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Best Strand Weapons in Destiny 2

Strand weapons in Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate bring a fresh dynamic to combat with their unique ability to generate Threadlings and other Strand-specific effects. These weapons are found in Kinetic and Energy slots.

icon In PvE, the best Strand weapons have high DPS and can clear waves of enemies efficiently. For example, Rufus’s Fury stands out with its Target Lock perk, offering sustained damage that rivals many Exotic Auto Rifles. This makes it ideal for boss encounters and challenging activities.

icon In PvP, the best Strand weapons are those with low TTK, allowing you to quickly defeat opponents. The Immortal, with its high RPM and Target Lock, is exceptional for both range and close combat, making it a top choice in the Crucible. Another notable mention is Final Warning, which fires tracking projectiles that ensure accuracy even under pressure.

icon In this guide, we’ll define the best PvE and PvP Strand weapons, highlight their top-tier perks (and God Rolls), briefly overview how you can get such guns, and explain how they compare to other weapons in the current Destiny 2 meta.

Best PvE Strand Weapons in D2 TEOF

Strand A Strand weapon becomes meta for PvE in Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate when it fits the current needs of your Guardian and your fireteam tackling the difficult content. This means the weapon must have strong DPS, good perks, and synergy with builds that focus on Strand abilities.

Key factors include:

  1. Damage and Perks: High damage is essential, but perks that boost damage, reload speed, or add utility, like debuffing enemies, are equally important.
  2. Synergy with Abilities: Strand weapons work best when they enhance or are enhanced by Strand abilities. For example, creating Tangles or applying the Woven Mail buff can add significant value to your build.
  3. Flexibility: A good PvE Strand weapon should be effective in a variety of activities, from clearing mobs in strikes to dealing big damage to raid bosses.
  4. Community Consensus: Tier lists and recommendations from respected sources like BlueberriesGG help guide which weapons are currently top performers.

icon In simple terms, the best Strand weapons make your PvE experience easier by dealing lots of damage, working well with your abilities, and being versatile across different activities.

Lance Ephemeral (Sniper Rifle)

Lance Ephemeral

Weapon Name: Lance Ephemeral
Weapon Type: Sniper Rifle Sniper Rifle
Tier Rank: Tier-S S-tier in PvE, Tier-A A-tier in PvP
Slot: Strand Strand
Ammo: Special Special
Rarity: Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon?
  • Archetype: Rapid-Fire snipers excel in DPS due to high RPM, precision multipliers, and ammo reserves.
  • Perk Combos: Synergistic perks enhance sustained damage (e.g., Bait and Switch, Fourth Time’s the Charm).
  • Origin Trait: Frame of Reference boosts damage after final blows (stacking buff).
  • Stats: High base stats with strong handling/stability options.
How to Get it?
  • Drops From:
    • Agraios (Hobgoblin) encounter.
    • Koregos (Final Boss) encounter.
  • Additional Copies: Purchase with Spoils of Conquest at the raid’s end vendor.
  • Higher-Tier Rolls: Activate Feats during raid runs for enhanced drops.
PvE God Roll:
  • Barrel: Fluted Barrel (+Handling/Stability)
  • Magazine: Tactical Mag (+Stability, +2 rounds)
  • Perk 1: Fourth Time’s the Charm (best) / Rewind Rounds / Envious Assassin
  • Perk 2: Bait and Switch (max damage) / Elemental Honing (longer buff)
  • Masterwork: Stability
PvP God Roll:
  • Barrel: Fluted Barrel (+Handling)
  • Magazine: Steady Rounds (+Stability)
  • Perk 1: Snapshot Sights (must-have) / Built to Last
  • Perk 2: Closing Time (accuracy after kills)
  • Masterwork: Stability
Get it now from $34 Lance Ephemeral

Adamantite (Auto Rifle)

Adamantite

Weapon Name: Adamantite
Weapon Type: Auto Rifle Auto Rifle
Tier Rank: Tier-S S (PvE), Tier-B B (PvP)
Slot: Strand Strand
Ammo: Primary Primary
Archetype: Support Frame
Rarity: Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? Adamantite is a Support Frame Auto Rifle in Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate with healing capabilities. It features Unraveling projectiles (Strand) and perks like Slice, making it a strong support weapon in both PvE and PvP.
How to Get it? Adamantite can be obtained from Heretical Activities in Episode 3: Heresy. It can also be focused at the Tome of Want using Scriptures for a targeted roll.
PvE God Roll: Barrel: Fluted Barrel
Magazine: Flared Magwell
Perk 1: Reciprocity (heals allies and provides a damage buff)
Perk 2: Circle of Life (grants healing and +25% damage buff)
Masterwork: Handling or Stability
Origin Trait: Runneth Over
PvP God Roll: Barrel: Smallbore
Magazine: Accurized Rounds
Perk 1: Reciprocity (healing bonus)
Perk 2: Kill Clip (damage buff after kills)
Masterwork: Range
Origin Trait: Willing Vessel
Get it now from $5 Adamantite

Mint Retrograde (Pulse Rifle)

Mint Retrograde

Weapon Name: Mint Retrograde
Weapon Type: Pulse Rifle Pulse Rifle
Tier Rank: Tier-S S-tier for PvE, Tier-C C-tier for PvP
Slot: Strand Strand
Ammo: Primary Primary
Rarity: Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon?
  • High Damage Output: Rocket-Assisted Pulse Rifles deal ~3x more damage than Rocket Sidearms, making them extremely strong in PvE.
  • Unique Archetype: Special ammo Strand Rocket-Assisted Pulse Rifle with high burst damage potential.
  • Great Perk Pool: Offers strong PvE perks like Envious Arsenal, One for All, Chain Reaction, and Elemental Honing.
  • Limited Ammo: Lower max ammo than Rocket Sidearms, requiring careful usage.
How to Get it?
  • Source: Drops from Pinnacle Ops activities in the Portal.
  • Activities:
    • Encore (Fastest to farm, especially with Grappler boon)
    • The Whisper
    • Kell’s Fall
  • Free-to-Play: No expansion required.
PvE God Roll:
  • Barrel: Quick Launch (Velocity + Handling)
  • Magazine: Flared Magwell / High Velocity
  • Perk 1: Envious Arsenal (Enhanced for +20 ammo)
  • Perk 2: One for All / Elemental Honing
  • Masterwork: Velocity
PvP God Roll:
  • Not Recommended: Mint Retrograde is C-tier in PvP due to poor handling, slow projectiles, and limited ammo.
  • If forced to use: Beacon Rounds + Slice for tracking and debuffs, but still outclassed by other special weapons.
Get it now from $9 Mint Retrograde

Cataphract GL3 (Grenade Launcher)

Cataphract GL3

Weapon Name: Cataphract GL3
Weapon Type: Grenade Launcher Grenade Launcher
Tier Rank: Tier-S S (PvE,PvP)
Slot: Strand Strand
Ammo: Heavy Heavy
Archetype: Adaptive
Rarity: Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? The Cataphract GL3 stands out due to its substantial damage output, with nearly as much total damage as Cold Comfort while having double the DPS. The weapon’s launch parameters are particularly stable. It also boasts a high blast radius, making it effective at causing widespread damage.

The Cataphract GL3 offers unique perks that improve its performance. Precision final blows with this weapon trigger a Cursed Thrall explosion and increase reload speed for a short time. This perk, combined with final blows with Cursed Thrall explosions refilling the magazine, makes it a formidable choice in both PvE and PvP.

How to Get it? It can be obtained by participating in the Trials of Osiris. Once obtained, players can focus their Trials Engrams into the Grenade Launcher. It can also randomly drop after completing Trials matches.
PvE God Roll:
  • Barrel: Quick Launch
  • Magazine: Spike Grenades
  • Perk 1: Envious Assassin
  • Perk 2: Bait and Switch
  • Masterwork: Handling
PvP God Roll:
  • Barrel: Quick Launch
  • Magazine: Proximity Grenades
  • Perk 1: Impulse Amplifier
  • Perk 2: Full Court
  • Masterwork: Velocity
Get it now from $5 Cataphract GL3

Fang of Ir Yût (Scout Rifle)

Fangof Ir Yut

Weapon Name: Fang of Ir Yût
Weapon Type: Scout Rifle Scout Rifle
Tier Rank: Tier-S S (PvE), Tier-B B (PvP)
Slot: Strand Strand
Ammo: Primary Primary
Archetype: Rapid-Fire
Rarity: Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? It has a rapid-fire frame, which allows for full auto firing and deeper ammo reserves. This weapon can be crafted with enhanced perks and has various perk combinations that make it suitable for both PvE and PvP. For instance, in PvP, pairing Keep Away, Rapid Hit, or Killing Wind with Opening Shot, Kill Clip, or Precision Instrument can create a solid build. Its Strand damage type, introduced in Season of the Witch, adds to its appeal.
How to Get it? Obtain Fang of Ir Yût by completing the first or second encounter in the Crota’s End Raid. It can also be purchased from the raid vendor for 20 Spoils of Conquest. The weapon is craftable after acquiring 5 Deepsight (red box) drops.
PvE God Roll:
  • Barrel: Smallbore or Full Bore
  • Magazine: Flared Magwell or Light Mag
  • Perk 1: Rewind Rounds (or Shoot to Loot)
  • Perk 2: Kill Clip or Golden Tricorn
  • Masterwork: Range
PvP God Roll:
  • Barrel: Hammer-Forged Rifling
  • Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
  • Perk 1: Rapid Hit or Keep Away
  • Perk 2: Kill Clip or Opening Shot
  • Masterwork: Range or Reload Speed
Get it now from $6 Fang of Ir Yût

Scintillation (LFR)

Scintillation

Weapon Name: Scintillation
Weapon Type: Linear Fusion Rifle Linear Fusion Rifle
Tier Rank: Tier-S S-tier in PvE, Tier-B  B-tier in PvP
Slot: Strand Strand
Ammo: Heavy Heavy
Archetype: Adaptive Burst
Rarity: Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? Scintillation is considered a meta weapon in PvE due to its exceptional damage output, ammo efficiency, and versatility in endgame content.

Its unique perk combination, particularly Rewind Rounds and Bait and Switch, allows it to sustain high DPS (damage per second) while conserving heavy ammo, a critical factor in boss encounters and high-level activities.

The Strand element also adds utility, enabling synergy with Strand-based builds and subclass fragments.

Additionally, its Adaptive Frame archetype provides a balanced mix of charge time and impact, making it reliable in various scenarios.

While heavy Linear Fusion Rifles (LFRs) face competition from rocket launchers and grenade launchers, Scintillation stands out as one of the best LFRs in the Destiny 2, especially for players who prefer precision-based heavy weapons.

How to Get it? Scintillation is part of the Nightfall: The Ordeals loot pool. It follows the Nightfall loot rotation and only appears once every few weeks. After obtaining your first copy, you can purchase additional copies from Zavala in the Tower.
PvE God Roll:
  • Barrel: Fluted Barrel
  • Battery: Ionized Battery
  • Perk 1: Rewind Rounds (or Envious Assassin)
  • Perk 2: Bait and Switch (or Surrounded)
  • Masterwork: Handling
PvP God Roll:
  • Barrel: Arrowhead Brake
  • Battery: Accelerated Coils
  • Perk 1: Rapid Hit
  • Perk 2: Hatchling
  • Masterwork: Stability
Get it now from $7 Scintillation

Best PvP Strand Weapons in D2 TEOF

icon A Strand weapon becomes meta for PvP in Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate when it excels in quick, high-stakes battles. The key is to have a weapon that can react fast and deal consistent damage while taking advantage of the Strand subclass’s unique abilities.

Here’s what makes a Strand weapon stand out in PvP:

  1. Quick TTK (Time-to-Kill): In PvP, a fast time-to-kill is crucial. Weapons that can eliminate opponents quickly will always be in demand.
  2. Good Handling and Accuracy: PvP demands precise shots. Strand weapons that are easy to control, with good aim assist and fast handling, give players an edge in duels.
  3. Synergy with Strand Abilities: Strand weapons that work well with Strand’s movement or debuff mechanics can make a big difference in PvP. For example, using weapons that capitalize on Woven Mail or Sever effects.
  4. Community Endorsement: Players look to tier lists and feedback from top PvP players. If a weapon is consistently performing well in competitive matches, it becomes meta.

icon In short, a Strand weapon becomes meta in PvP when it can deliver quick, accurate damage and works well with the mobility and utility of the Strand subclass.

Scatter Signal (Fusion Rifle)

Scatter Signal

Weapon Name: Scatter Signal
Weapon Type: Fusion Rifle Fusion Rifle
Tier Rank: Tier-S S-tier for PvE and PvP
Slot: Strand Strand
Ammo: Special Special
Archetype: Rapid-Fire
Rarity: Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? Scatter Signal is a top pick in the community due to its Riptide levels of utility and powerful perk combos that can’t be found anywhere else. In PvE, it can be almost on par with some of the heavier hitting Fusion Rifles, and in PvP, it has some very good base stats and perk combos that let it break the mold.
How to Get it? It can be obtained by completing Coil or Riven’s Lair, focusing for it at Riven, or crafting it after dismantling 5 “red borders”.
PvE God Roll:
  • Barrel: Arrowhead Brake
  • Magazine: Accelerated Coils
  • Perk 1: Overflow or Slice
  • Perk 2: Controlled Burst or Hatchling
  • Masterwork: Charge Time
PvP God Roll:
  • Barrel: Arrowhead Brake
  • Magazine: Particle Repeater or Projection Fuse
  • Perk 1: Perpetual Motion or Encore
  • Perk 2: Over-Under or Adagio
  • Masterwork: Range or Stability

Belisarius-D (Pulse Rifle)

Belisarius-D

Weapon Name: Belisarius-D
Weapon Type: Pulse Rifle Pulse Rifle
Tier Rank: Tier-A A-Tier (PvE and PvP)
Element: Strand Strand
Ammo: Primary Primary
Archetype: Aggressive Burst
Rarity: Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? The Belisarius-D is a standout Pulse Rifle in Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate, known for its high base range, handling, and airborne effectiveness. It excels in both PvP and PvE due to its aggressive burst archetype and versatile perk pool, including options like Headseeker, Keep Away, Rapid Hit, and Zen Moment. The weapon’s ability to maintain high stability and accuracy makes it a reliable choice for competitive play. Recent buffs to Pulse Rifles have enhanced its damage output against minor and major enemies, making it a formidable option in various scenarios.
How to Get it? To obtain the Belisarius-D, you need to complete seven placement matches in the Competitive Crucible playlist. Afterward, you can earn additional copies by playing three Competitive matches per week on each character.
PvE God Roll:
  • Barrel: Arrowhead Brake
  • Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
  • Perk 1: Rapid Hit
  • Perk 2: Kill Clip
  • Masterwork: Stability
PvP God Roll:
  • Barrel: Arrowhead Brake
  • Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
  • Perk 1: Slice
  • Perk 2: Kill Clip
  • Masterwork: Stability
Get it now from $10 Belisarius-D

The Immortal (Submachine Gun)

The Immortal

Weapon Name: The Immortal
Weapon Type: Submachine Gun Submachine Gun
Tier Rank: Tier-S S (PvE,PvP)
Element: Strand Strand
Ammo: Primary Primary
Archetype: Aggressive
Rarity: Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? The Immortal is known for its impressive perks, such as Rangefinder in the third column, which increases its range, and damage-enhancing perks like Target Lock or Kill Clip in the fourth column.

The Immortal SMG has a god roll that is particularly effective in PvP, making it a popular choice among players. Its short time-to-kill (TTK) and great perk combinations make it a powerful weapon in the Crucible. Its Strand damage makes it unique, as it is one of the few SMGs that deals this type of damage, sitting in the Kinetic slot.

How to Get it? It can be obtained exclusively from playing Trials of Osiris on the weekends. Once you acquire your first roll, you can focus it using extra Trials engrams. To unlock it, you can either get lucky with a random drop or reach rank 10 with Saint-14. An Adept version of The Immortal is occasionally available, which requires going flawless or getting 7 wins on your Trials card and then trading the card in at Saint-14.
PvE God Roll:
  • Barrel: Hammer-Forge Rounds
  • Magazine: Flared Magwell
  • Perk 1: Threat Detector or Surplus
  • Perk 2: Demolitionist or Hatchling
  • Masterwork: Range or Reload
PvP God Roll:
  • Barrel: Full Bore
  • Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
  • Perk 1: Rangefinder or Encore
  • Perk 2: Target Lock or Kill Clip
  • Masterwork: Range
Get it now from $5 The Immortal

Aisha’s Care (Pulse Rifle)

Aisha's Care

Weapon Name: Aisha’s Care
Weapon Type: Pulse Rifle Pulse Rifle
Tier Rank: Tier-A A-Tier (PvE and PvP)
Element: Strand Strand
Ammo: Primary Primary
Archetype: Heavy Burst
Rarity: Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? Aisha’s Care is a standout Pulse Rifle in Destiny 2 The Edge of Fate, particularly for PvP. Its unique two-round burst and heavy burst frame allow for quick, high-damage shots, making it excellent for “peek-shooting” tactics. The weapon’s broad perk pool includes powerful options like Headseeker and Desperado, enhancing its damage and accuracy under pressure. Additionally, perks like Zen Moment and Moving Target improve stability and target acquisition, making it a reliable choice in competitive scenarios.
How to Get it? To obtain Aisha’s Care, you need to participate in the Trials of Osiris event. Perform well in these matches to earn Trials Engrams, which can be focused to get this weapon.
PvE God Roll:
  • Barrel: Arrowhead Break
  • Magazine: Flared Magwell
  • Perk 1: Slice
  • Perk 2: Golden Tricorn
  • Masterwork: Reload Speed
PvP God Roll:
  • Barrel: Arrowhead Break
  • Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
  • Perk 1: Zen Moment
  • Perk 2: Headseeker
  • Masterwork: Stability
Get it now from $5 Aisha’s Care

Kept Confidence (Hand Cannon)

Kept Confidence

Weapon Name: Kept Confidence
Weapon Type: Hand Cannon Hand Cannon
Tier Rank: Tier-A A-Tier (PvE and PvP)
Element: Strand Strand
Ammo: Primary Primary
Archetype: Adaptive
Rarity: Legendary
What Makes it a Meta Weapon? Kept Confidence is a standout Legendary Strand Hand Cannon, especially effective in PvP. Its 140 RPM Adaptive Frame offers a balanced mix of stability and damage, making it versatile for both PvE and PvP. The weapon benefits from recent hand cannon buffs, enhancing its performance in PvE. Its unique Strand element allows for Unraveling Rounds, which can stun barrier champions. Kept Confidence is craftable, enabling players to unlock enhanced perks and custom rolls, further optimizing its performance.
How to Get it? To obtain Kept Confidence, engage in seasonal activities in Season of the Witch. Start with the seasonal quest with Eris in the H.E.L.M., complete activities in Savathun’s Spire and Altars of Summoning, and focus engrams at the ritual table. The weapon becomes craftable after securing 5 red border drops.
PvE God Roll:
  • Barrel: Chambered Compensator
  • Magazine: Chambered Compensator
  • Perk 1: Killing Wind
  • Perk 2: Multikill Clip
  • Masterwork: Range
PvP God Roll:
  • Barrel: Arrowhead Brake
  • Magazine: Accurized Rounds
  • Perk 1: Killing Wind
  • Perk 2: Eye of the Storm
  • Masterwork: Range

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