In Destiny 2 The Final Shape, Kinetic weapons occupy the Kinetic slot and deal non-elemental damage, making them versatile for various combat scenarios. Unlike Energy weapons, which are specialized for breaking enemy shields, Kinetic ones excel at dealing consistent damage to unshielded enemies, receiving a 10% damage bonus in PvE activities. This versatility makes them essential in both PvE and PvP settings.
In PvE, the best Kinetic weapons are those that provide high DPS, allowing players to swiftly clear waves of enemies and efficiently damage bosses. Weapons like Hand Cannons and Scout Rifles, with their high precision and powerful perks, are particularly valuable. For example, Fatebringer is a standout with its perks like Explosive Payload and Firefly, offering both high damage and excellent add-clear potential.
In PvP, the best Kinetic weapons are those with low time-to-kill (TTK), allowing you to quickly eliminate opponents. Stability, range, and handling are critical factors, ensuring accuracy under pressure. Weapons like No Time to Explain shine in PvP due to their ability to return bullets to the magazine and provide sustained fire, while Thorn’s DOT perk can disrupt opponents and secure kills even after disengagement.
In this text, we’ll explore the best Kinetic weapons for PvP and PvE (and make Gamingcy’s top-5 tier list), explain their top perks and God rolls, and briefly review how you can get them in Destiny 2 TFS.
Best PvE Kinetic Weapons in D2 TFS
A good kinetic weapon for PvE in Destiny 2 needs to meet several key criteria:
- Damage Type and Perks: Kinetic weapons are effective against non-shielded enemies. For PvE, perks that enhance damage, such as Explosive Payload and Firefly, are valuable because they increase the overall damage output and area effect, making it easier to handle groups of enemies.
- Ammo Efficiency: Weapons that use primary ammo are beneficial because this type of ammo is more abundant, allowing players to use their kinetic weapon frequently without running out of ammo.
- Versatility: A kinetic weapon that is versatile is very effective in PvE. Weapons like the Fatebringer, which can handle a variety of enemy types and combat scenarios, are highly prized.
- Special Abilities: Some kinetic weapons have special abilities that are particularly useful in PvE. For example, the Wish-Ender bow can see through walls and pierce multiple targets, which is useful for dealing with enemies behind cover.
These characteristics make certain kinetic weapons stand out in PvE content, offering the ability to efficiently deal with a wide range of PvE challenges.
Wish-Ender (Bow)
| Weapon Name: | Wish-Ender |
| Weapon Type: |  Combat Bow |
| Tier Rank: |  S (PvE) |
| Element: |  Kinetic |
| Ammo: |  Primary |
| Rarity: | Exotic |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | Wish-Ender is a top-tier Exotic bow in Destiny 2 TFS, known for its unique perks that make it a powerful choice for PvE and PvP activities.
Its primary perk, Queen’s Wrath, allows you to see enemies through walls when aiming down sights with a fully drawn bow, which is incredibly useful for planning your next move. Wish-Ender’s arrows can pierce through enemies and shields, making it especially effective against Barrier Champions, which are common in endgame content like Grandmaster Nightfalls and raids. This ability to instantly stun Barrier Champions with one shot is a game-changer in hardcore encounters. Moreover, the bow’s Broadhead perk enables arrows to over-penetrate, hitting multiple targets in a single shot. It gives it this combat bow the potential for high damage against groups of enemies. |
| How to Get it? | It can be obtained by completing the Starcrossed Exotic mission on the weekly rotation. |
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Lumina (Hand Cannon)
| Weapon Name: | Lumina |
| Weapon Type: |  Hand Cannon |
| Tier Rank: |  A (PvE,PvP) |
| Slot: | Kinetic |
| Ammo: | Primary |
| Rarity: | Exotic |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | Lumina is a unique exotic hand cannon that has the ability to leave behind Remnants after kills, which can be absorbed to convert the next hip-fired shot into an ally-seeking Noble Round and partially refill the magazine. It also heals the ally and grants a weapon damage bonus for a short duration when a Noble Round is used on them. |
| How to Get it? | Lumina can be obtained from the Exotic Archive at the Tower. |
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Quicksilver Storm (Auto Rifle)
| Weapon Name: | Quicksilver Storm |
| Weapon Type: |  Auto Rifle |
| Tier Rank: | A (PvE,PvP) |
| Element: | Kinetic |
| Ammo: | Primary |
| Rarity: | Exotic |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | The Quicksilver Storm is an Exotic Auto Rifle in Destiny 2 that was originally a Lightfall preorder bonus but can now be acquired from the Cryptarch at the Tower. It is considered one of the best Primary weapons in the game due to its high damage output and unique abilities.
The weapon deals Kinetic damage, making it effective against enemies weak to this element. It has the ability to transform the next shot into a homing micro-rocket after landing multiple hits, and reloading after a kill loads a grenade that can be fired by using the alternate weapon action. |
| How to Get it? | To obtain the Quicksilver Storm, players must pre-order the game. Unfortunately, it is no longer available as a pre-order bonus, and it cannot be crafted or purchased from vendors. |
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Malfeasance (Hand Cannon)
| Weapon Name: | Malfeasance |
| Weapon Type: | Hand Cannon |
| Tier Rank: | S (PvE), A (PvP) |
| Element: | Kinetic |
| Ammo: | Primary |
| Rarity: | Exotic |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | Malfeasance is a meta weapon due to its powerful Exotic Perks, Explosive Shadow, and Taken Predator. Explosive Shadow allows the gun to shoot tainted slugs that burrow into combatants, causing them to explode and stun surviving combatants when enough slugs are stacked. Taken Predator provides bonus damage against Taken enemies and Gambit invaders. |
| How to Get it? | To get Malfeasance, you need to complete the Darkness in the Light Exotic quest, also known as the Malfeasance Exotic Quest. This quest starts after winning a Gambit match, and there are 7 steps for you to complete. |
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Izanagi’s Burden (Sniper Rifle)
| Weapon Name: | Izanagi’s Burden |
| Weapon Type: |  Sniper Rifle |
| Tier Rank: | A (PvE,PvP) |
| Element: | Kinetic |
| Ammo: |  Special |
| Rarity: | Exotic |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | Izanagi’s Burden is a powerful Exotic Sniper Rifle in Destiny 2, introduced in the Black Armory expansion. It is known for its unique ability, Honed Edge, which allows the weapon to fire all four bullets from a full magazine at once, making it very effective in both PvE and PvP. |
| How to Get it? | To get Izanagi’s Burden, players can visit the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower and enter the group called “Forsaken Exotics” with the required currencies and materials. |
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Best PvP Kinetic Weapons in D2 TFS
A good kinetic weapon for PvP in Destiny 2 needs to have these qualities:
- High Damage Output: Kinetic weapons that deliver high damage per shot or have a fast time-to-kill (TTK) are crucial for quickly downing opponents.
- Effective Perks: Perks like Explosive Payload which increases damage and disrupts opponents, or Snapshot Sights for quicker aiming, provide a competitive edge. Consider them when choosing a weapon and farming its God Roll.
- Convenient for you: Consider weapons that match your playstyle. For example, hand cannons for medium range or shotguns for close quarters. In this case, even not the strongest choice can give amazing results in the Crucible.
- Special Abilities: Some kinetic weapons have unique abilities that can turn the tide of battle, like the Opening Shot.
These features make kinetic weapons valuable in PvP, helping players handle duels more effectively and adapt to the fast-paced combat of Destiny 2’s Crucible.
Fatebringer (Hand Cannon)
| Weapon Name: | Fatebringer |
| Weapon Type: | Hand Cannon |
| Tier Rank: | S (PvE,PvP) |
| Element: | Kinetic |
| Ammo: | Primary |
| Archetype: | Adaptive |
| Rarity: | Legendary |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | The Fatebringer is a classic hand cannon in Destiny 2, released in Season 14 and obtainable through the Vault of Glass Raid. Its adaptive archetype and solid perks make it a reliable choice for both PvE and PvP activities. It faces competition from other hand cannons like Midnight Coup and Sunshot, which have similar perk pools and additional benefits, such as Origin Traits
In PvE, Fatebringer shines with its “Explosive Payload” perk, which increases damage by 10% on precision hits and 15% on body shots. For PvP, the recommended roll includes “Explosive Payload,” “Eye of the Storm,” or “Opening Shot” to enhance range and stability, making it competitive with other popular hand cannons like Rose or Exotic Hand Cannons. |
| How to Get it? | It can be obtained by completing the Vault of Glass Raid, specifically from the Templar and Gatekeeper encounters. Alternatively, players can interact with the Raid cache after defeating Atheon and spend Spoils of Conquest for a random chance at a Fatebringer god roll. |
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No Time To Explain (Pulse Rifle)
| Weapon Name: | No Time To Explain |
| Weapon Type: |  Pulse Rifle |
| Tier Rank: | A-tier for PvE and PvP |
| Element: | Kinetic |
| Ammo: | Primary |
| Rarity: | Exotic |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | Despite receiving several nerfs, No Time to Explain remains a powerful and popular choice in PvP due to its unique perk, Rewind Again, which returns bullets to the magazine on precision shots and shots against slowed or frozen enemies. Its rapid-fire rate and high impact also make it effective in PvE situations. |
| How to Get it? | It is rewarded to all players after finishing the Beyond Light campaign and visiting the Exo Stranger on Europa. |
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Thorn (Hand Cannon)
| Weapon Name: | Thorn |
| Weapon Type: | Hand Cannon |
| Tier Rank: | A (PvE), S (PvP) |
| Element: | Kinetic |
| Ammo: | Primary |
| Rarity: | Exotic |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | The Thorn is a highly sought-after exotic hand cannon in Destiny 2 due to its consistent power and versatility. Its poison debuff on hit, which prevents opponents from regenerating health, makes it particularly effective in the Crucible.
With Season 23, Thorn received additional buffs and a catalyst, further enhancing its performance. The catalyst increases the weapon’s range, stability, and airborne effectiveness, and grants additional benefits when absorbing a Remnant. |
| How to Get it? | To get the Thorn, you need to purchase it from the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower. It requires ownership of the Forsaken Pack and will cost you: 1 Exotic Cipher, 125,000 Glimmer, 1 Ascendant Shards. |
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Rose (Hand Cannon)
| Weapon Name: | Rose |
| Weapon Type: | Hand Cannon |
| Tier Rank: | A-tier (PvP),  C-tier (PvE) |
| Element: | Kinetic |
| Ammo: | Primary |
| Archetype: | Lightweight |
| Rarity: | Legendary |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | Rose has a Lightweight archetype, which means it has a higher handling stat than other 140 RPM hand cannons, but lower range and stability. This makes it a good option for players who prioritize mobility and quick repositioning in PvP.
Rose has a solid roll for PvP, with perks such as Perpetual Motion, Moving Target, Explosive Payload, and Eye of the Storm. These perks can improve the weapon’s stability, range, and damage output, making this Hand Cannon a decent A-tier choice in the Crucible: check the God Roll below. In PvE, Rose falls short compared to other hand cannons due to its lack of a solid reload + damage perk combo. |
| How to Get it? | It can be obtained through Lord Shaxx in the Competitive Ranks system and Engram focusing. To get it, you need to place in one of the seven Competitive Divisions in the Crucible Playlist. The higher you place, the more focuses you get, up to a maximum of seven each week. Each focus costs 3 engrams and 25,000 Glimmer. |
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The Chaperone (Shotgun)
| Weapon Name: | The Chaperone |
| Weapon Type: |  Shotgun |
| Tier Rank: | A-Tier in PvE, S-Tier in PvP |
| Element: | Kinetic |
| Ammo: | Special |
| Rarity: | Exotic |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | The Chaperone‘s unique Exotic trait, The Roadborn, makes it a meta weapon in PvE and PvP. This perk provides bonus handling, range, and precision damage after a precision kill, making it a formidable weapon in the hands of skilled Guardians. Its precision slug rounds offer high damage and accuracy at longer ranges compared to traditional shotguns, allowing for more versatile engagement options. |
| How to Get it? | It can be obtained by completing the exotic quest “The Chaperone” which involves various tasks and challenges. |
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Imperial Decree (Shotgun)
| Weapon Name: | Imperial Decree |
| Weapon Type: | Shotgun |
| Tier Rank: | A-Tier in PvE, S-Tier in PvP |
| Element: | Kinetic |
| Ammo: | Special |
| Rarity: | Legendary |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | The Imperial Decree is a powerful shotgun in Destiny 2, particularly in PvP activities. Its archetype, Aggressive, allows for a high damage output and a tight pellet spread, making it a reliable weapon in close-quarters combat. The Imperial Decree is craftable, meaning players can fine-tune its stats and perks to their liking, adding to its appeal.
The Imperial Decree excels in PvP, where it is considered an S-tier weapon due to its high damage and versatile perk options. In PvE, however, it is ranked as a B-tier weapon, as pellet shotguns generally struggle to compete with other special weapons. Nevertheless, with the right rolls and masterwork, the Imperial Decree can still be a valuable addition to any player’s arsenal. |
| How to Get it? | This shotgun is obtained through Engram Focusing, which requires completing Defiant Battlegrounds and using Defiant Engrams at the War Table in the H.E.L.M. The Imperial Decree is a Free-to-Play weapon, making it accessible to all players. |
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