Solar weapons in Destiny 2 The Final Shape are powerful tools that deal Solar elemental damage. This type of damage is particularly effective against enemies with Solar shields. These weapons can be equipped in the Energy or Heavy slots and you can use them in various builds that focus on Solar abilities and perks.
In PvE, Solar weapons are great for clearing large groups of enemies and dealing sustained damage to bosses and champions. They work well with builds that focus on Solar abilities, such as those that enhance grenade damage, increase melee power, or improve Solar super abilities.
In PvP, Solar weapons are valued for their strong damage output and reliable performance. They are useful in builds that enhance weapon handling, stability, and accuracy, giving players an edge in competitive matches. The ability to deal continuous damage over time (DoT) with certain Solar perks also makes them perfect against other players (much depends on your playstyle in this case).
D2 TFS Solar weapons often come with perks that amplify their effectiveness. Perks like Incandescent, which causes enemies to ignite and spread damage, or Dragonfly, which creates explosions on precision kills, make these weapons even more deadly.
In this text, we’ll explore the best Solar weapons for PvE and PvP, explain their perks and God Rolls, and briefly explain how to get them.
Top-5 Solar Weapons for PvP
A Solar weapon is good for PvE if it can clear groups of enemies easily, deal solid damage to tougher targets, and synergize with Solar abilities. Look for perks like Incandescent, which spreads fire to nearby enemies when you get a kill, or others that boost damage and reload speed. Weapons that scorch, ignite, or have strong area-of-effect capabilities are particularly valuable.
In short, a good Solar weapon in PvE should be able to handle multiple enemies at once while also boosting your overall damage output.
Gjallarhorn (Rocket Launcher)
Weapon Name: | Gjallarhorn |
Weapon Type: | Rocket Launcher |
Tier Rank: | A (PvE,PvP) |
Slot: | Solar |
Ammo: | Heavy |
Rarity: | Legendary |
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | It is a highly sought-after Exotic rocket launcher in Destiny 2, known for its Wolfpack Round perk that causes rounds fired to split into tracking cluster missiles upon detonation. This makes it a great heavy weapon option in both PvE and PvP, as it can easily secure kills and deal damage to groups of enemies. |
How to Get it? | To get it, players need to complete the “And Out Fly the Wolves” quest, which can be started by speaking to Xur in the Treasure Hoard location. This quest involves completing the Grasp of Avarice dungeon and other tasks such as collecting Wolfpack Rounds and assembling the weapon parts. |
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Red Death Reformed (Pulse Rifle)
Weapon Name: | Red Death Reformed |
Weapon Type: | Pulse Rifle |
Tier Rank: | A-tier for PvE and PvP |
Slot: | Solar |
Ammo: | Primary |
Rarity: | Exotic |
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | Red Death Reformed is considered a meta weapon due to its powerful perks, such as Redemption and Inverse Relationship, which provide healing, increased reload speed, and damage boosts. Its catalyst further enhances its capabilities by adding Helping Hand, which creates a healing burst and restoration remnant upon getting final blows. These perks make it an excellent choice for both PvE and PvP activities. |
How to Get it? | It is the season pass exotic for Episode: Echoes. You can claim it instantly from the season pass if you purchase Episode 1: Echoes, or once you reach level 40 on the pass if you’re a free-to-play Guardian. |
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Ammit AR2 (Auto Rifle)
Weapon Name: | Ammit Ar2 |
Weapon Type: | Auto Rifle |
Tier Rank: | S-tier (PvP), A-tier (PvE) |
Slot: | Solar |
Ammo: | Primary |
Archetype: | Precision |
Rarity: | Legendary |
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | The Ammit AR2 excels in both PvE and PvP due to its versatile perks and high damage output.
In PvE, the presence of Incandescent makes it a solid and reliable choice for Solar builds. In PvP, its stat-boosting perks make it a go-to for casual and competitive players alike. |
How to Get it? | To obtain the Ammit AR2, players can complete The Enclave’s tutorial quest, “Foundry Resonance,” which is available after starting The Witch Queen campaign. The quest is accessible to free-to-play players. |
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BxR-55 Battler (Pulse Rifle)
Weapon Name: | Bxr-55 Battler |
Weapon Type: | Pulse Rifle |
Tier Rank: | A-tier for PvE and PvP |
Slot: | Solar |
Ammo: | Primary |
Archetype: | Legacy PR-55 |
Rarity: | Legendary |
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | It is a highly versatile and unique weapon in Destiny 2. It is an Energy Pulse Rifle that deals Solar damage and is popular for its stability, accuracy, and overall performance in both PvE and PvP. It has a unique 450 RPM frame, which significantly increases its accuracy, stability, and hip-firing capabilities. |
How to Get it? | To obtain the BxR-55 Battler, you need to open the treasure chest in front of Xur in his new Treasure Hoard location, which can be reached by visiting Eternity. It is a guaranteed drop from the Legend Dares pinnacle rewards in Dares of Eternity. |
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Heliocentric QSc (Sidearm)
Weapon Name: | Heliocentric QSC |
Weapon Type: | Sidearm |
Tier Rank: | S-Tier for PvE and PvP |
Slot: | Solar |
Ammo: | Primary |
Archetype: | Lightweight |
Rarity: | Legendary |
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | The Heliocentric QSC is a highly regarded sidearm in Destiny 2. It is favored for its Solar Damage, which has a significant impact on enemies. Its versatility is highlighted by two popular god rolls – one for PvE and another for PvP content.
These god rolls include a Range and Accuracy boost, coupled with Efficiency and Effectiveness effects, ensuring a high damage output. Though it requires certain perks that may not be ideal for everyone, its effectiveness in close-range combat, especially with Range Mags, makes it a strong choice in both PvE and PvP. |
How to Get it? | It can be found through random legendary and prime engram drops from any activity. The only guaranteed way to obtain this weapon directly is to hope that Banshee-44 sells it on a day that you’re logged in. |
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Top-5 Solar Weapons for PvE
A Solar weapon is good for PvP if it has perks that improve accuracy, handling, and damage, especially in high-pressure situations. Look for perks that help you win duels, like Tap the Trigger for better accuracy or Incandescent to spread damage to nearby enemies. Fast time-to-kill (TTK), good range, and stability are key. A Solar weapon that helps you quickly kill opponents and survive encounters will be strong in PvP (same as usual).
Dragon’s Breath (Rocket Launcher)
Weapon Name: | Dragon’s Breath |
Weapon Type: | Rocket Launcher |
Tier Rank: | S (PvE), C (PvP) |
Slot: | Solar |
Ammo: | Heavy |
Rarity: | Exotic |
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | Dragon’s Breath is a powerful exotic rocket launcher that excels in both PvE and PvP contexts. Its unique perk, Napalm, causes Solar damage upon impact and leaves behind a lingering Solar flare, making it effective for area denial and clearing out groups of enemies. Additionally, the weapon can be upgraded with an Exotic Catalyst to further enhance its capabilities. Dragon’s Breath has been praised for its high damage output and satisfying gameplay, making it a popular choice among players. |
How to Get it? | To obtain Dragon’s Breath, players can complete the “An Old Flame” quest, which is available from Banshee-44 in the Tower. This quest requires defeating enemies and bosses using this weapon to progress. Once the quest is completed, the Dragon’s Breath Catalyst can be obtained, further enhancing the weapon’s capabilities with an additional exotic trait. |
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Sunshot (Hand Cannon)
Weapon Name: | Sunshot |
Weapon Type: | Hand Cannon |
Tier Rank: | S (PvE), A (PvP) |
Slot: | Solar |
Ammo: | Primary |
Rarity: | Exotic |
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | Sunshot is a powerful exotic hand cannon that packs a significant punch with explosions left and right, thanks to its Explosive Rounds perk. It highlights targets that take damage from Sunshot and causes targets killed with Sunshot to explode in Solar energy, triggering even more explosions and scorching any enemy that doesn’t die initially. Its perks make it a mainstay in PvE and PvP. |
How to Get it? | It can be obtained as a random drop from Exotic Engrams, Activity Completions, or Xur’s Fated Engram. It may take months to get it from Xur, but buying the weapon or class-specific armor piece that Xur is selling will improve your odds. |
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Cataclysmic (Linear Fusion Rifle)
Weapon Name: | Cataclysmic |
Weapon Type: | Linear Fusion Rifle |
Tier Rank: | S-tier for PvE, D-tier for PvP |
Slot: | Solar |
Ammo: | Heavy |
Rarity: | Legendary |
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | Cataclysmic weapon is highly regarded for its unique perks and high damage output. The weapon’s “Bait and Switch” perk, which increases damage output after dealing damage with other weapons, has been recently buffed to 35%, making it a top-tier DPS weapon.
The “Fourth Time’s the Charm” perk reloads the weapon after a precision kill, further increasing its effectiveness. The Cataclysmic has a predictable recoil pattern and can roll with various perks, making it a versatile and powerful weapon in both PvE and PvP. |
How to Get it? | You must complete the Vow of the Disciple Raid in Savathun’s Throne World to get Cataclysmic. The weapon drops from the first two encounters, with the most efficient method being clearing either the Acquisition encounter or the Caretaker encounter repeatedly. |
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Acasia’s Dejection (Trace Rifle)
Weapon Name: | Acasia’s Dejection |
Weapon Type: | Trace Rifle |
Tier Rank: | S-tier for PvE, C-tier for PvP |
Slot: | Solar |
Ammo: | Heavy |
Archetype: | Adaptive |
Rarity: | Legendary |
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | Acasia’s Dejection boasts impressive stats, including a high rate of fire and excellent handling, making it a popular choice among players. The weapon can roll with various useful perks, such as Perpetual Motion and High-Impact Reserves in PvP, and Rewind Rounds and Incandescent in PvE.
Acasia’s Dejection is a valuable addition to any player’s arsenal, especially for those who have not been able to acquire a Retraced Path. It is a highly desirable weapon for its impressive stats, unique perks, and versatility, making it a must-have for serious players. |
How to Get it? | To get Acasia’s Dejection, you can complete the Root of Nightmares raid and loot the chest at the end of the raid, or do the Deepsight chest puzzle found within the raid to get a random Deepsighted weapon drop at the end of the raid. |
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Beloved (Sniper Rifle)
Weapon Name: | Beloved |
Weapon Type: | Sniper Rifle |
Tier Rank: | S-Tier (PvP), B-Tier (PvE) |
Slot: | Solar |
Ammo: | Special |
Archetype: | Adaptive |
Rarity: | Legendary |
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | The Beloved is considered a meta weapon due to its excellent performance in both PvE and PvP activities. Its high impact and stability make it a reliable choice for long-range engagements, while its handling and reload speed can be further optimized with the right perks. |
How to Get it? | It can be obtained from Season of the Haunted activities, including red bordered drops that can be used to craft it. You can also focus Umbral Engrams into drops of Beloved and the other Derelict Leviathan weapons at the Crown of Sorrow in the H.E.L.M. |
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