ways to level up weapons are by participating in seasonal activities, Altars of Sorrow on the Moon, and the Shuro-Chi encounter in the Last Wish Raid.
12. What is the rarest weapon in Destiny 2?
Some of the rarest weapons include: Touch of Malice, Collective Obligation, Heartshadow, and Quicksilver Storm.
13. What is the best aggressive shotgun in Destiny 2?
Found Verdict from the Vault of Glass raid is a great aggressive frame shotgun with high range and handling, making it ideal for aggressive players.
14. What are the best auto rifles for PvP?
Some of the best auto rifles for PvP are the Ammit AR2, Quicksilver Storm, Positive Outlook, and Rufus’s Fury.
15. Which sniper rifles are best for Crucible?
The best sniper rifles for Crucible include Cloudstrike, 1000 Yard Stare, Eye of Sol, and Mechabre.
By understanding these weapons and their strengths, and practicing with the ones that best suit your playstyle, you’ll be well on your way to dominating the Crucible. Remember that the meta is constantly evolving, so experimentation and staying informed are key to success!