Yeartide Apex is a Solar lightweight submachine gun introduced in Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate expansion during the Solstice 2025 event. As a limited-time weapon, it can only be obtained while the event is active, making it a must-farm for collectors and players looking for strong seasonal gear.
This SMG fits well with aggressive, close-range playstyles. It shines in PvE for add-clear and survivability thanks to perk options like Heal Clip, Incandescent, and Chaos Reshaped, which synergize perfectly with Solar subclasses. Hunters running Gunslinger, Warlocks with Starfire Protocol builds, and Titans using Ashen Wake can all make great use of it. In PvP, the weapon is more straightforward but deadly in the right hands — Target Lock allows it to drop enemies fast if your aim is consistent.
From this guide, you will know:
- How good is the Yeartide Apex SMG
- How to get Yeartide Apex
- Stats and Perks of Yeartide Apex
- If Yeartide Apex craftable
If you enjoy fast, close-quarters gameplay and want a Solar SMG that supports both damage and utility, Yeartide Apex is worth getting before Solstice ends.
Is Yeartide Apex SMG Good?
Short answer: Very good. Yeartide Apex is 
A-tier in PvE and A-tier in PvP with the right perks.
Yeartide Apex Tier list:
- PvE: A-tier. Borderline S with top rolls (Heal Clip + Incandescent or Chaos Reshaped) thanks to healing, add clear, and sustained damage.
- PvP: A-tier. Target Lock carries the gun in duels; great handling helps close-range fights.
Why PvE A-tier: It can roll Heal Clip + Incandescent (excellent add clear + instant healing) or Heal Clip/Demolitionist + Chaos Reshaped (damage + sustain in longer fights). This lets you play aggressive without dying and melts groups through Solar Scorch.
Why PvP A-tier: Target Lock is the standout. It ramps damage as you stay on target, giving you a fast, forgiving TTK for a Lightweight SMG. Pair with Lone Wolf (or Heal Clip in 6s) and range/stability parts and it duels very well.
Is Yeartide Apex worth farming?
Yes, if you:
- Play Solar builds (Incandescent/Scorch synergy is top-notch).
- Like aggressive, close-range primary play with built-in healing (Heal Clip) or damage ramp (Chaos Reshaped/Target Lock).
- Want a strong, event-only SMG that can cover both PvE and PvP.
Maybe skip if you:
- Don’t use SMGs or you already main a perfect roll like a Multimach/Ikelos/No Survivors you prefer.
- You want craftable pattern flexibility (this weapon isn’t craftable).
Verdict: If you play Solar or like aggressive SMG gameplay, Yeartide Apex is worth your time. Farm it during Solstice, prioritize Event Reward Shop purchases (GR9 for Tier 4), and chase Heal Clip + Incandescent/Chaos Reshaped for PvE or Target Lock for PvP.
How to Get Yeartide Apex in Destiny 2
Yeartide Apex is a Solar lightweight SMG added in the Solstice 2025 event. Since Solstice only lasts for two weeks, you’ll need to act fast if you want this weapon before it disappears for the year.
Step 1: Play Solstice Activities
Yeartide Apex drops from Solstice-affected activities in the EAZ (European Aerial Zone) and other event playlists. These activities have unique modifiers and also give XP toward the event track.
Step 2: Level Up Your Guardian Rank
To unlock higher-tier versions, reach Guardian Rank 9. This is required to purchase Tier 4 rolls from the Reward Shop, which offer more perks and better chances at a god roll.
Step 3: Claim It from the Event Pass
The Solstice Event Pass includes Yeartide Apex as one of the rewards. Progress through the pass and make sure to claim it while you’re leveling.
Step 4: Farm the Reward Shop
The fastest way to target-farm is by buying Tier 4 Yeartide Apex from the Reward Shop. Spend your Solstice currency here instead of relying on random drops.
Fastest Way to get Yeartide Apex:
- Grind Solstice activities for drops and event currency.
- Push to Guardian Rank 9.
- Spend currency on Tier 4 Yeartide Apex at the Reward Shop.
- Keep farming until you land a strong roll (Heal Clip + Incandescent for PvE or Lone Wolf + Target Lock for PvP).
Yeartide Apex Farming Tips:
- Focus on the EAZ: The European Aerial Zone tends to give the most Solstice currency per run. Short, efficient clears will speed up farming.
- Stack Bounties: Grab Solstice bounties before farming. They reward Bright Dust and event currency while you play.
- Farm with a Fireteam: Solstice activities go much faster with a full team. Matchmaking works, but friends or clanmates will speed things up.
- Prioritize Currency: Don’t just wait for random drops — buy Tier 4 versions from the Reward Shop. This is the most consistent way to get a god roll.
- Double Up on Progress: While farming, also level your Event Pass and Guardian Rank. Both give extra rewards and unlock better weapons.
Quick Summary
- Yeartide Apex is only available during the Solstice.
- Best way: farm EAZ → reach Guardian Rank 9 → buy Tier 4 rolls.
- Focus perks: Heal Clip + Incandescent (PvE) or Lone Wolf + Target Lock (PvP).
Get it while you can — once the event ends, Yeartide Apex won’t return until next year.
Perks of Yeartide Apex SMG
Column 3 Perks
- Transcendent Moment – Boosts damage and handling after using a Super. Very situational, not worth chasing.
- Recycled Energy – Restores grenade energy on shield break. Niche, not very reliable.
- Heal Clip – Reloading after a kill heals you and nearby allies. Excellent perk for both PvE and PvP; one of the best choices.
- Feeding Frenzy – Faster reloads after kills. Solid perk but overshadowed by Heal Clip.
- Lone Wolf – Increased reload, handling, and stability when no allies are nearby. Decent for PvP, but not amazing.
- Attrition Orbs – Creates Orbs of Power on multikills. Great synergy in high-end PvE content.
- Demolitionist – Kills give grenade energy, grenades reload the weapon. Perfect for grenade builds; strong PvE option.
Best picks: Heal Clip (top-tier), Demolitionist (for grenade builds), Attrition Orbs (for orb generation).
Column 4 Perks
- Burning Ambition – Spreads Scorch with grenade kills. Great for Solar builds, especially grenade-focused.
- Binary Orbit – Precision hits grant increased stability and accuracy. Decent but not standout.
- Incandescent – Spreads Scorch on kills. Excellent perk for Solar synergy; top PvE choice.
- Harmony – Boosted damage after swapping from a kill with another weapon. Fun but situational.
- Chaos Reshaped – Increases damage while in combat and heals periodically. Very strong, works well in both PvE and PvP.
- Target Lock – Damage ramps up the longer you stay on target. Best perk for PvP, great for duels.
Best picks: Incandescent (PvE Solar builds), Chaos Reshaped (universal strong pick), Target Lock (PvP monster).
Origin Traits
- Dream Work – Partial reload and reload speed when you help an ally with a kill. Very good in group PvE.
- Tex Balanced Stock – Hip-firing boosts reload speed. Handy backup option.
Best pick: Dream Work for PvE, Tex Balanced Stock if you hip-fire often.
Quick Take
- PvE Best Combo: Heal Clip + Incandescent or Chaos Reshaped (survivability, AoE damage, healing).
- PvP Best Combo: Lone Wolf/Heal Clip + Target Lock (range duels, faster TTK).
- Grenade Builds: Demolitionist + Burning Ambition or Incandescent.
- Orb Generation: Attrition Orbs + Chaos Reshaped for team support.
Overall, Heal Clip, Incandescent, Chaos Reshaped, and Target Lock are the main perks you should target. The others are more situational and don’t compete with these top-tier picks.
Yeartide Apex God Roll
The Yeartide Apex shines because it can combine healing, Solar synergy, and raw damage in ways very few SMGs can. Let’s look at what makes its PvE and PvP rolls worth farming.
Yeartide Apex PvE God Roll
In PvE, your focus is usually survival, add clear, and utility for your build. Yeartide Apex can deliver all three depending on the roll.
- Heal Clip – This is the best survivability option. Every reload after a kill gives you and nearby allies instant healing, which is extremely strong when you’re always fighting at close range.
- Incandescent – A perfect Solar perk for add clear. Each kill spreads Scorch to nearby enemies, making it easier to chain kills and trigger Solar synergies.
- Chaos Reshaped – A high-damage option that ramps up the longer you stay in combat. It also provides periodic healing, making it an alternative if you don’t take Heal Clip.
- Demolitionist – Ideal for grenade builds. Kills give you grenade energy, and throwing a grenade reloads the weapon. This pairs well with both Incandescent and Burning Ambition.
- Burning Ambition – Works well with Solar grenade-focused builds, as it applies Scorch even without kills.
Together, these perks let you build the weapon around your playstyle. The safest roll is Heal Clip + Incandescent, which gives both survivability and AoE damage. For harder content, Heal Clip/Demolitionist + Chaos Reshaped provides better sustain and boss damage. Grenade-heavy Solar builds can go for Demolitionist + Burning Ambition, which keeps your ability cycle strong.
Yeartide Apex PvP God Roll
In the Crucible, the Yeartide Apex SMG is much more straightforward. You want range and consistency, with a perk that helps you win duels.
- Target Lock – The clear winner in PvP. It increases damage the longer you stay on target, dropping your time-to-kill to a very competitive 0.67s. With the enhanced version, it’s even more forgiving and deadly.
- Lone Wolf – A strong first-column option, giving you better reload, handling, and stability when you’re isolated. This is often the case in 1v1 duels.
- Heal Clip – A secondary option in casual PvP. Getting healed after a reload-kill can swing momentum in your favor.
- Chaos Reshaped – An alternative if you don’t like relying on precision tracking. Staying “in combat” boosts damage and can occasionally let you outpace opponents, though it’s less consistent than Target Lock.
For barrels and magazines, focus on stability and range: Smallbore, Ricochet Rounds, and a Range masterwork are the best setup. This makes Yeartide Apex competitive with top Crucible SMGs while keeping excellent handling.
Can you craft Yeartide Apex?
You cannot craft Yeartide Apex. It does not drop red borders and has no pattern tied to it, so there’s no way to make it at the Enclave.
The only way to get this SMG is during the Solstice event, which runs for two weeks. You can earn copies as drops from Solstice activities in the EAZ/Poral or buy them directly from the Event Reward Shop if you’ve progressed your Guardian Rank high enough (Rank 9 for Tier 4 versions). This means if you want a specific god roll, you’ll need to farm Solstice activities and purchase extra rolls before the event ends.
Conclusion
The Yeartide Apex is one of the best seasonal SMGs Bungie has released in a while. It brings together strong survivability with Heal Clip, Solar synergy through Incandescent, and damage potential from Chaos Reshaped or Target Lock. In PvE, it feels safe, aggressive, and effective for clearing groups or handling tougher fights. In PvP, it might not have many perk options, but Target Lock alone makes it a dangerous dueling weapon.
Because it’s event-limited and not craftable, you only have a short time to farm it. Players who enjoy Solar builds, close-range primary gameplay, or want a flexible gun that works in both PvE and PvP should make time to pick one up. If SMGs aren’t your style or you already have a favorite Solar primary, you can skip it — but for most Guardians, Yeartide Apex is easily worth the grind.
