Unveiling the Arsenal: A Hunter’s Guide to Weapons in Destiny 2

Hunters in Destiny 2 are masters of adaptability, and their weapon choices reflect that. They effectively utilize every weapon type available in the game, though certain archetypes synergize particularly well with their abilities and playstyles. From the rapid-fire precision of Auto Rifles and Submachine Guns to the devastating power of Shotguns and Sniper Rifles, Hunters are capable of wielding it all. However, Hunters lean towards weapons that reward skillful aiming, mobility, and burst damage, making Hand Cannons, Scout Rifles, and Sniper Rifles particularly popular choices. Let’s dive deeper into the weapon options available to these agile Guardians.

Hunter Weapon Proficiency: An In-Depth Look

Hunters aren’t restricted to specific weapon types like in the original Destiny. This freedom allows for incredible build diversity. Subclass choice, armor mods, and personal preference heavily influence a Hunter’s weapon selection. For instance, a Gunslinger might favor a Hand Cannon for its high burst damage and synergy with abilities that reload the weapon or grant increased accuracy. A Nightstalker, focused on stealth and debuffing enemies, might prefer a Void energy weapon like a Pulse Rifle or a Scout Rifle to maintain a safe distance while weakening targets. An Arcstrider could utilize a fusion rifle or a shotgun for devastating close-range damage, capitalizing on their enhanced mobility and melee capabilities. The key is to understand how weapons interact with a Hunter’s subclass and equipped mods.

Specific Weapon Synergies

• Hand Cannons: Excellent for quick, precise shots, especially when paired with perks that enhance reload speed or accuracy after dodging (a core Hunter mechanic).
• Scout Rifles: Ideal for long-range engagements and picking off enemies from cover. Work particularly well for Nightstalkers who prefer to remain concealed.
• Sniper Rifles: High-damage, long-range options that reward skilled aiming. Perfect for eliminating high-value targets from a safe distance.
• Auto Rifles: Versatile weapons for mid-range engagements, providing consistent damage output. A solid choice for newer players or those who prefer a more forgiving weapon type.
• Submachine Guns: Powerful close-range weapons that excel at melting enemies quickly. Suited for Arcstriders or any Hunter build focused on aggressive play.
• Shotguns: Devastating at close range. Good with any Hunter build focusing on agility and mobility, allowing for quick bursts of high damage.
• Fusion Rifles: High burst damage weapons effective at medium range. Require good timing and pre-charging.
• Swords: Close-range weapons offering both damage and defense (through blocking). Useful for clearing out groups of weaker enemies or dealing focused damage to bosses.

The Importance of Mods and Perks

Beyond the weapon type, the specific perks and mods on a weapon are crucial for optimizing its performance. For example, a Hand Cannon with the “Outlaw” perk (faster reload on precision kills) perfectly complements a Gunslinger’s playstyle. Similarly, a Sniper Rifle with the “Snapshot Sights” perk (faster aim down sights) is invaluable for quickscoping in PvP. Weapon mods, such as Backup Mag, Targeting Adjuster, or Icarus Grip, further fine-tune a weapon’s stats and handling to suit individual preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about weapons for Hunters in Destiny 2, designed to address common inquiries and offer valuable insights:

1. Are there any weapons Hunters cannot use in Destiny 2? No, Hunters can use every weapon type in Destiny 2. The game doesn’t restrict classes from equipping any specific weapon.

2. What weapon type is generally considered the “best” for Hunters in PvE? There’s no single “best” weapon. It depends heavily on the specific activity, subclass, and personal playstyle. However, high-damage weapons like Sniper Rifles, Shotguns, and Rocket Launchers are often favored for boss DPS, while Auto Rifles, Pulse Rifles, and Submachine Guns are excellent for clearing out adds.

3. How important is it to match my weapon element to my subclass element? Matching your weapon element to your subclass element can provide synergy through certain armor mods and subclass perks. For instance, using a Void weapon with a Nightstalker subclass can grant extra benefits like Volatile Rounds. While not always mandatory, it’s generally advantageous to have a matching weapon.

4. What are some good Exotic weapons for Hunters? Several Exotic weapons synergize well with Hunter abilities. The Lament (Sword), Gjallarhorn (Rocket Launcher), Arbalest (Linear Fusion Rifle), Ace of Spades (Hand Cannon), Trinity Ghoul (Bow), and Tractor Cannon (Shotgun) are all popular choices, each offering unique benefits and playstyles.

5. Do Hunter armor mods affect weapon performance? Yes, numerous armor mods directly impact weapon performance. Mods like Targeting Adjuster, Dexterity Mods, Loader Mods, and Unflinching Aim can significantly improve weapon handling, reload speed, and accuracy.

6. Is it better to prioritize weapon stats like Range or Stability for Hunters? The ideal stat distribution depends on the weapon type and playstyle. Generally, Hunters benefit from prioritizing Range for long-range weapons like Scout Rifles and Sniper Rifles, and Stability for weapons like Auto Rifles and Submachine Guns.

7. Can Hunters dual wield weapons in Destiny 2? No, dual wielding is not a feature in Destiny 2.

8. How do I effectively use a Shotgun as a Hunter? Hunters excel at using Shotguns due to their mobility. Use your dodge to close the distance quickly and deliver a devastating shot, then disengage to reload or reposition.

9. What are some good Legendary weapons for Hunters to farm? Some popular Legendary weapons for Hunters include Calus Mini-Tool (Submachine Gun), Witherhoard (Grenade Launcher), IKELOSSMGV1.0.3 (Submachine Gun), and any well-rolled Hand Cannon or Scout Rifle from the current season.

10. How can I improve my aim with Hand Cannons as a Hunter? Practice is key. Focus on precision shots, learn the recoil pattern of your Hand Cannon, and utilize mods that improve accuracy and stability. Use your dodge to reposition and gain an advantage.

11. Are Swords a viable weapon choice for Hunters in PvE? Yes, Swords can be very effective in PvE, particularly against bosses with predictable attack patterns. Swords like The Lament and Falling Guillotine are particularly powerful.

12. What is the best way to utilize Sniper Rifles as a Hunter in PvP? Find a good vantage point, use cover effectively, and practice quickscoping. Prioritize headshots for maximum damage. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid staying in one spot for too long.

13. How important is weapon crafting for Hunters? Weapon crafting offers a way to create god-rolled weapons with specific perks tailored to your playstyle. This is very important, as crafting weapons allows min/maxing certain stats that boost your damage.

14. Do specific Hunter subclasses favor particular weapon types? Yes, some subclasses have stronger synergies with certain weapon types. For example, the Gunslinger benefits from Hand Cannons and Scout Rifles due to their precision focus, while the Arcstrider thrives with Submachine Guns and Shotguns for close-quarters combat. The Nightstalker synergizes well with Void weapons.

15. Where can I learn more about Destiny 2 weapon builds and strategies? There are many online resources available, including YouTube channels, Reddit communities (r/DestinyTheGame), and websites like GamesLearningSociety.org, which studies the educational aspects of games and can provide insights into mastering Destiny 2.

Conclusion

Hunters in Destiny 2 have access to a vast arsenal of weapons, allowing for incredible customization and build diversity. By understanding the strengths of different weapon types, utilizing armor mods effectively, and experimenting with various subclass combinations, Hunters can become formidable forces in both PvE and PvP. Embrace the freedom, experiment with different loadouts, and discover the weapon combinations that best suit your playstyle. The frontier awaits, Guardian!