Hand cannons have long remained the definitive primary weapons of Destiny 2, offering a satisfying blend of precision, high impact, and iconic space-fantasy aesthetic. Depending on whether you are diving into difficult PvE raids or competing against top players in the Crucible, your weapon choice needs to reflect your active combat goals. Finding the right piece of gear can completely transform your build efficiency and enhance your overall gameplay experience.
Top Choices for Elite PvE Activities
When clearing groups of combatants in high-level strikes and seasonal content, legendary options like Zaouli's Bane dominate the current sandbox. This adaptable weapon excels due to its incredible ability to trigger explosive solar explosions that clear out weak minor enemies simultaneously. Pairing it with the right subclass fragments can maximize your ability uptime and keep your team alive during intense encounters.
Another exceptional choice for clearing minor targets is the classic Fatebringer, which can be acquired through the Vault of Glass raid. It offers highly reliable reload speeds and area damage combos that have kept it popular for several seasons. Players who prefer kinetic energy slots will find this option incredibly reliable for standard loadouts.
The Best Exotic Hand Cannons for Maximum Impact
Exotic options provide unique traits that completely alter combat scenarios, with Sunshot leading the pack for devastating solar element builds. Every single final blow triggers a chain reaction of explosions that can clear an entire room of combatants in seconds. It remains one of the most efficient tools for managing enemy waves in the entire game.
For dealing with major bosses or elite targets, Malfeasance offers unmatched utility due to its unique slug detonation mechanics. Stacking multiple hits on a single target triggers bonus kinetic explosions that bypass traditional combatant defenses easily. It is also highly effective against Taken enemies and invaders in hybrid game modes.
Dominating the Crucible in Competitive PvP
Player versus player combat requires maximum range, fast handling stats, and highly stable firing patterns to win individual duels. Weapons like Rose and Igneous Hammer are highly favored by competitive players due to their clean sightlines and forgiving recoil animations. Securing a strong stat roll on these options will give you a noticeable advantage during close-quarters engagements.
For an aggressive approach, the Eyasluna from the Grasp of Avarice dungeon provides top-tier base statistics that make individual duels much easier to manage. Its strong target acquisition values help players land critical headshots even while under heavy enemy flak. It serves as a gold standard for reliable kinetic performance in the Crucible.
