Swords in Destiny 2 can be a force to be reckoned with if you’re willing to take the risk and get up close and personal. With the right perks, they can be a top-tier option in both PvP and PvE scenarios. In this guide, we’ll cover the best swords in the game, including Exotic and Legendary options, as well as the ideal rolls for PvE and PvP. So, let’s dive in!
Destiny 2 Swords Tier List: Unleashing the Power
To kick things off, let’s take a look at the top-tier Exotic and Legendary swords in Destiny 2. These weapons are the cream of the crop and excel in both PvE and PvP situations.
Destiny 2 Swords: The Complete Roster
Before we dive into the tier list, let’s familiarize ourselves with every viable sword currently in the game. Here are the different tier levels used in our list:
- S Tier – Best: The highest-ranking weapons in our Tier List.
- A Tier – Strong: Very powerful weapons, though not on the same level as S Tier choices.
- B Tier – Average: Decent options that can be lethal in the hands of a skilled player.
- C Tier – Weak: Middle-of-the-pack weapons, somewhat mediocre.
- D Tier – Worst: Lagging behind the competition, these swords don’t offer much.
Now that we’re acquainted with the tiers, let’s move on to the crème de la crème.
The Top Swords in Destiny 2 for 2023
Are you ready to explore the absolute best swords in Destiny 2 right now? These are the elite weapons that stand above the rest, making them our personal favorites for both PvE and PvP encounters.
5. Falling Guillotine: PVE’s Unstoppable Slayer
With its unrivaled power in PvE, Falling Guillotine remains a go-to choice for any sword enthusiast. Though it may lack the utility of Eager Edge, Falling Guillotine boasts the strongest sword archetype and incredible damage perks like Whirlwind Blade, Relentless Strikes, and Surrounded.
While obtaining Falling Guillotine can be a challenge, its limited perk pool increases the chances of getting your desired perks quickly.
PVE God roll:
- Perk 1: Relentless Strikes
- Perk 2: Whirlwind Blade
How to obtain it:
Falling Guillotine can be acquired randomly through end-of-match activities, the Gunsmith, Legendary engrams, and Prime engrams.
4. The Other Half: Dominating the PvP Scene
A community favorite, The Other Half is an exceptional PvP sword. It shares similarities with its Arc counterpart, but what sets it apart is its second perk column. The Other Half boasts three damage perks: Frenzy, Whirlwind Blade, and Vorpal Weapon.
Additionally, The Other Half features the highly popular Eager Edge perk, allowing for lightning-fast movement with certain techniques like Shatterdive and Well of Radiance.
PVE God roll:
- Perk 1: Eager Edge
- Perk 2: Whirlwind Blade (also good: Frenzy)
How to obtain it:
The Other Half can be acquired by completing Dares of Eternity runs or turning in Treasure keys at Xûr’s in Eternity.
3. Death’s Razor: PVE’s Dominant Vortex Frame
Building upon the foundation set by Falling Guillotine, Death’s Razor takes things to the next level. Equipped with classic damage perks like Relentless Strikes, Whirlwind Blade, and Surrounded, Death’s Razor reigns supreme as a Vortex Frame powerhouse. Additionally, it can roll with options like Valiant Charge or the new Void perk, Destabilizing Rounds.
The craftable nature of Death’s Razor allows for Enhanced perks, further solidifying its edge over the competition.
PVE God roll:
- Perk 1: Relentless Strikes
- Perk 2: Whirlwind Blade (also good: Valiant Charge or Surrounded)
How to obtain it:
Death’s Razor can be focused with seasonal engrams at the War Table in the H.E.L.M.
2. Crown-Splitter: A Powerhouse in PVE
Titans are in luck with the formidable Crown-Splitter. Despite not currently being in the meta, this Legendary sword remains one of the top choices when it comes to swords. While it might lack Eager Edge or Valiant Charge, Crown-Splitter still reigns as a powerhouse among Legendary swords. If swords make a comeback, this will undoubtedly be a popular pick.
PVE God roll:
- Perk 1: Relentless Strikes
- Perk 2: Whirlwind Blade (also good: Vorpal Weapon)
How to obtain it:
Crown-Splitter can be acquired randomly through end-of-match activities, the Gunsmith, Legendary engrams, and Prime engrams.
1. The Lament: The Ultimate PvE Powerhouse
The Lament has always been a force to be reckoned with, and that hasn’t changed. This Exotic sword brings an array of advantages to the table, including solid burst damage, life steal capabilities, and anti-champion prowess. Plus, it’s visually stunning, adding an extra touch of style to your arsenal.
The Lament has cemented its status as the go-to sword for players seeking a powerful and reliable weapon. Its perks allow for increased damage, shield bypass, and shield piercing, with additional stacks boosting the power and defense of heavy attacks.
How to obtain it:
The Lament can be acquired by completing an Exotic quest.
Swords and the PvP Meta: TTK Matters
When it comes to PvP, Time to Kill (TTK) reigns supreme. As you know, the lower the TTK, the faster you can eliminate your opponents. Check out this TTK guide, which provides figures for every weapon in Destiny 2.
It’s worth noting that TTK figures rarely apply to Heavy weapons. When selecting a Heavy weapon for PvP, you’ll want something reliable that can consistently secure one-hit kills. Swords certainly fit the bill, but they come with a significant risk due to their close-quarters nature. As a result, you’ll rarely encounter sword users in high-level PvP content.
While using a sword can still be enjoyable in 6v6 matches, other weapon types might be more effective. So, how do swords stack up against primary weapons in the PvP arena?
Swords and the PvE Meta: Enter the DPS Realm
Now, let’s assess how swords fare compared to other primary weapons in PvE encounters.
| Weapon Type | Rank |
|---|---|
| Swords | B – Average |
| Rocket Launchers | A – Strong |
| Linear Fusion Rifles | S – Best |
| Machine Guns | B – Average |
| Grenade Launchers | D – Worst |
| Exotic Sniper Rifles | C – Weak |
When it comes to actual DPS, swords are in the top-tier. They excel at both add clearing and single-target damage, making them solid choices for slaying Majors or dealing damage to bosses. However, swords carry a significant risk factor, especially with Linear Fusion Rifles currently dealing massive amounts of damage. Nonetheless, they remain commendable options, especially The Lament and Heartshadow.
Keep in mind that DPS is crucial in PvE encounters. The higher the DPS, the more damage you can unleash upon bosses and Majors.
The Final Word
You’re now well-versed in the realm of swords in Destiny 2, whether for PvP or PvE gameplay. Choose your weapon wisely, take risks, and enjoy the satisfying power of these formidable blades. Remember, honor and skill go hand in hand on the battlefield, Guardian. It’s time to forge your legend!
