Best Shotguns in Destiny 2: Tier List for PvE & PvP

Shotguns have been a powerful companion in Destiny 2, offering you the ability to blast your enemies up-close with a strong blast that can drain their shields in one shot.

However, not every shotgun is made equal, and there are many that are simply better than the rest thanks to special abilities and traits to give you different advantages.

To learn more about which shotguns these are and which ones you should focus on acquiring, we’ve compiled a list of the best Destiny 2 shotguns right now, and what mode they’re best used in.

Shotgun tier list

Our tiers explained

• S: The best
• A: Very good
• B: There might be situations where these can perform well
• C: Best to avoid unless you find yourself drawn to them

Meta Analysis

Following a period of redundancy prior to The Final Shape’s release, Bungie has deployed major buffs to the weapon type since the launch of 2024’s expansion, once more bringing Shotguns back into the fold as a staple of Destiny 2’s sandbox.

Most effective in Crucible, Shotguns have retaken their crown as the go-to special weapon for competitive play, benefitting from ammo economy changes and the introduction of several new perks perfectly suited to close-quarters combat.

While PvP aficionados will get the most out of them, Shotguns can still prove indispensable against the Traveler’s enemies. Continue reading for a breakdown of all the best Shotguns and their respective perk combos as of Episode Revenant Act 2.

S-Tier

Conditional Finality

Bungie

• Element: Stasis
• Source: Root of Nightmares
• Best use: PvE & PvP

You will alternate your shots with this weapon, the first being Stasis and the second being Solar, and then repeating in that order. If you can land most of your Stasis pellets in a shot, the target will be frozen, while landing most of the Solar pellets will cause them to Ignite. Both are powerful statuses that can change the battle in your favor.

This makes it a powerful combo as you can effectively halt your target in its tracks by freezing it and setting them on fire. Boasting the ability to one-shot any Guardian while in their Super makes Conditional Finality an incredibly potent tool in Crucible to boot.

The Chaperone

Bungie

• Element: Kinetic
• Source: Exotic Quest
• Best use: PvP

The Chaperone is a very precise shotgun that will fire a single slug at your target with its Precision Slug ability. This is effective at getting a good hit on your enemies, while also allowing you better accuracy that other shotguns wouldn’t.

Then you also have its Roadborn ability that will cause Precision kills to briefly grant handling, range, and Precision damage. With how accurate The Chaperone can be, Precision kills are far more likely than you might think.

Tractor Cannon

Bungie

• Element: Void
• Source: Exotic Engrams
• Best use: PvE

The first shotgun on our list is probably the most balanced for PvE shotgun in the game, thanks to its Repulsor Force ability. This will send out a pulse that not only pushes enemies away from you, but will also suppress their abilities and leave them vulnerable to incoming damage.

It also comes with excellent mobility and handling with its Scientific Method ability that will trigger these advantages when you damage an enemy. It works in just about any combat situation and can help you dominate any target. While it is great in PvP, its best attributes definitely shine more in PvE.

Scavenger’s Fate

• Archetype: Precision
• Element: Void
• Source: Onslaught: Salvation & Tomb of Elders
• Best use: PvP

The newest entry on this list, Scavenger’s Fate is a fantastic addition to Destiny 2’s sandbox, specifically for PvP, where it shines most.

As with any weapon with a diverse perk pool, you’ve got a couple of options for the first perk slot, with the toss-up primarily between Slideshot and Lone Wolf. Both pair seamlessly with Closing Time’s always-active boosts, so you’ll need to decide if the former’s range boost or the latter’s blanket increase to several stats are what you want to prioritize.

Deadlock

Dexer

• Archetype: Precision
• Element: Stasis
• Source: Competitive Crucible
• Best use: PvP

Deadlock is arguably superior to Scavenger’s Fate due to it having the ability to roll Accurized Rounds for greater range, but it’s also more difficult to get, being a Competitive-only drop.

Compass Rose

• Archetype: Precision
• Element: Solar
• Source: Solstice
• Best use: PvP

Granted a perk refresh for its return in 2024’s Solstice event, Compass Rose offers something different to Deadlock and Scavenger’s Fate with different perk options. Opening Shot will be the de facto best-in-slot choice for the second perk slot, with Threat Detector and Slideshot both worth considering as an accompaniment.

Fractethyst

• Archetype: Precision
• Element: Stasis
• Source: Xur
• Best use: PvP

Massively benefitting from the buffs to Shotguns and Precision frames specifically, Fractethyst has seen something of a renaissance in the PvP meta.

While you won’t be able to outrange any Guardian with a god roll Deadlock or Scavenger’s Fate, Quickdraw means Fractethyst can be swapped to much faster than either of those, allowing you to get a shot off before your opponent has the chance to deliver return fire.

Imperial Decree

• Archetype: Aggressive
• Element: Kinetic
• Source: Engram Focusing
• Best use: PvP

With Revenant’s meta shift towards favoring Precision frames, Aggressive archetypes have fallen by the wayside somewhat.

Imperial Decree isn’t as dominant as it was in Echoes and prior as a result, but it’s still an excellent choice for the primary slot in Crucible and pairs exceptionally well with 120 RPM Hand Cannons. Slideshot and Opening Shot are obligatory here.

Matador 64

• Archetype: Precision
• Element: Arc
• Source: Grasp of Avarice
• Best use: PvP

Never count Matador 64 out. With access to all of the best range-boosting perks on Shotguns, the Arc-element boomstick is just as potent as ever, even able to compete with newer perk combos such as Lone Wolf and Closing Time.

The caveat, of course, is that Matador 64 only drops from Grasp of Avarice. The dungeon is far easier now than it used to be, but you’ll still have to grind it multiple times before lady luck sees fit to bless you with the god roll.

Perfect Paradox

• Archetype: Rapid-Fire
• Element: Kinetic
• Source: Episode Echoes activities
• Best use: PvE

Reprised from Season of Dawn for Episode Echoes, Perfect Paradox has returned to its rightful place as the best Legendary PvE Shotgun. The marriage of Pugilist and One-Two Punch is fantastic for melee builds, granting huge DPS buffs potent enough to waste Champions and Majors with little effort.

Someday

• Archetype: Precision
• Element: Kinetic
• Source: Pale Heart
• Best use: PvE & PvP

Introduced in The Final Shape, Someday’s perk pool isn’t as varied as other Shotguns considered top tier, but it’s easily the most versatile, able to hold its own in PvE and PvP. As a bonus, it’s the only S-tier Shotgun besides Imperial Decree you’re able to craft.

That means you’re able to personally curate two versions of Someday with enhanced perks to cover all areas of the sandbox without having to rely on RNG for the best perk combos.

A-Tier

Legend of Acrius

Dexerto

• Element: Arc
• Source: Monument to Lost Lights
• Best use: PvE

The penetration of this weapon is impressive; it shoots out Arc energy that will deliver a lot of damage while also going through enemy shields to drain a target’s health far quicker than other weapons would allow. This makes it a great tool for larger enemies, as it can deplete their health in an instant.

Further, it comes with the Long March ability that gives you an extended radar so you will have a better idea of where other players are on a map, and how close they are getting to you.

Heritage

Bungie

• Archetype: Pinpoint Slug
• Element: Kinetic
• Source: Deep Stone Crypt
• Best Use: PvE

You can really make the Heritage a powerful weapon in Destiny 2 by using Final Blows. When performing an elemental version of these, you will increase the damage of the shotgun’s next shot. Further, it will reload itself over time to make sure you always have ammo to use.

It also handles incredibly well and has recoil that is easy to control. This allows you to make sure you land far more shots than you miss. Having such good handling can make a huge difference when you are swarmed with enemies and need to get several shots off in a row.

Duality

Bungie

• Element: Solar
• Source: Monument to Lost Lights
• Best use: PvP

Duality offers great damage when both firing from the hip and when aiming down the sights in PvP. How it fires will differ between these two, but both will dish out the pain just fine. However, if you can land its single slug when aiming down the sights, that can be devastating for whoever you hit.

It also comes with On Black Wings, which allow you a stacking damage and reload speed buff when getting pellet final blows. The duration of this will be extended when landing precision hits as well, which can be your best tool in any battle.

Astral Horizon

Bungie

• Archetype: Aggressive
• Element: Kinetic
• Source: Trials of Osiris
• Best Use: PvE & PvP

Astral Horizon is great at getting the first hit on a target thanks to the buff it gives to each first shot, while also having improved handling, stability, and reload speed when an enemy in close to you. Plus, you can also get Alacrity which will give you a buff when you are the last living player on your team or running solo.

It’s a solid option that handles really well when in a close fight, which is most likely going to be the case when you are using shotguns. Playing aggressive is the key to landing that first shot and using the buff to take your target down.

B-Tier

Weapon	Source	Best Roll (PvE)	Best Roll (PvP)
The Fourth Horseman	Monument to Lost Lights	Curated Roll	Curated Roll
A Sudden Death	Prophecy	Barrel: SmoothboreMagazine: Assault MagPerk 1: Repulsor BracePerk 2: Destabilizing RoundsMasterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: SmoothboreMagazine: Assault MagPerk 1: Threat DetectorPerk 2: Opening ShotMasterwork: Range
Found Verdict	Vault of Glass	Barrel: SmallboreMagazine: Assault MagPerk 1: Auto-Loading HolsterPerk 2: One-Two PunchMasterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Rifled Barrel Magazine: Accurized RoundsPerk 1: SlideshotPerk 2: Opening ShotMasterwork: Range
Mindbender’s Ambition	Nightfall	Barrel: SmallboreMagazine: Assault MagPerk 1: PugilistPerk 2: IncandescentMasterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: SmoothboreMagazine: Accurized RoundsPerk 1: Threat DetectorPerk 2: One-Two PunchMasterwork: Range
Nessa’s Oblation	Root of Nightmares	Barrel: Arrowhead BrakeMagazine: Assault MagPerk 1: ReconstructionPerk 2: Vorpal WeaponMasterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Arrowhead BrakeMagazine: Accurized RoundsPerk 1: DemolitionistPerk 2: Opening ShotMasterwork: Range
The Inquisitor	Trials of Osiris	Barrel: Corkscrew RiflingMagazine: Assault MagPerk 1: Pulse MonitorPerk 2: SwashbucklerMasterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Hammer-Forged RiflingMagazine: Accurized RoundsPerk 1: Perpetual MotionPerk 2: Opening ShotMasterwork: Range
Gunnora’s Axe	Iron Banner	Barrel: Corkscrew RiflingMagazine: Extended MagPerk 1: Auto-Loading HolsterPerk 2: Vorpal WeaponMasterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Corkscrew RiflingMagazine: Ricochet RoundsPerk 1: Threat DetectorPerk 2: Iron ReachMasterwork: Range
Without Remorse	Presage	Barrel: SmallboreMagazine: Accurized RoundsPerk 1: Threat DetectorPerk 2: IncandescentMasterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: SmallboreMagazine: Accurized RoundsPerk 1: Threat DetectorPerk 2: One-Two PunchMasterwork: Range
Retrofuturist	World drop	Barrel: SmoothboreMagazine: Appended MagPerk 1: Auto-Loading Holster Perk 2: Trench BarrelMasterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Rifled BarrelMagazine: Assault MagPerk 1: QuickdrawPerk 2: Snapshot SightsMasterwork: Range

C-Tier

Weapon	Source	Best Roll (PvE)	Best Roll (PvP)
First In, Last Out	World drop	Barrel: Extended BarrelMagazine: Assault MagPerk 1: Auto-Loading HolsterPerk 2: Vorpal WeaponMasterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Fluted BarrelMagazine: Tactical MagPerk 1: SlideshotPerk 2: Opening ShotMasterwork: Range
Seventh Seraph CQC-12	Xur	Barrel: Corkscrew RiflingMagazine: Assault MagPerk 1: Auto-Loading HolsterPerk 2: Vorpal WeaponMasterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: SmallboreMagazine: Accurized RoundsPerk 1: QuickdrawPerk 2: Snapshot SightsMasterwork: Range
The Comedian	Nightfall	Barrel: SmoothboreMagazine: Assault MagPerk 1: SubsistencePerk 2: Trench BarrelMasterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Rifled BarrelMagazine: Accurized RoundsPerk 1: Hip-Fire GripPerk 2: Vorpal WeaponMasterwork: Range
Toil and Trouble	World drop	Barrel: Rifled BarrelMagazine: Assault MagPerk 1: Threat DetectorPerk 2: RampageMasterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Rifled BarrelMagazine: Accurized RoundsPerk 1: SlideshotPerk 2: Moving TargetMasterwork: Range
Ragnhild-D	Gunsmith	Barrel: SmoothboreMagazine: Assault MagPerk 1: Auto-Loading HolsterPerk 2: One-Two PunchMasterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: SmallboreMagazine: Accurized RoundsPerk 1: Perpetual MotionPerk 2: One-Two PunchMasterwork: Range
Hand in Hand	Lost Sectors	Barrel: SmoothboreMagazine: Appended MagPerk 1: Dual Loader Perk 2: Trench BarrelMasterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Rifled BarrelMagazine: Assault MagPerk 1: SlideshotPerk 2: One-Two PunchMasterwork: Range
Ded Gramarye IV	World drop	Barrel: SmoothboreMagazine: Assault MagPerk 1: Threat DetectorPerk 2: Chain ReactionMasterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Rifled BarrelMagazine: Accurized RoundsPerk 1: Threat DetectorPerk 2: SurroundedMasterwork: Range
Riiswalker	Iron Banner	Barrel: SmoothboreMagazine: Assault MagPerk 1: SlideshotPerk 2: Vorpal WeaponMasterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Rifled BarrelMagazine: Accurized RoundsPerk 1: SlideshotPerk 2: Iron ReachMasterwork: Range

Shotguns are not the only weapons to use in Destiny 2: The Finale Shape, so be sure to know the best Hand Cannons, Auto Rifles, Swords, Machine Guns, and Linear Fusion Rifles.