Destiny 2’s roster of Exotic weapons is one of the most exciting features of the game, offering players a wide range of unique, powerful tools to combat the forces of Darkness. Each Exotic weapon brings something special to the table, whether it’s a unique perk, a gameplay-altering mechanic, or sheer destructive power. While many of these weapons are tied to specific activities, quests, or expansions, others have become staples of player loadouts due to their versatility and power.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 Exotic weapons you need to try in Destiny 2. From heavy-hitting powerhouses to versatile, utility-based tools, these weapons offer something for every type of Guardian. Whether you’re chasing after that elusive Exotic or simply wondering which one to add to your collection, these weapons are sure to elevate your gameplay experience.

The Lament: A Sword That Cuts Through Everything

The Lament is one of the most powerful Exotics in Destiny 2, and it’s also one of the most satisfying to use. This sword not only deals substantial damage, but its unique ability to sever enemy shields makes it a fantastic choice for almost any scenario. The Lament’s ability to deal more damage to bosses and large enemies is a key feature that makes it invaluable during both PvE activities like Nightfalls and Raids and in tough encounters. Its special perk, *Banshee’s Wail*, allows players to rev up the sword, increasing its damage output dramatically for a limited time, making it a go-to weapon for high-tier endgame content.

The Lament’s damage potential, combined with its high survivability (thanks to its ability to heal on kills), makes it a must-have for any serious PvE player looking to add an extra layer of power to their loadout.

Fatebringer: The Return of a Classic

Fatebringer is one of Destiny’s most iconic hand cannons, originally introduced in Destiny 1, and now it’s back in Destiny 2 with a vengeance. This 140 RPM hand cannon packs a punch with its unique perk, *Explosive Payload*, which causes rounds to explode on impact, dealing damage over a wider area. This makes it extremely effective against groups of enemies and helps control crowds with ease.

Fatebringer’s *Timelost* variant also offers additional perks, making it even more customizable and potent. Whether you’re running PvE content or engaging in PvP, Fatebringer delivers precision and explosive damage, making it a top contender for your Exotic hand cannon slot.

Witherhoard: A Toxic Masterpiece

Witherhoard is one of the most versatile Exotic weapons in Destiny 2. This grenade launcher doesn’t just deal damage; it also inflicts a persistent debuff that continues to damage enemies over time, making it excellent for both PvE and PvP content. The *Primeval’s Torment* perk allows Witherhoard to leave a pool of damage over time on the ground, forcing enemies to either retreat or be whittled down by the toxic clouds.

With its ability to clear waves of adds, control zones in PvP, and deal consistent damage in boss fights, Witherhoard is an essential tool in both competitive and cooperative gameplay. Its unique synergy with other loadouts and its ability to disable enemies makes it a must-try for Guardians seeking to optimize their damage output.

Thorn: The Poisonous Hand Cannon

Thorn is another Exotic hand cannon that stands out due to its ability to inflict damage over time. The *Mark of the Devourer* perk causes enemies to take poison damage, leaving them in a persistent debuff state even after the initial shot. This can be a game-changer in both PvE and PvP, especially in situations where you need to apply consistent pressure on enemies or prevent them from regenerating health.

Thorn’s versatility as a mid-to-long-range weapon makes it useful in a variety of scenarios. Whether you’re using it to finish off a high-health target or apply poison to large groups of enemies in PvE, it’s a weapon that rewards skillful play and strategic use of its poison mechanic.

One Thousand Voices: A Cataclysmic Blast

If you’re looking for pure devastation, look no further than *One Thousand Voices*. This Fusion Rifle is known for its explosive potential, thanks to the *Cataclysmic* perk, which causes an explosion when you hit an enemy with a charged shot. One Thousand Voices can melt through groups of enemies with ease, making it particularly effective in large-scale PvE activities like raids, especially during boss phases where burst damage is essential.

While the weapon’s slow charge time can be a drawback in some situations, its ability to deal massive damage in a single shot more than makes up for it. Guardians who enjoy dealing heavy DPS will find One Thousand Voices to be a valuable asset, especially in high-difficulty content.

Succession: A Strong Pulse Rifle for Versatile Use

Succession is one of the most effective and powerful Pulse Rifles in Destiny 2. With its *Rapid Hit* perk and ability to hit hard at medium to long range, this Exotic Pulse Rifle excels in many scenarios, from clearing adds in PvE to providing sustained fire in PvP. The *Reconstruction* perk makes it even more versatile, allowing you to rapidly reload and fire while keeping your target under constant pressure.

Whether you’re taking on high-level strikes or engaging in Crucible, Succession’s high damage output and excellent handling make it an all-around solid choice for players who want a reliable weapon in nearly every situation.

Dead Man’s Tale: The Precision and Power of the Cowboy Revolver

Dead Man’s Tale is a one-of-a-kind Exotic weapon that combines precision with power. This *Exotic Hand Cannon* has a unique perk, *Hipfire Grip*, allowing you to fire from the hip without losing accuracy. Additionally, its *Corkscrew Rifling* and *Crackshot* perks increase the weapon’s damage output and precision. Dead Man’s Tale excels at both long-range and close-quarters combat, making it an adaptable choice for all types of gameplay.

With its ability to rapidly deal with single targets and its unique mechanics, Dead Man’s Tale is perfect for players who enjoy precision shooting and quick eliminations. It’s a fantastic option for both PvE and PvP players looking to get the most out of their weapon loadouts.

Prospector: Grenade Launcher with Explosive Potential

Prospector is an Exotic grenade launcher that shines in both PvE and PvP with its ability to fire multiple grenades in quick succession. The *Auto-Loading Holster* perk ensures you’re always ready to reload while dealing with enemies, making it perfect for clearing adds or dealing with tough bosses. The weapon’s high explosive potential and versatility make it a popular choice in PvE content.

Its unique perks allow for fast reloads, precise targeting, and consistent explosive damage, making it essential for any fireteam tackling tougher content. Prospector is especially effective in activities that require sustained area damage, offering an explosive solution to large groups of enemies.

Thunderlord: The Storm of Power

Thunderlord is one of Destiny 2’s most iconic Exotic weapons, known for its ability to deal high sustained damage with its chain lightning effect. This machine gun has the unique *Rainstorm* perk, which causes it to generate lightning strikes with every shot. Not only does it deal with large groups of enemies effectively, but its chain lightning damage is also incredibly powerful against bosses, especially in PvE content.

Thunderlord is a fantastic choice for clearing enemies or providing support during major boss fights, and it excels in situations that require high sustained damage over time. If you love wielding the power of a storm, Thunderlord is the weapon for you.

Helm of Saint-14: A True Titan’s Weapon

The Helm of Saint-14 is a signature Titan Exotic, and its associated shotgun is just as legendary. It boasts high burst damage with the *Last Hope* perk, which can be a game-changer in close-quarter combat. Known for its ability to breach enemy defenses, Helm of Saint-14 is also an amazing tool for taking out Guardians in PvP, combining quick bursts with impactful knockback.

Whether you’re tackling tough bosses in PvE or controlling the battlefield in PvP, Helm of Saint-14 offers one of the most effective ways to bring down enemies quickly, making it a solid choice for any Titan who wants to pack a punch in every encounter.

Conclusion

Destiny 2’s Exotic weapons offer players a chance to diversify their loadouts and experiment with unique gameplay mechanics. From the power and versatility of *Witherhoard* to the sheer destructive force of *One Thousand Voices*, these weapons redefine how players approach combat. Each Exotic brings its own set of advantages, making it essential for players to explore different options and discover which suits their playstyle the best. Whether you’re tackling tough bosses or jumping into PvP, these top 10 Exotic weapons will elevate your experience and help you take your gameplay to new heights.

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