Best Sidearms in Destiny 2: Tier List (Edge of Fate)

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 all Sidearms in Destiny 2 and their best rolls for PvE and PvP.

Updated as of The Edge of Fate. See Updates.

Top Tier Sidearms

These are the best Exotic and Legendary sidearms right now (those we consider A-Tier or better):

Item	Weapon	Type	Archetype	Ammo?	Element?	Requirements	Rank	Source	Tier Rank	Source ❘ DLC	Verdict	Released	Perks	Best of?
Drang (Baroque)	Drang (Baroque) Sidearm	Sidearm	Together Forever	Primary	Solar	Beyond Light Pack	S › Best	Presage	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Presage Beyond Light Pack	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Together Forever 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: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Together Forever PvE God Roll: Wellspring + Incandescent PvP God Roll: Moving Target (also good: Swashbuckler) + Rampage	Top-tier
Heliocentric QSc	Heliocentric QSc Sidearm	Sidearm	Lightweight	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	S › Best	Lost Sector	❘ S Excels in: PvE + PvP	Lost Sector Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Heal Clip + Incandescent (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: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll: Heal Clip + Incandescent (also good: Surrounded) PvP God Roll: Moving Target + Kill Clip (also good: Precision Instrument)	Top-tier
Tinasha's Mastery	Tinasha's Mastery Sidearm	Sidearm	Rocket-Assisted	Special	Stasis	Free-to-Play	S › Best	Iron Banner	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Iron Banner Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-Assisted PvE God Roll: Air Trigger (also good: Loose Change) + Chill Clip ► Like all Rocket Sidearm, this weapon performs extremely well in PvE. On top of that, as a Stasis weapon, it features the coveted Chill Clip perk. Also, it is the only Rocket Sidearm with the Air Trigger perk, which grants a Reload Speed buff while airborne and a free Reserve mod. Overall, it is best to ignore this weapon for PvP.	Episode 2	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-Assisted PvE God Roll: Air Trigger (also good: Loose Change) + Chill Clip	Top-tier
Lotus-Eater	Lotus-Eater Sidearm	Sidearm	Rocket-Assisted	Special	Void	Free-to-Play	S › Best	Nightfall: The Ordeals	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Nightfall: The Ordeals Free-to-Play	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-Assisted PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace (also good: Feeding Frenzy or Reconstruction) + Destabilizing Rounds ► Overall, Lotus-Eater is a monster inside of PvE thanks to the current state of Rocket Sidearms, as well as the buffs to Destabilizing Rounds. In PvP, it won’t make many waves due to Rocket Sidearms not being as strong there.	Episode 3	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-Assisted PvE God Roll: Repulsor Brace (also good: Feeding Frenzy or Reconstruction) + Destabilizing Rounds	Top-tier
Returned Memory	Returned Memory Sidearm	Sidearm	Rocket-Assisted	Special	Solar	Free-to-Play	S › Best	Crucible Ops	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Crucible Ops Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-Assisted PvE God Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Lead from Gold) + Incandescent ► Returned Memory functions almost identically to the fan-favorite Aberrant Action, making it a great pick for new and returning players. While it won’t get you far in The Crucible, this gun is a great choice for PvE players of all skill levels!	The Edge of Fate	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-Assisted PvE God Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Lead from Gold) + Incandescent	Top-tier
Compact Defender	Compact Defender Sidearm	Sidearm	Dynamic Heat Weapon	Primary	Void	Renegades	S › Best	Renegades Destination	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Renegades Destination Renegades	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Dynamic Heat Weapon PvE God Roll: Destabilizing Rounds (also good: Cooling Baubles) + Thermal Atomization or Desperate Measures (also good: Repulsor Brace) ► Held back only by the rather high heat per shot, the Compact Defender is a devastatingly effective weapon in such a small package. Sporting Destabilizing Rounds in Column 3, this is a Void and/or sidearm user's dream come true.	Renegades	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Dynamic Heat Weapon PvE God Roll: Destabilizing Rounds (also good: Cooling Baubles) + Thermal Atomization or Desperate Measures (also good: Repulsor Brace)	Top-tier
Evening SI4	Evening SI4 Sidearm	Sidearm	Adaptive	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	S › Best	Portal Activities	❘ S Excels in: PvE	Portal Activities Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Subsistence or Heal Clip + Incandescent or Desperate Measures (also good: Burning Ambition) ► Evening SI4 is a sidearm you don't want to miss. The 3-round burst frame makes it tear through foes with ease, and a special interaction with Incandescent and the Accelerated Assault origin trait means you can have both an AoE perk and damage perk at the same time!	Renegades	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Subsistence or Heal Clip + Incandescent or Desperate Measures (also good: Burning Ambition)	Top-tier
Forgiveness	Forgiveness Sidearm	Sidearm	Aggressive Burst	Primary	Arc	The Edge of Fate	S › Best	Trials of Osiris	❘ S Excels in: PvP	Trials of Osiris The Edge of Fate	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive Burst PvE God Roll: Voltshot (also good: Demolitionist) + Surrounded (also good: Desperate Measures) PvP God Roll: Zen Moment (also good: Lone Wolf, Tap the Trigger) Headseeker (also good: Kill clip) ► A standout in PvP, Forgiveness is a must-have for anyone looking to up their game in The Crucible. This sidearm is no slouch in PvE either, with its range of damage-boosting perks. Forgiveness is easily one of the best Sidearms in Destiny 2 right now.	The Edge of Fate	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Aggressive Burst PvE God Roll: Voltshot (also good: Demolitionist) + Surrounded (also good: Desperate Measures) PvP God Roll: Zen Moment (also good: Lone Wolf, Tap the Trigger) Headseeker (also good: Kill clip)	Top-tier
Forerunner	Forerunner Sidearm	Sidearm	Exotic	Special	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Exotic Quest	❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Exotic Quest Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic 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 is incredibly powerful in both PvE and PvP. Based on usage, Forerunner doesn't seem that good, but in PvP, it is incredibly frustrating to play against. In PvE, it can easily take care of high-priority enemies like Tormentors, making it an outstanding option all-around.	30th Anniversary event	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic 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
Boudica-C	Boudica-C Sidearm	Sidearm	Precision	Primary	Kinetic	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Gunsmith	❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Gunsmith Free-to-Play	Slot: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision 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: Kinetic | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Pugilist (also good: Threat Detector) + Swashbuckler PvP God Roll: Threat Detector + Swashbuckler (also good: Multikill Clip)	Top-tier
Insurmountable	Insurmountable Sidearm	Sidearm	Precision	Primary	Void	Episode 2: Revenant	A › Strong	Revenant Activities	❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Revenant Activities Episode 2: Revenant	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Demolitionist (also good: Repulsor Brace) + Desperate Measures (also good: One for All or Destabilizing Rounds PvP God Roll: To the Pain (also good: Lone Wolf) + Closing Time ► While it might not be as strong as other sidearms, Insurmountable is still powerful in its own right. Not only does it have a solid grenade build combo, but with Destabilizing Rounds being buffed, you also have a solid Void synergy combo too!	Episode 2	Slot: Void | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Demolitionist (also good: Repulsor Brace) + Desperate Measures (also good: One for All or Destabilizing Rounds PvP God Roll: To the Pain (also good: Lone Wolf) + Closing Time	Top-tier
Anonymous Autum	Anonymous Autum Sidearm	Sidearm	Lightweight	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Playlist: Crucible	❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Playlist: Crucible Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvP God Roll: Eddy Current + Voltshot or Frenzy PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf + Precision Instrument or Kill Clip ► Reprised with an extremely powerful perk pool, Anonymous Autmn is worth the Crucible grind. Rolling with both Arc and general perks, this sidearm has a bit of everything for everyone.	Episode 2	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvP God Roll: Eddy Current + Voltshot or Frenzy PvP God Roll: Lone Wolf + Precision Instrument or Kill Clip	Top-tier
Division	Division Sidearm	Sidearm	Heavy Burst	Primary	Arc	Episode 3: Heresy	A › Strong	Heresy Activities	❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Heresy Activities Episode 3: Heresy	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Heavy Burst PvE God Roll: Eddy Current + Voltshot PvP God Roll: To the Pain + Sword Logic ► While non-rocket sidearms have been overshadowed as of recent, Division tries its best to stand out among other new primary weapons. To this end, Divison does excel in casual activities, but quickly falls flat when entering more competitive environments.	Episode 3	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Heavy Burst PvE God Roll: Eddy Current + Voltshot PvP God Roll: To the Pain + Sword Logic	Top-tier
Faustus Decline	Faustus Decline Sidearm	Sidearm	Lightweight	Primary	Stasis	The Edge of Fate	A › Strong	Edge of Fate Campaign	❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Edge of Fate Campaign The Edge of Fate	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll:Demolitonist or Rimestealer + Headstone PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Kill Clip ► A perfect sidearm for the Stasis users out there, or anyone rocking a grenade build. The coveted Demo + Headstone combo rolls here, as well as a solid PvP roll to boot!	The Edge of Fate	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Lightweight PvE God Roll:Demolitonist or Rimestealer + Headstone PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Kill Clip	Top-tier
Drang	Drang Sidearm	Sidearm	Together Forever	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Crucible Ops	❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Crucible Ops Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Together Forever PvE Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Envious Assassin) + Incandescent (also good: Aggregate Charge, Frenzy) PvP Roll: Moving Target + Eye of the Storm (also good: Master of Arms) ► Drang is strong in both PvE and PvP with a new perk set and some interesting new combinations. A welcome return and one for Sidearm fans to really chase after during Ash & Iron. Feeds well into Solar builds and will do a solid job across any PvP game mode.	Ash & Iron	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Together Forever PvE Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Envious Assassin) + Incandescent (also good: Aggregate Charge, Frenzy) PvP Roll: Moving Target + Eye of the Storm (also good: Master of Arms)	Top-tier
Fimbulwinter Stitch	Fimbulwinter Stitch Sidearm	Sidearm	Precision	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Event: Dawning	❘ A Excels in: PvE + PvP	Event: Dawning Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Supercharged Magazine (also good: Trickle Charge) + Jolting Feedback (also good: Rolling Storm, Voltshot) PvP God Roll: Rangefinder OR Lone Wolf + Precision Instrument (also good: Kill Clip) ► Bringing a deadly edge to the festivities, Fimbulwinter Stitch is a solid Arc weapon with perk combinations certain to spread festive cheer to all those who grab its PvE and PvP god rolls.	Renegades	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Precision PvE God Roll: Supercharged Magazine (also good: Trickle Charge) + Jolting Feedback (also good: Rolling Storm, Voltshot) PvP God Roll: Rangefinder OR Lone Wolf + Precision Instrument (also good: Kill Clip)	Top-tier
Peacebond	Peacebond Sidearm	Sidearm	Adaptive	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Iron Banner	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Iron Banner Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Headstone (also good: Subsistence) + Rimestealer or Frenzy (also good: Desperate Measures) ► Returning with a refreshed perk pool, Peacebond aims to deliver on the hype it once had. Putting Headstone in column 3 makes this a cut above the rest and opens column 4 for damage perks that let this sidearm shine.	Season 15	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Adaptive PvE God Roll: Headstone (also good: Subsistence) + Rimestealer or Frenzy (also good: Desperate Measures)	Top-tier
Punching Out	Punching Out Sidearm	Sidearm	SUROS Rapid-Fire	Primary	Solar	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Vanguard Focusing	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Vanguard Focusing Free-to-Play	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: SUROS Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Overflow + Kill Clip ► Punching Out is a strong sidearm that can truly excel with the right roll. For instance, Overflow + Kill Clip on this full Auto Suros Sidearm can make it a beast in PvE (and PvP to some extent).	Season 15	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: SUROS Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Overflow + Kill Clip	Top-tier
Brigand's Law	Brigand's Law Sidearm	Sidearm	Rapid-Fire	Primary	Arc	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Xûr	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Xûr Free-to-Play	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire 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: Arc | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Rapid-Fire PvE God Roll: Threat Detector + Voltshot (also good: Surrounded)	Top-tier
Indebted Kindness	Indebted Kindness Sidearm	Sidearm	Rocket-Assisted	Special	Arc	Lightfall Dungeon Key	A › Strong	Warlord's Ruin Dungeon	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Warlord's Ruin Dungeon Lightfall Dungeon Key	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-Assisted 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: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-Assisted PvE God Roll: Beacon Rounds (also good: Impulse Amplifier) + Voltshot (also good: Adagio)	Top-tier
Buried Bloodline	Buried Bloodline Sidearm	Sidearm	Exotic	Special	Void	Lightfall Dungeon Key	A › Strong	Warlord's Ruin Dungeon	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Warlord's Ruin Dungeon Lightfall Dungeon Key	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic 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 one of the best Exotics in the game right now. Having access to Devour on all subclasses is nothing short of overpowered. While it isn't meta defining enough to break into the S+ tier, it definitely gets close.	Season 23	Slot: Void | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Exotic 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
The Call	The Call Sidearm	Sidearm	Rocket-Assisted	Special	Strand	The Final Shape	A › Strong	The Pale Heart	❘ A Excels in: PvE	The Pale Heart The Final Shape	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-Assisted PvE God Roll: Lead from Gold (also good: Demolitionist) + One for All (also good: Desperate Measures) ► In PvE, The Call is outstanding. While its offerings mostly coincide with Indebted Kindness, its unique Strand element allows it to roll with more unique options as well. Regardless, The Call’s outstanding archetype and well-rounded perk pool are sure to make the weapon a PvE staple.	The Final Shape	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-Assisted PvE God Roll: Lead from Gold (also good: Demolitionist) + One for All (also good: Desperate Measures)	Top-tier
Aberrant Action	Aberrant Action Sidearm	Sidearm	Rocket-Assisted	Special	Solar	Episode 1: Echoes	A › Strong	Echoes Activities	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Echoes Activities Episode 1: Echoes	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-Assisted PvE God Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Beacon Rounds) + Incandescent (also good: Demolitionist) ► Without Lead from Gold, many high-end PvE players will naturally opt for Aberrant Action’s predecessors. However, its ability to roll with Solar-related perks can’t be understated, and this is the primary draw to the weapon.	The Final Shape	Slot: Solar | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Rocket-Assisted PvE God Roll: Heal Clip (also good: Beacon Rounds) + Incandescent (also good: Demolitionist)	Top-tier
Unfall	Unfall Sidearm	Sidearm	Together Forever	Special	Arc	The Edge of Fate	A › Strong	Portal Activities	❘ A Excels in: PvE	Portal Activities The Edge of Fate	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Together Forever PvE God Roll: Impulse Amplifier or Beacon Rounds + One for All or Jolting Feedback ► A perfect replacement for Indebted Kindness, and one you can pair with Sturm. While it lacks Voltshot, Jolting Feedback is a good stand-in, especially if underleveled.	Ash & Iron	Slot: Arc | Ammo: Special | Archetype: Together Forever PvE God Roll: Impulse Amplifier or Beacon Rounds + One for All or Jolting Feedback	Top-tier
Liminal Vigil	Liminal Vigil Sidearm	Sidearm	Heavy Burst	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Spire of the Watcher Dungeon	❘ A Excels in: PvP	Spire of the Watcher Dungeon Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Heavy Burst PvP God Rolls: Lone Wolf or Tap the Trigger + Desperado or Desperate Measures ► While it lost some of the harder hitting damage perks like Surrounded, what’s replaced it makes this a solid sidearm for the Stasis enjoyers out there.	Season 19	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Heavy Burst PvP God Rolls: Lone Wolf or Tap the Trigger + Desperado or Desperate Measures	Top-tier
Senuna SI6	Senuna SI6 Sidearm	Sidearm	Omolon Adaptive	Primary	Stasis	Free-to-Play	A › Strong	Lost Sector	❘ A Excels in: PvP	Lost Sector Free-to-Play	Slot: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Omolon Adaptive PvP God Rolls: Under Pressure + Headseeker ► 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: Stasis | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Omolon Adaptive PvP God Rolls: Under Pressure + Headseeker	Top-tier
Breachlight	Breachlight Sidearm	Sidearm	Heavy Burst	Primary	Strand	Episode 1: Echoes	A › Strong	Dawn Engrams	❘ A	Dawn Engrams Episode 1: Echoes	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Heavy Burst PvE God Roll: Demolitionist + Desperate Measures (also good: Adrenaline Junkie) ► While sidearms have typically been off-meta picks at best, Breachlight’s rare two-burst frame allows it to excel past some of the competition. That said, in PvE, it likely won’t attract anyone who’s not already a sidearm fan.	The Final Shape	Slot: Strand | Ammo: Primary | Archetype: Heavy Burst PvE God Roll: Demolitionist + Desperate Measures (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)	Top-tier

Destiny 2 Sidearms: Complete List

Art	Name	Type	Archetype	Rarity	Requirements	Ammo	Element	Tier	Excels	Source	Craftable?	Requires	Released	Slot	Ammo?	Element?	Can be Crafted?	Best of?	Rank
	Buried Bloodline	Sidearm	Exotic	Exotic	Lightfall Dungeon Key	Special	Void	A › Strong	PvE	Warlord's Ruin Dungeon	No	Lightfall Dungeon Key	S29 - Updated	Energy	Special	Void	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Cryosthesia 77K	Sidearm	Exotic	Exotic	Beyond Light Pack	Primary	Stasis	B › Average	PvE	Exotic Kiosk	No	Beyond Light Pack	Season 14	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	No		B › Average
	Devil's Ruin	Sidearm	Exotic	Exotic	Shadowkeep Pack	Primary	Solar	C › Weak	-	Exotic Kiosk	No	Shadowkeep Pack	Season 9	Energy	Primary	Solar	No		C › Weak
	Final Warning	Sidearm	Exotic	Exotic	Lightfall	Primary	Strand	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Exotic Quest	No	Lightfall	Season 20	Kinetic	Primary	Strand	No		B › Average
	Forerunner	Sidearm	Exotic	Exotic	Free-to-Play	Special	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Exotic Quest	No	Free-to-Play	30th Anniversary event	Kinetic	Special	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Rat King	Sidearm	Exotic	Exotic	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvP	Exotic Kiosk	No	Free-to-Play	Season 1	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		B › Average
	Traveler's Chosen	Sidearm	Exotic	Exotic	Shadowkeep Pack	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Exotic Kiosk	No	Shadowkeep Pack	Season 11	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		C › Weak
	Trespasser	Sidearm	Exotic	Exotic	The Witch Queen	Primary	Arc	C › Weak	-	Exotic Kiosk	No	Witch Queen	Season 17	Energy	Primary	Arc	No		C › Weak
	A Swift Verdict	Sidearm	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void	B › Average	PvP	Xûr	No	Free-to-Play	Season 15	Energy	Primary	Void	No		B › Average
	Aberrant Action	Sidearm	Rocket-Assisted	Legendary	Episode 1: Echoes	Special	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Echoes Activities	Yes	Episode 1: Echoes	The Final Shape	Energy	Special	Solar	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Allied Demand	Sidearm	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvP	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		B › Average
	Anonymous Autum	Sidearm	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Playlist: Crucible	No	Free-to-Play	Episode 2	Energy	Primary	Arc	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Boudica-C	Sidearm	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Gunsmith	No	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Brass Attacks	Sidearm	Aggressive Burst	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void	C › Weak	-	World Drops	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Primary	Void	No		C › Weak
	Breachlight	Sidearm	Heavy Burst	Legendary	Episode 1: Echoes	Primary	Strand	A › Strong	-	Dawn Engrams	No	Episode 1: Echoes	The Final Shape	Kinetic	Primary	Strand	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Brigand's Law	Sidearm	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Xûr	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 18	Energy	Primary	Arc	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Buzzard	Sidearm	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	Nightfall: The Ordeals	No	Free-to-Play	Season 20	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		C › Weak
	Compact Defender	Sidearm	Dynamic Heat Weapon	Legendary	Renegades	Primary	Void	S › Best	PvE	Renegades Destination	No	Renegades	Renegades	Energy	Primary	Void	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Controlling Vision	Sidearm	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	The Final Shape	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		C › Weak
	Division	Sidearm	Heavy Burst	Legendary	Episode 3: Heresy	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Heresy Activities	No	Episode 3: Heresy	Episode 3	Energy	Primary	Arc	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Drang	Sidearm	Together Forever	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	A › Strong	PvE + PvP		No	Free-to-Play	Ash & Iron	Energy	Primary	Solar	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Drang (Baroque)	Sidearm	Together Forever	Legendary	Beyond Light Pack	Primary	Solar	S › Best	PvE + PvP	Presage	Yes	Beyond Light Pack	Season 17	Energy	Primary	Solar	Craftable	Top-tier	S › Best
	Empirical Evidence	Sidearm	Aggressive Burst	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	B › Average	PvE	Throne World	Yes	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	Craftable		B › Average
	Enigma's Draw	Sidearm	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	D › Worst	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 10	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		D › Worst
	Evening SI4	Sidearm	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	S › Best	PvE	Portal Activities	No	Free-to-Play	Renegades	Energy	Primary	Solar	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Farewell	Sidearm	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		C › Weak
	Faustus Decline	Sidearm	Lightweight	Legendary	The Edge of Fate	Primary	Stasis	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Edge of Fate Campaign	No	The Edge of Fate	The Edge of Fate	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Fimbulwinter Stitch	Sidearm	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Event: Dawning	No	Free-to-Play	Renegades	Energy	Primary	Arc	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Fioritura-59	Sidearm	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void	B › Average	PvE + PvP	Gunsmith	No	Free-to-Play	Season 19	Energy	Primary	Void	No		B › Average
	Forgiveness	Sidearm	Aggressive Burst	Legendary	The Edge of Fate	Primary	Arc	S › Best	PvP	Trials of Osiris	No	The Edge of Fate	The Edge of Fate	Energy	Primary	Arc	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Heliocentric QSc	Sidearm	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	S › Best	PvE + PvP	World Drops	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Primary	Solar	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	High Albedo	Sidearm	Micro-Missile	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic			Europa	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No
	Indebted Kindness	Sidearm	Rocket-Assisted	Legendary	Lightfall Dungeon Key	Special	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Warlord's Ruin Dungeon	No	Lightfall Dungeon Key	S29 - Updated	Energy	Special	Arc	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Insurmountable	Sidearm	Precision	Legendary	Episode 2: Revenant	Primary	Void	A › Strong	PvE + PvP	Revenant Activities	No	Episode 2: Revenant	Episode 2	Energy	Primary	Void	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Last Dance	Sidearm	Omolon Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	C › Weak	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	Primary	Arc	No		C › Weak
	Liminal Vigil	Sidearm	Heavy Burst	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Stasis	A › Strong	PvP	Spire of the Watcher Dungeon	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Lonesome	Sidearm	Precision	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		C › Weak
	Lotus-Eater	Sidearm	Rocket-Assisted	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Void	S › Best	PvE	Pinnacle Ops	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Special	Void	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Mykel's Reverence	Sidearm	Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Lightfall	Primary	Strand	B › Average	PvE	Root of Nightmares Raid	Yes	Lightfall	S29 - Updated	Kinetic	Primary	Strand	Craftable		B › Average
	Peacebond	Sidearm	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Stasis	A › Strong	PvE	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 15	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Punching Out	Sidearm	SUROS Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	A › Strong	PvE	Fireteam Ops	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Primary	Solar	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Redback-5si	Sidearm	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	C › Weak	-	Gunsmith	No	Free-to-Play	Season 16	Energy	Primary	Solar	No		C › Weak
	Returned Memory	Sidearm	Rocket-Assisted	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Solar	S › Best	PvE		No	Free-to-Play	The Edge of Fate	Energy	Special	Solar	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Senuna SI6	Sidearm	Omolon Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Stasis	A › Strong	PvP	Lost Sector	No	Free-to-Play	Season 20	Kinetic	Primary	Stasis	No	Top-tier	A › Strong
	Seventh Seraph SI-2	Sidearm	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Void	B › Average	-	Xûr	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Primary	Void	No		B › Average
	Spoiler Alert	Sidearm	Lightweight	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Kinetic	C › Weak	-	World loot pool	No	Free-to-Play	Season 15	Kinetic	Primary	Kinetic	No		C › Weak
	The Call	Sidearm	Rocket-Assisted	Legendary	The Final Shape	Special	Strand	A › Strong	PvE	The Pale Heart	Yes	The Final Shape	The Final Shape	Kinetic	Special	Strand	Craftable	Top-tier	A › Strong
	The Fool's Remedy	Sidearm	SUROS Rapid-Fire	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Solar	B › Average	-	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Season 11	Energy	Primary	Solar	No		B › Average
	The Keening	Sidearm	Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	B › Average	PvE	Crucible Ops	No	Free-to-Play	S29 - Updated	Energy	Primary	Arc	No		B › Average
	The Vision	Sidearm	Omolon Adaptive	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Primary	Arc	C › Weak	-	Xûr	No	Free-to-Play	Season 14	Energy	Primary	Arc	No		C › Weak
	Tinasha's Mastery	Sidearm	Rocket-Assisted	Legendary	Free-to-Play	Special	Stasis	S › Best	PvE	Iron Banner	No	Free-to-Play	Episode 2	Kinetic	Special	Stasis	No	Top-tier	S › Best
	Unfall	Sidearm	Together Forever	Legendary	The Edge of Fate	Special	Arc	A › Strong	PvE	Portal Activities	No	The Edge of Fate	Ash & Iron	Energy	Special	Arc	No	Top-tier	A › Strong

Tier Ranks used for our list:

• S+ Tier – Meta: Weapons so good they singlehandedly shifted the current meta
• S Tier – Best: Highest ranking weapons.
• A Tier – Strong: Very strong weapons, but not on the same level as S Tier Choices.
• B Tier – Average: Either decent weapons or weapons that fit a very specific niche/use case.
• C Tier – Weak: Mediocre weapons that are easily outclassed by the competition.
• D Tier – Worst: Weapons that don’t have much to offer and don’t deserve your attention.

Top 5 Sidearms: Deep Dive

5. Lotus-Eater

Excels in PvE

Lotus-Eater excels in PvE thanks to the brilliant perk pool available on the weapon. Repulsor Brace is always a hit for Void-lovers, and the newly buffed Destabilizing Rounds perk immediately turned some heads to this weapon. Lotus-Eater is also the very first Void Rocket Sidearm, finally allowing Void build-crafters to fully take advantage of this powerful archetype.

However, despite its projected strength in PvE, Lotus-Eater won’t be making any waves in PvP. Its poor perk pool, combined with the fact that Rocket Sidearms simply aren’t too strong in the Crucible, means that Lotus-Eater is one to miss for PvP players. These are the top Lotus-Eater God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Repulsor Brace (also good: Feeding Frenzy or Reconstruction) + Destabilizing Rounds

Name: Lotus-Eater

Type: Sidearm Archetype: Rocket-Assisted

Ammo: Special Element: Void

Craftable: No Released: Episode 3

Source: Nightfall: The Ordeals Requires: Free-to-Play

4. Heliocentric QSc

Excels in PvE and PvP

While not potent enough to be even close to considered a part of the meta, Heliocentric QSc has enough going for it that it may be worth farming for. In PvE, this weapon has more good perks than bad. From buildcrafting options like Demolitionist and Incandescent to generically potent ones such as Frenzy and Heal Clip, there’s no end to the opportunities Heliocentric provides. While it likely won’t replace your go-to hand cannon or submachine gun, the weapon provides enough utility to at least be considered as a backup Champion weapon.

In The Crucible, Heliocentric falls into the same category. While it can outclass similar options at optimal range, the weapon is unlikely to win over players who aren’t traditionally sidearm fans. These are the top Heliocentric QSc God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Heal Clip + Incandescent (also good: Surrounded)
• PvP God roll: Moving Target + Kill Clip (also good: Precision Instrument)

Name: Heliocentric QSc

Type: Sidearm Archetype: Lightweight

Ammo: Primary Element: Solar

Craftable: No Released: Season 22

Source: Lost Sector Requires: Free-to-Play

3. Tinasha’s Mastery

Excels in PvE

Like all Rocket Sidearm, this weapon performs extremely well in PvE. On top of that, as a Stasis weapon, it features one of the most highly coveted Stasis perks, Chill Clip. But it’s also the only Rocket Sidearm to roll with Air Trigger. While at first glance it might seem like a PvP perk, it’s far more than that thanks to a buff. Not only does it grant a Reload Speed buff while airborne, but it also grants a free Reserve mod, which is vital as all Rocket Sidearms had their reserves cut back a bit. 

In PvP, it’s probably going to follow other Rocket Sidearms, too. By which I mean that they’re probably worse than Glaives. They have an extremely low TTK and really only function as a swap weapon, though not a very good one as each shot only does 50 total damage within optimal range. Safe to say, ignore this for PvP. These are the top Tinasha’s Mastery God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Air Trigger (also good: Loose Change) + Chill Clip (also good: Desperate Measures)

Name: Tinasha's Mastery

Type: Sidearm Archetype: Rocket-Assisted

Ammo: Special Element: Stasis

Craftable: No Released: Episode 2

Source: Iron Banner Requires: Free-to-Play

2. Forgiveness

Excels in PvP

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. These are the top Forgiveness God Rolls:

• PvP God roll: Moving Target + Rampage

Name: Forgiveness

Type: Sidearm Archetype: Aggressive Burst

Ammo: Primary Element: Arc

Craftable: No Released: The Edge of Fate

Source: Trials of Osiris Requires: The Edge of Fate

1. Returned Memory

Excels in PvE

Returned Memory has pretty much everything a weapon needs to be meta: a strong frame, outstanding perks, and an easy way to obtain it. In PvE, Returned Memory functions almost identically to Aberrant Action, a top-tier Solar rocket sidearm from Episode: Echoes. You’re mainly looking for Heal Clip and Incandescent here, which both function great on their own but can be pushed even further with a potent Solar build.

As for The Crucible, Returned Memory is slightly below average, which is where most other rocket sidearms land. You’re typically better off running a sniper rifle, fusion rifle, or shotgun in nearly every scenario. These are the top Returned Memory God Rolls:

• PvE God roll: Lead from Gold (also good: Demolitionist) + One for All (also good: Desperate Measures)

Name: Returned Memory

Type: Sidearm Archetype: Rocket-Assisted

Ammo: Special Element: Solar

Craftable: No Released: The Edge of Fate

Source: Crucible Ops Requires: Free-to-Play

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?

Sidearms and the PvE Meta: DPS

Weapon Type	Rank	Tier	Trend	Role ❘ Current State	Category
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
Auto Rifles	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► Auto Rifles are in a good place right now, options like Khvostov are incredibly potent, and utility picks such as No Hesitation make Auto Rifles a very solid option for those wanting to use a good Primary Weapon. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Khvostov 76-0X	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
Submachine Guns	B › Average	Average ❘ B		► SMGs are not so hot anymore, due to the buffs to other weapon archetypes, as well as the prevalence of ability usage at close range, there is little space for SMGs to compete these days. ►Best Archetype- Aggressive (750 RPM) - Example: Unforgiven	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

Remember that DPS is one of the most important factors when it comes to PvE. 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.

Sidearms and the PvP Meta: TTK

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
Auto Rifles	S › Best	Best ❘ S		► Auto Rifles are remarkably easy to use. Options like Khvostov or The Summoner both excel at medium range, and if you can close the gap on Pulse Rifles, you can easily take advantage of the high flinch factor and solid time-to-kill that Auto Rifles have. ► Best Archetype: Adaptive (600 RPM) - Example: Khvostov 7G-0X	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
Submachine Guns	A › Strong	Strong ❘ A		► SMGs have lost a little bit of power as aggressive play isn't as prevalent as it once was, but you can definitely still succeed with certain SMGs, especially on close-range maps. ► Best Archetype: Aggressive (720 RPM) - Example: Unending Tempest	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

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. 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.

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 Glaives and Best Destiny 2 Rocket launchers, too.