Rocket Launchers are the most iconic weapon archetype in Destiny 2. These heavy-loaded weapons have excellent burst damage and ad-clearing abilities. They were in terrible shape a couple of seasons back. Still, thanks to some incredible buffs and other changes, they have returned home, returned to their original glory and are now part of every guardian’s loadout.
Rocket Launchers are the best weapon for boss damage in the game, and with the latest changes in the damage perks and the ability to be crafted, they are now part of every activity in the game. With the perks like chain reaction, the ad-clearing abilities have greatly improved. Some exotic launchers are great in PvP as they won’t even require you to aim at the enemy guardians and can wipe an entire team with a single rocket.
What are the best rocket launchers in Destiny 2?
With each new season in Destiny 2, the weapon meta undergoes significant changes. In the current "Season of the Deep," rocket launchers have emerged as a solid choice, particularly for PvE activities. This article will explore the top 10 rocket launchers that excel in PvP and PvE gameplay. Let's jump right in.
If you're aiming to collect all the red borders of this weapon, the most efficient approach is to be patient and wait for the Last Wish raid to become the featured raid of the week. This way, you'll have a better chance of securing the various curated rolls and perfecting your Apex Predator collection.
10. Cold Comfort (Best for PvE)
Cold Comfort arrived with a fantastic set of perks that worked well with the weapon is design. Unfortunately, you can't make this weapon yourself, so the only way to get the perfect roll you want is by repeatedly trying to get it.
One of the best things about Cold Comfort is its special perk called "Restoration Ritual." This perk automatically gives you more ammo when you revive your teammates or defeat enemies. It's super helpful in tough activities, as it can save your team from getting wiped out.
Cold Comfort Stats
- Blast Radius: 20
- Velocity: 69
- Stability: 28
- Handling: 23
- Reload Speed: 62
- Reload Time: 3.07 s
- Aim Assistance: 39
- Inventory Size: 45
- Zoom: 20
- Airborne Effectiveness: 10
- Recoil: 73
- Rounds Per Minute: 25
- Magazine: 1
PvE God roll:
- Barrel: Quick Launch
- Magazine: Impact Casing
- Perk 1: Envious Assassin
- Perk 2: Bait and Switch
How to get Cold Comfort
Cold Comfort is a weapon you can find in the loot pool of the Ghost of the Deep dungeon. To obtain this rocket 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 rocket launcher.
9. Red Herring (Best for PvE)
Witch Queen came with some fantastic destination weapons, and Red Herring is one of them. It's a great rocket launcher and can become even better with the right perks. Void weapons got a boost with Void 3.0, and Red Herring is an excellent choice to fit into your loadout.
The best perk combination you can aim for with this weapon is Field Prep and Lasting Impression. This setup works exceptionally well when you're playing solo. Field Prep makes the rocket launcher reload faster, and Lasting Impression adds delayed damage, so you can switch to other weapons to deal more damage while your enemies feel the burn from Red Herring. It's a combo that can make your solo adventures even more effective.
Red Herring Stats
- Blast Radius: 50
- Velocity: 53
- Stability: 42
- Handling: 40
- Reload Speed: 42
- Reload Time: 3.2 s
- Aim Assistance: 62
- Inventory Size: 36
- Zoom: 20
- Airborne Effectiveness: 3
- Recoil: 66
- Rounds Per Minute: 20
- Magazine: 1
PvE God roll:
- Barrel: Hard Launch
- Magazine: Impact Casing
- Perk 1: Field Prep
- Perk 2: Lasting Impression
How to get Red Herring
To get the Red Herring rocket launcher, you need to complete activities within the Throneworld introduced in the Witch Queen expansion. These activities include story missions and lost sectors. You can also earn it by increasing your reputation with Fynch, the destination vendor.
8. Ascendancy (Best for PvE)
Ascendancy debuted as a seasonal ritual weapon during season 15. It could be obtained from various seasonal activities, including Crucible, Gambit, or Strikes. What made it stand out was its impressive perk combination of Impulse Amplifier and Explosive Light. While these perks are found in several rocket launchers in the game, Ascendancy truly excels in PvE with this combination.
Being a ritual weapon, Ascendancy offers a limited selection of perks. The alternative choice of Ambitious Assassin and Chain Reaction is also noteworthy, as it can swiftly clear waves of enemies. Pairing this rocket launcher with Gjallarhorn can lead to some incredible results, showcasing the magic of these explosive weapons.
Ascendancy Stats
- Blast Radius: 30
- Velocity: 51
- Stability: 42
- Handling: 41
- Reload Speed: 27
- Reload Time: 3.55 s
- Aim Assistance: 61
- Inventory Size: 35
- Zoom: 20
- Airborne Effectiveness: 3
- Recoil: 70
- Rounds Per Minute: 15
- Magazine: 1
PvE God roll:
- Barrel: Quick Launch
- Magazine: Impact Casing
- Perk 1: Ambitious Assasin
- Perk 2: Chain Reaction
How to get Ascendancy
You can only get Ascendancy from the Monument to Lost Lights weapon vault in the Tower. To craft the weapon, you’ll need to bring a hefty list of materials:
- 75000 Glimmer
- 2 Enhancement Prisms
- 1x Ascendant Shard
7. Deathbringer (Best for PvP)
Deathbringer is one of the coolest-looking exotics in Destiny 2, and it has a name to match. It's a void rocket launcher that came with the Shadowkeep expansion. If you know how to use it, it can deal some of the highest damage per second in the game.
But here's the catch: it's not great for close-quarters combat because it needs some room for its projectiles to work effectively. So, in PvE activities where you're up close, it might not be the best choice. On the other hand, in PvP, it's a beast. Its unique ability to explode rockets remotely can wipe out enemy teams, making it a fantastic pick for competitive matches.
Exotic Perk:
Fires remotely detonated projectiles that drop Void orbs on combatants. [Shoot] : Fire; release to detonate. The further a Void orb falls, the more powerful its detonation becomes.
Deathbringer Stats
- Blast Radius: 90
- Velocity: 40
- Stability: 58
- Handling: 66
- Reload Speed: 33
- Reload Time: 3.58 s
- Aim Assistance: 72
- Inventory Size: 36
- Zoom: 20
- Airborne Effectiveness: 3
- Recoil: 58
- Rounds Per Minute: 15
- Magazine: 1
How to get Deathbringer
To obtain the exotic rocket launcher Deathbringer, follow these steps:
- Complete the campaign of Shadowkeep.
- After finishing the campaign, pick up the Lunar Spelunker quest.
- Complete all the steps within the quest, which may include exploring lost sectors on the Moon.
- Once you've completed all the required steps, you'll be rewarded with the Deathbringer rocket launcher.
6. Hezen Vengeance (Best for PvE)
Every weapon that comes from the Vault of Glass raid has made a big impact in Destiny 2. Hezen Vengeance, a solar rocket launcher, is no exception. It has great stats and some excellent perks. It's one of the rare rocket launchers that can have the biggest blast radius if you get the right perks.
Although Vorpal Weapon got a bit weaker recently, when you pair it with Impulse Amplifier, Hezen Vengeance can still deal some decent damage over time. This combo makes the rockets faster and easier to reload while also increasing the damage they do. It shows that this weapon has potential, even when the game is changing.
Hezen Vengeance Stats
- Blast Radius: 20
- Velocity: 79
- Stability: 29
- Handling: 23
- Reload Speed: 60
- Reload Time: 3.1 s
- Aim Assistance: 35
- Inventory Size: 50
- Zoom: 20
- Airborne Effectiveness: 3
- Recoil: 65
- Rounds Per Minute: 25
- Magazine: 1
PvE God roll:
- Barrel: Volatile Launch
- Magazine: Alloy Casing
- Perk 1: Impulse Amplifier
- Perk 2: Vorpal Weapon
How to get Hezen Vengeance
The Hezen Vengeance rocket launcher can only be acquired within the Vault of Glass raid. To unlock it, you must complete the Strangers In Time challenge during the Gatekeeper encounter. For those seeking the Timelost version, conquering the challenge on Master difficulty is necessary. Once the weapon drops, you can purchase random rolls of Hezen Vengeance from the final chest within the raid.
5. Eyes of Tomorrow (Best for PvP)
Eyes of Tomorrow is a rocket launcher that speaks for itself. It's easily one of the best in the game, not just for its cool appearance but also because of its unique perk. This perk lets you lock onto enemies even if you're not aiming directly at them, changing how players think about rocket launchers.
People really wanted to get their hands on this rocket launcher, so they grinded the Deep Stone Crypt raid for months. It's that good. With its strong tracking ability, it can take out a whole team of opponents, even if they're far away. It might not be the best choice for PvE activities, but it really shines in PvP and Gambit. It's a game-changer in the right hands.
Exotic Perk:
"This weapon is capable of tracking and firing at multiple targets simultaneously. Killing four or more combatants in a single volley increases the damage of the next volley."
Eyes of Tomorrow Stats
- Blast Radius: 50
- Velocity: 52
- Stability: 72
- Handling: 44
- Reload Speed: 46
- Reload Time: 3.33 s
- Aim Assistance: 68
- Inventory Size: 20
- Zoom: 20
- Airborne Effectiveness: 7
- Recoil: 75
- Rounds Per Minute: 20
- Magazine: 1
How to get Eyes of Tomorrow
Eyes of Tomorrow is the exclusive exotic reward for completing the Deep Stone Crypt raid. To obtain this powerful rocket launcher, you must defeat the raid's final boss, Taniks, The Abomination. The more times you complete the raid, the higher the chances of receiving the weapon. The most effective strategy for obtaining Eyes of Tomorrow is to farm the final encounter when Deep Stone Crypt is the featured raid of the week, as this maximizes your chances of adding this coveted rocket launcher to your arsenal.
4. The Hothead (Best for PvE)
Hothead, an exceptional arc rocket launcher, once reigned as one of the best rocket launchers in Destiny 2 not too long ago. However, its popularity saw a decline following the release of new rocket launchers that players could craft. Nevertheless, it's essential to recognize that this weapon boasts an outstanding perk pool with perks like Explosive Light and Clown Cartridge.
Hothead remains a solid choice in PvE scenarios, particularly for boss damage. The combination of Impulse Amplifier and Explosive Light not only increases the weapon's damage output but also enhances its handling and reload speed. By maximizing the blast radius and adding adept mods, Hothead transforms into a formidable weapon, demonstrating its potential to unleash destruction upon your enemies.
The Hothead Stats
- Blast Radius: 50
- Velocity: 57
- Stability: 47
- Handling: 47
- Reload Speed: 45
- Reload Time: 3.35 s
- Aim Assistance: 67
- Inventory Size: 34
- Zoom: 20
- Airborne Effectiveness: 8
- Recoil: 75
- Rounds Per Minute: 20
- Magazine: 1
PvE God roll:
- Barrel: Hard Launch
- Magazine: Alloy Casing
- Perk 1: Impulse Amplifier
- Perk 2: Explosive Light
How to get The Hothead
Obtaining The Hothead was once possible by completing a Nightfall activity, provided it was the featured reward for that week. However, it's important to note that this rocket launcher has been temporarily removed from the Nightfall loot pool. Guardians are hopeful that it will make a return in an upcoming season.
Additionally, players who conquer a Grandmaster (GM) Nightfall acquire The Hothead Adept variant. This version allows the weapon to benefit from Adept weapon mods, adding another layer of customization and power to this sought-after rocket launcher. Keep an eye out for its potential return and seize the opportunity to obtain this formidable weapon once again.
3. Two-Tailed Fox (Best for PvE)
The Two-Tailed Fox stands out as one of the most user-friendly weapons in Destiny 2, requiring no complex setup. It fires two rockets simultaneously (or three with the catalyst), delivering both scorch and suppress damage to enemies while applying debuffs. With the introduction of the catalyst, the Two-Tailed Fox has ascended to the S-Tier of rocket launchers.
The catalyst for the Two-Tailed Fox brings a game-changing addition: a third rocket with the Arc Jolt ability. The Jolt debuff it provides surpasses traditional arc abilities and lasts longer. This rocket launcher perfectly complements your arc-based builds and is an excellent choice for tackling solo content. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a standout choice for Guardians in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
Exotic Perk:
Shoots two rockets, one Void and one Solar that can track the same target. The Void rocket suppresses enemies. The Solar rocket causes damage over time.
Two-Tailed Fox Stats
- Blast Radius: 30
- Velocity: 50
- Stability: 50
- Handling: 47
- Reload Speed: 26
- Reload Time: 3.67 s
- Aim Assistance: 67
- Inventory Size: 30
- Zoom: 20
- Airborne Effectiveness: 12
- Recoil: 61
- Rounds Per Minute: 40
- Magazine: 1
How to get Two-Tailed Fox
Obtaining the Two-Tailed Fox doesn't involve a specific quest. Instead, it can be acquired as a random reward when deciphering exotic engrams. These engrams follow a knockout system, progressively boosting your chances of receiving exotics you haven't obtained yet. Additionally, the weekly vendor, Xur, occasionally offers it for sale, providing another avenue for Guardians to add this powerful rocket launcher to their arsenal.
2. Apex Predator (Best for PvE)
Apex Predator didn't initially capture the attention of Guardians when it debuted alongside the Last Wish raid. Sins of the Past remained a strong contender in the rocket launcher category, and over time, even better rocket launchers were introduced. However, the Season of the Deep breathed new life into Apex Predator with reworked perks.
During the last season, the perk pool of this weapon received a complete overhaul, and it welcomed the highly sought-after perk, Bait and Switch. Combining this perk with Reconstruction results in maximum damage output. If your primary concern is dealing boss damage, Apex Predator outshines most other rocket launchers in the game. It's proof that sometimes, with the proper adjustments, a weapon can triumphantly return to the forefront of Guardian arsenals.
Apex Predator Stats
- Blast Radius: 50
- Velocity: 49
- Stability: 43
- Handling: 44
- Reload Speed: 44
- Reload Time: 3.37 s
- Aim Assistance: 68
- Inventory Size: 33
- Zoom: 20
- Airborne Effectiveness: 3
- Recoil: 61
- Rounds Per Minute: 20
- Magazine: 1
PvE God roll:
- Barrel: Volatile Launch
- Magazine: Impact Casing
- Perk 1: Reconstruction
- Perk 2: Bait and Switch
How to get Apex Predator
To acquire Apex Predator, you'll need to venture into the Last Wish raid. During the Season of the Witch, completing any encounter within the raid has a chance to drop this formidable rocket launcher. Once you've unlocked it in your collections, you can also obtain it from the secret chests scattered throughout the raid.
1. Gjallarhorn (Best for PvE)
Gjallarhorn is at the top of our list for a reason. It's been a dominant force in Destiny since the original game and maintains its status in Destiny 2. With its incredible exotic perk that grants wolfpack rounds to the whole team, it's a must-have for any fireteam, especially during raids.
Despite some nerfs in previous seasons, particularly in PvE, Gjallarhorn remains the best rocket launcher in the game. The catalyst, which increases the magazine size and greatly helps with consistent boss damage. While it may not be the absolute best choice for all PvE activities, it still shines in any PvE encounter.
Exotic Perk:
Rounds fired split into tracking cluster missiles upon detonation. Gain increased handling and reload speed when standing near allies. Firing this weapon also grants Wolfpack Rounds to nearby allies wielding non-Exotic Rocket Launchers.
Gjallarhorn Stats
- Blast Radius: 90
- Velocity: 45
- Stability: 64
- Handling: 66
- Reload Speed: 37
- Reload Time: 3.5 s
- Aim Assistance: 76
- Inventory Size: 50
- Zoom: 20
- Airborne Effectiveness: 6
- Recoil: 49
- Rounds Per Minute: 15
- Magazine: 1
How to get Gjallarhorn
To obtain the Gjallarhorn, you'll need to start by acquiring the 30th Anniversary pack DLC. Once you've completed the prologue event, "Dares of Eternity," head back to Xur to initiate the "And Out Fly the Wolves" quest. This quest involves a series of straightforward steps and completing the "Grasp of Avarice" dungeon. Once you've completed the quest, you'll finally be able to wield this exceptional exotic rocket launcher.
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