Best Shotgun in Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate (Top-5 for PvP & PvE)

Shotguns in Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate are highly sought after in both PvE and PvP due to their immense close-range stopping power and versatility.

In PvE, shotguns excel at quickly eliminating powerful enemies and dealing significant burst damage, making them invaluable during boss fights and encounters with high-priority targets. Their ability to clear groups of enemies with a single shot is unmatched, especially when paired with perks that boost reload speed or damage.

In PvP, shotguns dominate close-quarter engagements with their high damage per shot, often resulting in one-hit kills. This makes them incredibly effective for aggressive playstyles where closing the distance quickly is key. Their time-to-kill (TTK) is among the fastest when in close range, allowing for swift eliminations that can turn the tide in competitive matches. Although they have a limited range compared to other weapons, their effectiveness in tight spaces and during sudden fights keeps them at the top of the meta.

In this text, we’ll explore the best PvE and PvP shotguns currently available in Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate, highlighting their top-tier perks, God rolls, and how to get them.

Best PvP Shotguns in Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate

A good shotgun for PvP should have high impact and range to ensure one-hit kills at close range. Perks like Quickdraw and Snapshot Sights enhance speed and accuracy, making it easier to react quickly in the Crucible, where every second counts. High handling and stability are also important for quick follow-up shots. Perks like Opening Shot can increase accuracy and range on the first shot, making it more reliable in critical moments.

The Chaperone: Best Exotic Shotgun

The Chaperone

Weapon Name:	The Chaperone
Weapon Type:	Shotgun
Tier Rank:	S-Tier in PvP A-Tier in PvE
Slot:	Kinetic
Ammo:	Special
Rarity:	Exotic
What Makes it a Meta Weapon?	The Chaperone‘s unique Exotic trait, The Roadborn, makes it a meta weapon in PvE and PvP. This perk provides bonus handling, range, and precision damage after a precision kill, making it a formidable weapon in the hands of skilled Guardians. Its precision slug rounds offer high damage and accuracy at longer ranges compared to traditional shotguns, allowing for more versatile engagement options.
How to Get it?	It can be obtained by completing the exotic quest “The Chaperone” which involves various tasks and challenges.
Perks:	Barrel: Hammer-Forged Rifling Magazine: Accurized Rounds Trait: The Roadborn Stock: Hand-Laid Stock Masterwork: The Chaperone Catalyst
Get it now	from $49 The Chaperone

Compass Rose: Solar Shotgun

Compass Rose

Weapon Name:	Compass Rose
Weapon Type:	Shotgun
Tier Rank:	S-Tier in PvP A-Tier in PvE
Slot:	Solar
Ammo:	Special
Archetype:	Precision
Rarity:	Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon?	The Compass Rose is a shotgun with good stats (62 Range) and great perks. It’s one of the best in PvP and is easy to get, similar to the Matador 64. In PvE, it’s not as popular because Rapid-Fire Shotguns are better, but it has special perks like One-Two Punch and Trench Barrel for melee-focused play.
How to Get it?	Compass Rose is exclusive to the Solstice of Heroes event. It can be obtained by participating in the Bonfire Bash activity or completing Solstice-related triumphs and objectives. If missed, it will return during the next Solstice event.
PvE God Roll:	Barrel: Barrel Shroud Magazine: Tactical Mag Perk 1: Grave Robber Perk 2: One-Two Punch or Trench Barrel Masterwork: Handling Origin Trait: Dream Work
PvP God Roll:	Barrel: Smallbore (or Rifled Barrel or Barrel Shroud) Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Slickdraw (or Threat Detector) Perk 2: Opening Shot (or Snapshot Sights) Masterwork: Range Origin Trait: Dream Work

Matador 64: Best Arc Shotgun

Matador 64

Weapon Name:	Matador 64
Weapon Type:	Shotgun
Tier Rank:	S-Tier in PvP A-Tier in PvE
Slot:	Arc
Ammo:	Special
Archetype:	Precision
Rarity:	Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon?	The Matador 64 is a powerful shotgun in Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate, particularly in the Crucible (PvP). It is an Arc Precision Frame Shotgun with a small but impressive perk package that makes it a desirable addition to any PvPer’s loadout. Its Precision Frame causes pellets to be fired in an oval shape, which is roughly the entire outline of a guardian at the right range, making it extremely effective in PvP.
How to Get it?	To get it, you need to venture into the Grasp of Avarice dungeon, which is available for those who purchased the 30th Anniversary Pack.
PvE God Roll:	Barrel: Smoothbore or Smallbore Battery: Assault Mag or Tactical Mag Perk 1: Lead from Gold or Threat Detector Perk 2: Swashbuckler or Golden Tricorn Masterwork: Reload Speed
PvP God Roll:	Barrel: Smoothbore or Smallbore Magazine: Accurized Rounds or Light Mag Perk 1: Perpetual Motion or Threat Detector Perk 2: Opening Shot or Killing Wind Masterwork: Range
Get it now	from $7 Matador 64

Duality: Great Solar Shotgun

Duality

Weapon Name:	Duality
Weapon Type:	Shotgun
Tier Rank:	S-Tier in PvP A-Tier in PvE
Slot:	Solar
Ammo:	Special
Archetype:	Precision
Rarity:	Exotic
What Makes it a Meta Weapon?	Dual Fire Modes: Hip-fire: Fires a wide pellet spread for close-range crowd control. Aim-down-sights (ADS): Shoots a high-damage precision slug for ranged precision hits. This versatility allows it to excel in both add-clear and single-target damage scenarios Exotic Perk – On Black Wings: Pellet kills stack a precision damage and reload speed buff. Slug precision hits extend the buff duration, enabling sustained DPS. At max stacks (x6–x7), damage increases by ~55%, rivaling top-tier Special weapons. PvP Dominance: Combines the strengths of pellet and slug shotguns: Pellet mode for close-quarters fights. Slug mode for longer-range one-hit headshots (like The Chaperone but with backup pellet utility).
How to Get it?	Purchase from the Monument to Lost Lights (Exotic Archive) in the Tower. Requires: 1x Exotic Cipher 125,000 Glimmer 200x Legendary Shards Note: Originally from Season of the Hunt (Season 12), it is no longer obtainable via the Season Pass
Perks:	Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling Magazine: Alloy Magazine Trait: On Black Wings Stock: Short-Action Stock

Prophet of Doom Arc Shotgun

Prophet of Doom

Weapon Name:	Prophet of Doom
Weapon Type:	Shotgun
Tier Rank:	S-tier in PvP, B-tier in PvE
Slot:	Arc
Ammo:	Special
Archetype:	Precision
Rarity:	Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon?	PvP Dominance: Craftable, eliminating RNG for perfect rolls. High base stats (similar to Matador 64) with strong perk synergy. Precision Frame offers consistent OHK range and tight pellet spread. PvE Niche: Viable for melee-focused builds (e.g., Synthoceps + One-Two Punch). Outclassed by slug shotguns for raw damage.
How to Get it?	Source: Drops from the 2nd encounter (Hexahedron) in Garden of Salvation. Guaranteed Pattern: Complete Hawthorne’s weekly quest for 1 guaranteed Deepsight drop. Farm encounter for random drops (5 patterns needed to craft).
PvE God Roll:	Barrel: Barrel Shroud (+Handling) Magazine: Assault Mag (+Fire Rate) Perk 1: Pugilist (melee energy + Handling) Perk 2: One-Two Punch (melee damage buff) Masterwork: Handling
PvP God Roll:	Barrel: Barrel Shroud (+Handling/Stability) Magazine: Accurized Rounds (+Range) Perk 1: Threat Detector (Handling/Stability in CQC) Perk 2: Opening Shot (Range/Accuracy) or Closing Time (ammo-efficient) Masterwork: Handling
Get it now	from $10 Prophet of Doom

Best PvE Shotguns in Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate

In PvE, a strong shotgun should have a large magazine size and high damage per shot to deal with powerful enemies and mobs. Perks like Auto-Loading Holster or Slideways can help keep the weapon ready and reduce downtime. Damage-boosting perks like Trench Barrel or One-Two Punch increase effectiveness against bosses and tougher enemies. Additionally, crowd control perks like Threat Detector can improve handling and reload speed when surrounded by enemies, making the weapon more versatile in various situations.

Conditional Finality: The Best Shotgun in D2

Conditional Finality

Weapon Name:	Conditional Finality
Weapon Type:	Shotgun
Tier Rank:	S (PvE,PvP)
Slot:	Stasis
Ammo:	Special
Rarity:	Exotic
What Makes it a Meta Weapon?	Conditional Finality is a versatile Exotic shotgun that can deal both Stasis and Solar damage. Its unique perks, Paracausal Pellets and Split Decision, allow it to freeze or ignite targets, making it a great choice for both PvE and PvP. In PvE, it has Champion-stunning capabilities and high potential damage, while in PvP, it has great handling, a solid one-hit kill range, and can take down supers with its Freeze-Ignite effect.
How to Get it?	It can only drop from the final boss of the Root of Nightmare raid. It is estimated to have a base drop rate of around 5%, but completing Triumphs can increase the drop rate.
Perks:	Barrel: Shortened Barrel Magazine: Alloy Magazine Trait: Paracausal Pellets Grip: Textured Grip Masterwork: Conditional Finality Catalyst
Get it now	from $24 Conditional Finality

IKELOS_SG_v1.0.3: Best Craftable Shotgun

IKELOS_SG_V1.0.3

Weapon Name:	IKELOS_SG_V1.0.3
Weapon Type:	Shotgun
Tier Rank:	S (PvE,PvP)
Slot:	Solar
Ammo:	Special
Archetype:	Rapid-Fire
Rarity:	Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon?	Rapid-Fire Frame: Fires full-auto with deep ammo reserves and faster reload when empty, ideal for sustained DPS in PvE and quick follow-up shots in PvP. Solar Element: Synergizes with Solar subclasses and seasonal mods (e.g., Ignitions, Radiant). Strong Perk Pool: Includes top-tier perks like One-Two Punch (PvE) and Swashbuckler (PvP), enabling high burst damage and melee synergy. Craftable: Enhanced perks (e.g., Enhanced Grave Robber) further boost performance. Origin Trait: Rasputin’s Arsenal refills 50% of the magazine on shield breaks, enhancing uptime.
How to Get it?	Source: Drops from Operation: Seraph’s Shield (Exotic Mission Rotator) when it’s the weekly active mission. Red Borders: Requires 5 Deepsight Resonance drops to unlock crafting. Guaranteed weekly red border via Focusing Deepsight upgrade at the Exo Frame (Helm). Random drops from Seraph’s Shield or focusing Umbral Engrams (costs Resonate Stems).
PvE God Roll:	Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling (+5 Range/Stability/Handling) or Barrel Shroud (+10 Handling/Stability). Magazine: Tactical Mag (+1 mag, +10 Reload, +5 Stability). Perk 1: Grave Robber (reloads on melee kills) or Subsistence (auto-reloads on kills). Perk 2: One-Two Punch (massive melee damage boost) or Trench Barrel (50% damage after melee). Masterwork: Handling or Stability.
PvP God Roll:	Barrel: Smallbore (+7 Range/Stability) or Rifled Barrel (+10 Range, -15 Handling). Magazine: Accurized Rounds (+10 Range). Perk 1: Threat Detector (boosts Handling/Stability near enemies). Perk 2: Swashbuckler (33% damage on melee kills) or Cascade Point (faster fire rate after kills). Masterwork: Range.

Tractor Cannon: Must-Have Void Shotgun

Tractor Cannon

Weapon Name:	Tractor Cannon
Weapon Type:	Shotgun
Tier Rank:	S-Tier in PvE, A-Tier in PvP
Slot:	Void
Ammo:	Special
Rarity:	Exotic
What Makes it a Meta Weapon?	The Tractor Cannon Exotic Shotgun in Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate is a valuable weapon due to its unique abilities that make it a versatile choice for both solo players and teams in endgame activities. Unlike other Heavy options the Tractor Cannon functions as a support weapon, providing a temporary damage buff to the user and debuffing enemies. Its Exotic perks, The Scientific Method, and Repulsor Force, allow it to increase the speed, handling, and vulnerability of enemies, making them more susceptible to damage. This debuff effect is particularly useful for underleveled players or those struggling with tough enemies in raids and other endgame content.
How to Get it?	It can be obtained from Exotic engrams, which are extremely rare world drops.
Perks:	Barrel: Extended Barrel Battery: Particle Repeater Trait: The Scientific Method Stock: Composite Stock Masterwork: Tractor Cannon Catalyst

Perfect Paradox: Best Legendary Shotgun

Perfect Paradox

Weapon Name:	Perfect Paradox
Weapon Type:	Shotgun
Tier Rank:	S-Tier in PvE, B-Tier in PvP
Slot:	Kinetic
Ammo:	Special
Archetype:	Rapid-Fire
Rarity:	Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon?	PvE (S-Tier) Best Kinetic One-Two Punch Shotgun: Ideal for melee-focused builds (e.g., Titans with Synthoceps). Strong Perk Pool: Includes Trench Barrel and Swashbuckler for burst damage. Origin Trait Synergy: Cast No Shadows fuels melee uptime, pairing perfectly with One-Two Punch. PvP (B-Tier) Rapid-Frame Limitation: Inconsistent one-hit kills (requires all pellets to land on high-Resilience targets). Viable Roll: Opening Shot + Threat Detector can improve consistency, but outclassed by Aggressive/Precision frames.
How to Get it?	Guaranteed Drop: Complete Act 2 of Episode: Echoes storyline. Focusing: After unlocking, purchase from Failsafe in the H.E.L.M. for: 4 Echo Engrams + 3,000 Glimmer (targeted focus). 1 Echo Engram (random Dawn weapon engram).
PvE God Roll:	Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling (balance) / Barrel Constrictor (range). Magazine: Tactical Mag (reload + stability). Perk 1: Threat Detector or Field Prep (ammo economy). Perk 2: One-Two Punch (melee builds) / Trench Barrel (major damage). Masterwork: Handling.
PvP God Roll:	Barrel: Rifled Barrel (range) / Corkscrew (balance). Magazine: Accurized Rounds (range boost). Perk 1: Threat Detector (handling). Perk 2: Opening Shot (consistency). Masterwork: Range.
Get it now	from $12 Perfect Paradox

Until Its Return: Top-Tier D2 Shotgun

Until Its Return

Weapon Name:	Until Its Return
Weapon Type:	Shotgun
Tier Rank:	S-Tier in PvE, A-Tier in PvP
Slot:	Strand
Ammo:	Special
Archetype:	Rapid-Fire
Rarity:	Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon?	Until Its Return is a meta weapon due to its unique Rapid-Fire Frame, which allows it to fire full auto with deeper ammo reserves and faster reload when empty. The weapon also has a high Rounds Per Minute of 140, making it effective in both PvE and PvP. The popular perk combinations, such as Overflow and Cascade Point, further enhance its burst damage potential, making it a strong choice for champion and boss melting.
How to Get it?	It can be obtained from Season of the Deep activities.
PvE God Roll:	Barrel: Smoothbore Magazine: Tactical Mag Trait 1: Overflow Trait 2: Cascade Point Masterwork: Range
PvP God Roll:	Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling Magazine: Accurized Rounds Trait 1: Offhand Strike Trait 2: Vorpal Weapon Masterwork: Range
Get it now	from $10 Until Its Return

Someday: Best Kinetic Shotgun

Someday

Weapon Name:	Someday
Weapon Type:	Shotgun
Tier Rank:	S-Tier in PvE, A-Tier in PvP
Slot:	Kinetic
Ammo:	Special
Archetype:	Precision
Rarity:	Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon?	Someday is a Kinetic Precision frame shotgun, which allows it to secure headshot kills from a greater distance than other shotgun archetypes. It also has Threat Remover in its perk pool, which increases reload speed, handling, and stability when dealing damage with all bullets in a spread. The Dealer’s Choice origin trait grants a small amount of Super energy for each kill, and with multiple Pale Heart weapons equipped, you can increase the potency of this effect.
How to Get it?	It can be obtained by completing Pale Heart objectives, decoding Pale Heart engrams at your Ghost, increasing reputation ranks with your Ghost, or finding drops as you progress through The Final Shape’s campaign.
PvE God Roll:	Barrel: Smallbore Magazine: Assault Mag Perk 1: Lead from Gold Perk 2: Recombination Masterwork: Reload
PvP God Roll:	Barrel: Barrel Shroud Magazine: Accurized Rounds Perk 1: Elemental Capacitor Perk 2: Opening Shot Masterwork: Range
Get it now	from $10 Someday

Best Shotguns in Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate