What is the Most Powerful Shotgun in Destiny 2?
Determining the single “most powerful” shotgun in Destiny 2 is complex, as power is relative to the context. It depends heavily on whether you’re engaging in PvP (Player vs. Player) or PvE (Player vs. Environment) activities. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but we can highlight the best contenders based on specific criteria: raw damage, range, consistency, and overall utility.
For PvE, the Heritage from the Deep Stone Crypt raid stands out as an exceptional choice. Its Precision Frame allows it to deal tremendous damage with precision shots, especially against bosses and high-health enemies. The combination of high base stats and potent perk options elevates its performance beyond many other shotguns. However, it’s essential to note that other shotguns can be more useful for specific builds and encounters.
In PvP, the landscape shifts. While the Heritage can still be formidable in capable hands, other options dominate due to their consistency and lethality. The Matador 64 is widely considered a top-tier PvP shotgun. Its impressive range, especially when paired with the right perks such as Threat Detector and Opening Shot, and consistency make it a formidable weapon in the Crucible. Conditional Finality is also a noteworthy contender due to its unique freezing and shattering capabilities.
Other highly competitive shotguns, include Found Verdict which has a high base range and great handling, especially when used by aggressive players, and Duality with the highest OHK range when used from the hip and the only shotgun to have unique secondary firing mode.
Therefore, there’s not one universally most powerful shotgun. Instead, think of it in categories: Heritage for PvE damage, Matador 64 for PvP consistency, and other options like Conditional Finality and Found Verdict excelling in more specific scenarios and playstyles.
Best Shotguns by Category:
PvE Powerhouse: Heritage
The Heritage, a Precision Frame shotgun from the Deep Stone Crypt raid, is the benchmark for high damage output in PvE. Its stats package is exceptional, often outperforming other shotguns in its class. The key is hitting precision shots, making it ideal for experienced players. Coupled with perks like Reconstruction and Recombination, Heritage can consistently deliver massive damage, especially against bosses and major enemies.
PvP Consistency: Matador 64
The Matador 64 is a Precision Frame shotgun obtainable from the Anniversary dungeon. The Matador’s key strength is its range and consistency. With perks like Accurized Rounds or a Range Masterwork along with Threat Detector and Opening Shot, this shotgun will often achieve a one-hit-kill from surprisingly long ranges. It’s a top choice for PvP because it rewards accuracy and aggressive playstyles without sacrificing reliability.
Unique PvP Contender: Conditional Finality
This is an exotic shotgun that excels with its unique ability to freeze and shatter enemy Guardians, allowing for a swift kill. Its unique features make it a dangerous weapon in capable hands. It comes from the Root of Nightmares raid.
Aggressive PvP Option: Found Verdict
The Vault of Glass’ Found Verdict shotgun is part of the Aggressive Frame archetype. It excels in aggressive playstyles with higher than average range and handling. When paired with the right perks, this shotgun can reliably one-shot enemies from surprising distances.
Unique Functionality: Tractor Cannon
While not the strongest shotgun when considering only damage per shot, the Tractor Cannon stands out for its unique utility. It suppresses enemies and increases all incoming friendly damage by 30% for the duration of the debuff.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Precision Frame shotgun, and why is it important?
Precision Frame shotguns are designed to reward accuracy. They deal increased damage when hitting precision shots, making them incredibly effective when aimed correctly. They also tend to have better range than other archetypes. Heritage and Matador 64 are examples of Precision Frame shotguns.
2. What are some good perk combinations for shotguns in Destiny 2?
Good perks often depend on your game mode. In PvE, look for combinations like Reconstruction and Recombination for damage, or Auto-Loading Holster and Vorpal Weapon for consistent DPS. In PvP, prioritize Opening Shot, Quickdraw, Slideshot, and Rangefinder to enhance range and lethality.
3. Are slug shotguns good in Destiny 2?
Slug shotguns like Heritage are fantastic in PvE because their single, high-damage slug can hit precision areas, allowing for a more precise shot. Slug shotguns are not usually ideal for PvP because, like snipers, require precise shots and often offer fewer chances to land one hit kills.
4. How does the range stat impact shotguns in Destiny 2?
The range stat directly impacts a shotgun’s effectiveness. Higher range allows a shotgun to deal lethal damage from further away. In PvP, a higher range stat can make all the difference, turning a two-shot kill into a one-shot kill.
5. What is the difference between pellet and slug shotguns?
Pellet shotguns, like Matador 64, fire a spread of projectiles. Slug shotguns fire a single, powerful projectile, like Heritage. Pellets are more forgiving but have a shorter range, while slugs require more accuracy.
6. How important is a shotgun’s handling stat in PvP?
Handling affects how quickly a weapon can be readied, aimed, and stowed. In the fast-paced environment of PvP, good handling can make the difference between winning and losing a close-quarters engagement.
7. Are Exotic shotguns worth using in Destiny 2?
Yes, Exotic shotguns can be powerful and often offer unique perks. Tractor Cannon is a great support option in PvE, while Conditional Finality is a powerful option in PvP due to its ability to freeze and shatter enemies, however both are not the strongest options in raw damage when compared to a well rolled Legendary shotguns.
8. What’s the best way to farm for a specific shotgun?
Farming strategies vary depending on the shotgun. Some are tied to specific raids or dungeons, like Heritage from the Deep Stone Crypt, requiring repeated runs. Others are obtained through focused engrams. It often helps to know the exact sources to optimize your farming efforts.
9. Are shotguns viable in PvE endgame activities?
Yes, with the right build and the proper setup, shotguns can be highly effective in high-level PvE content. Their high burst damage potential makes them excellent for dealing with powerful enemies in close quarters, making them valuable in raids and dungeons.
10. Is the “Hand-in-Hand” shotgun good in Destiny 2?
The “Hand-in-Hand” shotgun is a solid option for players who want a strong, close range weapon, with good perk potential that is obtainable through completing playlist activities. It is not considered the top choice, but it’s still a strong contender.
11. What is the ideal effective range for a shotgun in Destiny 2?
Most shotguns have an effective one-hit-kill range of around 8 meters. However, specific perks and range stats can increase that range. In PvE, you can be a bit closer to take down enemies.
12. How do shotguns compare to other close-range options like fusion rifles?
Shotguns excel in burst damage and are effective at very close ranges, while fusion rifles often offer more range and are more consistent at mid-range. Shotguns typically require a very close-range approach to be effective.
13. Can you one-shot an enemy with a shotgun?
Yes, in both PvE and PvP, shotguns can deal enough damage to one-shot an enemy. This depends on the shotgun, perks, distance, and enemy’s health.
14. Are there any “must have” shotguns for new players?
For new players, consider acquiring the Wastelander M5 as it’s easily accessible and a decent starting option. As you progress, focus on getting a Matador 64 for PvP and Heritage for PvE.
15. How do I get better at using shotguns in Destiny 2?
Improve your shotgun skills by practicing your aim and movement. Focus on closing the gap and using cover to get into an optimal range. Try different shotguns and perks to find what suits your playstyle best. Watch gameplay from experienced players to understand the optimal shotgun use strategies.