What is the Highest Damage SMG in Destiny 2?
The question of which submachine gun (SMG) reigns supreme in terms of damage in Destiny 2 is a complex one, as “damage” can be interpreted in various ways. However, if we are talking about raw, single-target damage output in a sustained firefight, and when discussing legendary SMGs, The Immortal stands out as a top contender. This 750 RPM Strand SMG is not only powerful in PvP but also delivers impressive damage in PvE. However, when considering exotic SMGs, Osteo Striga often takes the crown due to its Toxic Overload trait that provides both sustained damage and area-of-effect capability. The highest “per shot” damage doesn’t necessarily equate to the best “overall” damage. For example, a gun like the AWM Sniper Rifle in the context of PUBG mobile does have high per shot damage, however that data is irrelevant to the question of the highest damage SMG in Destiny 2.
While The Immortal may win out on raw damage on a single target, a large part of what makes Osteo Striga so powerful is its unique poison damage and ability to clear groups of enemies. This makes Osteo Striga a great choice for all types of activities. Meanwhile, if we are focusing on burst damage instead of sustained, weapons like Tarrabah can become some of the highest damage output SMGs once their perks are activated. So the simple answer is, it depends on the context, but in most situations Osteo Striga and The Immortal are amongst the highest damage SMGs.
The Power of The Immortal
The Immortal isn’t just a PvP powerhouse; it’s also a solid choice for PvE, especially for players utilizing Strand subclasses. Its high rate of fire combined with Strand damage means you can quickly apply Unraveling Rounds, increasing the damage and utility of your Strand build. Aggressive Frame SMGs like The Immortal generally have high impact, helping make them pack a punch. The fact that The Immortal can roll with strong perks like Demolitionist for PvE, make it a well rounded and powerful SMG.
Why is The Immortal so Effective?
- Aggressive Frame: It has high impact, leading to strong damage per shot.
- 750 RPM: High rate of fire means a good damage per second potential.
- Strand Damage: Synergizes with Strand subclasses, allowing for easy application of Unraveling Rounds.
- Versatile Perks: Can roll with top-tier perks for both PvP and PvE, enhancing its overall effectiveness.
The Reign of Osteo Striga
Osteo Striga is an exotic kinetic SMG that uses a unique poison mechanic called Toxic Overload, making it a top choice for dealing consistent damage. This is what gives the SMG its title as one of the highest damage SMGs overall, and the ability to clear out waves of weaker enemies. It isn’t build specific which makes it versatile in all activities in Destiny 2.
Why Osteo Striga is a Top Damage Dealer
- Exotic Trait: Toxic Overload: Continuously poisons enemies, dealing damage over time and making this weapon incredibly effective.
- Area Damage: Poisoned enemies can spread the effect to nearby targets, making it great for clearing groups.
- Consistency: Does consistent damage, making it a reliable weapon for various combat scenarios.
- Not Build Specific: Unlike other weapons, this exotic SMG doesn’t require a specific build to be effective.
Other Notable High-Damage SMGs
While The Immortal and Osteo Striga are often hailed as the top contenders, there are other SMGs that deserve mention for their damage capabilities. Some of these can reach similarly high damage outputs depending on their specific perk rolls, or how well the player is utilizing them.
Prominent Alternatives
- Huckleberry: An Exotic SMG that excels in add clear due to its Rampage and reload mechanics. This makes it a strong option for sustained damage in PvE.
- Prolonged Engagement: A legendary option that can roll with perks like Subsistence and Frenzy, enhancing its damage and sustained fire capabilities.
- Tarrabah: Though its damage is conditional based on its perk, it becomes one of the highest damage SMGs in the game when ‘Ravenous Beast’ is activated.
- Unending Tempest: A legendary option that can roll with strong perks.
- Submission: A legendary option that is consistently placed in lists for top SMGs.
Damage Considerations
It’s important to note that “damage” isn’t a singular metric. When evaluating the highest damage SMGs, we must consider:
- Damage per shot: The raw damage inflicted by each individual bullet.
- Rate of fire (RPM): How many bullets can be fired per minute.
- Damage per second (DPS): The total damage output over time.
- Perks: Special traits that can significantly boost damage.
- Sustained damage: The ability to keep firing and dealing damage without interruption, often through perks that manage magazine size or reloading.
- Burst damage: The ability to deal high amounts of damage in short windows, often depending on specific perk activation.
- Ammo Capacity: The amount of ammo that can be fired before needing to reload.
- Target types: Are you fighting shielded enemies, normal enemies, or bosses? This may sway which SMG is best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 FAQs related to the highest damage SMGs in Destiny 2, offering further insights and clarification:
1. Which SMG has the best damage in PvP?
The Immortal is consistently ranked as one of the best SMGs for PvP due to its high damage, fire rate, and strong perk combinations. However, a skilled player with a Tarrabah can out-damage others when ‘Ravenous Beast’ is active.
2. What is the best exotic SMG for PvE?
Osteo Striga is widely considered one of the best exotic SMGs for PvE due to its ability to clear adds quickly with its poison mechanic and sustained damage output. Huckleberry is also a great option for add-clear.
3. Which legendary SMG has the best damage?
The Immortal is considered one of the top legendary SMGs for damage, rivaling many exotics in terms of raw damage output, especially when paired with Strand subclasses.
4. What is the best god roll for Osteo Striga?
An ideal ‘god roll’ for Osteo Striga focuses on accuracy and handling. However, since it’s an exotic, it always has the same perks. Focusing on leveling up the weapon unlocks enhanced stats for more damage.
5. How do you get The Immortal SMG?
The Immortal is a Trials of Osiris weapon. You can earn it by participating in the Trials of Osiris playlist, which is only available on weekends.
6. What is the meta for Destiny 2 SMGs in PvP?
The PvP meta often favors SMGs with high fire rates, good stability, and perks that enhance kill potential, like The Immortal, Shayura’s Wrath, and Unending Tempest.
7. Which SMG has the lowest damage?
The SMG with the lowest damage in other games like Call of Duty is the Uzi. However, in the context of Destiny 2, there isn’t one SMG that always out performs others in damage at all times.
8. What makes Osteo Striga’s damage special?
Osteo Striga’s damage is unique because of its Toxic Overload trait, which poisons enemies, dealing damage over time and spreading to nearby targets.
9. Is The Immortal still considered top tier?
The Immortal is still considered a top-tier SMG due to its strong stats and perk pool.
10. Can legendary SMGs compete with exotics in damage?
Yes, some legendary SMGs like The Immortal and Prolonged Engagement can compete with exotics in damage, especially with the right perk combinations and playstyle.
11. What is the best Void SMG for damage?
Funnelweb is a top choice for a Void SMG, especially with its perk Frenzy, while Retrofit Escapade is also another strong pick, making up a strong void damage option.
12. Why is Huckleberry good for PvE damage?
Huckleberry is great for PvE damage because of its exotic perk Rampage, which significantly increases its damage, as well as its reload mechanics.
13. What is the best way to maximize damage with an SMG?
Maximizing damage with an SMG involves using perks that synergize with your play style, focusing on aiming for critical hits, and utilizing weapon buffs whenever possible.
14. What is a god roll for the Immortal?
A god roll for The Immortal will vary depending on playstyle, but generally you want perks that provide stability, range, and high damage output, as well as reload perks to keep shooting.
15. Is there a new exotic SMG coming soon?
Bungie does frequently introduce new weapons with new seasons, but as of the time of this writing, there are no newly announced exotic SMGs on the immediate horizon. Stay tuned to official Destiny 2 channels and news updates for future releases.
By understanding the nuances of different SMGs and their respective strengths, you can choose the highest damage option best suited to your needs in Destiny 2. Whether you’re focusing on the raw power of The Immortal, the consistent damage of Osteo Striga, or the utility of other high-tier options, mastering these weapons will significantly improve your gameplay.