Best Scout Rifles in Destiny 2: A Comprehensive Tier List for PvP and PvE

Scout rifles have undergone a remarkable transformation in Destiny 2. They have evolved from being the weakest primary weapons to becoming essential tools for conquering endgame content. In fact, some scout rifles are now considered among the top weapons in the game.

This guide will cover all the scout rifles in Destiny 2, including both exotic and legendary alternatives. Additionally, we will delve into the best rolls for both PvE and PvP gameplay. So, whether you’re venturing into dangerous PvE encounters or engaging in intense PvP battles, this tier list will help you make informed choices when it comes to scout rifles.

Destiny 2 Scout Rifles Tier List: The Crème de la Crème

Let’s kick things off with a list of the most exceptional scout rifles in Destiny 2. This tier list includes both exotic and legendary options that excel in both PvE and PvP gameplay:

Destiny 2 Scouts: The Complete List

To provide you with a comprehensive overview, we have compiled a database of every viable scout rifle currently available in the game. Here are the different tier levels used in our list:

• S Tier – Best: These are the highest-ranking weapons in our tier list.
• A Tier – Strong: Very formidable weapons, although not at the same level as the S Tier choices.
• B Tier – Average: Decent options that can be devastating in the hands of a skilled player.
• C Tier – Weak: These scout rifles are in the middle of the pack, somewhat mediocre.
• D Tier – Worst: Lagging behind the competition, these rifles don’t offer much.

The Best Destiny 2 Scout Rifles in 2023

Now, let’s dive deeper into the absolute best scout rifles Destiny 2 has to offer. These are our top picks for both PvE and PvP gameplay:

5. Touch of Malice

Excels in PvE

Touch of Malice is a niche but powerful option. With its Intrinsic Trait active, the final round in the magazine deals increased damage and refunds itself. However, using this trait drains your health, making it challenging to utilize in regular content or difficult Nightfalls where self-damage is undesirable. That said, in Raid situations where you have a Well of Radiance constantly healing you, Touch of Malice can serve as a reliable backup weapon when you run out of heavy and special ammo.

Compared to other scout rifles, Touch of Malice stands out as one of the stronger picks due to its exceptional performance in specific scenarios. However, its ranking falls short as it becomes nearly unusable outside of its niche because of the self-damaging aspect of the weapon.

Exotic Perk: “The final round in the magazine deals bonus damage and then regenerates itself. Rapidly defeating three targets restores health. Precision hits drain combatants’ life force and charge up a ball of darkness.”

How to Obtain: Touch of Malice can be acquired from the King’s Fall raid.

4. Hung Jury SR4

Excels in PvE and PvP

The Hung Jury SR4 was a fan-favorite in Destiny 1, and since its return in Season of the Splicer, it has reclaimed its status as a top pick in Destiny 2. Part of the Precision frame archetype, this scout rifle shines in PvE activities. To excel in PvP, it benefits from specific perks.

Hung Jury can roll with Box Breathing, a perk that boosts its damage to 94 on a headshot. This allows you to eliminate enemies with two critical hits or one headshot and a body shot, provided they have Tier 6 Resilience or lower. Against all enemies, Hung Jury boasts an incredibly fast time-to-kill of 0.67 seconds.

However, scout rifles don’t currently enjoy a favorable position in the PvP meta, as many players opt for SMGs or Hand Cannons instead. But don’t fret! Hung Jury can also come with Explosive Payload, an excellent option for PvP that staggers enemies upon impact. Pairing it with Rapid Hit creates a reliable and versatile scout rifle fit for any type of content.

PvE God Roll: Rapid Hit + Explosive Payload (also good: Firefly)

PvP God Roll: Rapid Hit + Box Breathing

How to Obtain: Hung Jury SR4 can be acquired by completing Nightfall: The Ordeals (higher difficulties offer increased drop rates).

These are just a couple of examples of the exceptional scout rifles available in Destiny 2. Whether you’re seeking optimal performance in PvE encounters or dominating the PvP arena, these rifles will undoubtedly enhance your gameplay experience.

Remember, when it comes to choosing the right scout rifle, consider the E-E-A-T principles (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) and the YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) factor. These factors ensure that the information you rely on is reliable and trustworthy, enabling you to make informed decisions and enjoy a successful and rewarding Destiny 2 experience.