Vanguard weapons in Destiny 2 The Final Shape Episode 3 are a special set of guns you can earn by completing Strikes and Nightfalls or by ranking up with Zavala, the Vanguard commander. You can also focus Vanguard Engrams at Zavala to get specific weapons.
Some of these weapons are known for their balanced stats and useful perks, making them great for both PvE and PvP activities. What makes Vanguard weapons special is their versatility and reliability.
In PvE, they excel in clearing out groups of enemies and dealing solid damage to bosses, thanks to perks that may enhance damage, reload speed, and stability (we’ll tell you all you need to know about them in this article).
In PvP, their consistent performance and perks that improve TTK may give you an edge in the Crucible matches.
In this text, we’ll explore the best Vanguard weapons, detailing their top perks, God Rolls rolls, and briefly explain how you can get them in Destiny 2 The Final Shape Episode Heresy.
Top 5 PvP Vanguard Weapons
Warden’s Law (Hand Cannon)
| Weapon Name: | Warden’s Law |
| Weapon Type: |  Hand Cannon |
| Tier Rank: |  S (PvE,PvP) |
| Slot: |  Kinetic |
| Ammo: |  Primary |
| Archetype: | Heavy Burst |
| Rarity: | Legendary |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | Warden’s Law is a hand cannon that fires a unique two-round burst, making it stand out from other hand cannons. It uses primary ammo and is of the Heavy Burst archetype.
Its two-round burst makes it a formidable weapon in PvP, especially when utilizing the Kill Clip perk, which allows it to two-tap any Guardian under Tier 10 Resilience. However, in PvE, its lack of an elemental damage type puts it at a disadvantage compared to other options. |
| How to Get it? | It can be obtained from Nightfall: The Ordeals. It is one of six Nightfall weapons available each season, with only one being available weekly. After obtaining a copy, it can be purchased from Zavala for a Vanguard Engram, 25 Legendary Shards, and 20,000 Glimmer. |
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Origin Story (Auto Rifle)
| Weapon Name: | Origin Story |
| Weapon Type: |  Auto Rifle |
| Tier Rank: | S-tier for PvP,  B-tier for PvE |
| Slot: | Kinetic |
| Ammo: | Primary |
| Archetype: | Precision |
| Rarity: | Legendary |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | The combination of its precision archetype and the 450 RPM rate of fire makes it a strong contender in the current sandbox for PvP.
In PvE, the potential perk combinations may make it somewhat viable, but there are better options available for primary DPS. |
| How to Get it? | It can be acquired randomly through drops from the Vanguard playlist. Alternatively, engrams earned from playing the Vanguard playlist can be used to focus Origin Story at Zavala in the Tower. |
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Horror’s Least (Pulse Rifle)
| Weapon Name: | Horror’s Least |
| Weapon Type: |  Pulse Rifle |
| Tier Rank: | S-tier (PvP),  A-tier (PvE) |
| Slot: |  Arc |
| Ammo: | Primary |
| Archetype: | Rapid-fire |
| Rarity: | Legendary |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | Horror’s Least is a strong choice due to its excellent performance, especially in PvP. It has good stats and solid perks that make it a viable option, although it does have some Arc competition in the form of Insidious. |
| How to Get it? | Horror’s Least can be obtained as a Nightfall-exclusive reward. It rotates with other Nightfall weapons, and only one drops each week. You can farm it by running Nightfalls, preferably at the highest difficulty possible, as many times as possible to increase your chances of finding a god roll. |
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Fair Judgment (Auto Rifle)
| Weapon Name: | Fair Judgment |
| Weapon Type: | Auto Rifle |
| Tier Rank: | A-tier (PvP+PvE) |
| Slot: |  Stasis |
| Ammo: | Primary |
| Archetype: | Precision |
| Rarity: | Legendary |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | In PvE, the synergy between Rimestealer and Headstone makes it a standout choice, especially for Stasis builds. Rimestealer generates Frost Armor stacks from Stasis crystals, providing significant damage resistance, while Headstone creates Stasis crystals on precision kills, feeding into Rimestealer’s mechanics. This combination offers excellent survivability and utility, particularly in high-difficulty content. In PvP, Dynamic Sway Reduction and Onslaught transform the weapon into a laser beam, with DSR improving stability and accuracy, and Onslaught increasing fire rate for faster time-to-kill (TTK). At max stacks, Onslaught achieves a 0.5-second TTK, making it deadly in Crucible. |
| How to Get it? | Earned from any of the three Ritual Vendors (Zavala, Shaxx, or The Drifter) after reaching max rank for the first time. Wait for increased reputation weeks and maintain activity streaks for faster progression. |
| PvE God Roll: | Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling Magazine: Armor-Piercing Rounds Perk 1: Rimestealer Perk 2: Headstone Masterwork: Handling Origin Trait: Vanguard’s Vindication |
| PvP God Roll: | Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling Magazine: Armor-Piercing Rounds Perk 1: Dynamic Sway Reduction Perk 2: Onslaught Masterwork: Handling Origin Trait: Run and Gun |
Plug One.1 (Fusion Rifle)
| Weapon Name: | Plug One.1 |
| Weapon Type: |  |
| Tier Rank: |  |
| Slot: |  |
| Ammo: |  |
| Archetype: | Precision |
| Rarity: | Legendary |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | The Plug One.1 is highly regarded due to its versatility in both PVE and PVP gameplay.
In PVE, it offers damage-boosting perks like Feeding Frenzy and Reservoir Burst, making it an effective weapon for dealing with large groups of enemies. In PVP, it shines with a focus on charge rate, allowing for quicker shots and increased mobility, making it a formidable weapon in Crucible matches. |
| How to Get it? | The Plug One.1 can be obtained as a Nightfall drop. Players are encouraged to grind Nightfalls to increase their chances of obtaining the Plug One.1 Adept, which is the version with enhanced stats. |
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Top 5 PvE Vanguard Weapons
Cynosure: Top-tier Episode Heresy RL
| Weapon Name: | Cynosure |
| Weapon Type: |  Rocket Launcher |
| Tier Rank: | S (PvE) B (PvP) |
| Slot: |  Strand |
| Ammo: |  Heavy |
| Archetype: | Adaptive |
| Rarity: | Legendary |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | Cynosure is an Aggressive Frame Rocket Launcher, making it highly desirable in the current meta. It features Envious Arsenal, a top-tier reload perk for damage setups, and strong damage perks like Explosive Light and High Ground. |
| How to Get it? | Cynosure is a Vanguard Ops weapon. It can be obtained as a drop from Vanguard Ops activities or focused from Commander Zavala in the Tower for 3 Vanguard Engrams and 5,000 Glimmer. |
| PvE God Roll: | Barrel: Quick Launch (improves Handling) Magazine: Impact Casing (increases damage) Perk 1: Envious Arsenal (best for DPS) or Clown Cartridge Perk 2: Explosive Light (easy damage boost) or Bipod Masterwork: Velocity |
| PvP God Roll: | Barrel: Quick Launch (improves Handling and Velocity) Magazine: High-Velocity Rounds (improves Velocity) Perk 1: Tracking Module (locks onto enemies) Perk 2: Cluster Bomb (helps secure kills) Masterwork: Velocity |
Wicked Sister (Grenade Launcher)
| Weapon Name: | Wicked Sister |
| Weapon Type: |  Grenade Launcher |
| Tier Rank: | S (PvE) A (PvP) |
| Slot: | Strand |
| Ammo: | Heavy |
| Archetype: | Adaptive |
| Rarity: | Legendary |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | In PvE, it stands out as one of the best heavy grenade launchers for boss damage, thanks to its powerful perk combinations like Bait and Switch (30% damage boost) and Envious Arsenal/Assassin for ammo efficiency. Its Strand element, while occasionally limiting for Surge mod compatibility, doesn’t detract from its overall effectiveness.
In PvP, its high handling, velocity, and perks like Impulse Amplifier and Reverberation make it a reliable choice for heavy ammo plays. Its availability through Vanguard activities also makes it accessible to most players. |
| How to Get it? |
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| PvE God Roll: | Launcher: Quick Launch Magazine: Spike Grenades Perk 1: Envious Arsenal or Envious Assassin Perk 2: Bait and Switch or Cascade Point Masterwork: Handling |
| PvP God Roll: | Launcher: Quick Launch Magazine: High-Velocity Rounds Perk 1: Impulse Amplifier or Danger Zone Perk 2: Reverberation Masterwork: Handling |
Unending Tempest (SMG)
| Weapon Name: | Unending Tempest |
| Weapon Type: |  Submachine Gun |
| Tier Rank: | S (PvE) B (PvP) |
| Slot: | Stasis |
| Ammo: | Primary |
| Archetype: | Precision |
| Rarity: | Legendary |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | The Unending Tempest is a meta weapon due to its versatility, strong perk pool, and unique Stasis damage type. As one of only two 600 RPM Stasis SMGs in Destiny 2 TFS Episode 3, it stands out for its ability to synergize with Stasis builds, making it a top choice for both PvE and PvP. Its vertical recoil pattern ensures consistent accuracy, reducing the need for recoil control perks.
In PvP, perks like Gutshot Straight and Target Lock allow it to dominate in close-range engagements by increasing body shot damage and ramping up damage over time. In PvE, perks like Demolitionist and Adrenaline Junkie create a powerful feedback loop, boosting grenade energy and weapon damage simultaneously. |
| How to Get it? | Exclusive to Crucible drops. Players must grind Crucible matches to obtain it. |
| PvE God Roll: | Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Demolitionist Perk 2: Adrenaline Junkie Origin Trait: Nadir Focus Masterwork: Range Mod: Minor Spec |
| PvP God Roll: | Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Gutshot Straight Perk 2: Target Lock Origin Trait: Nadir Focus Masterwork: Handling Mod: Quick Access Sling |
Scintillation (Linear Fusion Rifle)
| Weapon Name: | Scintillation |
| Weapon Type: |  Linear Fusion Rifle |
| Tier Rank: | S-tier for PvE,  C-tier for PvP |
| Slot: | Power |
| Ammo: | Heavy |
| Rarity: | Legendary |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | Scintillation is an Adaptive archetype weapon that uses Heavy ammo and has the Strand element. Scintillation is expected to be an S-tier weapon in PvE and a C-tier weapon in PvP.
In PvE, it excels due to its unique perk, Rewind Rounds, which refunds a portion of the magazine when a precision hit is scored. This perk, combined with Bait and Switch or Surrounded, makes Scintillation a formidable weapon in PvE activities. In PvP, however, Scintillation faces challenges due to its ammo slot and weapon type. Linear Fusion Rifles are generally less popular in PvP, and the heavy ammo slot further limits its usefulness. Nevertheless, with the right perks, such as Arrowhead Brake, Accelerated Coils, Rapid Hit, and Hatchling, Scintillation can still perform reasonably well in PvP. |
| How to Get it? | It is part of the Nightfall loot pool and follows the Nightfall loot rotation, only appearing once every few weeks. After getting the first copy of the weapon, you can purchase additional copies from Zavala in the Tower. |
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The Slammer (Sword)
| Weapon Name: | The Slammer |
| Weapon Type: |  Sword |
| Tier Rank: | S-tier for PvE, C-tier for PvP |
| Slot: | Stasis |
| Ammo: | Heavy |
| Archetype: | Vortex |
| Rarity: | Legendary |
| What Makes it a Meta Weapon? | It’s the first sword to have Bait and Switch, which boosts damage by 30% after swapping weapons, making it great for boss fights. It also has Eager Edge, a perk that lets you lunge farther, helping you move quickly or close gaps in combat. Another perk, Cold Steel, slows enemies, which is useful against tough foes like Champions or in PvP. Its Vortex frame deals strong area damage, making it good for clearing groups of enemies. These perks, combined with its Stasis element, make The Slammer a strong choice for activities like Nightfalls and dungeons. It’s both a damage powerhouse and a tool for fast movement, making it a must-have for players. |
| How to Get it? | Available as a drop from Nightfall: The Ordeals. Adept versions can be earned from Grandmaster Nightfalls with Platinum rewards. Focusable at Zavala for Glimmer and Vanguard Engrams. |
| PvE God Roll: | Blade: Jagged Edge Guard: Swordmaster’s Guard Perk 1: Relentless Strikes (or Eager Edge) Perk 2: Bait and Switch (or Cold Steel) Masterwork: Impact |
| PvP God Roll: | Blade: Jagged Edge Guard: Heavy Guard Perk 1: Eager Edge Perk 2: Cold Steel Masterwork: Impact |
