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

❘ Published: 2024-12-03T16:10:00

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

Tier	Weapon Name
S	Conditional Finality The Chaperone Tractor Cannon Scavenger’s Fate Deadlock Compass Rose Fractethyst Imperial Decree Matador 64 Perfect Paradox Someday
A	Duality Legend of Acrius Astral Horizon Felwinter’s Lie Heritage Retold Tale Wastelander M5 Until Its Return Prophet of Doom Sojourner’s Tale
B	The Fourth Horseman A Sudden Death Found Verdict Mindbender’s Ambition Nessa’s Oblation The Inquisitor Gunnora’s Axe Without Remorse Retrofuturist
C	First In, Last Out Seventh Seraph CQC-12 The Comedian Toil and Trouble Ragnhild-D Hand in Hand Ded Gramarye IV Riiswalker

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

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

Fixed Roll Perks
Intrinsic: Split Decision Barrel: Shortened Barrel Magazine: Alloy Magazine Exotic Trait: Paracausal Pellets Stock: Textured Grip

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

Element: Kinetic
Source: Exotic Quest
Best use: PvP

Fixed Roll Perks
Intrinsic: Precision Slug Barrel: Hammer-Forged Rifling Magazine: Accurized Rounds Exotic Trait: The Roadborn Stock: Hand-Laid Stock

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

Element: Void
Source: Exotic Engrams
Best use: PvE

Fixed Roll Perks
Intrinsic: Repulsor Force Barrel: Extended Barrel Magazine: Particle Repeater Exotic Trait: The Scientific Method Stock: Composite Stock

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

Best PvE Roll	Best PvP Roll
Barrel: Smallbore Magazine: Tactical Mag Perk 1: Repulsor Brace Perk 2: Destabilizing Rounds Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Smallbore Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Slideshot or Lone Wolf Perk 2: Closing Time Masterwork: Range

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

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

Best PvE Roll	Best PvP Roll
Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling Magazine: Tactical Mag Perk 1: Graverobber Perk 2: Trench Barrel Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Smallbore Magazine: Accurized rounds Perk 1: Slideshot Perk 2: Closing Time Masterwork: Range

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

Best PvE Roll	Best PvP Roll
Barrel: Rifled Barrel Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Grave Robber Perk 2: One-Two Punch Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Smoothbore Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Threat Detector or Slideshot Perk 2: Opening Shot Masterwork: Range

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

Best PvE Roll	Best PvP Roll
Barrel: Smallbore Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Slideshot Perk 2: Trench Barrel Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Smallbore Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Quickdraw Perk 2: Opening Shot Masterwork: Range

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

Best PvE Roll	Best PvP Roll
Barrel: Smoothbore Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Auto-Loading Holster Perk 2: Trench Barrel Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Smoothbore Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Slideshot Perk 2: Opening Shot Masterwork: Range

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

Best PvE Roll	Best PvP Roll
Barrel: Barrel Shroud Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Threat Detector Perk 2: One-Two Punch Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Smallbore Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Threat Detector Perk 2: Opening Shot Masterwork: Range

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

Best PvE Roll	Best PvP Roll
Barrel: Smallbore Magazine: Tactical Mag Perk 1: Pugilist Perk 2: One-Two Punch Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Smallbore Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Threat Detector Perk 2: Opening Shot Masterwork: Range

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

Best PvE Roll	Best PvP Roll
Barrel: Barrel Shroud Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Lead From Gold Perk 2: Recombination Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Barrel Shroud Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Threat Detector Perk 2: Opening Shot Masterwork: Range

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

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

Fixed Roll Perks
Intrinsic: Shock Blast Barrel: Full Bore Magazine: Accurized Rounds Exotic Trait: Long March Stock: Fitted Stock

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

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

Best PvE Roll	Best PvP Roll
Barrel: Fluted Barrel Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Reconstruction Perk 2: Recombination Masterwork: Range	Barrel: Hammer-Forged Rifling Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Slideshot Perk 2: Moving Target Masterwork: Range

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

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

Fixed Roll Perks
Intrinsic: Compression Chamber Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling Magazine: Alloy Magazine Exotic Trait: On Black Wings Stock: Short-Action Stock

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

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

Best PvE Roll	Best PvP Roll
Barrel: Smallbore Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Threat Detector Perk 2: One-Two Punch Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Smoothbore Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Slideshot Perk 2: Opening Shot Masterwork: Range

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: Smoothbore Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Repulsor Brace Perk 2: Destabilizing Rounds Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Smoothbore Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Threat Detector Perk 2: Opening Shot Masterwork: Range
Found Verdict	Vault of Glass	Barrel: Smallbore Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Auto-Loading Holster Perk 2: One-Two Punch Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Rifled Barrel Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Slideshot Perk 2: Opening Shot Masterwork: Range
Mindbender’s Ambition	Nightfall	Barrel: Smallbore Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Pugilist Perk 2: Incandescent Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Smoothbore Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Threat Detector Perk 2: One-Two Punch Masterwork: Range
Nessa’s Oblation	Root of Nightmares	Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Reconstruction Perk 2: Vorpal Weapon Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Arrowhead Brake Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Demolitionist Perk 2: Opening Shot Masterwork: Range
The Inquisitor	Trials of Osiris	Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Pulse Monitor Perk 2: Swashbuckler Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Hammer-Forged Rifling Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Perpetual Motion Perk 2: Opening Shot Masterwork: Range
Gunnora’s Axe	Iron Banner	Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling Magazine: Extended Mag Perk 1: Auto-Loading Holster Perk 2: Vorpal Weapon Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling Magazine: Ricochet Rounds Perk 1: Threat Detector Perk 2: Iron Reach Masterwork: Range
Without Remorse	Presage	Barrel: Smallbore Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Threat Detector Perk 2: Incandescent Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Smallbore Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Threat Detector Perk 2: One-Two Punch Masterwork: Range
Retrofuturist	World drop	Barrel: Smoothbore Magazine: Appended Mag Perk 1: Auto-Loading Holster Perk 2: Trench Barrel Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Rifled Barrel Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Quickdraw Perk 2: Snapshot Sights Masterwork: Range

C-Tier

Weapon	Source	Best Roll (PvE)	Best Roll (PvP)
First In, Last Out	World drop	Barrel: Extended Barrel Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Auto-Loading Holster Perk 2: Vorpal Weapon Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Fluted Barrel Magazine: Tactical Mag Perk 1: Slideshot Perk 2: Opening Shot Masterwork: Range
Seventh Seraph CQC-12	Xur	Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Auto-Loading Holster Perk 2: Vorpal Weapon Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Smallbore Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Quickdraw Perk 2: Snapshot Sights Masterwork: Range
The Comedian	Nightfall	Barrel: Smoothbore Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Subsistence Perk 2: Trench Barrel Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Rifled Barrel Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Hip-Fire Grip Perk 2: Vorpal Weapon Masterwork: Range
Toil and Trouble	World drop	Barrel: Rifled Barrel Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Threat Detector Perk 2: Rampage Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Rifled Barrel Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Slideshot Perk 2: Moving Target Masterwork: Range
Ragnhild-D	Gunsmith	Barrel: Smoothbore Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Auto-Loading Holster Perk 2: One-Two Punch Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Smallbore Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Perpetual Motion Perk 2: One-Two Punch Masterwork: Range
Hand in Hand	Lost Sectors	Barrel: Smoothbore Magazine: Appended Mag Perk 1: Dual Loader Perk 2: Trench Barrel Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Rifled Barrel Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Slideshot Perk 2: One-Two Punch Masterwork: Range
Ded Gramarye IV	World drop	Barrel: Smoothbore Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Threat Detector Perk 2: Chain Reaction Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Rifled Barrel Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Threat Detector Perk 2: Surrounded Masterwork: Range
Riiswalker	Iron Banner	Barrel: Smoothbore Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Slideshot Perk 2: Vorpal Weapon Masterwork: Reload Speed	Barrel: Rifled Barrel Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Slideshot Perk 2: Iron Reach Masterwork: Range