Destiny 2’s pulse rifles received major buffs to their base damage in PvE, making the burst-fire guns more viable in The Final Shape. So we’re looking at some of the best pulse rifles Destiny 2 players can use.
Pulse rifles are primary weapons that offer high stability and consistent damage in close-medium-range fights. They combine the best parts of auto and scout rifles, which have been favored in the Destiny 2 meta. Until now.
6 best pulse rifles Destiny 2 PvE guide
Here are the best pulse rifles in Destiny 2 that are out this season!
Best pulse rifles Destiny 2 list
Back in May, pulse rifles got a huge upgrade that increased their damage by 20% (except Graviton Lance and Revision Zero’s burst-fire mode) against PvE enemies. Minor enemies will take 15% damage on top of that, giving pulse rifles 38% more firepower in PvE situations.
Best pulse rifles — Corrasion
How to get Corrasion: Purchase Episode 1: Echoes and complete the “Breach Executable” seasonal activity.
One of the newest guns introduced in Echoes, the Corrasion is an Arc heavy burst rifle that sports great range and crowd-control AOE melees.
The first pulse rifle on our list is also a decent pick for PvP. But what makes Corrasion shine are its Perks. Voltshot, Line Action and Eddy Current reward mobile playstyles and give Arc players tons of benefits. Alternatively, pair One For All with High-Impact Reserves to boost your damage by 69%.
Best pulse rifles — Graviton Lance
How to get Graviton Lance: Purchase from Xur in his shop/purchase from an Exotic Engram.
For the list of best waveclear guns, Graviton Lance is among the greats. This pulse rifle works especially well with Unravelling Rounds on Warlock players. And while its splash damage has been lowered, the new 15% buff more than makes up for it.
Best pulse rifles — Revision Zero
How to get Revision Zero: Complete “Operation: Seraph’s Shield” in the More than a Weapon questline.
Huge DPS on single targets makes Revision Zero a top-tier Exotic pulse rifle. It’s also received plenty of buffs in the past. So there’s no pulse rifle more poised for success this season.
Going into a Champions-heavy dungeon? Stun their anti-barrier goons with Revision Zero to make the endgame content a breeze!
Best pulse rifles — Darkest Before
How to get Darkest Before: Defeat the Kell Echo in the Prophecy dungeon.
If you’re interested in dealing the highest amount of DPS with a pulse rifle in both PvE and PvP, get Darkest Before, a Legendary that uses a rapid-fire frame and reloads faster the less ammo you have.
It’s even stronger in The Final Shape due to the Incandescence and Heal Clip synergy, which heals you and your team while burning groups of enemies.
Best pulse rifles — Outbreak Perfected
How to get Outbreak Perfected: Finish the “Outbreak Perfected” questline or complete the “Zero Hour” questline.
An exotic pulse rifle we can’t recommend enough is the Outbreak Perfected, a beast of a gun that reaches its apex when paired with Parasitism, Rewind Rounds and armor pieces like “Chromatic Fire” which creates elemental explosions per precision hit.
Best pulse rifles — Collective Obligation
How to get Collective Obligation: Finish the “Vow of the Disciple” raid or complete the Pantheon quest.
Apply Suppression, Volatile and Volatile effects in spades with the Collective Obligation, a pulse rifle designed to make the most out of your Void powers. Granted, it doesn’t sport as much kick as other rifles on this list. But it’s one of the easiest exotics to get right now.
Atavistic Idol Greaves works especially well with this pulse rifle since picking up Orbs of Power grants a Void weapon damage buff. Pair this with any set-up that generates Orbs to get better waveclear in PvE.
Final Thoughts
The best pulse rifles Destiny 2 has to offer include the Corrasion, Graviton Lance, Revision Zero, Darkest Before, Outbreak Perfected and Collective Obligation.
All of these weapons are well-suited for PvE dungeons due to the 38% damage buffs and special affinities. While they are out-damaged by certain secondaries right now, their added range makes them better options when dealing with waves of enemies.
So if you’re looking for a burst-fire build with tons of DPS and elemental crowd control, look no further!
READ MORE: What are ritual activities in Destiny 2? We have the answers
