Table of Contents

What is the Best Primary Shotgun in Destiny 2 2023?

Quick answer

This page answers What is the best primary shotgun in destiny 2 2023? 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.

Determining the “best” primary shotgun in Destiny 2 is tricky, as the game doesn’t actually feature primary shotguns. Shotguns in Destiny 2 are categorized as Special weapons, meaning they occupy the secondary weapon slot, not the primary. However, if you’re looking for the best shotgun to utilize in your builds, we can look at the best shotguns in general for different game modes, considering how they function within the current meta. In short, there isn’t a primary shotgun in Destiny 2, but this article will help you find the best shotgun for various uses. The discussion will cover the most powerful shotguns for both PvE and PvP, alongside related common questions.

Best Shotguns for Different Playstyles

To understand which shotguns truly excel, we need to break down the different areas of the game: Player versus Environment (PvE) and Player versus Player (PvP). Within each of those, specific needs can also drastically change which weapons rise to the top.

Best PvE Shotguns

For PvE, the focus is usually on dealing significant damage to tougher enemies, handling groups of smaller foes, and general utility. Here’s a look at some of the best:

Heritage: This Precision Frame shotgun, from the Deep Stone Crypt raid, reigns supreme for many PvE enthusiasts. Its ability to land precision hits and deliver massive damage makes it excellent for taking down bosses and powerful elites. The damage potential when you consistently land those critical hits is unmatched, especially with perks like Reconstruction and Recombination.
Tractor Cannon: While not a traditional damage dealer, the Tractor Cannon is the standout support shotgun in the game. Its unique ability to suppress targets and increase all incoming friendly damage by 30% makes it essential for coordinated fireteams tackling high-level content. It’s not about raw damage with this weapon, but about amplifying your squad’s potential.
Hand in Hand: While it might be a niche pick, Hand in Hand is a powerful option for close-range PvE encounters. It’s capable of melting major enemies and excels in situations where enemies are swarming you. This weapon has a strong perk pool and is a good option for anyone looking for a hard-hitting shotgun for close-quarters combat.

Best PvP Shotguns

For PvP, the name of the game is speed, lethality, and consistency. The best shotguns here excel at quick kills and control in close-quarters engagements. Here’s where you’ll find a different set of winners:

Matador 64: This shotgun is often referred to as the undisputed GOAT of PvP shotguns. It boasts exceptional range for a shotgun, making it incredibly effective in close to mid-range encounters. The Matador is notorious for its consistent kills and fantastic perk pool, which includes perks that can boost range and handling even further. Its ability to be farmed also means most serious PvP players have multiple rolls to pick from.
Conditional Finality: A powerful option for those willing to master it, Conditional Finality is a high-impact shotgun that can be deadly in the hands of a skilled player. Its unique perk set and high damage output make it a potent threat. It can freeze and shatter enemies, giving you plenty of control in the arena.
Imperial Decree: This shotgun earns a spot as one of the best PvP shotguns due to its great perk pool and consistent performance in Crucible matches. It is a reliable option, with the capability to compete with more commonly used shotguns due to perks that can provide range and handling.

Why are Shotguns Good in Destiny 2?

Shotguns are a staple in Destiny 2 due to their versatility and high damage potential in close-quarters combat. Their ability to swiftly take down enemies makes them essential in both PvE and PvP. However, finding the right perk combination can be the deciding factor between a subpar weapon and a game-changer. Shotguns excel in situations where you need to quickly dispatch an enemy, making them great options for specific build types and game modes.

Shotgun Features and Perks

Understanding how range and other factors impact a shotgun’s performance is also crucial. Range is still important, but a balance must be struck between range, handling, and lethality within the weapon’s optimal engagement zone. Perks like Opening Shot, Threat Detector, and Quickdraw enhance performance on these shotguns.

The Impact of Smoothbore

Smoothbore increases range but, at the same time, increases pellet spread, which can be detrimental for consistent kills. This makes it mostly unsuitable on shotguns. While the idea of increased range sounds appealing, it reduces the chances of all the pellets hitting the target, and it is not a beneficial perk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding shotguns in Destiny 2:

What is a slug shotgun? Slug shotguns fire a single projectile instead of a spread of pellets, providing longer range and more precision. Slug shotguns are more similar to a rifle than a traditional pellet shotgun.
What is the most fun shotgun to use in Destiny 2? The Tractor Cannon is often cited as one of the most fun due to its unique effect of suppressing enemies and increasing incoming damage. It’s a wildly fun weapon to use because it allows for silly shenanigans.
Are exotic shotguns always better than legendary shotguns? Exotic shotguns aren’t always better, but they often provide unique effects and perks that can be incredibly powerful in the right build. Exotics are more specialized than legendaries.
Is the Hand in Hand shotgun good in Destiny 2? Yes, Hand in Hand is a solid shotgun for those looking for a great close-range option in PvE due to its strong perk pool.
Is range important on shotguns in Destiny 2? Range is helpful, especially in PvP, but it’s important to balance range with handling and other stats that enhance the weapon’s effectiveness within its optimal range.
Which legendary shotgun can contend with exotics? The Heritage shotgun, found in the Deep Stone Crypt raid, can compete with exotic weapons with the right perks. It’s one of the strongest overall shotguns for PvE.
What is the best shotgun for general Crucible matches? The Matador 64 is considered the best overall shotgun for Crucible due to its strong range, perk pool, and consistency.
Are shotguns still good in Destiny 2? Yes, shotguns remain a potent choice due to their lethality and effectiveness in close-range encounters, with a good selection of shotguns available for different use cases.
What shotgun has the highest one-hit kill range? The Duality exotic shotgun can achieve the highest one-hit kill range. When fired from the hip, it functions like a precision shotgun and is deadly at a greater range.
What is the most popular PvP weapon in Destiny 2 currently? While it changes with the meta, Conditional Finality, Matador 64, and some primary weapons like Ammit AR2 are consistently ranked near the top for PvP use.
Is smoothbore a good perk for shotguns? No, Smoothbore is generally considered a bad perk as it increases pellet spread, which leads to inconsistent kills. It increases the range, but it also increases the spread, nullifying any positives of extra range.
What are the best perks to look for on shotguns? Some of the best perks include Opening Shot, Threat Detector, Quickdraw, Reconstruction, and Recombination, depending on the game mode and intended use.
What’s the most powerful class to use with shotguns? All classes can use shotguns effectively, but classes like Hunter with their movement abilities can greatly benefit from close-range combat. However, it is less about the class, and more about the particular subclass and build.
Is the range stat on shotguns crucial for PvE? Range isn’t as crucial in PvE as it is in PvP. In PvE, you’re often within effective range of enemies, so perks that boost damage and handling become more valuable.
Are shotguns a viable weapon type for all situations in Destiny 2? Shotguns are not the best option for all situations, but they are very powerful in specific scenarios. They excel in close-range combat, but they are weak at long distances. Using shotguns effectively requires mastering movement and understanding weapon capabilities, but they are a viable option.

Conclusion

While there are no primary shotguns in Destiny 2, the shotgun class is diverse and powerful. Whether it’s the devastating precision of the Heritage in PvE, the supportive capabilities of the Tractor Cannon, or the lethal range of the Matador 64 in PvP, there is a shotgun for every playstyle. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each weapon will allow you to tailor your loadout and become a formidable Guardian.