What is the best exotic hand cannon in Destiny Year 2

Table of Contents

The Definitive Guide: Best Exotic Hand Cannon in Destiny 2 – Year 2 and Beyond

Quick answer

This page answers What is the best exotic hand cannon in Destiny Year 2? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

The question of the best exotic hand cannon in Destiny 2 is a complex one, fraught with personal preferences and shifting meta landscapes. However, if we are to crown a champion for Year 2 (and even its lasting impact), the nod goes, without reservation, to the Ace of Spades. Its well-rounded stats, potent perks, and impactful catalyst make it a powerhouse in both PvE and PvP, a title contender even to this day. While other hand cannons offer niche advantages, the Ace of Spades’ sheer versatility and consistent performance elevate it above the competition, making it the premier choice for Guardians seeking the best in class.

Ace of Spades: Reigning Champion and Why

The Ace of Spades isn’t just a gun; it’s a legend etched in the very fabric of Destiny. Inherited from the iconic Cayde-6, this 140 RPM hand cannon boasts an impressive stat package right out of the box. The high aim assist and respectable stability make it easy to land headshots, even in the heat of battle. But what truly sets the Ace of Spades apart are its unique perks.

Memento Mori: Reload and Unleash

The intrinsic perk, Memento Mori, is the cornerstone of the Ace of Spades’ power. After reloading following a kill, Memento Mori grants the weapon six bullets that deal significantly increased damage. This perk transforms the Ace of Spades into a burst damage monster, capable of melting powerful enemies in PvE or securing crucial one-versus-one engagements in PvP. The extra damage it delivers makes it a very strong weapon in both PvE and PvP.

Firefly: Explosive Chain Reactions

The Ace of Spades also features the Firefly perk, causing enemies to explode upon precision kills. This is great in PvP, but becomes immensely valuable in PvE, as it allows players to chain explosions to clear groups of enemies with a single shot. Firefly is the perfect pairing with Memento Mori.

Ace in the Hole: Never Run Dry

Rounding out the Ace of Spades’ kit is the Ace in the Hole perk. This perk automatically reloads the magazine after a kill with Memento Mori active, effectively extending the duration of the damage buff. This adds a layer of sustain to the weapon, allowing players to maintain their damage output for longer periods.

The Catalyst: Funeral Pyre

The Ace of Spades’ catalyst enhances the Firefly ability, dealing more damage when Memento Mori is active. This turns the weapon into an even more potent ad-clearing tool, capable of wiping out entire waves of enemies with a well-placed headshot.

Other Contenders: Rivals and Niche Specialists

While the Ace of Spades stands tall, other exotic hand cannons deserve recognition for their unique strengths and specialized roles. Here are some notable contenders:

Thorn: This weapon is a poison-based hand cannon with a high skill ceiling, and the weapon can deal incredible damage when used properly. The gun is most potent in PvP combat.
The Last Word: This hip-fire, high-RPM hand cannon excels in close-quarters combat. Mastering its recoil pattern is crucial, but in the right hands, it can dominate in PvP.
Sunshot: As the article mentions, this weapon is a “blast”. This hand cannon is a fan favorite in Destiny 2 for its explosive potential, and it is great for PvE.
Lumina: While less focused on damage, Lumina offers strong support capabilities, healing allies and empowering them with damage buffs. This makes Lumina excellent for team-based activities.

A Final Word

Ultimately, the “best” exotic hand cannon is subjective and depends on individual playstyles and preferred activities. However, the Ace of Spades stands as a consistently high-performing weapon, offering a blend of damage, utility, and ease of use that makes it a top choice for any Guardian. Whether you’re tackling challenging PvE content or competing in the Crucible, the Ace of Spades is a reliable companion that can help you achieve victory. To further your gaming knowledge and explore the educational aspects of games, consider visiting Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about exotic hand cannons in Destiny 2, addressing common concerns and providing helpful information:

Is Fatebringer considered an exotic hand cannon? No, Fatebringer is a legendary hand cannon. While powerful, it does not possess the unique perk structure of an exotic weapon.
Is Sunshot still a viable option in 2024? Absolutely. Sunshot remains a strong choice, particularly in PvE, due to its explosive potential and synergy with Solar subclasses.
What makes the Ace of Spades so popular? Its combination of high damage, strong stats, and the iconic status of Cayde-6 make it a favorite among players. The “Memento Mori” perk is especially powerful.
How do I obtain the Ace of Spades? The Ace of Spades is obtained through completing the Forsaken campaign quest and visiting Banshee-44.
Is the Sunshot catalyst worth grinding for? Yes, the Sunshot catalyst significantly enhances the weapon’s range and stability, making it even more effective in both PvE and PvP.
What is the difference between a 140 RPM and 150 RPM hand cannon? 150 RPM hand cannons fire slightly faster than 140 RPM variants. Sunshot is one of the only 150 RPM hand cannons in Destiny 2.
Does Sunshot apply Scorch? As of recent updates, Sunshot applies Scorch to enemies, further enhancing its synergy with Solar subclasses.
What does the Ace of Spades catalyst do? The Ace of Spades catalyst enhances the Firefly perk, dealing more damage when Memento Mori is active.
Which hand cannon is best for PvP? This is subjective, but the Ace of Spades, The Last Word, and Thorn are all strong contenders in PvP.
Are hand cannons effective against Champions? Certain exotic hand cannons, such as Eriana’s Vow, are specifically designed to deal with Champions. Others can be effective with the right mods.
How does Thorn’s poison effect work? Thorn’s rounds inflict a lingering poison effect on enemies, dealing damage over time and preventing health regeneration.
What are the ideal stats for a hand cannon in Destiny 2? Aim assist, stability, and range are generally considered the most important stats for hand cannons, as they improve accuracy and ease of use.
Can I still get old exotic hand cannons from Xur? Yes, Xur can occasionally sell exotic hand cannons from previous expansions, but his inventory is random.
What is the best way to improve my hand cannon aim? Practice is key. Focus on precision aiming in PvE activities, and gradually transition to more challenging PvP environments.
Is there a ‘god roll’ for the Ace of Spades? Since the Ace of Spades is an exotic weapon with fixed perks, there isn’t a traditional ‘god roll.’ However, maximizing its stats through masterworking and using appropriate mods can enhance its performance.