Tier List for PvP and PvE

It feels like every season SMGs become better and better, especially for PvP. Don’t get me wrong, SMGs are great for PvE too. They can deal high damage while having decent range (unlike sidearms). In PvP though, they suffered against shotguns and other close-range Special weapons.

But the recent nerfs to shotguns and the release of true best-in-class SMGs are changing the game. With the right SMG and perks, you can seriously  compete in the Crucible.

This guide covers every SMG in Destiny 2, including both Exotic and Legendary submachine guns, as well as the best rolls for PvE and PvP.

Destiny 2 Submachine Guns Tier list

The Tier list below includes every Exotic and non-sunset legendary submachine gun in the game. It starts with the S Tier weapons and moves down from there. It also covers both PvE and PvP, with the “Excels in” column clearly identifying in what area each weapon shines:

Name Weapons Type Archetype Ammo Element Requirements Available? Rank Source Obtainable? Tier rank Source ❘ DLC Final Verdict Released Perks
Tarrabah
Tarrabah		 Submachine Gun Exotic Primary Solar Forsaken Pack Yes S › Best Exotic Kiosk

Best

❘ S

Excels in:
PvE + PvP

 Exotic Kiosk

Forsaken Pack
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: “This weapon stores power when dealing or receiving damage. Once full, hold reload to unleash the beast.”

► Now that Tarrabah’s perk is significantly easier to proc, it has become an extremely popular choice in PVE (especially with Solar 3.0 builds). And since it’s now tied for the highest SMG zoom stat at 16, this beast of a weapon can excel in PVP too.

 Season 4
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: “This weapon stores power when dealing or receiving damage. Once full, hold reload to unleash the beast.”
Shayura’s Wrath Shayura's Wrath Destiny 2 art
Shayura’s Wrath		 Submachine Gun Precision Primary Void The Witch Queen No S › Best Trials of Osiris

Best

❘ S

Excels in:
PvE + PvP

 Trials of Osiris

The Witch Queen
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvP God Roll: Tunnel Vision (also good: Killing Wind) + Kill Clip
PvE God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Golden Tricorn (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)

► Shayura’s Wrath is arguably the most well-rounded SMG in the game with its off-the-charts stats and excellent perks. Not only can it excel in PvP due to its high zoom, but it can also pair well with any PvE Void 3.0 build using Golden Tricorn or Adrenaline Junkie.

 Season 14
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvP God Roll: Tunnel Vision (also good: Killing Wind) + Kill Clip
PvE God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Golden Tricorn (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)
Osteo Striga Osteo Striga Destiny 2 art
Osteo Striga		 Submachine Gun Exotic Primary Kinetic The Witch Queen Yes S › Best Deluxe Edition

Best

❘ S

Excels in:
PvE + PvP

 Deluxe Edition

The Witch Queen
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: “Fires a stream of sentient, toxic projectiles that track the targeted enemy. Landing a final blow or multiple precision hits triggers a burst that poisons nearby targets.”

► Feeling extremely nice to use in both PVE and PVP, Osteo Striga immediately became a lot of players’ favorite exotic. Its poison-spreading effect makes it one of the best ad clear primaries in PVE, and its enemy-tracking bullets make it an easy-to-use option in PVP. Plus, its catalyst is S-tier. What’s not to love?

 Season 16
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: “Fires a stream of sentient, toxic projectiles that track the targeted enemy. Landing a final blow or multiple precision hits triggers a burst that poisons nearby targets.”
The Huckleberry Destiny 2 The Huckleberry art
The Huckleberry		 Submachine Gun Exotic Primary Kinetic Free-to-Play Yes S › Best Exotic Engram

Best

❘ S

Excels in:
PvE

 Exotic Engram

Free-to-Play
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: “Increased rate of fire and recoil while you’re holding down the trigger. Kills with this weapon temporarily grant increased damage and partially reload the magazine.”

► A powerhouse of a weapon, The Huckleberry isn’t flashy but can clear ads like nothing else. Without the need to reload and pre-nerf Rampage on your side, nothing will be able to stand in your way. The recent buff to Exotic primary weapons further cemented it as one of the best Exotics in the game.

 Season 3
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: “Increased rate of fire and recoil while you’re holding down the trigger. Kills with this weapon temporarily grant increased damage and partially reload the magazine.”
CALUS Mini-Tool CALUS Mini-Tool Destiny 2 art
CALUS Mini-Tool		 Submachine Gun MIDA Synergy Primary Solar Season 17 Yes S › Best Derelict Leviathan

Best

❘ S

Excels in:
PvE

 Derelict Leviathan
Season 17 Destiny 2 icon
Season 17
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: MIDA Synergy

PvE God Roll: Unrelenting (also good: Moving Target) + Incandescent

► Able to roll with the excellent perk Incandescent, CALUS Mini-Tool immediately cemented itself as a top-tier pick with the release of Solar 3.0. Plus, it’s one of the few craftable SMGs currently in the game, meaning it’s one of the easiest to get as well.

 Season 17
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: MIDA Synergy

PvE God Roll: Unrelenting (also good: Moving Target) + Incandescent
Borrowed Time Borrowed Time Destiny 2 art
Borrowed Time		 Submachine Gun Aggressive Primary Solar Free-to-Play Yes A › Strong Playlist: Gambit

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE + PvP

 Playlist: Gambit

Free-to-Play
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Overflow (also good: Feeding Frenzy) + Rampage (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)
PvP God Roll: Rangefinder + Demolitionist

► Even though Borrowed Time does have some S-Tier perk combinations, its large perk pool and annoying grind weigh it down. That being said, this SMG can get absurdly high zoom for PvP with Rangefinder, and there are some great PvE rolls worth taking a look at too.

 Season 14
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Overflow (also good: Feeding Frenzy) + Rampage (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)
PvP God Roll: Rangefinder + Demolitionist

Submission Submission Destiny 2 art v2
Submission		 Submachine Gun Lightweight Primary Kinetic The Witch Queen Yes A › Strong Vow of the Disciple Raid

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE + PvP

 Vow of the Disciple Raid

The Witch Queen
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Lightweight

PvE God Roll: Overflow (also good: Subsistence) + Frenzy (also good: Swashbuckler)
PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Killing Wind

► Containing alright stats and a wide variety of interesting perk combinations, Submission is a strong option overall. While it isn’t the best of the best in both PVE and PVP, it can hold its ground in both, making it a great pick if you don’t have anything better.

 Season 16
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Lightweight

PvE God Roll: Overflow (also good: Subsistence) + Frenzy (also good: Swashbuckler)
PvP God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Killing Wind
Riskrunner Destiny 2 Riskrunner
Riskrunner		 Submachine Gun Exotic Primary Arc Free-to-Play Yes A › Strong Exotic Quest

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE

 Exotic Quest

Free-to-Play
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: “When taking Arc Damage, this weapon becomes more powerful and resists incoming Arc Damage. Shots fired can become chain lightning and return ammo. Kills extend the duration of the effect.”

► Riskrunner can make you unstoppable, assuming you’re taking arc damage (which includes throwing your arc grenade at your feet!). When its perk activates, you literally become an unkillable god able to lethal deal chain damage with ease.

 Season 1
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Exotic

Exotic Perk: “When taking Arc Damage, this weapon becomes more powerful and resists incoming Arc Damage. Shots fired can become chain lightning and return ammo. Kills extend the duration of the effect.”
Extraordinary Rendition Extraordinary Rendition Destiny 2 art
Extraordinary Rendition		 Submachine Gun Aggressive Primary Kinetic Free-to-Play Yes A › Strong Xûr

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE

 Xûr

Free-to-Play
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Overflow (also good: Subsistence) + Rampage (also good: Frenzy)

► Extraordinary Rendition’s outstanding perks and great feel carry it to the top in PVE. It’s just a shame that the only way to obtain this weapon currently is to hope Xûr sells it one week.

 Season 13
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Overflow (also good: Subsistence) + Rampage (also good: Frenzy)
Stochastic Variable Stochastic Variable Destiny 2 art
Stochastic Variable		 Submachine Gun Lightweight Primary Arc Free-to-Play Yes A › Strong World loot pool

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE

 World loot pool

Free-to-Play
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Lightweight

PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy + Multikill Clip

► Considered an arc version of The Recluse by the community, Stochastic Variable is a PvE monster with the right perks. And with Arc 3.0 right around the corner, you can expect to see a lot more of this weapon very soon.

 Season 14
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Lightweight

PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy + Multikill Clip
Funnelweb Funnelweb Destiny 2 art
Funnelweb		 Submachine Gun Lightweight Primary Void Free-to-Play Yes A › Strong World loot pool

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE

 World loot pool

Free-to-Play
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Lightweight

PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Frenzy )

► A toned-down version of The Recluse, Funnelweb is currently one of the best PVE options in the game. With solid perk combinations and the ability to fire Volatile Rounds, this weapon makes red bars disappear right in front of your eyes. Plus, it’s a world drop, meaning you don’t even need to go out of your way to farm it.

 Season 16
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Lightweight

PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Frenzy )
Enyo-D Enyo-D Destiny 2 art
Enyo-D		 Submachine Gun Precision Primary Kinetic Free-to-Play Yes A › Strong World loot pool

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE

 World loot pool

Free-to-Play
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy + Rampage (also good: Multikill Clip)

► Often regarded as “Antiope 2.0” by the community, Enyo-D has everything that makes an SMG good. With a great feel and S-Tier perks, this is one of the best kinetic PvE SMGs currently available. Enyo also has an above-average zoom stat, making it an alright PvP pick as well.

 Season 17
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy + Rampage (also good: Multikill Clip)
Unforgiven Unforgiven Destiny 2 art
Unforgiven		 Submachine Gun Aggressive Primary Void Deluxe Edition Yes A › Strong Duality Dungeon

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvE

 Duality Dungeon

Deluxe Edition
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Demolitionist (also good: Feeding Frenzy) + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Rampage)

► The only SMG in the game that can roll Demolitionist in its first column, Unforgiven is one of the many unique weapons to come from the Duality dungeon. Plus, its second column is full of tons of S-Tier damage and utility perks, making Unforgiven an easy choice for any Void 3.0 build.

 Season 17
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Demolitionist (also good: Feeding Frenzy) + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Rampage)
Multimach CCX Multimach CCX Destiny 2 art
Multimach CCX		 Submachine Gun Lightweight Primary Kinetic Free-to-Play No A › Strong Iron Banner

Strong

❘ A

Excels in:
PvP

 Iron Banner

Free-to-Play
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Lightweight

PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Dynamic Sway Reduction) + Kill Clip (also good: Iron Reach)

► While close-quarters combat is mostly dominated by shotguns, Multimach CCX remains viable thanks to its consistency, insanely fast time-to-kill (one of the fastest among primary ammo weapons), and an absurd amount of range. The Multimach CCX is a must-have for anyone using SMGs in PVP.

 Season 13
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Lightweight

PvP God Roll: Killing Wind (also good: Dynamic Sway Reduction) + Kill Clip (also good: Iron Reach)
IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.2 IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.2 Destiny 2 art
IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.2		 Submachine Gun Aggressive Primary Arc Free-to-Play Yes B › Average World loot pool

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE

 World loot pool

Free-to-Play
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Subsistence (also good: Threat Detector) + Demolitionist

► Just like other IKELOS and Seventh Seraph weapons, IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.2’s average perks and stats used to be counteracted by the absurd power of Warmind Cells. However, now that Warmind Cells have been heavily nerfed, there’s no reason to run this SMG over other more popular options.

 Season 11
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Subsistence (also good: Threat Detector) + Demolitionist
Cold Front
Cold Front		 Submachine Gun Aggressive Primary Kinetic Free-to-Play No B › Average Event: Dawning

Average

❘ B

Excels in:
PvE

 Event: Dawning

Free-to-Play
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Rampage

► A weapon exclusive to the Dawning seasonal event, Cold Front only comes around once a year. And while it does have some great perks attached to it, other better options can be farmed year-round.

 Season 12
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Aggressive

PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Rampage
MIDA Mini-Tool MIDA Mini-Tool Destiny 2 art
MIDA Mini-Tool		 Submachine Gun Lightweight Primary Solar Free-to-Play Yes B › Average The Gunsmith

Average

❘ B

 The Gunsmith

Free-to-Play
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Lightweight

PvE Curated Roll: Hip-Fire Grip + Kill Clip

► Being so easily obtainable and having Kill Clip makes MIDA Mini-Tool not too bad of an option for completely new players. Once you dive into the game a bit more, however, there’s no reason to keep this over CALUS Mini-Tool or any other SMG you may come across.

 Season 12
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Lightweight

PvE Curated Roll: Hip-Fire Grip + Kill Clip
Friction Fire
Friction Fire		 Submachine Gun Precision Primary Kinetic Free-to-Play Yes B › Average Xûr

Average

❘ B

 Xûr

Free-to-Play
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvE Fixed Roll: Subsistence + Rampage

► One of the better weapons from Season of the Hunt, Friction Fire seemed promising at first but has since been overshadowed by stronger choices. While its good stats and perks continue to make it a viable option, there are better SMGs out there that are easier to obtain.

 Season 12
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvE Fixed Roll: Subsistence + Rampage

Every Waking Moment Every Waking Moment Destiny 2 art
Every Waking Moment		 Submachine Gun Precision Primary Void Free-to-Play Yes B › Average Moon

Average

❘ B

 Moon

Free-to-Play
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Multikill Clip)

► Containing various enticing PvE perks in both columns, it’s surprising how little Every Waking Moment is discussed. This is most likely because there are just too many better options currently available. With absurdly good options like Shayura’s Wrath and Unforgiven, Every Waking Moment sadly gets drowned out in a sea of better picks.

 Season 14
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Subsistence + Adrenaline Junkie (also good: Multikill Clip)
The Hero’s Burden The Hero's Burden Destiny 2 art
The Hero’s Burden		 Submachine Gun Adaptive Primary Void Free-to-Play Yes B › Average Iron Banner

Average

❘ B

 Iron Banner

Free-to-Play
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy + Kill Clip

► The Hero’s Burden has a solid perk pool, but its average stats prove to be its downfall. If you don’t have a better SMG, this one will get the job done. However, with how many S-Tier SMGs there are already, there’s no reason to run The Hero’s Burden for too long.

 Season 17
Slot: Void Void | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Adaptive

PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy + Kill Clip
Escape Velocity
Escape Velocity		 Submachine Gun Lightweight Primary Kinetic Free-to-Play Yes C › Weak World loot pool

Weak

❘ C

 World loot pool

Free-to-Play
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Lightweight

PvE God Roll: Overflow + Osmosis

► Because of its selectable scopes, Escape Velocity can get one of the highest SMG zoom stats in the game at 16. That said, its perk pool is almost completely empty in terms of desirable perks for PVE or PVP, essentially making it a worse version of the Multimach CCX.

 Season 10
Slot: Kinetic symbol Destiny 2 Kinetic | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Lightweight

PvE God Roll: Overflow + Osmosis
Death Adder
Death Adder		 Submachine Gun Lightweight Primary Solar Free-to-Play Yes C › Weak World loot pool

Weak

❘ C

 World loot pool

Free-to-Play
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Lightweight

PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy (also good: Subsistence) + Dragonfly

► While Death Adder’s first column of perks has several S-Tier options, the second column is pretty barren for both PvE and PvP. And with the constant additions of S-Tier options like CALUS Mini-Tool, there’s no reason to go out of your way to grind this mediocre gun.

 Season 11
Slot: Solar Solar | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Lightweight

PvE God Roll: Feeding Frenzy (also good: Subsistence) + Dragonfly
Forensic Nightmare Forensic Nightmare Destiny 2 art
Forensic Nightmare		 Submachine Gun Precision Primary Stasis Free-to-Play Yes C › Weak Throne World

Weak

❘ C

 Throne World

Free-to-Play
Slot: Stasis Stasis | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Kill Clip (also good: Headstone)

► Being the first Stasis SMG, you’d expect Forensic Nightmare to excel in some way–sadly, this isn’t the case. With only an average range stat and no range-boosting perks, this weapon falls flat in PVP. Plus, it’s missing top-tier perks for PVE, making it a very weak pick.

 Season 16
Slot: Stasis Stasis | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Perpetual Motion + Kill Clip (also good: Headstone)
Seventh Seraph VY-7
Seventh Seraph VY-7		 Submachine Gun Precision Primary Arc Free-to-Play Yes D › Worst World loot pool

Worst

❘ D

 World loot pool

Free-to-Play
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Ambitious Assassin (also good: Fourth Time’s The Charm) + Dragonfly

► With very mediocre stats and no interesting perks, there’s no reason to use the Seventh Seraph VY-7. Even if you want to use Warmind Cells, the IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.2 has better perks and is easier to obtain.

 Season 10
Slot: Arc Arc | Ammo: Primary ammo Destiny 2 Primary | Archetype: Precision

PvE God Roll: Ambitious Assassin (also good: Fourth Time’s The Charm) + Dragonfly

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.

More Destiny 2 Tier lists:

Best Destiny 2 SMGs in 2022

This section not only covers the top Submachine guns currently in the game, it also tells you where you can find them. This guide covers every weapon source in Destiny 2 and most of the sources below are self-explanatory, but in doubt, you can always leave a comment below or ask away on our Discord server.

Overall, these are our Top 5 favorite SMGs for PvE and PvP.

 

The Huckleberry Destiny 2 featured SMG

5. The Huckleberry

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE

One of the very few weapons that have been consistently good since its debut, The Huckleberry is an ad-clear monster.

Unlike Osteo Striga and other top-tier options, Huckleberry isn’t too flashy. As you fire, the weapon’s rate of fire will slowly increase. Additionally, when you get a kill, the magazine will give you a stack of Rampage and partially reload the magazine (or fully, with the catalyst). All of this combined results in an ad-clearing beast capable of chunking down majors and Champions with a few Rampage stacks.

While Huckleberry does lack in PvP, its zoom was increased to 15 recently. And even though that doesn’t boost it up to S-Tier, it’s definitely worth a try now in The Crucible.

Overall, The Huckleberry is a solid pick for ad-clear that won’t be nerfed any time soon.

Exotic Perk: “Increased rate of fire and recoil while you’re holding down the trigger. Kills with this weapon temporarily grant increased damage and partially reload the magazine.”

How to get it: The Huckleberry can be acquired via Exotic engrams or Xûr.

 

Borrowed Time SMG Destiny 2 featured

4. Borrowed Time

Vanguard logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE

A weapon that hasn’t had much popularity until very recently, Borrowed Time has begun to excel due to the recent zoom changes.

In PvE, there isn’t much to say about this weapon. It can roll with some S-Tier combinations, but there isn’t a reason to go out of your way for this when CALUS Mini-Tool is here with Incandescent.

In PvP, however, this gun can get the highest zoom stat in the game (on SMGs). All you want to look for is Rangefinder, which will bump Borrowed Time’s zoom stat up to an absurd 16.5. And while you most likely won’t notice this in moment-to-moment gameplay, Borrowed Time still wins the hearts of many by being so easy to farm.

While there are some better options out there, Borrowed Time holds its ground with its S-Tier perks and easy obtainability, making it #4 on our list.

PvE God roll:

  • Perk 1: Overflow (also good: Feeding Frenzy)
  • Perk 2: Rampage (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)

PvP God roll:

  • Perk 1: Rangefinder
  • Perk 2: Demolitionist

How to get it: Borrowed Time can be acquired by completing matches from the Gambit Playlist.

 

Tarrabah SMG Destiny 2 featured

3. Tarrabah

PVE and PVP logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE and PvP

While it was one of the weaker raid exotics at launch, Tarrabah has gone through many buffs that have made it one of the best options right now.

With the combined factors of The Recluse being sunset and its exotic perk becoming easier to trigger, Tarrabah has slowly made its way to the top in PvE. It feels nice to use, combines well with Solar 3.0 builds, and rivals Huckleberry’s ad-clear potential with Ravenous Beast active.

Tarrabah has also seen more popularity in PvP due to its recently increased zoom stat. Now at 16, it’s tied for the highest base SMG zoom stat in the game, making it useful even in longer ranges. Plus, if you’re able to stay alive for long periods, Ravenous Beast allows you to get tons of free kills.

While it may take a bit of time to obtain this weapon, Tarrabah is well worth it. It’s an extremely good pick anywhere, and there’s no denying that obliterating everything in sight with Ravenous Beast is extremely fun.

Exotic Perk: “This weapon stores power when dealing or receiving damage. Once full, hold reload to unleash the beast.”

How to get it: Tarrabah can be purchased at the Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower.

 

Shayura's Wrath Destiny 2 featured SMG

2. Shayura’s Wrath

PVE and PVP logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE and PvP

Arguably the most well-rounded legendary SMG in the game, Shayura’s Wrath has everything that makes an SMG good.

With perks such as Golden Tricorn and Adrenaline Junkie in the second column, Shayura’s is an easy pick for any PvE Void 3.0 build. And even though the first column is slightly lacking, Shayura’s excellent feel and ease of use are unrivaled.

This gun doesn’t stop there, however. With high zoom and S-Tier perks such as Killing Wind and Kill Clip, Shayura’s is just as good in PvP. Its other stats, base TTK, and consistency also contribute to making Shayura’s Wrath an irreplaceable part of any Guardian’s loadout.

With its build-crafting potential in PvE and S-Tier perks in PvP, Shayura’s Wrath is a must-have weapon for any player wanting to give SMGs a try.

PvE God roll:

  • Perk 1: Perpetual Motion
  • Perk 2: Golden Tricorn (also good: Adrenaline Junkie)

PvP God roll:

  • Perk 1: Killing Wind (also good: Tunnel Vision)
  • Perk 2: Kill Clip

How to get it: Shayura’s Wrath can be acquired via Trials of Osiris engrams and rank-ups.

 

Osteo Striga SMG Destiny 2 featured

1. Osteo Striga

PVE and PVP logo Destiny 2 Excels in PvE and PvP

With how much it has going for it, it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like Osteo Striga.

This weapon has all you need. The bullets it fires track enemies, it has a poison-spreading effect, and it just feels nice to use. In PvE, the easy and consistent ad-clear potential of this weapon rivals that of Huckleberry. Osteo Striga is also way more fun and flashy when compared to The Huckleberry, boosting its ranking up even more.

In PvP, the main draw to this weapon is its tracking bullets, which allow it to compete at longer ranges. The tracking feature also makes Osteo Striga significantly easier to use compared to other options, making it great for new players.

Lastly, Osteo Striga is craftable, meaning you can customize the weapon however you’d like.

All in all, there isn’t much to hate about this weapon. Its ad-clear, ease-of-use, and fun factor are all unrivaled, making it the best SMG currently in the game.

Exotic Perk: “Fires a stream of sentient, toxic projectiles that track the targeted enemy. Landing a final blow or multiple precision hits triggers a burst that poisons nearby targets.”

How to get it: Osteo Striga can be acquired by purchasing The Witch Queen’s Deluxe edition.

SMGs in PvP: Lethality & TTK

TTK is particularly important in PvP, because the lowest the TTK, the faster you can kill your opponent. You can read all about it in our TTK guide below.

This TTK guide includes the TTKs for every weapon in Destiny 2. When looking strictly at TTK numbers, SMGs are quite strong. In fact, a few of these archetypes features some of the best TTK figures you’ll see on a primary weapon:

That said, TTK is only half of the picture. With limited range, SMGs were usually dominated by Shotguns in the short-range, and by hand cannons, Pulses, and Auto rifles in the medium to long-range.

The many nerfs to shotguns finally allowed SMGs to breed. SMGs can finally excel in short to medium-range engagements and if you play your cards right and avoid longer-range engagements, you can absolutely dominate a lobby.

SMGs in PvE: DPS

DPS is important for PvE, because 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, SMGs are actually in a great place:

Unlike Sidearms which deal a lot of damage but have an extremely limited range, SMGs offer a more acceptable compromise. They can’t deal as much damage as Sidearms, but their superior range makes them more usable. And when compared to most other Primary weapons, SMGs offer straight-up better DPS.

Endgame content

For the record, while SMGs excel in most PvE content, they aren’t a great choice for Master and Grandmaster content. For the most difficult content in the game, you’ll want a long-range option that allows you to easily peek shoot (think Scouts or Bows).

But for everything else, including Dungeons, Raids, Legend Nightfalls, and below, SMGs are a great choice.

Are SMGs Meta?

We’ve talked about the best Submachine guns for PvE and PvP already, but how do they compare, in general, with other primary weapon types? In other words:

Are SMGs good in Destiny 2?

The current Meta for PvE

So, are SMGs good in Destiny 2 PvE? This table summarizes how the several primary weapon types rank against each other in PvE:

The current Meta for PvP

What about PvP? This table summarizes how they rank against each other in PvP:

Your turn

You now know everything there is to know about SMGs in Destiny 2, whether that is for PvP or PvE content.

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