Introduction
After three years, Destiny 2 has introduced a new element called Strand. Strand is the game’s second darkness element, similar to Stasis, and it offers a limited selection of weapons for players to wield. However, with the Season of the Witch update, numerous new Strand weapons were added to the game. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Strand weapons in Destiny 2 during Season of the Witch.
10. The Navigator
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The Navigator, the first Exotic Strand Trace Rifle, is a peculiar weapon. Unlike other Exotic Trace Rifles, it doesn’t excel at clearing enemies. However, it possesses a unique ability to fulfill a support role rarely seen in today’s sandbox. By holding down the trigger and shooting an ally, the user can grant Woven Mail, which reduces incoming damage by 40% for 10 seconds (at the time of writing). Additionally, with the Exotic catalyst, the gun can shoot a grapple point, allowing players to swing from it. The Navigator may not handle hordes of enemies, but it rejuvenates a long-forgotten role in the game, as demonstrated in the reprised Crota’s End Raid.
9. Cataphract GL3
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Sometimes, PvP weapons prove exceptionally effective for PvE situations, and the Cataphract GL3 is a prime example. This weapon surpasses its predecessor, the Koraxis’s Distress, due to its Auto-Loading Holster and Bait & Switch perks. Auto-Loading Holster reloads the gun automatically when stowed, while Bait & Switch is currently the most formidable damage-dealing perk available. Although Heavy Grenade Launchers are not the best at dealing damage to bosses currently, with some buffs, the Cataphract GL3 has the potential to become the next DPS king.
8. Semiotician
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Strand Heavy Weapons have been lacking lately, but the Season of the Witch update brought us the Semiotician Rocket Launcher. For some time now, players have been searching for a Rocket Launcher to replace the Hothead Rocket Launcher, and the Semiotician fulfills that need. Featuring the Field Prep and Explosive Light perks, this Rocket Launcher pairs perfectly with our powerful Strand builds. While it may not be the strongest Rocket Launcher in the game, it serves as a robust Strand heavy weapon, which has been sorely needed.
7. Round Robin
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With the introduction of a new element, a variety of weapons are expected, and Hand Cannons are no exception. Round Robin, the first Strand Hand Cannon, quickly became a fan-favorite for several reasons. It boasts an impressive perk pool, an attractive aesthetic, and 120 rpm, making it well-received by the PvP community. The Round Robin’s fame stems from its ability to consistently eliminate opposing Guardians in just two shots. The Keep Away perk further enhances this Hand Cannon by boosting reload speed, range, and accuracy when no enemies are nearby. Adding Kill Clip to the mix ensures that this weapon can effortlessly dispatch other players, making it a formidable addition to the already extensive lineup of powerful Hand Cannons.
6. Kept Confidence
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The Kept Confidence, the latest Strand Hand Cannon, arrived alongside the Semiotician Rocket Launcher. With the success of the Round Robin, the Kept Confidence had a lot to live up to, and it delivered. PvP players appreciate this Hand Cannon due to its perk pool and being a 140 RPM variant, which offers a superior feel and flexibility compared to the Round Robin. Over the past few weeks, it has gained significant popularity in PvP, and it is poised to surpass the Round Robin in the near future.
5. Fang of Ir Yut
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Similar to the reprised Swordbreaker, the Fang of Ir Yut Scout Rifle has been reimagined as a Strand Scout Rifle. The recent influx of Strand Scout Rifles has been underwhelming, as our only “good” option is currently unavailable until next summer. However, the Fang of Ir Yut changes that by bringing a much-needed long-range Strand gameplay experience. With an excellent perk pool and a well-balanced stat distribution, this Scout Rifle excels in both PvE and PvP situations.
4. Rufus’s Fury
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Strand Auto Rifles are plentiful these days, and the Rufus’s Fury from the Root of Nightmares Raid is an exceptional choice for Strand builds. With perks like Demolitionist and Hatchling, this weapon can fit perfectly into any Strand setup for all classes. Demolitionist grants more grenade energy for every kill, while Hatchling creates a Threadling on every other kill. Every class can benefit from increased grenade energy, whether you’re a Titan using your abilities to disorient enemies or a Warlock summoning an army of Threadlings. The Rufus’s Fury is an ideal weapon for all.
3. Swordbreaker
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Recently reintroduced with the reprised Crota’s End Raid, the Swordbreaker Shotgun has been reborn as the second Strand Shotgun. While it performed well in Destiny 1, the Swordbreaker has become an essential weapon for all activities in Destiny 2 thanks to new perks and access to Strand. Strand Titans, in particular, make excellent use of this shotgun with their new Banner of War builds. The One-Two Punch perk amplifies their melee damage, and the Swordbreaker also possesses a robust perk suite for PvP, making it an outstanding choice for the Kinetic slot. Overall, the reimagined Swordbreaker Shotgun has established itself as one of the game’s premier weapons for any activity.
2. Quicksilver Storm
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Quicksilver Storm, the first revealed Strand weapon and an Exotic Auto Rifle, remains one of the best weapons in Destiny 2. Originally released as a Kinetic weapon during the Season of Plunder, the Lightfall DLC upgraded it to a Strand weapon with an incredible catalyst. After unlocking the catalyst, this weapon becomes the most potent primary weapon for PvE activities. With its ability to deal substantial damage, create tangles, and fire grenades that can easily down Champions, it is undeniably one of the strongest guns currently available. Dethroning the Quicksilver Storm won’t be an easy task.
1. The Immortal
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Any player who has engaged in PvP over the past three Seasons is familiar with the terror caused by The Immortal SMG. As the second Strand SMG and the newly featured weapon in Trials of Osiris, The Immortal quickly climbed the usage leaderboards. Its success can be attributed to two key factors: a 750 rpm fire rate and the Target Lock and Rangefinder perks. 750 rpm SMGs currently deliver higher damage output and faster time to kill compared to other SMG types. Furthermore, Target Lock increases the weapon’s damage the longer the trigger is held, while Rangefinder provides a flat boost to range when aiming down sights. These factors have made it one of the most oppressive weapons in PvP history. Even after receiving a nerf, The Immortal continues to shred opposing Guardians. Another nerf may be necessary, but for now, this gun reigns as one of the most formidable Strand weapons in use.
In conclusion, Destiny 2’s Strand weapons offer players exciting new options for gameplay. Whether you prefer support roles, heavy weapons, versatile hand cannons, or devastating shotguns, the top 10 Strand weapons in Destiny 2 for September 2023 provide a variety of choices to suit your playstyle.
