Sidearms are some of the most slept-on weapons in Destiny 2. Many Guardians are convinced that sidearms are too limited in range, and they see no reason to use one instead of a Pulse rifle or SMG. But the truth is, Sidearms have the highest damage output in the entire game, and that applies to PvP and PvE.
This guide covers every Sidearm in Destiny 2, including both Exotic and Legendary sidearms, as well as the best rolls for PvE and PvP.
Updated as of Season of the Wish (S23). See Updates.
Destiny 2 Best Sidearms: Top-tier Options
This Tier list features the best Exotic and Legendary sidearms currently in the game, including the Buried Bloodline Exotic and Rocket-assisted Indebted Kindness:
| Item | Weapons | Type | Archetype | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Rank | Source | Available? | Tier rank | Source ❘ DLC | Final Verdict | Released | Perks | Best of? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drang (Baroque) |  Drang (Baroque) | Sidearm | Together Forever | Primary | Solar | Beyond Light | Yes | S › Best | Presage |  | Best ❘ S Excels in: | Presage Beyond Light | Slot: PvE God Roll: Wellspring + Incandescent PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: Swashbuckler) + Rampage ► One of the strongest sidearms in the game, Drang (Baroque), is back and has excellent rolls for every part of the game. Incandescent alone makes it great for PvE (although not as good as CALUS Mini-Tool), and it's high zoom stat and well-rounded first column make it a good PvP pick too. | Season 17 | Slot: PvE God Roll: Wellspring + Incandescent PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: Swashbuckler) + Rampage | Top-tier |
| Heliocentric QSc |  Heliocentric QSc | Sidearm | Lightweight | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Lost Sector | | Best ❘ S Excels in: | Lost Sector Free-to-Play | Slot: PvE God Roll: Heal Clip + Incadescent (also good: Surrounded) PvP God Roll: Moving Target + Kill Clip (also good: Precision Instrument) ► A sidearm for all content, Heliocentric is a world drop worth farming for. Even non-sidearm enjoyers will get a kick out of this. Solid stats, solid perks, solid synergy, and target farmable? What more could you want? | Season 22 | Slot: PvE God Roll: Heal Clip + Incadescent (also good: Surrounded) PvP God Roll: Moving Target + Kill Clip (also good: Precision Instrument) | Top-tier |
| Brigand's Law |  Brigand's Law | Sidearm | Rapid-Fire | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | S › Best | Xûr | | Best ❘ S Excels in: | Xûr Free-to-Play | Slot: PvE God Roll: Threat Detector + Voltshot (also good: Surrounded) ► Brigand's Law is one of the best primaries in the game, and it's easy to see why. Voltshot pairs very nicely with any Arc build, Threat Detector and Surrounded will almost always be active, and the origin trait lets it punch out at range! | Season 18 | Slot: PvE God Roll: Threat Detector + Voltshot (also good: Surrounded) | Top-tier |
| Liminal Vigil |  Liminal Vigil | Sidearm | Aggressive Burst | Primary | Stasis | Deluxe Edition | Yes | S › Best | Spire of the Watcher Dungeon | | Best ❘ S Excels in: | Spire of the Watcher Dungeon Deluxe Edition | Slot: PvP God Rolls: Tap the Trigger + Desperado (also good: Surrounded) ► The only non-Pulse rifle to get Desperado, Liminal Vigil is a powerhouse of a sidearm. Tap the Trigger will always be active, giving you a significant advantage over others, while Desperado will let you lower the already insane TTK even more. Pair it with a sniper to really wreck the house. | Season 19 | Slot: PvP God Rolls: Tap the Trigger + Desperado (also good: Surrounded) | Top-tier |
| Peacebond |  Peacebond | Sidearm | Adaptive | Primary | Stasis | Free-to-Play | No | A › Strong | Iron Banner |  | Strong ❘ A Excels in: | Iron Banner Free-to-Play | Slot: PvP God Roll: Rangefinder (also good: Killing Wind) + Swashbuckler PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Headstone ► With good base stats that match those of the fan-favorite High Albedo, Peacebond also happens to offer several top-tier perks for both PVE and PVP. Peacebond was one of the few weapons to offer Headstone and that made it very special. That isn't longer the case, as many other weapons can roll with Headstone these days. Still, Peacebond remains a solid sidearm. | Season 15 | Slot: PvP God Roll: Rangefinder (also good: Killing Wind) + Swashbuckler PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Headstone | Top-tier |
| Forgiveness |  Forgiveness | Sidearm | Aggressive Burst | Primary | Arc | Lightfall | Yes | A › Strong | Trials of Osiris | | Strong ❘ A Excels in: | Trials of Osiris Lightfall | Slot: PvE God Roll: Demolitionist + Adrenaline Junkie PvP God Roll: Moving Target + Adrenaline Junkie ► The first sidearm with an Adept variant; many have been waiting for something like it. Sadly, it only partially lived up to expectations. Its base stats are easily best in class and can benefit even more from Adept mods, giving it a great feel at base. However, its perks are fairly niche for PvP, making a lot of players pass on this weapon for now. | Season 17 | Slot: PvE God Roll: Demolitionist + Adrenaline Junkie PvP God Roll: Moving Target + Adrenaline Junkie | Top-tier |
| Boudica-C |  Boudica-C | Sidearm | Precision | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Gunsmith | | Strong ❘ A Excels in: | Gunsmith Free-to-Play | Slot: PvE God Roll: Pugilist (also good: Threat Detector) + Swashbuckler PvP God Roll: Threat Detector + Swashbuckler (also good: Multikill Clip) ► For a precision frame, Boudica outshines all others. While this world drop sidearm might be hard to find, the rolls on this make it the best 260 RPM out there right now, so it is indeed worth your time. | Season 18 | Slot: PvE God Roll: Pugilist (also good: Threat Detector) + Swashbuckler PvP God Roll: Threat Detector + Swashbuckler (also good: Multikill Clip) | Top-tier |
| Fioritura-59 |  Fioritura-59 | Sidearm | Rapid-Fire | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Gunsmith | | Strong ❘ A Excels in: | Gunsmith Free-to-Play | Slot: PvE God Roll: Threat Detector + Repulsor Brace (also good: Golden Tricorn) PvP God Roll: Threat Detector (also good: Killing Wind) + Kill Clip (also good: Moving Target) ► One of few Void sidearms, Fioritura is an excellent addition to any loadout. In PvE, it has excellent subclass synergy with either Golden Tricorn or Repulsor Brace, and in PvP can roll through players with Threat Detector almost always active. | Season 19 | Slot: PvE God Roll: Threat Detector + Repulsor Brace (also good: Golden Tricorn) PvP God Roll: Threat Detector (also good: Killing Wind) + Kill Clip (also good: Moving Target) | Top-tier |
| Last Dance |  Last Dance | Sidearm | Omolon Adaptive | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | World loot pool | | Strong ❘ A Excels in: | World loot pool Free-to-Play | Slot: PvE God Roll: Full Auto + Rangefinder ► Last Dance still packs a punch all these seasons later! Be on the lookout for a Full Auto + Rangefinder drop! | Season 11 | Slot: PvE God Roll: Full Auto + Rangefinder | Top-tier |
| High Albedo |  High Albedo | Sidearm | Adaptive | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Europa | | Strong ❘ A Excels in: | Europa Free-to-Play | Slot: PvE God Roll: Killing Wind + Wellspring ► High Albedo is a good sidearm that features both strong base stats and perks. This Sidearm can truly excel with a Killing Wind + Wellspring combination of perks paired with a Full Auto Retrofit Mod. | Season 12 | Slot: PvE God Roll: Killing Wind + Wellspring | Top-tier |
| Cryosthesia 77K |  Cryosthesia 77K | Sidearm | Exotic | Primary | Stasis | Beyond Light | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Kiosk | | Strong ❘ A Excels in: | Exotic Kiosk Beyond Light | Slot: Exotic Perk: "Press and release to fire individual shots. Hold to fire a Charged Shot when Liquid Cooling is active. Final blows with this weapon enable a Charged Shot for a short duration. Targets hit by this shot are instantly frozen." ► With Stasis being a hard counter to Champions, Cryosthesia is a solid weapon in the right hands. While there is a learning curve of when and where to use the charged shot, it won't take long to master it. | Season 14 | Slot: Exotic Perk: "Press and release to fire individual shots. Hold to fire a Charged Shot when Liquid Cooling is active. Final blows with this weapon enable a Charged Shot for a short duration. Targets hit by this shot are instantly frozen." | Top-tier |
| Punching Out |  Punching Out | Sidearm | SUROS Rapid-Fire | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Vanguard Focusing | | Strong ❘ A Excels in: | Vanguard Focusing Free-to-Play | Slot: PvE God Roll: Over Flow + Kill Clip ► Punching Out is a strong sidearm that can truly excel with the right roll. For instance, Over Flow + Kill Clip on this full Auto Suros Sidearm can make it a beast in PvE (and PvP to some extent). | Season 15 | Slot: PvE God Roll: Over Flow + Kill Clip | Top-tier |
| Forerunner |  Forerunner | Sidearm | Exotic | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Exotic Quest | | Strong ❘ A Excels in: | Exotic Quest Free-to-Play | Slot: Exotic Perk: "Fires full auto with increased rate of fire. Deals increased precision damage to unshielded targets. Tapping the trigger gives it less recoil and improves accuracy." ► Forerunner can be a menace in the right hands. While it may take some time to get used to, there is little you can do against a Forerunner player who is hitting their shots. Boasting a 0.60s time-to-kill at practically infinite range makes Forerunner an incredible pick inside of PvP | 30th Anniversary event | Slot: Exotic Perk: "Fires full auto with increased rate of fire. Deals increased precision damage to unshielded targets. Tapping the trigger gives it less recoil and improves accuracy." | Top-tier |
| Indebted Kindness |  Indebted Kindness | Sidearm | Rocket-Assisted | Special | Arc | Deluxe Edition | Yes | A › Strong | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon | | Strong ❘ A Excels in: | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon Deluxe Edition | Slot: PvE God Roll: Beacon Rounds (also good: Impulse Amplifier) + Voltshot (also good: Adagio) ► Dropping from Warlord's Ruin, Indebted Kindess is the hot weapon to farm for. With the right roll, this goofy little sidearm can actually be the highest DPS special weapon in the game thanks to Adagio or Surrounded. It can even turn into a different damage type thanks to Permeability. | Season 23 | Slot: PvE God Roll: Beacon Rounds (also good: Impulse Amplifier) + Voltshot (also good: Adagio) | Top-tier |
| Buried Bloodline |  Buried Bloodline | Sidearm | Exotic | Special | Void | Deluxe Edition | Yes | A › Strong | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon | | Strong ❘ A Excels in: | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon Deluxe Edition | Slot: Exotic Perk: "Fires two tracking bolts that leech health from the target. Rapid final blows with this weapon grant Devour to the wielder." ► Buried Bloodline is a very unique and fun exotic to use. It allows you to obtain Devour on non-void subclasses, which is immensely strong and works brilliantly with builds that are all about spamming Grenades as much as possible. | Season 23 | Slot: Exotic Perk: "Fires two tracking bolts that leech health from the target. Rapid final blows with this weapon grant Devour to the wielder." | Top-tier |
| Allied Demand |  Allied Demand | Sidearm | Adaptive | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Iron Banner | | Strong ❘ A Excels in: | Iron Banner Free-to-Play | Slot: PvP God Roll: Rangefinder + Iron Reach ► With the recent buff to sidearms, Allied Demand became very popular very quickly. It has a small perk pool for better god roll luck, and its PvP roll can hit its optimal TTK at nearly 25 meters! Worth the Iron Banner grind if you love sidearms. | Season 18 | Slot: PvP God Roll: Rangefinder + Iron Reach | Top-tier |
| Senuna SI6 |  Senuna SI6 | Sidearm | Omolon Adaptive | Primary | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Lost Sector | | Strong ❘ A Excels in: | Lost Sector Free-to-Play | Slot: PvP God Rolls: Under Pressue + Headseaker ► Senuna has some stiff competition in its slot, but Headseeker's recent buff has let it shine. While it has some decent PvE rolls too, this is easily one of the best PvP sidearms out there. | Season 20 | Slot: PvP God Rolls: Under Pressue + Headseaker | Top-tier |
| Drang |  Drang | Sidearm | Adaptive | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | A › Strong | Gunsmith | | Strong ❘ A | Gunsmith Free-to-Play | Slot: PvP Roll: Moving Target + Rangefinder ► An extremely easy weapon to get straight from the Gunsmith, you will be better off chasing the Drang (Baroque) version of this weapon. | Season 12 | Slot: PvP Roll: Moving Target + Rangefinder | Top-tier |
Destiny 2 Sidearms: The complete list
This database includes every viable sidearm currently in the game:
| Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo | Element | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Traveler's Chosen | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Shadowkeep | Yes |  Primary |  Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvE + PvP | Exotic Kiosk | No |  Shadowkeep | Season 11 | Kinetic | No | ||
 | Rat King | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvE | Exotic Kiosk | No | Free-to-Play | Season 1 | Kinetic | No | ||
| Cryosthesia 77K | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Stasis | Beyond Light | Yes | Primary |  Stasis | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Exotic Kiosk | No | Beyond Light | Season 14 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
| Forerunner | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes |  Special | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Exotic Quest | No | Free-to-Play | 30th Anniversary event | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
 | Final Warning | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Strand | Lightfall | Yes | Primary |  Strand | Average ❘ B | PvP | Exotic Quest | No | Lightfall | Season 20 | Kinetic | No | ||
| Buried Bloodline | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Void | Deluxe Edition | Yes | Special |  Void | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon | No | Deluxe Edition | Season 23 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
 | Devil's Ruin | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Solar | Shadowkeep | Yes | Primary |  Solar | Average ❘ B | PvE + PvP | Exotic Kiosk | No | Shadowkeep | Season 9 | Energy | No | ||
 | Trespasser | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Arc | The Witch Queen | Yes | Primary |  Arc | Average ❘ B | PvE + PvP | Exotic Kiosk | No | Witch Queen | Season 17 | Energy | No | ||
| High Albedo | Sidearm | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Europa | No | Free-to-Play | Season 12 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
 | Enigma's Draw | Sidearm | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Weak ❘ C | - | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 10 | Kinetic | No | ||
 | Lonesome | Sidearm | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | - | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Kinetic | No | ||
 | Farewell | Sidearm | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvE | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Kinetic | No | ||
| Peacebond | Sidearm | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Stasis | Free-to-Play | No | Primary | Stasis | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Iron Banner | No | Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
 | Spoiler Alert | Sidearm | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Weak ❘ C | - | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Kinetic | No | ||
 | Empirical Evidence | Sidearm | Aggressive Burst | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvE | Throne World | Yes | Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Kinetic | Craftable | ||
| Boudica-C | Sidearm | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Gunsmith | No | Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
| Allied Demand | Sidearm | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Iron Banner | No | Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
| Liminal Vigil | Sidearm | Aggressive Burst | Legendary | Primary | Stasis | Deluxe Edition | Yes | Primary | Stasis | Best ❘ S | PvP | Spire of the Watcher Dungeon | No | Deluxe Edition | Season 19 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
 | Buzzard | Sidearm | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvE | Nightfall: The Ordeals | No | Free-to-Play | Season 20 | Kinetic | No | Kinetic Tremors | |
| Senuna SI6 | Sidearm | Omolon Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Stasis | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Stasis | Strong ❘ A | PvP | Lost Sector | No | Free-to-Play | Season 20 | Kinetic | No | Top-tier | |
 | Mykel's Reverence | Sidearm | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Strand | Lightfall | Yes | Primary | Strand | Average ❘ B | PvE | Root of Nightmares Raid | Yes | Lightfall | Season 20 | Kinetic | Craftable | ||
 | The Fool's Remedy | Sidearm | SUROS Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | No | Primary | Solar | Average ❘ B | - | Iron Banner | No | Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Energy | No | ||
 | Brass Attacks | Sidearm | Aggressive Burst | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Void | Average ❘ B | PvE | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Energy | No | ||
| Drang | Sidearm | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Strong ❘ A | - | Gunsmith | No | Free-to-Play | Season 12 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
 | The Keening | Sidearm | Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Arc | Average ❘ B | PvE | Playlist: Crucible | No | Free-to-Play | Season 13 | Energy | No | ||
 | Seventh Seraph SI-2 | Sidearm | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Void | Average ❘ B | - | Xûr | No | Free-to-Play | Season 10 | Energy | No | ||
| Last Dance | Sidearm | Omolon Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Arc | Strong ❘ A | PvE | World loot pool | No | Free-to-Play | Season 11 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
 | The Vision | Sidearm | Omolon Adaptive | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Arc | Weak ❘ C | - | Xûr | No | Free-to-Play | Season 14 | Energy | No | ||
 | A Swift Verdict | Sidearm | Precision | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Void | Average ❘ B | PvP | Prophecy Dungeon | No | Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Energy | No | ||
| Punching Out | Sidearm | SUROS Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Vanguard Focusing | No | Free-to-Play | Season 15 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
 | Redback-5si | Sidearm | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Average ❘ B | - | Gunsmith | No | Free-to-Play | Season 16 | Energy | No | ||
| Forgiveness | Sidearm | Aggressive Burst | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Lightfall | Yes | Primary | Arc | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Trials of Osiris | No | Lightfall | Season 17 | Energy | No | Top-tier | |
| Drang (Baroque) | Sidearm | Together Forever | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Beyond Light | Yes | Primary | Solar | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Presage | Yes | Beyond Light | Season 17 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Incandescent |
| Brigand's Law | Sidearm | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Arc | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Arc | Best ❘ S | PvE | Xûr | Yes | Free-to-Play | Season 18 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Voltshot |
| Fioritura-59 | Sidearm | Rapid-Fire | Legendary | Primary | Void | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Void | Strong ❘ A | PvE + PvP | Gunsmith | No | Free-to-Play | Season 19 | Energy | No | Top-tier | Repulsor Brace |
| Heliocentric QSc | Sidearm | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Lost Sector | No | Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Energy | No | Top-tier | Incandescent |
| Indebted Kindness | Sidearm | Rocket-Assisted | Legendary | Special | Arc | Deluxe Edition | Yes | Special | Arc | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon | No | Deluxe Edition | Season 23 | Energy | No | Top-tier |
These are the different Tier levels used for our list:
- S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapons in our Tier List.
- A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapons, but not on the same level as S Tier Choices.
- B Tier – Average: Decent choices that can be lethal in the hands of a skilled player.
- C Tier – Weak: The middle of the pack, somewhat mediocre.
- D Tier – Worst: Lagging behind the competition, these don’t have much to offer.
Best Destiny 2 Sidearms in 2024
Ready to dig deeper into the absolute best sidearms in Destiny 2? These are the cream of the crop, our favorites (for PvE and PvP):
5. Traveler’s Chosen
Excels in PvE and PvP
It wouldn’t be a Top 5 without the OG, would it?
Reforged in the Light during the arrival of the Black Fleet, Traveler’s Chosen is arguably the best sidearm out there to this day. Its base stats are already very competitive, and the exotic perk ramps them up even more. On top of this, the exotic perk is an ability engine, letting you have all three up almost always, and with Osmosis can lean into subclass synergy even further. A true Guardian’s weapon.
Traveler’s Chosen is available from the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower.
Exotic Perk: “Final blows grant stacks of Gathering Light. Consuming stacks, grant melee, grenade, and class ability energy based on the number of stacks. Each stack of Gathering Light improves this weapon’s reload, handling, and target acquisition.”
How to get it: Traveler’s Chosen can be purchased at the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower.
| Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo | Element | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traveler's Chosen | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Primary | Kinetic | Shadowkeep | Yes | Primary | Kinetic | Average ❘ B | PvE + PvP | Exotic Kiosk | No | Shadowkeep | Season 11 | Kinetic | No |
4. Forerunner
Excels in PVP
A new chapter for an old legend. – Forerunner description
Forerunner is a spiritual counterpart to the Halo Magnum, a devastating sidearm in the right hands, and here, it is no different. In PvP, this can compete with the longest-hitting hand cannons and still 3-tap a player with ease, and in PvE, it has become a Mechaneer’s or Verity’s user’s best friend. Plus, its catalyst lets you toss a frag grenade that deals immense damage to all targets. Truly a perfect weapon.
Forerunner is available through the Magnum Opus quest, found in Eternity.
Exotic Perk: “Fires full auto with increased rate of fire. Deals increased precision damage to unshielded targets. Tapping the trigger gives it less recoil and improves accuracy.”
How to get it: Forerunner can be acquired by completing the Magnus Opus quest.
| Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo | Element | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forerunner | Sidearm | Exotic | Exotic | Special | Kinetic | Free-to-Play | Yes | Special | Kinetic | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Exotic Quest | No | Free-to-Play | 30th Anniversary event | Kinetic | No | Top-tier |
3. Heliocentric QSc
Excels in PvE and PvP
A farmable world drop, Heliocentric is the star of Legendary sidearms.
Released during Season 22, Heliocentric has been flexing the true power of sidearms. Not only does it have some of the best stats for its archetype, but the perks complement all manner of play styles. It also has one of the best Origin Traits for PvP: Nadir Focus. Simply firing the weapon boosts accuracy and range up to a max of +10! Even if you aren’t a sidearm fan, pick this up if you can.
- PvE God roll:Heal Clip + Incandescent
- PvP God roll: Moving Target + Kill Clip
How to get it: Heliocentric QSc can be acquired from Legend Lost Sectors.
| Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo | Element | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heliocentric QSc | Sidearm | Lightweight | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Free-to-Play | Yes | Primary | Solar | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Lost Sector | No | Free-to-Play | Season 22 | Energy | No | Top-tier | Incandescent |
2. Drang (Baroque): Best PvP Sidearm?
Excels in PvE and PvP
For a reprised weapon, Drang made it out better than most.
While Drang’s been around for a while, its new and improved version dropped in Season of the Haunted. Keeping its intrinsic pairing with Sturm, Drang now offers a slew of perks that can put it on par with SMGs. Not only that, but it is, as of writing, the only sidearm to roll with Incandescent. If that’s not reason enough, Sturm is getting a buff next season, so Drang is a must for those using it.
Like all past seasonal weapons, use your Deepsight Harmonizer to get your crafted roll today!
- PvE God roll: Wellspring + Incandescent
- PvP God roll: Moving Target + Rampage
How to get it: Drang (Baroque) is hard to acquire these days. Xûr may randomly sell it on weekends from time to time.
| Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo | Element | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drang (Baroque) | Sidearm | Together Forever | Legendary | Primary | Solar | Beyond Light | Yes | Primary | Solar | Best ❘ S | PvE + PvP | Presage | Yes | Beyond Light | Season 17 | Energy | Craftable | Top-tier | Incandescent |
1. Indebted Kindness: Best PvE Sidearm
Excels in PvE
Rocket Pistol? Say less.
Using special ammo, this sidearm fires rocket-assisted rounds that, like normal rockets, splits the damage between the impact and the explosion. But, unlike rockets, it can land headshots, making it among the highest Special DPS in the game! It also rolls with Permeability, letting you take advantage of some truly wild interactions, and with a swathe of perks to boost that damage, you’ll see why this is our #1. These are the top Indebted Kindness God Rolls:
- PvE God roll: Beacon Rounds + Voltshot
How to get it: Indebted Kindness can be acquired from the Warlord’s Ruin dungeon.
| Art | Weapon | Type | Archetype | Rarity | Ammo? | Element? | Requirements | In loot pool? | Ammo | Element | Tier | Excels | Source | Craftable? | Requires | Released | Slot | Can be Crafted? | Best of? | Top Perk? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indebted Kindness | Sidearm | Rocket-Assisted | Legendary | Special | Arc | Deluxe Edition | Yes | Special | Arc | Strong ❘ A | PvE | Warlord's Ruin Dungeon | No | Deluxe Edition | Season 23 | Energy | No | Top-tier |
Sidearms and the PvP Meta: TTK
We covered which Sidearms are considered top-tier (and should be farmed) and which ones can be safely ignored. But how do they compare to other primary weapons in PvP?
| Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Hand Cannons | S › Best | Best ❘ S |  | ► Hand Cannons feel great right now and can deal with all the other meta options, provided they are in the hands of a skilled player. They are unbelievably forgiving in terms of aim-assist and can compete at solid ranges. Hand Cannons are the jack of all trades, and while they may not dominate up close or far away, they are incredibly scary to face in a mid-range duel. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (120 RPM) - Example: Igneous Hammer | PVP Primaries |
 Pulse Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Pulse Rifles have seen a resurgence in the past few seasons, with constant buffs to all types of Pulse Rifles. It is hard not to find success with one due to the high-flinch potential of Rapid-Fire Pulses or the lethal time-to-kill of High-Impact Pulses. ► Best Archetype: High-Impact (340 RPM) - Example: The Messenger | PVP Primaries |
 Submachine Guns | S › Best | Best ❘ S | | ► SMGs remain a staple of the PvP meta. SMGs absolutely shred enemies at close range and as soon as their top option is nerfed, a new top-tier SMG is introduced to replace it. SMGs have been, and seemingly will remain, meta for a long time to come. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (720 RPM) - Example: The Immortal | PVP Primaries |
 Sidearms | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Sidearms have lost their place at the top of the meta, but they remain a solid pick, especially for players using a Controller, as they inherently have manageable stability with a rapid time-to-kill. Honestly, the main reason they've lost their place at the top is due to how powerful SMGs are right now. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (325 RPM) - Example: Forgiveness | PVP Primaries |
 Auto Rifles | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | | ► After a couple of recent changes and buffs, Auto Rifles are feeling great to use right now, especially in the more casual Crucible playlists. While they may not have the juice to compete with some of the top dogs, they are still a solid pick and can help you frag out with relative ease. ► Best Archetype: Precision (450 RPM) - Example: Ammit AR2 | PVP Primaries |
 Combat Bows | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Bows are incredibly unique. They have a remarkably slow time to kill, however, this isn't where Bows shine. Hotswap builds with bows can be incredibly potent and don't require much learning either. Bows also provide incredible value when teamshooting opponents. Despite this, Bows on their own are quite mediocre and need something behind them to really shine. ► Best Archetype: Precision (Slower Draw Time) - Example: Strident Whistle | PVP Primaries |
 Scout Rifles | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C |  | ► Scout Rifles are struggling right now. In most situations, the maps are too small to benefit the long range of a Scout rifle. An Aggressive or High-Impact Pulse Rifle will better serve your needs. Plus, Scout Rifles are abysmal up close. There are one or two outliers that shine but, on the whole, Scout Rifles are in a weak spot. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (260 RPM) - Example: Fang of Ir Yût | PVP Primaries |
Remember that when it comes to PvP, TTK is perhaps the most important factor. As you know, the lower the TTK, the faster you can kill your opponent. This TTK guide includes the TTK figures for every weapon in Destiny 2.
When it comes to PvP, top Sidearms can excel in the Crucible:
| - | Weapon Type | Archetype | Optimal TTK | Optimal Kill | Body Shot TTK | Specs | --- | Best in Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidearm | Lightweight 360 RPM | 0.67 | 3 crit 2 body | 1.00 | High handling, very low range | | Redback-5si |
| Sidearm | Adaptive 300 RPM | 0.60 | 4 crit | 1.00 | High aim assist, decent elsewhere | | Drang (Baroque) |
| Sidearm | Aggressive Burst 325 RPM | 0.73 | 3 crit 2 body | 1.10 | High aim assist, low stability & handling | | Forgiveness |
| Sidearm | SUROS Rapid-Fire 450 RPM | 0.67 | 5 crit 1 body | 0.93 | Good recoil, very low range & aim assist | | The Fool's Remedy |
| Sidearm | Precision 260 RPM | 0.70 | 2 crit 2 body | 0.93 | Excellent aim assist, low stability & handling | | A Swift Verdict |
| Sidearm | Omolon Adaptive 491 RPM | 0.73 | 5 crit 2 body | 1.10 | High stability, decent elsewhere | | The Vision |
| Sidearm | Exotic | 0.50 | 6 crit | 1.10 | - | | Trespasser |
| Sidearm | Exotic | 0.60 | 4 crit | 1.00 | - | | Devil's Ruin |
| Sidearm | Exotic | 0.60 | 3 crit | 1.50 | - | | Forerunner |
That said, TTK is only half of the picture. With limited range as a downside but extremely high burst damage as an upside, Sidearms can wreak havoc in PvP, provided you are willing to get close and personal. That said, getting too close to your enemies will end badly as shotguns remain a menace in close quarters.
Sidearms and the PvE Meta: DPS
How do Sidearms compare to other primary weapons in PvE?
| Weapon Type | Rank | Tier | Trend | Role ❘ Current State | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Submachine Guns | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► SMGs are doing very well right now. They have good DPS to tear through ads and beefier orange bar enemies, but also come with excellent perks. There are a plethora of good SMGs you can go for right now, like Funnelweb, Unforgiven, Every Waking Moment, or Extraordinary Rendition, the choice is completely yours. They may struggle slightly in super high-end content, but they are still definitely usable. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (750 RPM) - Example: Unforgiven | PVE Primaries |
Pulse Rifles | S › Best | Best ❘ S | - | ► Pulse Rifles are in a great place right now. They offer good range and pretty decent damage, allowing you to take down some beefier targets nicely. There are also some excellent pulses in the game right now, like Insidious, Sacred Provenance, or New Purpose. Unfortunately, High-Impact and Aggressive frames are the only archetypes worth your time, as the others rely on Exotic Perks or god rolls to compete. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (450 RPM) - Example: Insidious | PVE Primaries |
Hand Cannons | S › Best | Best ❘ S | | ► Hand Cannons have shot up the rankings thanks to the changes introduced this Season, all the way up to the S tier. They have solid range and can dispatch enemies with complete ease in almost all difficulties. Hand Cannons have truly taken over the spotlight with their most recent buffs, and they shouldn't be leaving it any time soon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (140 RPM) - Example: Fatebringer | PVE Primaries |
Combat Bows | A › Strong | Strong ❘ A | - | ► Bows are a high-damage, high-range option for players who prefer to keep their distance. The main issue with bows is that they are slow at clearing ads (outside of Trinity Ghoul). and when you have to deal with ads up close, bows can massively struggle. However, their solid range and excellent damage make them a strong option. ► Best Archetype: Precision - Example: Under Your Skin | PVE Primaries |
Auto Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | - | ► Auto Rifles currently feel like a worse version of SMGs. They have a bit more range, but outside of the absolute top-shelf content such as Grandmaster Nightfalls, range isn't too much of a factor. And if you are actively tackling difficult content, Auto Rifles aren't exactly the best pick either, making Autos a decent, but outclassed option right now. ► Best Archetype: Rapid-Fire (720 RPM)- Example: Quicksilver Storm | PVE Primaries |
Scout Rifles | B › Average | Average ❘ B | | ► Scout Rifles are the definition of average right now. They can do the job just fine, you can plink away at enemies from a safe distance in high-level content; however, when it comes down to it, most players will prefer to use a Hand Cannon or SMG as they simply do the same job better and faster. Scouts aren't bad at all, but they certainly aren't a go-to ► Best Archetype: Lightweight (200 RPM) - Example: Tarnished Mettle | PVE Primaries |
Sidearms | C › Weak | Weak ❘ C | | ► Aside from a few select sidearms with certain perks, there really isn't much of a reason to use Sidearms. They have slightly higher damage numbers than SMGs, but typically come with significantly less range. Outside of top-tier weapons like a god-roll Brigand's Law or High Albedo, there is no real reason to run a sidearm. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (491 RPM) - Example: High Albedo | PVE Primaries |
Keep in mind that when it comes to PvE, DPS is one of the most important factors. As you know, the higher the DPS, the more damage you can deal to a Boss or Major. This DPS chart includes the DPS numbers for every weapon in Destiny 2.
When it comes to actual DPS, Sidearms are at the top of the meta:
| - | Weapon Type | Archetype | Sustained DPS | Mag DPS | Total Damage | Specs | --- | Best in Class | Change? | Ammo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidearm | Exotic | 19321 | 25653 | 669552 | - | | Forerunner | Same | Special |
| Sidearm | Exotic | 14607 | 18390 | Laser mix | | Final Warning | Primary | ||
| Sidearm | Rocket-Assisted | 14188 | 14595 | 595476 | - | | Indebted Kindness | Special | |
| Sidearm | Exotic | 13024 | 14760 | 761616 | - | | Buried Bloodline | Special | |
| Sidearm | Exotic | 9749 | 11841 | - | | Devil's Ruin | Same | Primary | |
| Sidearm | Exotic | 8560 | 11022 | With "Rat Pack x2" | | Rat King | Same | Primary | |
| Sidearm | Exotic | 7748 | 9640 | /w Catalyst | | Traveler's Chosen | Primary | ||
| Sidearm | Omolon Adaptive | 7718 | 9084 | High stability, decent elsewhere | | The Vision | Same | Primary | |
| Sidearm | Adaptive (3-burst) | 7718 | 9084 | High aim assist, decent elsewhere | | Drang | Same | Primary | |
| Sidearm | SUROS Rapid-Fire | 7250 | 9128 | Good recoil, very low range & aim assist | | Punching Out | Same | Primary | |
| Sidearm | Precision | 7079 | 8441 | Excellent aim assist, low stability & handling | | A Swift Verdict | Same | Primary | |
| Sidearm | Lightweight | 7031 | 9054 | High handling, very low range | | Redback-5si | Same | Primary | |
| Sidearm | Aggressive Burst | 6973 | 7860 | High aim assist, low stability & handling | | Brass Attacks | Same | Primary | |
| Sidearm | Exotic | 6551 | 8441 | - | | Cryosthesia 77K | Primary | ||
| Sidearm | Exotic | 6075 | 9084 | - | | Trespasser | Primary |
Endgame content
In end-game content, staying far away from enemies is the wiser strategy. The low range of sidearms becomes an issue, as they require you to get up close and personal in order to deal decent damage. Sidearms are great for casual content. They can even get the job done in dungeons and raids, but if you’re interested in tackling Master and Grandmaster content, you’ll be better off with a a weapon that deals less damage but offer better range.
Before you go…
Are you looking for a top-tier Special and Heavy weapon to round out your loadout? We cover the Best Destiny 2 Glaivesand Best Destiny 2 Rocket launchers, too.
You now know everything there is to know about sidearms in Destiny 2, whether that is for PvP or PvE content.
See latest Updates
We keep our content up to date! These are the latest changes made to this guide:
- February 29, 2024: General updates and the inclusion of Sidearms from Seasons 22 and 23.
- July 17, 2023: General updates (based on the current sandbox) and the inclusion of Season 18 to 21 sidearms.
- Oct 14, 2022: The guide is published for the first time.
Stay tuned, and don’t forget to bookmark this page for next season!
