The Ultimate Guide: Unveiling Destiny 2's Top 14 Game-Changing Strand Weapons!

Highlights

Pressurized Precision Fusion Rifle and Taraxippos Scout Rifle are standout weapons with powerful perks for both PvE and PvP.

The new expansion of Destiny 2, Lightfall, brings forth the Witness and the Traveler coming together to face the impending danger. As the war against the Cabal intensifies, a new Disciple emerges, posing a threat to the Traveler. In order to combat this, Guardians must unite and explore the latest Darkness subclass in Destiny 2: Strand. Strand weapons such as The Navigator Trace Rifle and Synchronic Roulette Submachine Gun offer distinctive perks and abilities to cater to a variety of playstyles.

With the release of Destiny 2's Lightfall expansion on August 11, 2023, Guardians gained access to new powers. The latest subclass introduced was known as Strand, which allowed players to infuse their weapons with a dark energy. Alongside the existing elements of Solar, Stasis, Void, and Arc, players could now wield the power of Strand to vanquish enemies of the Light. As Destiny 2 continued to evolve with subsequent seasons, more Strand guns were introduced to the game. This has left players pondering the best Strand weapons in Destiny 2 and how they can be effectively utilized in both PvP and PvE scenarios.

14 Pressurized Precision

Warning: Listen for the distinctive sound of a pressure leak... Introduced in Season 21's Iron Banner competition by Lord Saladin, the Pressurized Precision Fusion Rifle swiftly established itself as one of the top contenders. With its remarkable impact, this Strand Fusion Rifle delivers a powerful blow. Though its charge time is a bit lengthy, the adaptive frame ensures a reliable and strong grip.

Should players acquire the optimal weapon perks for the Pressurized Precision, they will be well on their way to obtaining the most superior Fusion Rifle in Destiny 2. This weapon proves valuable for inflicting rapid bursts of damage in PvE, but it truly shines in PvP, where skilled players can effortlessly eliminate close-quarter Guardians with a single shot, provided their aim is precise.

13 Taraxippos

The event horizon sparked with a vibrant shade of green. The 2023 Guardian Games offered players a highly coveted scout rifle in Destiny 2: the Strand Scout Rifle. Dubbed Taraxippos, it served as a Strand variant of the beloved Hung Jury SR4. Participants of the Guardian Games had the opportunity to claim this exceptional weapon and easily find god rolls due to the abundance of rewards.

For both PvE and PvP players, Taraxippos can be a formidable asset on the battlefield with the right perks. Explosive Payload and Dragonfly are among the perks that ensure both foes and Guardians meet a fiery demise upon getting shot. The precise and consistent damage inflicted by well-aimed headshots solidifies its status as an unforgettable weapon among the Strand arsenal.

12 The Navigator

Introduced in Season 21's Season of the Deep for Destiny 2, players encountered a new Exotic weapon called Another Strand. By successfully thwarting Xivu Arath's attempt to revive Oryx, the Taken King, players were able to unlock the power of the deep. The Navigator, a rare drop from the final boss in the Ghosts of the Deep Dungeon, provided a means to achieve this. However, an exploit involving the final boss made obtaining The Navigator somewhat easier before it was patched.

Nonetheless, fortunate players with good RNG had the opportunity to acquire The Navigator and utilize its power alongside their friends. The true strength of The Navigator lies in its Protective Weave perk, which grants both the Guardian using the weapon and their ally the Woven Mail. This additional layer of protection proves invaluable for Guardians who prefer using the range and beam energy of one of the finest Trace Rifles. It also ensures both the user and their team benefit from enhanced armor.

Even in the absence of the Protective Weak Intrinsic Trait, the Strand Trace Rifle remains a top choice due to its exceptional range, stability, handling, reload speed, and aim assistance. With its impressive rate of fire, players will have no hesitation in unleashing the fury of the Strand against their adversaries.

11 Volta Bracket

Each trigger pull, whether it be the first or the thousandth, delivers an impeccably seamless experience. Destiny 2 has witnessed an intriguing journey for snipers. It appears that the majority of players reserve these mighty weapons for ferocious PvP encounters. Regrettably, the Volta Bracket fails to emerge as a viable option when compared to the plethora of exceptional sniper rifles that permeate the game.

10 Synchronic Roulette

Despite its commendable qualities such as a formidable impact, impressive range, and generous magazine size of 3, the Volta Bracket falls short in being a practical choice in the current Destiny 2 meta. Nonetheless, dedicated players can obtain the Volta Bracket by successfully completing activities in Neomuna.

"This adorable little creature was once part of the magnificent Exodus Indigo! Surprisingly, it still performs flawlessly, as if it were just manufactured. " - Nimbus. By successfully completing events like Terminal Overload on Neomuna, players greatly increase their chances of obtaining the awe-inspiring Synchronic Roulette, a Submachine Gun with a focus on the powerful Strand. There is another equally remarkable Strand SMG that has captured the hearts of fans, who are eagerly awaiting a Strand bow that can rival the mighty Leviathan's Breath.

9 Round Robin

The Synchronic Roulette SMG is not a suitable choice for PvP, although it can still provide some enjoyment in PvP battles. With its high recoil, relatively low rounds per minute, and lacking the unique features that make other SMGs stand out, it falls short of being exceptional. However, for players who don't have access to other SMGs, it serves as an average backup option.

The Golden Age extraplanetary expeditions' standard-issue weapon has been modified to take on the Vex. By venturing into Neomuna and participating in activities within the Neptune city, players have the chance to obtain the Round Robin, a formidable Strand Hand Cannon with an impressive Impact stat.

8 Koraxis’s Distress

Round Robin could be a viable choice for both PvP and PvE with the appropriate rolls. Nevertheless, the sluggish Rounds per Minute and substantial Recoil render Handcannons rather outdated when compared to alternate weapons. It might still be worthwhile to hold onto them for the upcoming Destiny 2 season, just in case a future buff improves their effectiveness.

Unable to find rest, the intensity of his gaze remains etched in the recesses of my thoughts.” –Koraxis, Devotee of Nezarec. Grenade Launchers prove to be a formidable weapon in Destiny 2, serving as a potent tool for both dispatching PvE adversaries and swiftly neutralizing reckless Crucible foes with a single explosive blast. Fortuitously, the Koraxis’s Distress emerges as a notably commendable choice for both endeavors.

Despite not being the most efficient choice for dealing high damage per second (DPS), the Strand nature of Koraxis's Distress makes it a valuable weapon for builds focused on Strand-specific gameplay. Players have the opportunity to acquire Koraxis's Distress during the first, second, or fourth encounter of the Root of Nightmares.

7 Mykel’s Reverence

"Inspired by the words of Mykel, the revered Leader of the Acolytes of Nezarec, we delve into the depths of pain, fear, and sacrifice. These emotions become the sustenance that fuels our fiendish pursuits." Sidearms, often overlooked in the world of Destiny 2 for reasons unbeknownst, possess a unique array of qualities. While their range may not be their strongest attribute, it is their exceptional Stability, Handing, and impressive Rounds Per Minute that often make them stand out in battle, surpassing their counterparts. In fact, they may even prove to be the perfect complement to the Warlock's most sought-after exotic armor.

6 Circular Logic

Sidearms are particularly effective at eliminating Anti-Barrier shields in Destiny 2 Season 20. Therefore, if you're searching for a non-exotic or energy weapon, Mykel's Reverence is an excellent choice to add to your arsenal. Keep in mind, this Sidearm can only be obtained as a potential drop during the second and third encounters of Root of Nightmares.

The past is unchangeable, the future uncertain. Only the present belongs to us completely. Circular Logic, a Legendary Machine Gun, can be acquired by participating in events on Neomuna. It serves as a viable choice for certain endgame PvE activities in Destiny 2, particularly when players seek swift elimination of ads while also desiring an Exotic in a different equipment slot. Nonetheless, PvP presents a distinct scenario.

5 Final Warning

If you're looking to prioritize PvE encounters, the Circular Logic Machine Gun proves to be an exceptional choice, especially when paired with ideal perk combinations. By equipping the Actium War Rig, a Titan exotic armor piece, players can rain down a relentless barrage of bullets upon their foes, ensuring maximum devastation.

The fluttering of delicate wings; the swift squeeze of a trigger. Behold Final Warning, an intriguing Sidearm in Destiny 2 boasting a distinctive Intrinsic Trait. This remarkable weapon swiftly loads ammunition, primed and ready to be unleashed upon pressing the trigger, enabling the Sidearm to unleash a volley of shots with enhanced stability. Furthermore, these bullets ingeniously pursue their intended targets, obliterating them upon impact. Undoubtedly, Final Warning stands as a formidable tool in the arsenal of players indulging in the exhilarating realm of one of the most outstanding PS5 first-person shooters.

4 Perpetualis

The Final Warning in Destiny 2 is an exciting weapon that offers significant Aim Assistance due to its lock-on ability. To acquire this weapon, players must complete The Final Strand quest. This quest becomes available after unlocking all Fragments by spending 200 Strand Meditations.

Introducing the Season of Defiance's ultimate weapon for the soldiers of the eternal war: the Queensguard's masterpiece, the Auto Rifle with Perpetualis. With its exceptional scope and superior handling, this remarkable Auto Rifle strikes the perfect balance, making it the ultimate weapon of choice for any situation.

Players in search of their own Perpetualis must engage in the Defiance Battleground playlist or utilize their Defiance engrams at the H.E.L.M. to increase their odds of acquiring a favorable set of perks for the Perpetualis. It is a viable option for combat, although there are other alternatives to consider.

3 Rufus’s Fury

"To every round, a whisper. To every shell, a scream." – Rufus, Acolyte of Nezarec. To acquire Rufus's Fury, players must venture together into the Root of Nightmares raid. This powerful Legendary Auto Rifle can potentially be obtained as a reward after successfully completing certain encounters. Specifically, the third and fourth encounters, which involve facing Zo'Aure, the Explicator of Planets, or Nezarec, the Final God of Pain.

2 Quicksilver Storm

is a highly effective weapon for clearing ads due to its fast shooting speed as an Auto Rifle equipped with the Rapid-Fire Frame Intrinsic Perk. Furthermore, it boasts an exceptional perk pool, making the possibility of attaining a God Roll incredibly high. Whether in PvE or PvP, Rufus’s Fury shines brightly thanks to its impressive Rounds Per Minute and magazine capacity.

Carved painstakingly by hand, these three words hold immense significance: Affinity. Altruism. Awareness. Those who have pre-ordered the deluxe edition of Lightfall will be rewarded with the mighty Quicksilver Storm, an extraordinary Exotic Auto Rifle. Possessing the remarkable Intrinsic Trait, this weapon has the ability to unleash a homing micro-rocket upon landing multiple hits on a target. However, it is worth noting that this micro-rocket pales in comparison to the sheer might of the legendary Gjallarhorn.

The Stability of the Quicksilver Storm is exceptional, but what truly sets it apart is the Exotic Catalyst. When equipped with the Catalyst, the Quicksilver Storm transforms into a formidable Strand elemental weapon, allowing its final grenade explosions to create entangling Tangles. With its impressive Rounds Per Minute and the enticing promise of Tangles, this weapon unleashes a frenzy of rapid-fire, especially following the recent Auto Rifle buffs.

1 The Immortal

Not just a single one, but rather numerous. Those dedicated to playing Destiny 2 and taking part in any PvP in Season 20 might have encountered a mind-boggling number of deaths caused by The Immortal. This weapon is an aggressive creature both in the Crucible and PvE. The exceptional speed at which it fires rounds per minute, the remarkable range it offers for an SMG, and its masterful handling all contribute to its unrivaled superiority.

The Immortal can be obtained in Destiny 2 by participating in Trials of Osiris. Players have a chance to acquire it through the loot pool, or they can guarantee a drop by reaching Rank 10 with Saint-14 before the conclusion of Season 20. With an Aggressive Frame and its Intrinsic Trait, this weapon becomes even more deadly.

Destiny 2 is currently playable on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.