Best Solar Weapons in Destiny 2

Best Solar Weapons in Destiny 2

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.

icon 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.

icon 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.

icon 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

icon 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)

Gjallarhorn

Weapon Name: Gjallarhorn
Weapon Type: Rocket LauncherRocket Launcher
Tier Rank: Tier-A A (PvE,PvP)
Slot: Solar Solar
Ammo: Heavy 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.
Perks:
  • Barrel: Volatile Launch
  • Magazine: Alloy Casing
  • Origin Trait: Pack Hunter
  • Trait: Short-Action Stock
  • Masterwork: Gjallarhorn Catalyst

Red Death Reformed (Pulse Rifle)

Red Death Reformed

Weapon Name: Red Death Reformed
Weapon Type: Pulse Rifle Pulse Rifle
Tier Rank: Tier-A A-tier for PvE and PvP
Slot: Solar Solar
Ammo: Primary 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.
Perks:
  • Barrel: Full Bore
  • Magazine: High-Caliber Rounds
  • Trait: Inverse Relationship
  • Stock: Fitted Stock
  • Masterwork: Graviton Lance Catalyst

Ammit AR2 (Auto Rifle)

Ammit Ar2

Weapon Name: Ammit Ar2
Weapon Type: Auto Rifle Auto Rifle
Tier Rank: Tier-S S-tier (PvP), Tier-A A-tier (PvE)
Slot: Solar Solar
Ammo: Primary 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.
PvE God Roll:
  • Barrel: Smallbore
  • Magazine: Flared Magwell
  • Perk 1: Stats for All
  • Perk 2: Incandescent (or One for All)
  • Masterwork: Range or Reload Speed
PvP God Roll:
  • Barrel: Hammer-Forged Rifling (or Arrowhead Brake)
  • Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
  • Perk 1: Dynamic Sway Reduction
  • Perk 2: Tap the Trigger
  • Masterwork: Range

BxR-55 Battler (Pulse Rifle)

BxR-55 Battler

Weapon Name: Bxr-55 Battler
Weapon Type: Pulse Rifle Pulse Rifle
Tier Rank: Tier-A A-tier for PvE and PvP
Slot: Solar Solar
Ammo: Primary 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.
PvE God Roll:
  • Barrel: Arrowhead Brake
  • Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
  • Perk 1: Demolitionist
  • Perk 2: Incandescent
  • Origin Trait: Hot Swap
  • Masterwork: Stability
PvP God Roll:
  • Barrel: Arrowhead Brake
  • Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
  • Perk 1: Killing Wind
  • Perk 2: Kill Clip
  • Origin Trait: Hot Swap
  • Masterwork: Handling

Heliocentric QSc (Sidearm)

Heliocentric QSC

Weapon Name: Heliocentric QSC
Weapon Type: SidearmSidearm
Tier Rank: Tier-S S-Tier for PvE and PvP
Slot: Solar Solar
Ammo: Primary 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.
PvE God Roll:
  • Barrel: Smallbore
  • Magazine: Flared Magwell
  • Perk 1: Demolitionist or Heal Clip
  • Perk 2: Frenzy or Incandescent
  • Masterwork: Range
PvP God Roll:
  • Barrel: Hammer-Forged Rifling
  • Magazine: Accurized Rounds
  • Perk 1: Moving Target (also good: Heal Clip)
  • Perk 2: Kill Clip (also good: Precision Instrument)
  • Masterwork: Range

Top-5 Solar Weapons for PvE

icon 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)

Dragon’s Breath

Weapon Name: Dragon’s Breath
Weapon Type: Rocket LauncherRocket Launcher
Tier Rank: Tier-S S (PvE), Tier-CC (PvP)
Slot: Solar Solar
Ammo: Heavy 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.
Perks:
  • Barrel: Volatile Launch
  • Magazine: Black Powder
  • Origin Trait: High Octane
  • Trait: Short-Action Stock
  • Masterwork: Dragon’s Breath Catalyst

Sunshot (Hand Cannon)

Sunshot

Weapon Name: Sunshot
Weapon Type: Hand CannonHand Cannon
Tier Rank: Tier-S S (PvE), Tier-A A (PvP)
Slot: Solar Solar
Ammo: Primary 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.
Perks:
  • Barrel: Chambered Compensator
  • Magazine: Accurized Rounds
  • Trait: Sun Blast
  • Grip: Textured Grip
  • Masterwork: Sunshot Catalyst

Cataclysmic (Linear Fusion Rifle)

Cataclysmic

Weapon Name: Cataclysmic
Weapon Type: Linear Fusion RifleLinear Fusion Rifle
Tier Rank: Tier-S S-tier for PvE, Tier-D D-tier for PvP
Slot: Solar Solar
Ammo: Heavy 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.
PvE God Roll:
  • Barrel: Fluted Barrel
  • Battery: Enhanced Battery
  • Perk 1: Fourth Time’s the Charm
  • Perk 2: Bait and Switch
  • Masterwork: Handling
PvP God Roll:
  • Barrel: HitMark HCS
  • Battery: High-Caliber Rounds or Ricochet Rounds
  • Perk 1: Rangefinder or Perpetual Motion
  • Perk 2: Moving Target or Kill Clip
  • Masterwork: Range

Acasia’s Dejection (Trace Rifle)

Acasia's Dejection

Weapon Name: Acasia’s Dejection
Weapon Type: Trace RifleTrace Rifle
Tier Rank: Tier-S S-tier for PvE, Tier-C C-tier for PvP
Slot: Solar Solar
Ammo: Heavy 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.
PvE God Roll:
  • Barrel: Fluted Barrel
  • Battery: Enhanced Battery
  • Perk 1: Rewind Rounds (or Reconstruction)
  • Perk 2: Incandescent (or Frenzy)
PvP God Roll:
  • Barrel: Fluted Barrel
  • Battery: Enhanced Battery
  • Perk 1: Perpetual Motion
  • Perk 2: High-Impact Reserves

Beloved (Sniper Rifle)

Beloved

Weapon Name: Beloved
Weapon Type: Sniper RifleSniper Rifle
Tier Rank: Tier-S S-Tier (PvP), Tier-B B-Tier (PvE)
Slot: Solar Solar
Ammo: Special 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.
PvE God Roll:
  • Barrel: Fluted Barrel
  • Magazine: Appended Mag
  • Perk 1: Fourth Time’s the Charm
  • Perk 2: Incandescent
  • Masterwork: Reload Speed
PvP God Roll:
  • Barrel: Fluted Barrel
  • Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
  • Perk 1: Snapshot Sights
  • Perk 2: Quickdraw
  • Masterwork: Handling
Published
Categorized as Destiny 2

By Zaaid el-Greiss

Meet Zaaid el-Greiss, a top-rated author and avid gamer with deep insights into WoW, Destiny 2, and more, known for his engaging guides and articles.

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