All Destiny 2 Exotic weapons so far: 24 beautiful, deadly boomsticks including new Curse of Osiris additions
Destiny 2 brings back Exotic weapons - rare and powerful boomsticks. Let's take a look at the collection and daydream about putting them to use.
Destiny 2 has a stronger focus on story but Bungie hasn't abandoned the aspect most of us ended up obsessing over: Exotic weapons. As part of our Destiny 2 guide, here's a list of the currently available Exotic weapons. If you're looking for armour, see our Destiny 2 Exotic armour hub.
You can find all the perk and trait abilities of Destiny 2's starting set of Exotic weapons below. We expect more Exotic weapons to crop up in Destiny over time, and we look forward to discovering more as they're added in over the weeks, months, and years to come.
In fact, right now we're working on adding the Destiny 2: Curse of Osiris Exotics to this list. Since they're exclusive to the expansion, we're dropping them down the bottom of the page. Please bear with us while we fill in the details, since this is all very new.
By the way, Exotic weapons can be obtained as quest rewards in the Red War campaign as each Class, as random Exotic engram drops after you reach level 20, or by completing World Quests and then Weapon Quests. More information on all of that can be found in our Destiny 2 Activities glossary.
Now, onto the guns. We'll use the following key to describe Exotic weapon attributes:
- HND: handling speed
- MAG: magazine size
- PRJ: projectile speed
- RLD: reload speed
- RNG: range
- STB: stability
- +: slightly increases
- ++: increases
- +++: greatly increases
- -: slightly decreases
- --: decreases
- ---: greatly decreases
Wardcliff Coil (Arc rocket launcher)
Previously known by the community as Dubious Volley or "Microphone rocket launcher", the Wardcliff Coil was spotted in early Destiny 2 gameplay footage. Its nickname derives from an unreleased weapon of very similar - possibly identical - appearance discovered in the D1 database. Why Bungie held off on it so long is unknown, but perhaps it bore too much resemblance to the mighty Gjallarhorn, as it's a very powerful rocket launcher which fires a volley of projectiles.
A levelled Wardcliff Coil can one-shot formidable targets like the heating vents on Cabal extractors during public events. If you need to get a single whack of damage done in a hurry, this is your go-to best boy. Just make sure your target is at a distance!
- Intrinsic Perk: Mad Scientist
This weapon fires a volley of rockets. - Launcher Barrel: Volatile Launch
This weapon is optimized for an especially explosive payload. (HND-, PRJ-) - Magazine: Extended Mag
(MAG+++, RLD---) - Trait: Mechanized Autoloader
This weapon automatically reloads on ammo pickup. - Stock: Composite Stock
This weapon has a versatile dual-purpose stock. (STB+, HND+)
Riskrunner (Arc submachine gun)
In the form we originally saw it in the Destiny 2 console beta, the Riskrunner was thoroughly broken, synergising with the Warlock class ability to provide eternal ammo. Bungie soon sorted that out, and now using it really does mean running a risk - but if something zaps you with Arc energy, you can hit them back that much harder. In the right place at the right time, it maintains a hell of a punch.
- Intrinsic Perk: Arc Conductor
Taking Arc damage increases weapon power. - Barrel: Arrowhead Break
Lightly vented barrel. Greatly controls recoil. (HND++) - Magazine: Extended Mag
(MAG+++, RLD---) - Trait: Superconductor
When Arc Conductor is active, shots fired have the chance to become chain lightning and return ammo. - Stock: Short-action Stock
This weapon is especially easy to grip. (HND+++)
Sunshot (Solar hand cannon)
The Sunshot is a strange blend of the precise, sharpshooting action Hunters love so much, and the ability to spread the fun around with splash damage. Enemies you ping with the Sunshot will be highlighted, which is pretty neat for keeping track of the action, and they'll also explode. What a good time! This is a potential Red War campaign reward.
- Intrinsic Perk: Sunburn
This weapon fires explosive rounds and highlights targets that take damage from Sunshot. - Barrel: Chambered Compensator
Stable barrel attachment. Improves recoil and direction. (STB++, HND-) - Magazine: Accurized Rounds
This weapon can fire longer distances. (RNG++) - Trait: Sun Blast
Targets killed with Sunshot explode in Solar energy. - Grip: Textured Grip
Friction on this weapon's grip is particularly strong. (HND+++, STB-)
Sweet Business (Kinetic auto rifle)
The ultimate pray and spray weapon for all you frontline hipfire fans, Sweet Business kicks up into overdrive as you hold the fire button down - and will automatically reload itself as you walk over ammo pick ups. It's sort of like a minigun, with an opportunity to never break off firing. Ideal. Leave the ironsights to the Hunters and wade into the action; in many PvP situations, you'll inspire heated cursing as your personal efficiency climbs skywards. This is a potential Red War campaign reward.
- Intrinsic Perk: Payday
Large mag. Increased Hip Fire Accuracy - Barrel: Polygonal Rifling
Barrel optimized for recoil reduction. (STB++) - Magazine: High-Calibre Rounds
Shots from this weapon knock enemies back. (RNG+) - Trait: Business Time
Holding down the trigger boosts this weapon’s range and rate of fire, and automatically loads ammo pickups into the magazine. - Stock: Composite Stock
This weapon has a versatile dual-purpose stock. (STB+, HND+)
Coldheart (Arc trace rifle)
The Coldheart is a trace rifle - a new weapons category, of which it is the only example at present. It looks a lot like it fires a laser beam. Originally offered as a pre-order incentive for Destiny 2, it is also available as a random Exotic engram drop, and as of Curse of Osiris, was handed out to everyone. Here are its stats:
- Intrinsic Perk: Cold Fusion
This weapon shoots a steady cold fusion-powered laser. - Barrel: Extended Barrel
Weighty barrel Extension. (RNG++, HND--) - Battery: Enhance Battery
Strong battery life. (MAG++) - Trait: Longest Winter
Coldheart's laser does exponentially more damage the longer it is held on a target. - Stock: Hand-Laid Stock
This weapon is optimised for recoil control. (STB++)
The Prospector (Arc grenade launcher)
The beautiful, almost old timey Prospector allows players to scatter grenades around in full auto, then detonate them all at once. Difficult to use effectively, but when you can get it to work it's a heck of a punch. The reload is slow, so make your payload count.
- Intrinsic Perk: Excavation
Hold [Fire] to fire grenades. Release to detonate all live grenades simultaneously. - Launcher Barrel: Volatile Launch
This weapon is optimized for an especially explosive payload. (HND-, PRJ-) - Magazine: Augmented Drum
Heavy, high capacity drum. (MAG+++, RLD---) - Trait: Full Auto Trigger System
Holding down the trigger will fire this weapon in full auto mode. - Stock: Hand-Laid Stock
This weapon is optimised for recoil control. (STB++)
Tractor Cannon (Void shotgun)
A fantastic weapon for use in crowds, the Tractor Cannon has two useful perks for those mob situations. First, every shot pushes enemies away, giving you a bit of breathing room to dodge, GTFO or just dish out more damage. Second, when you inflict damage you'll get a short boost to speed and weapon handling, which likewise makes those clutch situations a little gentler.
Take it into Control mode and use it to camp B on Distant Shore when someone comes bouncing around the outside via the pillar. POOMF! They sail right into space, which we find very amusing.
- Intrinsic Perk: Repulsor Force
This weapon fires a powerful impulse to push enemies away. - Barrel: Extended Barrel:
Weighty barrel extension. (RNG+, HND-) - Battery: Particle Repeater
Constrains recoil for every bolt. (STB+). - Trait: The Scientific Method
Damaging an opponent temporarily increases speed and handling. - Stock: Composite Stock
This weapon has a versatile dual-purpose stock. (STB+, HND+)
MIDA Multi-tool (kinetic scout rifle)
The return of an old favourite: the ultra-snappy scout rifle, MIDA Multi-tool. With bonuses to range and stability, active radar and increased movement speed, it looks like a tidy bit of kit - but interestingly, it also gains a bonus when you equip the Legendary submachine gun MIDA Mini-tool as your energy weapon. If you're curious of how to get the MIDA Multi-tool in Destiny 2, note that it can be obtained via the European Dead Zone World Quest, as detailed in the guide page linked earlier and the Arekkz video above.
- Intrinsic Perk: MIDA Multi-tool
This weapon boosts move speed. - Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling
Balanced barrel. (RNG+, STB+, HND+) - Magazine: High-Calibre Rounds
Shots from this weapon knock enemies back. (RNG+) - Trait: MIDA radar
Radar stays active while aiming down sights. - Stock: Hand-Laid Stock
This weapon is optimised for recoil control. (STB++)
Rat King (kinetic sidearm)
Another one of the lovely carved weapons, Rat King has excellent stability combined with good range and decent handling, reload and magazine size. That makes it a nice enough gun even without Exotic bonuses, but it can also turn you invisible and gets stronger if all your pals have it. A Rat King, by the way, is a probably apocryphal natural entanglement of rats tied together by their tails. This jolly fellow has been found as a reward for the World Quest on Titan, after which you can solve some riddles and complete the Rat King Exotic weapon quest.
- Intrinsic Perk: Rat Pack
This weapon becomes stronger when nearby fireteam members also have it equipped. Stacks up to six times. - Barrel: Smallbore
Dual strength barrel. (RNG++, STB++) - Magazine: Tactical Mag
This weapon has multiple tactical improvements. (STB+, RLD+, MAG+) - Trait: Vermin
Reloading immediately after a kill grants a brief period of invisibility. - Grip: Smooth Grip
This weapon is slightly easier to hold and aim. (STB+, HND+)
Sturm (kinetic hand cannon)
Sturm gains a bonus when you equip the Legendary sidearm Drang as your energy weapon, which is very cute (Sturm und Drang is German for "storm and stress", and is a term for a literary movement in which the hero is driven to violence, usually by greed, while real and especially negative human emotions and experiences are foregrounded). Kills with Sturm reload Drang from your reserves, and kills with Drang increase Sturm's critical damage output. Dang! Want this pair of cuties? Here's how to get Sturm and Drang in Destiny 2 in the wake of the Nessus World Quest.
- Intrinsic Perk: Accomplice
Kills with this weapon fill the magazine of the equipped Energy weapon from reserves. - Barrel: Extended Barrel
Weighty barrel. (RNG++, HND--) - Magazine: Extended Mag
(MAG+++, RLD---) - Trait: Storm and Stress
Kills with Drang grant bonus precision damage until the next reload. - Stock: Combat Grip
This weapon causes much less vertical recoil.
Vigilance Wing (kinetic pulse rifle)
Vigilance Wing is a great weapon for those who enjoy playing in teams. Both its intrinsic perk and trait are about making the most of clutch when your allies are down, while its other capabilities mean it should make a very solid all-purpose kinetic. If you prefer to stick to small arms fire, this is gonna be one to watch.
The Egyptian theme should clue D1 veterans in to this weapon's Crucible weighting. Pulse rifles aren't very well favoured in the PvP meta right now, but this is the exception; it has tremendous stopping power when you hit an ambush and your pals go down, and can easily turn an encounter on its head. Recommended!
- Intrinsic Perk: Harsh Truths
This weapon fires a five round burst. When a nearby ally is killed, gain health regeneration and increased movement speed. - Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling
Balanced barrel. (RNG+, STB+, HND+) - Magazine: Alloy Magazine
Faster reloads when the magazine is empty. - Trait: Last Stand
Improved weapon performance when its wielder is the last living member of a fireteam. - Stock: Composite Stock
This weapon has a versatile dual-purpose stock. (STB+, HND+)
Hard Light (Arc/Solar/Void auto rifle)
It's no surprise to learn D1 favourite Hard Light is back in the game. In Destiny 2 Hard Light can be switched between three elemental energy affiliations, which is sweet, but it also brings back its old tricks. You will be headshot from across the map (thank goodness it's not a kinetic weapon, with bonus critical damage). You will be shot in the back by someone in front of you, who seems to have missed. You will be shot when you're standing behind the target. You will want one for yourself.
- Intrinsic Perk: Volatile Light
Rounds fired from this weapon have no damage falloff, over-penetrate targets, and ricochet off hard surfaces. - Barrel: Polygonal Rifling
Barrel optimized for recoil reduction. (STB++) - Magazine: Alloy Magazine
Faster reloads when the magazine is empty. - Trait: Arc Core/Solar Core/Void Core
(Variable) Modifies this weapon's damage type to Arc/Solar/Void. - Stock: Composite Stock
This weapon has a versatile dual-purpose stock. (STB+, HND+)
Fighting Lion (Void grenade launcher)
The Fighting Lion is a gorgeous grenade launcher with some fantastic bonuses. Exceptionally stable, its fast-travelling projectiles have a smaller blast radius but make up for it with some neat perks, including a controlled explosion and extra damage to shielded enemies. Best of all, if you kill a bunch of enemies who've taken damage from grenades, the magazine reloads itself. The description does not say "from reserves", so we may be talking free Power ammo here, people. Difficult to use effectively, but very rewarding in PvE if you master its quirks.
- Intrinsic Perk: Delayed Gratification
Grenade projectiles will bounce off surfaces. Hold [Fire] to fire, and release to detonate. - Launcher Barrel: Countermass
This weapon is weighted for vertical recoil. Greatly controls recoil. (STB++, HND++) - Magazine: Implosion Rounds
Grenades travel fast and have a controlled explosion. Decreases blast radius. (PRJ++, STB+++) - Trait: Thin the Herd
Direct hits with this weapon do more damage to shielded opponents. Rapid kills against grenade damaged enemies will refill the magazine. - Stock: Short-action Stock
This weapon is especially easy to grip. (HND+++)
D.A.R.C.I. (Arc sniper rifle)
The D.A.R.C.I. is a sharpshooter for those who need a little help with their distance shooting. Use the scope to check out an enemy's vitals, and then enjoy increased aim insist and a boost to Precision damage. Surprisingly not that common in the Crucible; it may be in need of a little buff. Don't tell Bungie, though - the fewer snipers gadding about in PvP the happier we are.
- Intrinsic Perk: Personal Assistant
Aim at an enemy to view its health and other critical information. - Barrel: Extended Barrel
Weighty barrel Extension. (RNG++, HND--) - Magazine: Extended Mag
(MAG+++, RLD---) - Trait: Target Acquired
When Personal Assistant is active, this weapon has better target acquisition and deals more Precision damage. - Stock: Short-action Stock
This weapon is especially easy to grip. (HND+++)
Merciless (Solar fusion rifle)
A gorgeous-looking beast, Merciless sets up a nice gameplay loop. Shoot an enemy without killing it, and its rate of fire increases until you get a kill. After a kill, reload immediately and enjoy increased damage output. Oh, the possibilities; in skilled hands, this is a beast - especially as it's pretty stable. This is a highly recommended and very popular weapon you should seek out for PvE even if you don't get on so well with fusion rifles in PvP.
- Intrinsic Perk: Conserve Momentum
Non-lethal hits with projectiles make this weapon charge faster until its wielder gets a kill. - Barrel: Chambered Compensator
Stable barrel attachment. Improves recoil direction (STB++, RLD-) - Magazine: Extended Mag
(MAG+++, RLD---) - Trait: Impetus
Reloading immediately after a kill increases weapon damage for a short time. - Stock: Fitted Stock
This stock makes the weapon stable but heavy. Improves recoil direction. (STB++, HND-)
Graviton Lance (Void pulse rifle)
Okay, so that trait's not much to write home about - plenty of guns make their kills explode. But how many rip a hole through spacetime on their way? This is just a fancy way of saying this pulse rifle has really, really tremendous range on the third shot of a burst, to go with its already impressive range bonuses. Nasty recoil, but control your bursts and you're in for a good time. Received an unadvertised buff with the Destiny 2: Curse of Osiris update 1.10 patch that made it a much more viable option thanks to much larger explosions.
- Intrinsic Perk: Black Hole
Third shot of a burst rips a hole through spacetime, doing high damage and recoil with no fall off. - Barrel: Hammer-forged rifling
Durable ranged barrel. (RNG++) - Magazine: Accurized Rounds
This weapon can fire longer distances. (RNG++) - Trait: Cosmology
Kills with this weapon cause enemy targets to detonate. - Stock: Fitted Stock
This stock makes the weapon stable but heavy. Improves recoil direction. (STB++, HND-)
Skyburner's Oath (Solar scout rifle)
Since you shouldn't really be hip-firing with a scout rifle this weapon's trait is a bit silly - but the fact that it's a full auto weapon with, presumably, much better range than an actual auto rifle is very interesting. That bonus to Cabal, and ability to shoot through Phalanx shields, is pretty tasty, too.
- Intrinsic Perk: Slug Rifle
This weapon fires Solar slugs that get stronger when aiming down sights. - Barrel: Extended Barrel
Weighty barrel. (RNG++, HND--) - Magazine: Extended Mag
(MAG+++, RLD---) - Trait: For The Empire
This Weapon is full auto, does extra damage to Cabal, and penetrates Phalanx shields. - Stock: Short-action Stock
This weapon is especially easy to grip. (HND+++)
Legend of Acrius (Arc shotgun)
Legend of Acrius has a strange pairing of trait and perk. The perk is basically "does a ton of damage, including to the guy behind the guy you're shooting". The trait extends your radar range. Uh. Okay? Sure. Well, Bungie couldn't make it too OP, I guess - especially given its various bonuses to range. We've got a guide for how to get your hands on the Acrius, but beware - there's a lot of work involved in this one, and we're not totally convinced it's worth it.
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- Intrinsic Perk: Shock Blast
This weapon fires blasts of high-damage Arc energy that over-penetrate targets. - Barrel: Full Bore
Barrel optimized for distance. (RNG+++, STB--, HND-) - Magazine: Accurized Rounds
This weapon can fire longer distances. (RNG++) - Trait: Long March
Detect enemies on your radar from further away. - Stock: Fitted Stock
This stock makes the weapon stable but heavy. Improves recoil direction. (STB++, HND-)
- Intrinsic Perk: Shock Blast
Borealis (Multi-element sniper rifle, PS4 exclusive)
The Borealis is a PlayStation exclusive Exotic sniper rifle for the time being. If you look at the footage through that link, you'll see it can be purple, blue or orange, which means it can fire all three elemental energy types.
In Destiny 2 you can't change the elemental affinity of Exotic weapons with mods like you can for normal energy weapons. But with this weapon, the ability to change energy type is inherent and will come in handy considering you want to match enemy elemental types. Solar vs Solar, and so on.
- Intrinsic Perk: The Fundamentals
Holding Square charges the weapons's damage type cycling between Solar, Arc and Void. - Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling
Balanced barrel (RNG+, STB+, HND+) - Magazine: Extended Mag
(MAG+++, RLD—) - Trait: Ionic Return
Breaking an enemy shield transfers one bullet from reserves to the magazine. - Stock: Hand-laid Stock
This weapon is optimized for recoil control. (STB++).
Crimson (Kinetic hand cannon - Curse of Osiris)
Hailed by D1 veterans as "the new Red Death", Crimson heals the player after every kill. It fires three-round bursts, sort of like a sidearm, but hits nice and hard - and precision shots increase your ammo supply. As a hand cannon it does not have the range of good old Red Death, but make it work and you've got a hell of a beast. Useful for those unable to pack a healing Rift for PvE, in particular. You can find Crimson in Exotic or Luminous engrams - it's a random drop only, apparently. Probably the first essential Exotic weapon!
- Intrinsic Perk: Cruel Remedy
Kills with this weapon heal the wielder. Precision kills also grant ammo. - Barrel: TBC
Details TBC. - Magazine: TBC
Details TBC. - Trait: Banned Weapon
Fires a three round burst. - Grip: TBC
Details TBC.
Prometheus Lens (Solar trace rifle - Curse of Osiris)
The second ever trace rifle, Promethus Lens fires Solar energy rather than Coldheart's Arc, but is otherwise pretty similar - the longer you keep firing, the more damage this weapon outputs. Kills refill the magazine slightly, so you can keep on laser-ing to your heart's content. Right now this weapon is bugged and absolutely ruining the Crucible, so cross your fingers you get one from a random Exotic engram drop!
- Intrinsic Perk: TBC
Details TBC. - Barrel: TBC
Details TBC. - Magazine: TBC
Details TBC. - Trait: TBC
Details TBC. - Stock: TBC
The Colony (grenade launcher - Curse of Osiris)
This grenade launcher fires little robot spiders instead of standard explosives, and they chase after nearby enemies. It reloads itself even as you're holding, and - this is great - there's a lore explanation for that: the spiders are running into the chamber on their own. Saints preserve us.
- Intrinsic Perk: TBC
Details TBC. - Barrel: TBC
Details TBC. - Magazine: TBC
Details TBC. - Trait: TBC
Details TBC. - Stock: TBC
Telesto (Void fusion rifle - Curse of Osiris)
Telesto returns from D1 but its new version has an exciting new trick - the ability to reload both your Kinetic and Energy weapons when you get a multikill. That makes it ideal for pulling out of your backpack in desperation when your chambers are clicking empty and you're in trouble - but given the projectiles detonate after a short timer rather than on impact, you can actually fire Tolestro first and only then empty your other magazines - if you're quick enough. Fancy!
- Intrinsic Perk: TBC
Details TBC. - Barrel: TBC
Details TBC. - Battery: TBC
Details TBC. - Trait: TBC
Details TBC. - Stock: TBC
The Jade Rabbit (Kinetic scout rifle - Curse of Osiris)
Another returning D1 favourite, The Jade Rabbit does the same thing as last time - chain body shots, and you'll be rewarded with increased damage on your next precision shot as well as a partial reload.
- Intrinsic Perk:
The Fate of All Fools
Chain body shots to gain bonus damage on your next precision shot and return ammo to the magazine. - Barrel: Polygonal Rifling
Barrel optimized for recoil reduction; Increases stability - Magazine: Armor-Piercing Rounds
Rounds cause extra damage to combatants' shields and over penetrate targets; Slightly increases range - Trait:
Zen Moment
Causing damage with this weapon increases its stability.
Other Exotics seen in cinematics
We've seen some other Exotics which we can clearly recognise from D1 - but only in the hands of NPCs, so we don't know whether they'll be available in-game, or whether they're just there as a nod to continuity since our arsenals were blown up. The weapons in this category are No Land Beyond, a sniper rifle; Ace of Spades, a hand cannon; and Razelighter, a sword.
When more Exotics are added to the game, we'll let you know what they're capable of.