Grenade launchers are one of the new weapon types that Destiny 2 added to the game; they're both incredibly popular and lethal. They have remained a popular option in various game activities since their debut. These explosive weapons can destroy opposing Guardian teams in PvP with just one well-aimed shot. They also have amazing perks for PvE activities.
In recent seasons, grenade launchers did receive some adjustments because they were considered too dominant compared to other heavy weapons. However, despite these tweaks, they remain a formidable option in Destiny 2. They might not be the best choice for a DPS weapon, but they dominate in PvP activities, and some are amazing for ad clearing in PvE.
What are the best Grenade Launchers in Destiny 2?
When it comes to the best grenade launchers in Destiny 2, there are several top picks that you can consider. Here are the top 10 grenade launchers in the game for PvP and PvE activities.
10. New Pacific Epitaph (Best for PVP)
The new Pacific Epitaph was introduced alongside the Ghost in the Deep Dungeon. What sets this grenade launcher apart is that it's the first one to feature the Perpetual Motion perk, typically found in primary or special weapons. This unique perk makes it an excellent option for PvP because it allows you to enhance your weapon stats through movement.
New Pacific Epitaph has impressive stats and is relatively straightforward to acquire through farming. Combining the Perpetual Motion perk with Harmony can significantly boost your damage output with each shot.
New Pacific Epitaph Stats
- Blast Radius: 100
- Velocity: 73
- Stability: 26
- Handling: 71
- Reload Speed: 71
- Reload Time: 2.2 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 76
- Inventory Size: 70
- Zoom: 13
- Airborne Effectiveness: 4
- Recoil: 70
- Rounds Per Minute: 72
- Magazine: 1
PvP God roll:
- Barrel: Quick Launch
- Magazine: High-Velocity Rounds
- Perk 1: Perpetual Motion
- Perk 2: Harmony
How to get Pacific Epitaph
Pacific Epitaph is a weapon in the Ghost of the Deep dungeon loot pool. To obtain this grenade launcher, you'll need to complete any encounter within the dungeon, including the final boss battle. If you're looking to farm for it, the most efficient method is to complete the first encounter. This encounter is relatively quick and straightforward, and it has a smaller loot pool, which means you have better odds of obtaining the grenade launcher.
9. Fighting Lion (Best for PVP)
The Fighting Lion is a distinctive weapon in Destiny 2, the first Grenade Launcher to operate on Primary ammo. Grenade Launchers, especially in PvP, are attractive due to their ability to unleash projectiles rapidly, and this trait alone makes the Fighting Lion a practical choice.
In the Destiny 2 community, a small yet dedicated group of gamers exclusively wield the Fighting Lion. While it's undeniably one of the most entertaining weapons, it can also be one of the most irritating to face off against. Mastering the Fighting Lion's playstyle in The Crucible can yield impressive results. However, it requires a specialized approach and significant practice to excel in it.
Exotic Perk:
Direct hits do more damage to combatant shields. Dealing damage increases reload speed. Rapid final blows against grenade-damaged combatants refill the magazine.
Fighting Lion Stats
- Blast Radius: 100
- Velocity: 40
- Stability: 50
- Handling: 80
- Reload Speed: 0
- Reload Time: 3.49 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 80
- Inventory Size: 0
- Zoom: 13
- Airborne Effectiveness: 12
- Recoil: 60
- Rounds Per Minute: 90
- Magazine: 1
How to get Fighting Lion
There is no specific quest to get Fighting Lion. Instead, you can get it as a random reward for deciphering the exotic engrams. The exotic engrams follow a knockout system, increasing the chances of dropping the exotics you don’t own. The weekly vendor Xur sells it occasionally, so you can buy it from there.
8. Forbearance (Best for PVE)
Forbearance, like Explosive Personality, belongs to the exclusive club of craftable grenade launchers in Destiny 2. While it may not be as readily obtainable since it requires successful completion of encounters in the Vow of the Disciple raid, Forbearance emerges as a slightly superior choice to other legendary grenade launchers. To craft this weapon, you'll need five patterns.
What makes Forbearance unique is that it's the top Special grenade launcher in the game. It belongs to the Waveframe category and can roll with the Chain Reaction perk. Combined with Ambitious Assassin, it can quickly fire off two powerful shots, making it exceptional at clearing out groups of enemies. It's a top-tier choice among Legendary weapons in Destiny 2.
Forbearance Stats
- Blast Radius: 100
- Velocity: 74
- Stability: 27
- Handling: 70
- Reload Speed: 71
- Reload Time: 2.2 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 79
- Inventory Size: 67
- Zoom: 13
- Airborne Effectiveness: 4
- Recoil: 73
- Rounds Per Minute: 72
- Magazine: 1
PvE God roll:
- Barrel: Volatile Launch
- Magazine: High-Velocity Rounds
- Perk 1: Ambitious Assassin
- Perk 2: Chain Reaction
How to get Forbearance
Forbearance can only be acquired from the fourth(The Caretaker) and final(Rhulk ) encounter of the Vow of the Disciple (VoD) raid. The fourth encounter is relatively easy and fast to farm this weapon. Once you have unlocked it in your collections, you can also get it from the secret chests.
7. Cataphract GL3 Adept (Best for PVP)
Cataphract GL3, the first grenade launcher obtainable in Trials of Osiris, shines as one of the top heavy weapons for PvP. Its knack for one-shotting multiple Guardians makes it a standout choice. With solid stats and various perks, Cataphract excels in the heat of intense PvP encounters.
Trials of Osiris provides great PvP weapons and the added flair of their distinctive glows, which Guardians love to flex. Additionally, acquiring the adept version of this weapon boosts its stats and allows you to add adept mods.
Cataphract GL3 Stats
- Blast Radius: 50
- Velocity: 40
- Stability: 44
- Handling: 47
- Reload Speed: 47
- Reload Time: 3.33 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 63
- Inventory Size: 55
- Zoom: 13
- Airborne Effectiveness: 12
- Recoil: 69
- Rounds Per Minute: 120
- Magazine: 6
PvP God roll:
- Barrel: Volatile Launch
- Magazine: Proximity Grenades
- Perk 1: Demolitionist
- Perk 2: Chain Reaction
How to get Cataphract GL3 Adept
Cataphract GL3 (Adept) is one of the difficult weapons to get as it is linked with the Trials of the Osiris activity. You can only obtain it from the lighthouse chest, which you can only unlock by going flawless in trials. Once you open it in your collections, you can buy another one from Saint-14 by sacrificing your card and a few other resources.
6. Explosive Personality (Best for PVP)
Introduced alongside the Season of the Risen and The Witch Queen expansion, Explosive Personality is one of two fresh additions to the Wave Frame Grenade Launcher category. What sets it apart is that it's a craftable weapon, following the trend of other recently introduced weapons, making it easier to pursue your ideal roll.
What distinguishes Explosive Personality is its status as Destiny 2's inaugural Solar Wave Frame Grenade Launcher. This uniqueness alone makes it a sought-after choice among Guardians. Moreover, users of Explosive Personality are guaranteed the new Origin trait called "Land Tank," which is currently regarded as one of the game's most potent origin traits.
Explosive Personality Stats
- Blast Radius: 100
- Velocity: 72
- Stability: 23
- Handling: 68
- Reload Speed: 68
- Reload Time: 2.24 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 67
- Inventory Size: 62
- Zoom: 13
- Airborne Effectiveness: 1
- Recoil: 71
- Rounds Per Minute: 72
- Magazine: 1
PvP God roll:
- Barrel: Quick Launch
- Magazine: Hight-Velocity Rounds
- Perk 1: Auto-Loading Holster
- Perk 2: Disruption Break
How to get Explosive Personality
The only way to get this weapon is from the weekly vendor (Xur). Xur has sold some amazing rolls of this weapon in the past and offers it frequently in its inventory. You need to watch its weekly offerings, and you might be lucky enough to get a god-roll Main Ingredient.
5. Salvager's Salvo (Best for PVE)
Salvager's Salvo was released during the chosen season and became known as the king of PvE launchers. After the release of Mountain Top, direct-impact grenade launchers gained popularity, and Salvagor's Salvo is one of the best in this archetype. Because of its fantastic perks, this arc grenade launcher is an ad-killing machine.
Salvager's Salvo can roll with the demolitionist and chain reaction perk combination, considered the PvE god roll. It can be used in casual PvE content and end-game Grandmaster Nightfalls and raids.
Salvager's Salvo Stats
- Blast Radius: 100
- Velocity: 70
- Stability: 26
- Handling: 70
- Reload Speed: 70
- Reload Time: 2.3 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 70
- Inventory Size: 70
- Zoom: 13
- Airborne Effectiveness: 2
- Recoil: 75
- Rounds Per Minute: 90
- Magazine: 1
PvE God roll:
- Barrel: Quick Launch
- Magazine: Spike Grenades
- Perk 1: Ambitious Assassin
- Perk 2: Chain Reaction
How to get Salvager's Salvo
The process of getting Salvager's Salvo is straightforward. You need to farm some resources, and you can buy the weapon from the Legacy Gear Memorial at the tower. You will need:
- 2 x Enhancement Prism
- 75,000 x Glimmer
- 1 x Ascendant Shard
4. Wendigo GL3 (Best for PVP)
Wendigo GL3, a beloved grenade launcher, returned during the Season of the Witch, now with the added feature of random rolls. It's obtainable through Nightfall activities, and you can even acquire its adept version to boost its stats further.
However, it's worth noting that Wendigo isn't the powerhouse it once was, particularly with rockets taking the spotlight. While it retains its classic static roll, it also offers some new and exciting options, like the Cascade Point perk, which adds a rapid-fire element to the mix for those who enjoy that fast-paced feel.
Wendigo GL3 Stats
- Blast Radius: 50
- Velocity: 29
- Stability: 38
- Handling: 41
- Reload Speed: 46
- Reload Time: 3.35 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 66
- Inventory Size: 43
- Zoom: 13
- Airborne Effectiveness: 16
- Recoil: 78
- Rounds Per Minute: 120
- Magazine: 6
PvP God roll:
- Barrel: Quick Launch
- Magazine: Proximity Grenades
- Perk 1: Impulse Amplifier
- Perk 2: Golden Tricorn
How to get Wendigo GL3
You can get Wendigo GL3 only if you complete a Nightfall activity, but only if it is the reward for the week. Unfortunately, the grenade launcher has been removed from the loot pool of the Nightfalls, and we hope they will add it again in the coming season. Furthermore, players who beat a GM Nightfall in Destiny 2 can get Wendigo GL3, which allows the weapon to take advantage of Adept weapon mods.
3. Parasite (Best for PVE)
The Parasite is undeniably one of the game's most distinctive and enjoyable weapons. It's essentially a grenade launcher that masquerades as a rocket launcher, but here's the kicker – it fires worms instead of traditional bullets. Yes, you read that correctly – it's a worm-launching weapon! While it may have only one round in the magazine, that solitary worm can wreak havoc by wiping out an entire wave of enemies.
The real magic happens when you start stacking up the Worm's Hunger buff, turning this weapon into an absolute beast in terms of damage output. Regarding PvE content, the Parasite is a powerhouse, offering extreme burst damage and much fun.
Exotic Perk:
"Grenades stick to surfaces and chain Arc bolts to other mines. It also has the Moving Target perk."
Parasite Stats
- Blast Radius: 100
- Velocity: 0
- Stability: 48
- Handling: 47
- Reload Speed: 44
- Reload Time: 3.39 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 68
- Inventory Size: 0
- Zoom: 13
- Airborne Effectiveness: 11
- Recoil: 77
- Rounds Per Minute: 120
- Magazine: 1
How to get Parasite
You must first complete the Witch Queen campaign to obtain the Parasite grenade launcher. You will then be directed to speak with Mara Sov. She will give you a parasite with the quest "THRONE OF THE VILE" attached to it. After completing the quest, you will be rewarded with the grenade launcher.
2. Anarchy (Best for PVE)
Anarchy has undergone a remarkable transformation in Destiny 2, as it was once considered one of the most dominating PvE weapons, capable of making the most demanding activities seem easy. Even though the game has seen numerous changes and the introduction of other great options, Anarchy still retains its position as one of the most formidable Grenade Launchers available.
You can deliver substantial damage when you pair Anarchy with a Sniper Rifle or Shotgun. While it may not reach the levels of Witherhoard or Parasite, Anarchy's dependable DPS output makes it a fantastic selection for those who prefer running double Special weapons in their load-outs. It's a tried-and-true choice that continues to pack a punch in Destiny 2.
Exotic Perk:
"Grenades stick to surfaces and chain Arc bolts to other mines. It also has the Moving Target perk."
Anarchy Stats
- Impact: 84
- Blast Radius:
- Velocity: 75
- Stability: 40
- Handling: 40
- Reload Speed: 42
- Reload Time: 3.19 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 70
- Inventory Size: 56
- Zoom: 14
- Airborne Effectiveness: 14
- Recoil: 100
- Rounds Per Minute: 140
- Magazine: 13
How to get Anarchy
The process of getting Witherhoard is straightforward. You need to farm some resources, and you can buy the weapon from the exotic kiosk at the tower. You will need:
- 1 x Exotic Cipher
- 150,000 x Glimmer
- 240 x Spoils of Conquest
- 2 x Ascendant Shard
1. Witherhoard (Best for PVE)
Witherhoard is arguably the reigning champion among grenade launchers in Destiny 2. It's become a must-have PvE weapon for every Guardian, particularly when paired with the catalyst that bestows it with an auto-loading holster.
What sets Witherhoard apart is its simplicity and versatility. It can deal substantial damage, control an area, handle waves of ads, and all this with utmost ease of use. Thanks to its area-of-effect (AoE) impact, Witherhoard counters several meta playstyles in PvP, countering supers like Ward of Dawn or Lorley Splendor Shields. It's held a prominent position in PvP and PvE for quite some time, and facing off against it, especially in PvP activities, can be a real trouble.
Exotic Perk:
Projectiles fired by this weapon blight the target or nearby area on impact. Blighted targets take damage over time and blight the nearby area on death.
Witherhoard Stats
- Impact: 60
- Blast Radius: 0
- Velocity: 12
- Stability: 63
- Handling: 48
- Reload Speed: 33
- Reload Time: 2.8 seconds
- Aim Assistance: 84
- Inventory Size: 46
- Zoom: 12
- Airborne Effectiveness: 6
- Recoil: 96
- Rounds Per Minute: 90
- Magazine: 6
How to get Witherhoard
The process of getting Witherhoard is straightforward. You need to farm some resources, and you can buy the weapon from the exotic kiosk at the tower. You will need:
- 1 x Exotic Cipher
- 100,000 x Glimmer
- 1 x Ascendant Shard
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