The Ultimate Guide to Legendary Heavy Weapons in Destiny 2
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Defining the Top Tier: What is the Best Legendary Heavy Weapon in D2?
Determining the “best” legendary heavy weapon in Destiny 2 is subjective and heavily dependent on the activity, your playstyle, and the current meta. However, if we consider a combination of versatility, damage potential, ease of use, and overall impact, a few contenders consistently rise to the top. In the current landscape, the Apex Predator rocket launcher stands out as a prime example of a weapon that excels in multiple areas and thus we can confidently argue it is one of the best legendary heavy weapons you can wield. Its powerful perks, ease of access, and raw damage output make it an extremely strong weapon. The ease of acquiring it from the Last Wish Raid also boosts its popularity.
While Apex Predator is a great contender, a few other heavy weapons are right up there, often being better in specialized situations. These include legendary options that often are on the same level as exotics. Weapons like Cold Comfort, also a rocket launcher and The Hothead both offer fantastic alternatives. These also frequently make many “best in slot” lists depending on what build the player is using. Other fantastic weapons include Retrofit Escapade which provides powerful sustained damage through rapid fire and also can have fantastic perks.
Ultimately the very best legendary heavy is really dependent on the current meta, but all the aforementioned weapons are consistently strong and useful.
Diving Deeper: Why These Weapons Stand Out
Apex Predator: The Reigning Rocket Launcher
The Apex Predator is not just a rocket launcher, it’s a complete damage package. Its main advantage comes from its ability to roll with the Reconstruction perk, which automatically reloads the weapon over time, and Bait and Switch, which drastically increases damage after hitting all your other weapons for an encounter. The combination of these two perks results in consistent high damage output making it a favorite for DPS phases in raids and dungeons. The ability to easily acquire it from the Last Wish raid also makes it accessible for many players.
Cold Comfort: The Versatile Challenger
Cold Comfort is another rocket launcher that challenges Apex Predator. What sets it apart is the Tracking Module perk combined with Chill Clip. The ability to track and deal a massive burst of damage with chill clip makes this weapon a great utility weapon while also doing solid damage. This combination makes it invaluable for controlling crowds of enemies, dealing with overloads and doing solid DPS. While not quite as consistent as Apex Predator, its unique strengths make it a top pick.
The Hothead: The Reliable Contender
The Hothead is a returning Rocket Launcher with a variety of powerful perks. Similar to other launchers on the list, it can roll with Tracking Module, or other options like Explosive Light. It’s a very flexible launcher and allows for a good deal of build crafting. Being a more widely accessible weapon than the previous ones, it’s an easy pick up for newer players or those who haven’t gotten into raiding.
Retrofit Escapade: The Rapid Fire Option
Retrofit Escapade is a machine gun that fills a unique niche. With the ability to roll with Target Lock and Fourth Time’s the Charm it can deal consistent sustained damage. It’s also much more forgiving with its ammo than the other weapons on this list. While it is not as good for burst damage as the rocket launchers, it can be great for damage over time and clearing swarms of enemies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the best perks to look for on a legendary heavy weapon?
Key perks include Reconstruction, Bait and Switch, Auto-Loading Holster, Explosive Light, Chill Clip, Vorpal Weapon, Tracking Module, Envious Assassin, Target Lock, and Fourth Time’s the Charm. The best perks are extremely dependent on the specific weapon and desired gameplay.
2. How do I obtain the Apex Predator?
The Apex Predator drops from encounters within the Last Wish raid. It can also be acquired by crafting from the raid.
3. How do I get Cold Comfort?
Cold Comfort is acquired through the Ghosts of the Deep Dungeon either as a random drop or by crafting.
4. Where can I find The Hothead?
The Hothead is a seasonal activity reward meaning it is easier to obtain through doing seasonal challenges.
5. How can I get Retrofit Escapade?
Retrofit Escapade is obtainable through the World Drops meaning it can drop from almost any source of legendary engrams.
6. Are there any legendary heavy swords worth using?
While swords are less prevalent in the current heavy meta, The Lament, an exotic sword, stands out, making many legendary options a step down in terms of damage. However, the perks and playstyle can make them viable, especially for close quarters encounters.
7. Is a legendary linear fusion rifle a good heavy option?
Some legendary linear fusion rifles like Taipan-4fr can be useful, especially for sustained damage in boss fights. However, they are generally outperformed by other options for burst damage and DPS phases.
8. How do the legendary heavy grenade launchers compare?
While Marsillon-C is often cited as a great heavy grenade launcher, they have struggled to find a place in the meta. The damage output is significantly lower than many of the other options listed.
9. Are there any under-the-radar legendary heavy weapons worth exploring?
Weapons like Commemoration (Machine Gun), Threaded Needle (Linear Fusion Rifle), and Hezen Vengeance (Rocket Launcher) can be effective in specific builds or when you don’t have access to the most meta options.
10. Does the archetype of a heavy weapon matter significantly?
Yes, absolutely. Rocket Launchers excel at burst damage, machine guns offer sustained fire, and swords perform well in melee-focused scenarios. Choosing an archetype that suits your playstyle and the specific activity is crucial.
11. Should I prioritize a specific weapon element for my heavy slot?
Weapon elements play a role in enemy shield and elemental burns. Having a variety of element types on your heavy weapons is a good practice for tackling different encounters.
12. How does the meta affect which legendary heavy weapon is “best?”
The meta is always changing, driven by balancing updates, new expansions, and emergent player strategies. Weapons that are considered top-tier today may not be the best next season or meta. It is important to stay abreast of changes.
13. Are there any resources to find the current meta for legendary heavy weapons?
Yes. Sites like Light.gg, Destiny Item Manager (DIM), and YouTube creators provide valuable insights into current meta builds and weapon rankings.
14. Can legendary heavy weapons be as effective as exotics?
Absolutely. While exotic weapons have unique perks, many legendary heavy weapons, especially those with God Rolls, can rival or even outperform some exotics in specific scenarios.
15. Is it worth grinding for god rolls on legendary heavy weapons?
Yes, especially for a weapon you plan to use extensively. A well-rolled legendary can make a significant difference in your effectiveness and overall damage output.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best legendary heavy weapon in Destiny 2 is the one that best fits your playstyle and the content you are tackling. The current meta showcases the power of weapons like Apex Predator, Cold Comfort, The Hothead, and Retrofit Escapade, but many others are powerful tools in the right hands. Stay informed, experiment with different options, and find the heavy weapon that empowers your Guardian to dominate. Remember, the game is constantly evolving, so keeping an open mind and adjusting to the changes will make sure you are always able to perform at your highest potential.