[Top 15] Destiny 2 Best Swords And How To Get Them

Updated:

08 Jan 2024

15: Negative Space

Destiny 2: Negative Space

See Negative Space in action:

The Negative Space is nothing special, but I believe it is the best option to represent the standard, Adaptive frame sword. In Destiny 2, for swords to stand out they need great perks, a unique archetype, or an exotic trait. Swords are generally very similar otherwise, and Negative Space is no exception. Some stand-out perks on this sword include Relentless Strikes and Whirlwind blade, which increases the damage and returns ammo on light attack hits. Overall this sword is nothing too special, but it is one of the better adaptive frame swords thanks to some desirable perk options.

Weapon Stats

Swing Speed - 40
Impact - 74
Guard Efficiency - 100
Guard resistance - 100
Guard endurance - 0
Charge Rate - 20
Ammo Capacity - 56
Frame - Adaptive

What makes Negative Space Awesome

Strong Perk Combo - Relentless Strikes and Whirlwind blade simultaneously increase damage while also occasionally refunding ammo to the weapon. This allows for higher sustained damage on bosses or champions
Free to acquire - This weapon drops from the world loot pool and is free to get for all Destiny 2 players.
Solar Sword - This is one of only two solar, legendary swords that are usable across all classes.

How to Get Negative Space

The Negative Space drops from the world loot pool.

Negative Space Full Details: https://www.light.gg/db/items/3629968765/negative-space/?p=,,,,c

14: Temptation’s Hook

Destiny 2: Temptation’s Hook

See Temptation’s Hook in action:

The Temptation’s Hook is a great weapon that is somewhat held back by its frame’s poor ammo economy. The caster frame swords launch an elemental disk at enemies when the sword is fully charged. Unfortunately, this attack takes far too much ammo and is not often desirable to use. Thankfully, the Temptation's Hook does have perks that increase its ammo, such as Whirlwind Blade or Tireless Blade, but the weapon ultimately underperforms due to its archetype not being in the best place right now. It is the only acquirable Caster frame sword at the time of writing, so be sure to collect at least one in case the frame ever gets a buff, or just to add this unique weapon to your collection.

Weapon Stats

Swing Speed - 40
Impact - 48
Guard Efficiency - 50
Guard resistance - 50
Guard endurance - 50
Charge Rate - 50
Ammo Capacity - 55
Frame - Caster

What makes Temptation’s Hook Awesome

One of a kind - Temptation’s Hook is the only Caster frame sword that can be acquired in the game at the time of writing.
Caster Frame - The Caster frame swords can fire high damage dealing projectiles by using sword energy. The size of the attack and the damage are increased when sword energy is full
Vorpal Weapon - This weapon can roll with Vorpal Weapon, allowing it to passively deal 10% increased damage against bosses, champions, or vehicles.

How to Get Temptation’s Hook

Temptation’s Hook is a possible reward during Rotation 3 of Xur’s Dares of Eternity. The active rotation can be seen on Light.gg.

Temptation’s Hook Full Details: https://www.light.gg/db/items/35794111/temptations-hook/?p=,,,,c

13: Eternity’s Edge

Destiny 2: Eternity’s Edge

See Eternity’s Edge in action:

Eternity’s Edge is the first of three class-specific swords on this list. Eternity’s Edge is the Warlock-specific sword, meaning that only Warlocks will be able to equip this weapon. This weapon got a slight overhaul when it was reintroduced into the loot pool during the Season of the Splicer. This weapon used to be an adaptive frame sword but was modified into the highly popular Vortex archetype. Stong perks such as Thresh, Relentless strikes, and surrounded make this sword a desirable option for Warlock players.

Weapon Stats

Swing Speed - 40
Impact - 62
Guard Efficiency - 50
Guard resistance - 50
Guard endurance - 100
Charge Rate - 20
Ammo Capacity - 62
Frame - Vortex

What makes Eternity’s Edge Awesome

Warlock Exclusive - This weapon is only available for Warlock players. This gives Warlocks an additional Vortex frame sword.
Solar Vortex Frame - Eternity’s Edge is the only solar Vortex frame sword in the game.
Low Barrier to entry - This weapon is easy to acquire due to it dropping from the world loot pool.

How to Get Eternity’s Edge

This weapon drops from the world loot pool.

Eternity’s Edge Full Details: https://www.light.gg/db/items/2782325301/eternitys-edge/?p=,,,,c

12: Crown-Splitter

Destiny 2: Crown-Splitter

See Crown-Splitter in action:

Crown-Splitter is the second of three class-specific swords on this list. This sword is a unique, Aggressive frame sword. The sword makes two, slower light attacks, and one massive overhead strike for its heavy attack. The weapon favors dealing large amounts of burst damage rather than sustained damage. This weapon is exclusive to the Titan class and deals void damage. It is the only non-sunset Aggressive frame sword and is perfect for any Titan looking to live out the fantasy of being a magic space knight.

Weapon Stats

Swing Speed - 0
Impact - 74
Guard Efficiency - 50
Guard resistance - 80
Guard endurance - 70
Charge Rate - 10
Ammo Capacity - 50
Frame - Aggressive

What makes Crown-Splitter Awesome

Unique Aggressive Frame - This is the only non-sunset Aggressive Frame sword in the game.
Titan Exclusive Sword - This sword is only accessible by players using the Titan class. This makes Titans the only class able to use Aggressive Frame swords.
Low Barrier to entry - This weapon is easy to acquire due to it dropping from the world loot pool.

How to Get Crown-Splitter

This weapon drops from the world loot pool

Crown-Splitter Full Details: https://www.light.gg/db/items/2782325302/crown-splitter/?p=,,,,c

11: Quickfang

Destiny 2: Quickfang

See Quickfang in action:

Quickfang is the third class-specific sword on this list and is only available to the Hunter class. This Lightweight sword allows for faster movement speed when wielding the sword, as well as the ability to make fast light attack combos. The heavy attack on this sword launches a forward dash toward your opponent, dealing increased damage when the sword's energy is full. Much like how the Crown-Splitter feeds into the identity of a space knight, the Quickfang feeds into the identity of being a silent ninja or samurai for the Hunters. Its quick attacks allow you to bounce between enemies very quickly, making One for All an ideal perk choice for the weapon.

Weapon Stats

Swing Speed - 80
Impact - 64
Guard Efficiency - 30
Guard resistance - 20
Guard endurance - 50
Charge Rate - 30
Ammo Capacity - 70
Frame - Lightweight

What makes Quickfang Awesome

Unique Lightweight Frame - This is the only non-sunset Lightweight frame sword in the game.
Hunter Exclusive Sword - This sword is only accessible to the Hunter class. This makes Hunters the only class capable of using Lightweight swords.
Low Barrier to entry - This weapon is easy to acquire due to it dropping from the world loot pool.

How to Get Quickfang

This weapon drops from the world loot pool.

Quickfang Full Details: https://www.light.gg/db/items/2782325300/quickfang/?p=,,,,c

10: Heartshadow

Destiny 2: Heartshadow

See Heartshadow in action:

The Heartshadow is the first Exotic Sword to appear on this list. The Heartshadow’s exotic perks cause the weapon to release a small number of void orbs upon making a heavy attack. The heavy attack also turns the wielder invisible. If the launched void projectiles hit an opponent, they are weakened and receive more damage from each sword hit. This weapon works great for Nightstalker Hunter builds, or for Titans and Warlocks that are making use of fragments that allow them to become invisible. The Heartshadow is a good option for players who like to be invisible in Destiny 2, but there are stronger options for those looking to simply slay hoards of enemies or deal massive damage to bosses.

Weapon Stats

Swing Speed - 40
Impact - 64
Guard Efficiency - 100
Guard resistance - 100
Guard endurance - 0
Charge Rate - 35
Ammo Capacity - 50

What makes Heartshadow Awesome

Exotic Perk Exhumation: The heavy attack of this weapon turns the wielder invisible and launches void projectiles. Hitting a target with these projectiles while invisible weakens targets.
Invis Synergy - This sword has great synergy with other invisibility options in the game. Nightstalker Hunters benefit the most, as they can activate the sword's weaken effect by just going invisible as they normally would before hitting their opponent. It can also be paired with the Gyrfalcon's Hauberk Exotic chest piece to deal with increased damage.
Repeatable Cycle - The constant debuffing on this weapon makes for a very unique playstyle, where the player can hit and retreat to cover, leave invisibility and damage their opponent, and then retreat to cover to start the cycle over.

How to Get Heartshadow

The Heartshadow is a possible drop from the Duality dungeon.
Completing specific triumphs associated with the Duality dungeon increases the drop rate of this weapon.

Heartshadow Full Details: https://www.light.gg/db/items/3664831848/heartshadow/?p=,,,,c

9: Falling Guillotine

Destiny 2: Falling Guilitone

See Falling Guillotine in Action:

Falling Guillotine is the staple for Vortex swords within Destiny 2. This was the first Vortex sword released in the game and was the go-to option for champion and boss damage for a long time. However, some other vortex frame options have been released into the game recently, and unfortunately for the Falling Guilitone, it has fallen by the wayside as a result. That being said, don’t overlook the Falling Guilitone. It is still the easiest to acquire Vortex frame sword, and while stronger options may exist, none are quite as reliable as Falling Guillotine. Relentless Strikes and Whirlwind blade are a tried and true combo that are present on the Falling Guillitone, and since it now drops from the Dares of Eternity activity, everyone can farm for a good roll during week three of Xur’s rotation.

Weapon Stats

Swing Speed - 40
Impact - 58
Guard Efficiency - 50
Guard resistance - 80
Guard endurance - 70
Charge Rate - 10
Ammo Capacity - 66
Frame - Vortex

What makes Falling Guillotine Awesome

Vortex Frame - The Vortex Frame swords are the best option for swords in PvE. They have the highest damage potential and a decent ammo economy.
Perk Combos - Relentless Strikes and Whirlwind blade are still great together, especially on this sword.
Great Legendary option - This is arguably one of the best swords for boss damage phases, and does not take up your exotic slot to use.

How to Get Falling Guillotine

Falling Guillotine is a possible reward during Rotation 3 of Xur’s Dares of Eternity. The active rotation can be seen on Light.gg

Falling Guillotine Full Details: https://www.light.gg/db/items/614426548/falling-guillotine/?p=,,,,c

8: Black Talon

Destiny 2: Black Talon

See Black Talon in action:

The Black Talon is the second exotic sword on this list, as well as the second exotic sword involving void projectiles. Unlike the Heartshadow, the Black Talon’s projectiles are fast-moving and far-reaching. These projectiles soar across rooms, making this weapon almost like a Caster frame sword on steroids. These projectiles don’t deal immense damage, but they do enable the sword weapon type to engage targets at far ranges, without the ammo economy problem that other caster frame swords have. If you are looking for a highly versatile sword option, the Black Talon may be for you.

Weapon Stats

Swing Speed - 40
Impact - 61
Guard Efficiency - 50
Guard resistance - 80
Guard endurance - 70
Charge Rate - 0
Ammo Capacity - 62

What makes Black Talon Awesome

Exotic Perk Crow’s Wings - Heavy attacks with this weapon launch void projectile attacks.
Versatile Sword - Most swords are only useful in close-up encounters. The Black Talon can be utilized from a longer distance or used up close like a normal sword
Void Synergy - The Void attacks from the Black Talon can synergize with things such as Volatile Rounds to make some crazy Void-focused builds.

How to Get Black Talon

Black Talon is a random exotic drop, so it will drop from the world loot pool.
Xur’s Fated engram has a chance to drop the Black Talon, with an escalating chance of dropping with every exotic acquired.

Black Talon Full Details: https://www.light.gg/db/items/3766045777/black-talon/?p=,,,c

7: Half-Truths

Destiny 2: Half-Truths

See Half-Truths in action:

Half-Truths is the first of two swords based on the classic Halo weapon, the Energy Sword. This blade is colored to match the weapon's distinct appearance and will be the go-to option for those looking for some Halo nostalgia. This sword features the highly desirable perk, Eager Edge, which allows for great amounts of distance to be covered with a single sword swing. Speedrunners and movement fanatics love this sword for the crazy amount of movement it permits them. In Season of the Plunder, this weapon was also given a new origin trait and is now craftable after acquiring 5 deep sight versions of the weapon.

Weapon Stats

Swing Speed - 40
Impact - 62
Guard Efficiency - 50
Guard resistance - 50
Guard endurance - 50
Charge Rate - 20
Ammo Capacity - 61
Frame - Adaptive

What makes Half-Truths Awesome

Halo Energy Sword - This weapon is meant to evoke nostalgia for the Energy Sword from Bungie’s previous game series, Halo.
Movement tool - Eager Edge grants high amounts of movement in the air, making this a key weapon for players looking to maximize their movement capabilities.
Craftable Sword - This is one of only two craftable swords in the game. This is by far the easier sword to acquire and ultimately craft.

How to Get Half-Truths

This sword is a possible end-of-match reward from the Dares of Eternity activity.
Turning in Treasure Keys at Xur’s chest has a chance to drop the weapon
The weapon has a chance to drop from the Paraveral Haul Item that is sold from the Starhorse
This weapon is a possible rank-up reward from Xur.

Half-Truths Full Details: https://www.light.gg/db/items/3257091166/half-truths/?p=,,,,,c

6: Zephyr

Destiny 2: Zephyr

See Zephyr in action:

The Zephyr is a truly one-of-a-kind weapon in Destiny 2, as it is the only Stasis sword in the game at the time. This means that it is currently the only sword capable of synergizing with Stasis builds, and the only sword that rolls with the perk Cold Steel. This perk allows for light attacks and heavy attacks of this weapon to deal slow stacks to enemies. Hit an enemy enough times and you can freeze the enemy before shattering them with follow-up swings. These aspects cause this sword to be one of the most interesting in the game. The only downside to this weapon is that it is only earnable during the Dawning event. However, that should mean that in December we will be getting our hands on a new version of the Zephyr, with a new origin trait.

Weapon Stats

Swing Speed - 40
Impact - 62
Guard Efficiency - 50
Guard resistance - 50
Guard endurance - 50
Charge Rate - 20
Ammo Capacity - 60
Frame - Adaptive

What makes Zephyr Awesome

Unique Stasis Sword - As mentioned above, Zephyr is the only Stasis sword in the game, making it desirable for its uniqueness alone.
Cold Steel - As a stasis sword, it has a unique perk called Cold Steel, which enables the sword to be able to slow, freeze, and shatter combatants
Dawning Reward - While it stinks that this weapon only comes from the Dawning event, these events usually allow for high level of farming for the weapon.

How to Get Zephyr

Unknown at this time. It will likely be based on past dawning events, where players will bake cookies and turn them in for a dawning reward.

Zephyr Full Details: https://www.light.gg/db/items/3400256755/zephyr/?p=,,,,c

5: Razor’s Edge

Destiny 2: Razor’s Edge

See Razor’s Edge in action:

Razor’s Edge has served as a small upgrade to the Falling Guillitone sword. They are both Vortex frame swords and are both Void weapons. Razor’s Edge gets a leg up on Falling Guillitone due to its perk options. Where Falling Guillitone essentially needs Whirlwind Blade and Relentless strikes to be viable, Razor’s Edge has a variety of strong perk options to choose from. Thresh, Chain Reaction, One For All, and Frenzy are all very strong perks to have on swords. Throw in the fact that this weapon is from a Post Witch Queen era, meaning that this weapon also has an Origin trait that further increases its effectiveness. The only downside of this weapon is that it comes from Iron Banner, which only comes around twice a season.

Weapon Stats

Swing Speed - 40
Impact - 61
Guard Efficiency - 50
Guard resistance - 80
Guard endurance - 70
Charge Rate - 10
Ammo Capacity - 61
Frame - Vortex

What makes Razor’s Edge Awesome

Vortex Frame - The Vortex Frame swords are the best option for swords in PvE. They have the highest damage potential and a decent ammo economy.
Great Perk Combinations - Thresh replenishes super on kills, One For All grants bonus damage based on the number of enemies hit in short succession, Frenzy grants bonus damage for remaining in combat, and Chain Reaction caused enemies to explode after being killed by this weapon.
Focusable weapon - This weapon can be focused into guaranteed roles at Lord Saladin. This process is costly but can be a much faster way to obtain the weapon.

How to Get Razor’s Edge

Complete matches in the Iron Banner Playlist
Earn rank-up rewards from Lord Saladin
Focus Iron Banner Engrams at Lord Saladin for guaranteed drops.

Razor’s Edge Full Details: https://www.light.gg/db/items/1796949035/razors-edge/?p=,,,,,c

4: Bequest

Destiny 2: Bequest

See Bequest in action:

The Bequest is one of the best Adaptive frame swords in the game. While the Adaptive frame swords are usually not of note, the Bequest outclasses the other Adaptives due to its high-impact stat and strong perks. The higher Impact stat makes this the highest damage-dealing Adaptive sword, and perks such as Surrounded, En Garde, and Assassin’s Blade all increase this damage even more. This weapon comes from the Deep Stone Crypt raid, which can be farmed repeatedly during its active rotation week.

Weapon Stats

Swing Speed - 40
Impact - 70
Guard Efficiency - 50
Guard resistance - 50
Guard endurance - 50
Charge Rate - 70
Ammo Capacity - 64
Frame - Adaptive

What makes Bequest Awesome

Abnormally Large Impact - As mentioned above, Bequest’s impact stat is higher than all other adaptive frame swords.
Lots of damage perks - while the sword is missing some key damage staples, such as Frenzy or Rampage, the perks that are offered on the weapon all offer damage increases that are easy to acquire.
Farmable - With the introduction of the weekly rotating raid, raids have become infinitely farmable during their featured week.

How to Get Bequest

The Bequest has a chance to drop from the final encounter in the Deep Stone Crypt raid.
Spend Spoils of Conquest at the chest after the final encounter for additional drops.
This weapon can drop from secret chests after it has been acquired.

Bequest Full Details: https://www.light.gg/db/items/3366545721/bequest/?p=,,,,c

3: Hero of Ages

Destiny 2: Hero of Ages

See Hero Of Ages in action:

The Hero of Ages is a Vortex frame sword that comes from the Grasp of Avarice dungeon. It has a slightly higher impact stat than the other Vortex swords, making it deal slightly more damage than the other options on this list. A key perk on this weapon is Demolitionist. This is the only sword in the game that can roll with Demolitinost, meaning that it is the only sword that can contribute to the recharge rate of your grenade. Other desirable perks include Chain Reaction (which is extra potent on this weapon since this sword is Arc, which pairs very well with the Season of the Plunder’s main activities), One For All, and Relentless Strikes.

Weapon Stats

Swing Speed - 40
Impact - 62
Guard Efficiency - 50
Guard resistance - 50
Guard endurance - 50
Charge Rate - 25
Ammo Capacity - 59
Frame - Vortex

What makes Hero of Ages Awesome

Demolitionist - As mentioned above, this is the only sword in the game that can roll with Demolitionist. Demolitionist grants grenade energy on weapon kills, which you will do a lot of with a sword.
Chain Reaction - This perk is especially potent on this sword since it pairs with the newly released Arc 3.0 update.
Vortex Frame sword - The Vortex Frame swords are the best option for swords in PvE. They have the highest damage potential and a decent ammo economy.

How to Get Hero of Ages

The Hero of Ages has a chance to drop from the Fallen Shield encounter in the Grasp of Avarice Dungeon.

Hero of Ages Full Details: https://www.light.gg/db/items/2139640995/hero-of-ages/?p=,,,,c

2: The Other Half

Destiny 2: The Other Half

See The Other Half in action:

The Other Half is the second sword to drop from the Dares of eternity activity, and the second craftable sword in the game. This sword is very similar to the Half-Truths but has slightly better stats and a stronger perk pool. Some key perks that are present on the Other Half are Eager Edge, which is detailed above, Frenzy, Vorpal Weapon, and Relentless strikes. This sword combines the movement features of the Half-Truths and the combat efficiency of other adaptive swords to make a truly memorable sword.

Weapon Stats

Swing Speed - 40
Impact - 64
Guard Efficiency - 50
Guard resistance - 50
Guard endurance - 50
Charge Rate - 20
Ammo Capacity - 57
Frame - Adaptive

What makes The Other Half Awesome

Halo Energy Sword - This weapon is meant to evoke nostalgia for the Energy Sword from Bungie’s previous game series, Halo
Movement tool - Eager Edge grants high amounts of movement in the air, making this a key weapon for players looking to maximize their movement capabilities.
Craftable Sword - This is one of only two craftable swords in the game. While this sword will take a longer amount of time to acquire and craft, it has a much stronger set of perks to make use of.

How to Get The Other Half

This sword is a possible end-of-match reward from the Dares of Eternity activity.
Turning in Treasure Keys at Xur’s chest has a chance to drop the weapon
The weapon has a chance to drop from the Paraveral Haul Item that is sold from the Starhorse
This weapon is a possible rank-up reward from Xur

The Other Half Full Details: https://www.light.gg/db/items/3257091167/the-other-half/?p=,,,,,c

1: The Lament

Destiny 2: The Lament

See The Lament in action:

The best sword in the game is, without a doubt, The Lament. This exotic sword has so many things going for it, it’s hard to even justify using other options in most cases. The sword’s exotic perk, Banshee’s Wail, revs up the sword and increases the damage of light attacks. With enough stacks of Banshee’s Wail, players can unleash the weapon full fury, dealing strong light attacks and finishing the combo with a high damage heavy attack. The Lament also has an intrinsic Anti-Barrier swing when the sword is revved up. It is the hardest-hitting, and highest-damaging sword in the entire game, and not even the best legendary options come close to the damage of the Lament. This sword shines in encounters such as Atraks-1 in the Deep Stone Crypt, or on the Nightmare of Ghalron in the Duality dungeon.

Weapon Stats

Swing Speed - 40
Impact - 74
Guard Efficiency - 60
Guard resistance - 50
Charge Rate - 20
Ammo Capacity - 62

What makes The Lament Awesome

Exotic Perk Banshee’s Wail - As described above, the Banshee’s Wail perk gives this weapon a unique attack pattern that deals high damage.
Intrinsic Anti-Barrier - When Banshee’s wail is revved up, the heavy attack can pierce barrier champion shields
Quest Exotic - This exotic is not RNG based. The only way to acquire this exotic is to complete its associated quest. This does mean that any player (Who owns the Beyond Light expansion) has a dedicated way to acquire the weapon.

How to Get The Lament