Season of the Wish has brought some exciting changes to the game's meta, especially when it comes to kinetic weapons. It's like a breath of fresh air as some previously underpowered weapons have been buffed and are now making a solid comeback after several seasons of being in the shadows. But, of course, there are those trusty kinetic weapons that have held their ground throughout.
When it comes to kinetic weapons, you've got quite a variety. They cater to different playstyles and activities, from trusty hand cannons to explosive grenade launchers. In PvE, some are absolute must-haves, making your life easier when facing waves of ads. On the other hand, in PvP activities, you might find yourself scratching your head as you deal with opponents using these cheesy weapons.
What are the best kinetic weapons in Destiny 2?
Let's dive right into it! Here's a rundown of the top 10 kinetic weapons for different activities and playstyles in Season of the Wish.
10. Wish-Ender (Best for PVE)
The Wish-Ender Exotic Bow is a pretty old but still super powerful weapon in Destiny 2. It came out with the Forsaken expansion and is still one of the best Exotic primary weapons you can get your hands on today, as long as you know how to use it right. It can spot enemies behind walls, use special arrows that can pierce through barriers, and pack a punch that can outdo most other Bows.
Wish-Ender is a fantastic kinetic weapon that can be a valuable addition to your arsenal for various in-game activities. With the recent buffs it received in PvE, it has become a must-have weapon during the Season of the Wish.
Exotic Perk:
"While aiming down sights with a fully drawn Bow, combatants behind walls are highlighted, and arrows pierce shields. Strong against Barrier Champions. One shot can over-penetrate multiple targets."
Wish-Ender Stats
- Impact: 92
- Accuracy: 60
- Stability: 90
- Handling: 40
- Reload Speed: 30
- Aim Assistance: 51
- Inventory Size: 50
- Zoom: 18
- Airborne Effectiveness: 19
- Recoil: 60
- Draw Time: 780
How to get Wish-Ender
To get your hands on the Wish-Ender exotic bow, you must buy the Forsaken Expansion, which gives you access to Dreaming City destination, Last Wish raid, and the Shattered Throne dungeon. Once you own the expansion, you can access the quests kiosk at the tower and start the Hunter’s Remembrance Quest. In this quest, you must kill three enemies in the dungeon activity, and you can claim the weapon.
9. Round Robin (Best for PVP)
Round Robin debuted in the Lightfall DLC, becoming one of the new weapons available in the Neumona destination. 120 rpm hand cannons faced a nerf in Beyond Light, falling behind in the meta for quite some time. However, they've returned triumphantly to the game thanks to outstanding choices like Round Robin.
This hand cannon stands out with its exceptional origin trait, "Nanotech Tracer Rockets," which provides an extra damage boost by launching micro missiles at the target, dealing additional damage. Round Robin is a craftable weapon that allows you to choose and customize your favorite perks to match your playstyle.
Round Robin Stats
- Impact: 84
- Range: 43
- Stability: 52
- Handling: 46
- Reload Speed: 43
- Reload Time: 3.16 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 77
- Inventory Size: 50
- Zoom: 14
- Airborne Effectiveness: 19
- Recoil: 89
- Rounds Per Minute: 140
- Magazine: 10
PvP God roll:
- Barrel: Hammer-Forged Rifling
- Magazine: Accurized Rounds
- Perk 1: Rangefinder
- Perk 2: Eye of the Storm
How to get Round Robin
There are multiple ways to farm Round Robin in the game. The weapon was released with the lightfall expansion, and the grind was tied to the new destination, Neomuna. You can get it from the Lightfall engrams and the chests of Terminal Overload activity. The fastest and easiest way to farm it is by completing the Heroic Petrols on Neumona.
8. Austringer (Best for PVP)
Austringer made a comeback in Season 17, allowing players to craft it with enhanced perks. There's even talk that this hand cannon could surpass the infamous Eyasluna in performance with enhanced perks. However, the ultimate choice between the two is personal preference and playstyle.
For Austringer, perks like Outlaw and Rangefinder are crucial, but some players who favor a more aggressive approach might opt for something like Eye of the Storm. This hand cannon is a formidable choice, especially for those who take their PvP gameplay seriously. It is worth crafting and experimenting with to find the perfect combination of perks that suit your style.
Austringer Stats
- Impact: 84
- Range: 46
- Stability: 59
- Handling: 47
- Reload Speed: 46
- Reload Time: 3.08 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 75
- Inventory Size: 53
- Zoom: 14
- Airborne Effectiveness: 13
- Recoil: 95
- Rounds Per Minute: 140
- Magazine: 11
PvP God roll:
- Barrel: Hammer-Forged Rifling
- Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
- Perk 1: Eye of the Storm
- Perk 2: Rangefinder
How to get Austringer
In the Season of the Witch, the only way to get this weapon is from the gunsmith vendor (Banshee-44). Banshee has sold some amazing rolls of this weapon in the past and offers it frequently in its inventory. You need to watch its daily offerings, and you might be lucky enough to get a god-roll.
7. Fatebringer Timelost (Best for PVE)
Fatebringer has secured its spot as one of the top-tier kinetic weapons for PvE in the game's current state. It is a beloved weapon among Destiny veterans, and it's easy to see why. In the original Destiny, it was an iconic hand cannon with fantastic perks like Firefly, which made enemies explode when you got precision kills, and Outlaw, which sped up your reload after those precise shots.
In Destiny 2, Fatebringer returned when the Vault of Glass raid was reintroduced. It still boasts those classic perks, which make it highly sought after for PvE activities. Its ability to clear out ads and its effectiveness make it a top choice for players in various in-game activities.
Fatebringer Timelost Stats
- Impact: 84
- Range: 46
- Stability: 57
- Handling: 57
- Reload Speed: 46
- Reload Time: 3.08 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 84
- Inventory Size: 53
- Zoom: 14
- Airborne Effectiveness: 10
- Recoil: 98
- Rounds Per Minute: 140
- Magazine: 11
PvE God roll:
- Barrel: Hammer-Forged Rifling
- Magazine: Tactical Mag
- Perk 1: Explosive Payload
- Perk 2: Firefly
How to get Fatebringer
Fatebringer can only be dropped by completing the third encounter ( The Templar) of the Vault of the Glass raid. The encounter has other weapons in the pool, so getting the hand cannon may take a few tries. To get the Timelost version of the gun, you must complete the encounter on the Master difficulty. Once you have unlocked the weapon in your collections, you can also buy it from the final chest of the raid.
6. No Time to Explain (Best for PVP)
No Time to Explain, a Kinetic Exotic pulse rifle introduced in the Beyond Light expansion, has faced some nerfs to balance its performance in The Crucible. However, it remains one of the top-tier PvP weapons in Destiny 2. Its unique attributes and abilities make it an excellent choice for Guardians who want to excel in PvP. Even after the nerfs were made to prevent it from becoming too dominant. It's a weapon that can still hold its own in the competitive world of Destiny 2 PvP.
No Time to Explain's exotic perk perfectly matches the game's gunplay style, potentially making you invincible if used correctly. It's currently one of the most widely used kinetic weapons in PvP.
Exotic Perk:
Precision shots and shots against combatants slowed or frozen by Stasis will return to the magazine.
No Time to Explain Stats
- Impact: 33
- Range: 60
- Stability: 55
- Handling: 42
- Reload Speed: 60
- Reload Time: 1.89 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 40
- Inventory Size: 57
- Zoom: 17
- Airborne Effectiveness: 24
- Recoil: 73
- Rounds Per Minute: 340
- Magazine: 24
How to get No Time to Explain
To get the "No Time to Explain" pulse rifle in Destiny 2, all you need to do is complete the Beyond Light campaign and then visit the Exo Stranger on Europa. They'll award you the rifle and provide you with a quest called "Soon." This means owning or having access to the Beyond Light expansion is necessary to obtain this fantastic pulse rifle.
5. Uzume RR4 (Best for PVP)
Uzume RR4 has often flown under the radar, but it's an underrated choice for both PvE and PvP in Destiny 2. While other sniper rifles may outshine it in specific situations, Uzume's versatility and overall performance are undeniable. If you're in the market for a reliable and well-rounded option that can handle a variety of scenarios, farming for the Uzume RR4 might be the best choice.
Uzume RR4 is back in the nightfall loot pool during the Season of the Witch, featuring new perks and the chance to obtain an adept version by completing the nightfall on Grandmaster difficulty. It's currently one of the best snipers in the game.
Uzume RR4 Stats
- Impact: 70
- Range: 60
- Stability: 48
- Handling: 46
- Reload Speed: 45
- Reload Time: 3.13 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 67
- Inventory Size: 50
- Zoom: 50
- Airborne Effectiveness: 3
- Recoil: 75
- Rounds Per Minute: 90
- Magazine: 4
PvP God roll:
- Barrel: Hammer-Forged Rifling
- Magazine: Accurized Rounds
- Perk 1: Rangefinder
- Perk 2: Eye of the Storm
How to get Uzume RR4
You can get Uzume RR4 only if you complete a Nightfall activity, but only if it is the reward for the week. Furthermore, players who beat a GM Nightfall in Destiny 2 can get Wendigo GL3, which allows the weapon to take advantage of Adept weapon mods.
4. Osteo Striga (Best for PVE)
The Osteo Striga in Destiny 2 is an Exotic Kinetic SMG with a unique and amazing exotic ability. Its exceptional crowd-clearing capabilities make it a perfect choice for PvE activities, allowing Guardians to quickly clear waves of ads. Moreover, it offers tracking rounds, making it an excellent choice for any activity in the game.
With the buffs it received in the Season of the Witch, the Osteo Striga has become an even more impressive weapon. When you pair it with a catalyst, it truly shines and earns its place among the top-tier kinetic weapons in the game's current state.
Exotic Perk:
Fires a stream of sentient, toxic projectiles that track the targeted enemy. Landing a final blow or multiple precision hits triggers a burst that poisons nearby targets.
Osteo Striga Stats
- Impact: 25
- Range: 80
- Stability: 37
- Handling: 26
- Reload Speed: 18
- Reload Time: 2.49 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 55
- Inventory Size: 30
- Zoom: 13
- Airborne Effectiveness: 27
- Recoil: 99
- Rounds Per Minute: 600
- Magazine: 27
How to get Osteo Striga
To get Osteo Striga, you'll need to finish The Witch Queen expansion campaign. Once that's done, you'll get the Pattern as a reward when you finish the story. With the Pattern in your possession, make your way to the Enclave on Mars. Now, you can use it to craft it at the Relic located in the Enclave.
3. Ace of Spades (Best for PVP)
Ace of Spades in Destiny 2 is an adored exotic hand cannon famously used by the legendary Cayde-6. Its distinctive perks, Memento Mori and Firefly set it apart, elevating its precision and crowd-clearing capabilities. Beyond its excellent performance, it combines a sleek design with a smooth shooting experience, earning it a special place in the hearts of Guardians.
Since its debut in the Forsaken DLC, Ace of Spades has been a consistent presence in the game's meta, and it remains one of the most used hand cannons in PvP. Its exotic perk can even be optimized for powerful damage builds, turning it into a lethal two-tap machine.
Exotic Perk:
"Precision kills increase reload speed and cause the target to explode. Reloading after a kill increases damage. Grants radar while aiming down sights."
Ace of Spades Stats
- Impact: 84
- Range: 75
- Stability: 40
- Handling: 40
- Reload Speed: 42
- Reload Time: 3.19 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 70
- Inventory Size: 56
- Zoom: 14
- Airborne Effectiveness: 14
- Recoil: 100
- Rounds Per Minute: 140
- Magazine: 13
How to get Ace of Spades
You can only get Ace of Spades from the Monument to Lost Lights weapon vault in the Tower. To craft the weapon, you’ll need to bring a hefty list of materials:
- 1x Exotic Cipher
- 100,000 Glimmer
- 1x Ascendant Shard
2. Arbalest (Best for PVE)
Arbalest may not be the strongest Special weapon in PvP anymore, but its usefulness in PvE is unquestionable. This Linear Fusion Rifle, found in the Kinetic slot, is one of only two Special weapon LFRs in the game. It delivers high damage at range, pierces shield resistances, and reloads when its Catalyst is equipped.
It excels in countering Champions and damaging bosses. Arbalest's Catalyst is a game-changer in PvE, allowing you to avoid reloading when breaking Champion shields. This feature has made it one of the go-to weapons for end-game activities and is widely used in PvE content.
Exotic Perk:
- Arbalest Stats
- Impact: 41
- Range: 36
- Stability: 50
- Handling: 25
- Reload Speed: 28
- Reload Time: 2.55 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 31
- Inventory Size: 34
- Zoom: 25
- Airborne Effectiveness: 12
- Recoil: 77
- Charge Time: 533
- Magazine: 5
How to get Arbalest
You can come across The Arbalest in a few different ways. It can drop as a random Exotic World drop. You might also find it in Xur's Exotic offerings. The Arbalest can be a reward from chests in various raids and completing matches in the Crucible and Gambit. Additionally, you can obtain it by completing the tougher versions of the Nightfall: The Ordeal activities.
1. Witherhoard (Best for PVE)
Witherhoard stands at the top of our list of best grenade launchers in the game. Long-time Destiny 2 players know that Witherhoard is a top-tier choice in any activity, build, or play style. This Kinetic Grenade Launcher shoots slow-moving globs of Taken energy that transform into a Taken Blight upon impact. When you hit a target directly, the Blight sticks to it and inflicts continuous damage over time. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a standout weapon for all situations in the game.
Witherhoard's Catalyst adds an auto-loading holster, making it the ideal weapon for ad clearing and DPS. Its ease of use and versatility make it a top choice in Destiny 2, suitable for all types of activities in the game, making it a must-have for Guardians.
Exotic Perk:
Projectiles fired by this weapon blight the target or nearby area on impact. Blighted targets take damage over time and blight the nearby area on death.
Witherhoard Stats
- Impact: 60
- Blast Radius: 0
- Velocity: 12
- Stability: 63
- Handling: 48
- Reload Speed: 33
- Reload Time: 2.8 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 84
- Inventory Size: 46
- Zoom: 12
- Airborne Effectiveness: 6
- Recoil: 96
- Rounds Per Minute: 90
- Magazine: 6
How to get Witherhoard
The process of getting Witherhoard is straightforward. You need to farm some resources, and you can buy the weapon from the exotic kiosk at the tower. You will need:
- 1 x Exotic Cipher
- 100,000 x Glimmer
- 1 x Ascendant Shard
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