The Definitive Guide to Destiny 2’s Strongest Exotic Weapon

So, you want to know the absolute strongest Exotic weapon in Destiny 2? That’s a question that sparks endless debate amongst Guardians, but let’s cut through the noise and get straight to the point: There is no single, universally “strongest” Exotic weapon in Destiny 2.

That might not be the answer you were hoping for, but it’s the truth. Destiny 2’s sandbox is constantly evolving. The “strongest” Exotic depends entirely on the current meta, activity, your build, and your playstyle. A weapon that dominates in PvE might be a complete dud in PvP, and vice-versa. Furthermore, champion modifiers, seasonal artifact perks, and sandbox changes can significantly impact weapon viability from season to season.

Instead of searching for a mythical “best” weapon, the savvy Guardian focuses on understanding which Exotics excel in specific situations. Let’s break down the contenders:

Exotic Weapon Powerhouses

Here are some Exotics that consistently rank among the most potent, along with their primary strengths:

• Gjallarhorn: The classic rocket launcher is an undeniable force, especially in PvE. Its Wolfpack Rounds provide unmatched add-clear potential and significantly buff the damage of other rocket launchers on your fireteam. It’s a fantastic support and damage option.

• Divinity: A must-have for many high-end PvE activities. Divinity creates a large, easily-hit critical hit spot on enemies, making them significantly easier to damage for your entire team. It also weakens Overload Champions, and is crucial for increasing DPS.

• Witherhoard: A Grenade Launcher that leaves a lingering blight pool, dealing damage over time to enemies. Exceptional for add clear and area denial in both PvE and PvP.

• Arbalest: A Kinetic Linear Fusion Rifle. This is the go to anti barrier champion weapon and has great damage.

• Le Monarque: An Exotic Combat Bow. Le Monarque is a versatile option for both PvP and PvE. Its poison arrows deal damage over time and disrupt enemies. It also weakens Overload Champions.

• Thunderlord: A Heavy Machine Gun. This arc machine gun is great for clearing adds, stunning overload champions, and dealing great damage!

• Wish-Ender: A Kinetic Combat Bow. It is exceptional at dealing massive damage to champions, especially unstoppable. Its piercing arrows are excellent in PvE.

• Ager’s Scepter: A Stasis Trace Rifle. Ager’s Scepter is fantastic at freezing adds and slowing down enemies, offering excellent crowd control in PvE.

• Quicksilver Storm: An Auto Rifle that acts as a grenade launcher. It is a top tier weapon for clearing adds and dishing out damage!

Understanding the Meta and Your Build

Keep in mind that the “strongest” Exotic is heavily influenced by:

• The Current Meta: Certain weapon types become more or less effective based on seasonal updates and balance changes. Pay attention to what’s trending and what the top players are using.

• Champion Modifiers: Champions are challenging enemies in high-level content that require specific weapon perks or abilities to defeat. The seasonal artifact provides mods that allow you to stun various types of champions.

• Your Subclass and Build: The Exotic you choose should complement your subclass and armor build. A weapon that synergizes well with your abilities and buffs will be far more effective than one that doesn’t.

Beyond Raw Power: Versatility and Accessibility

Don’t solely focus on raw damage output. Consider factors like:

• Versatility: Can the weapon be used effectively in a variety of situations? A weapon that excels in both PvE and PvP offers more value.

• Ease of Use: Is the weapon difficult to master? Some Exotics require specific playstyles or strategies to maximize their potential.

• Availability: How easy is it to obtain the Exotic? Some Exotics are locked behind challenging quests or rare drops.

The Ever-Evolving Landscape

The beauty of Destiny 2 is that the meta is never stagnant. New Exotics are constantly being added, and existing ones are rebalanced. What’s considered the “strongest” today might be overshadowed tomorrow.

The key to success is to stay informed, experiment with different weapons, and find what works best for you. Don’t blindly chase the meta – develop your own playstyle and find the Exotics that complement it.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 common questions about Exotic weapons in Destiny 2:

1. Which Exotic is best for soloing content? Witherhoard, due to its damage-over-time effect and ease of use. Survivability Exotics such as The Lament may also be helpful.

2. What’s the best Exotic for dealing burst damage to bosses? Gjallarhorn, especially when paired with other rocket launchers.

3. Which Exotic is most effective against Unstoppable Champions? Wish-Ender or Leviathan’s Breath. However, the best option is dependent on the current season’s champion mods.

4. What’s the best Exotic for PvP? Le Monarque is strong in PvP. Dead Man’s Tale and The Jade Rabbit can be great options.

5. How do I acquire new Exotic weapons? Exotics can be obtained through various sources, including Exotic Engrams, quests, Nightfalls, the Monument to Lost Lights, and Xur.

6. Are Exotic catalysts worth the effort? Absolutely! Exotic catalysts enhance a weapon’s stats and often add unique perks, making them significantly more powerful.

7. What’s the best way to farm Exotic Engrams? High-difficulty Nightfalls offer increased Exotic drop rates.

8. Should I dismantle duplicate Exotic weapons? No! Dismantling an Exotic weapon yields very few materials. Instead, store them in your vault for future use or infusion.

9. Does my Power Level affect Exotic weapon drops? Yes, your Power Level influences the Power Level of the Exotic weapons you receive.

10. What is the Monument to Lost Lights? The Monument to Lost Lights is a kiosk in the Tower where you can purchase previously available Exotic weapons and armor.

11. How does Xur work? Xur is a weekend vendor who sells Exotic weapons, armor, and engrams in exchange for Legendary Shards.

12. What’s the difference between Exotic weapons and Legendary weapons? Exotic weapons have unique perks and abilities that are not found on Legendary weapons.

13. Can I equip multiple Exotic weapons at once? No, you can only equip one Exotic weapon and one Exotic armor piece at a time.

14. Do Exotic weapons require specific ammo types? Yes, Exotic weapons use the same ammo types as their Legendary counterparts (Primary, Special, and Heavy).

15. How do I know which Exotic weapons are best for my playstyle? Experiment! Try out different Exotics in various activities and see which ones feel the most comfortable and effective for you.

Ultimately, the “strongest” Exotic weapon in Destiny 2 is the one that best suits your needs, playstyle, and the challenges you face. Don’t be afraid to experiment, adapt, and find the weapons that make you a true Guardian legend.