In Destiny 2, grenade launchers have become a staple choice for both PvE and PvP encounters. Their explosive potential, versatility, and ability to control the battlefield make them an important weapon archetype in any Guardian’s arsenal. Whether you’re blasting groups of enemies in a Strike or shutting down a lane in the Crucible, understanding how grenade launchers work, which perks to look for, and how to optimize your loadout can give you a serious advantage. With the right build and playstyle, a well-placed grenade launcher shot can turn the tide of battle in an instant.
Overview of Grenade Launchers in Destiny 2
Types of Grenade Launchers
Grenade launchers in Destiny 2 come in two main variants: Breech-Loaded and Drum-Fed (also known as Heavy Grenade Launchers). Each serves a unique purpose depending on your role and the activity you’re tackling.
- Breech-Loaded: These are single-shot grenade launchers that use special ammo and are typically found in the energy or kinetic slot. They require more accuracy but reward skilled players with fast damage and utility effects like blinding, staggering, or suppressing enemies.
- Drum-Fed: These heavy grenade launchers fire multiple rounds per reload and use heavy ammo. They are great for area-of-effect damage and crowd control in PvE content.
Advantages of Using Grenade Launchers
Grenade launchers offer unique tactical benefits compared to other weapons:
- Can deal damage over an area, making them excellent for mob clearing.
- Many grenade launchers feature strong crowd control perks such as Blinding or Disorienting Grenades.
- Powerful in boss damage phases when used with the right setup.
- Useful in PvP for denying territory or forcing enemies out of cover.
Top Grenade Launchers in Destiny 2
For PvE Activities
Some grenade launchers are better suited for endgame PvE activities such as Nightfalls, Raids, and Dungeons.
- Witherhoard: An exotic breech-loaded grenade launcher that creates damaging pools on impact. It’s perfect for sustained damage and area denial in PvE.
- Wendigo GL3: A returning fan-favorite heavy grenade launcher with access to perks like Explosive Light and Auto-Loading Holster. Great for burst damage.
- Regnant: A craftable Void grenade launcher that can roll with Envious Assassin and Explosive Light for incredible damage output.
For PvP Combat
In Crucible, using grenade launchers effectively can disrupt enemy positioning and secure kills around corners or in tight corridors.
- Forbearance: While typically used in PvE, its chain lightning effect can occasionally shine in PvP, especially in team fights.
- Fighting Lion: A unique exotic that uses primary ammo and rewards precision. Skilled players can use it to finish off enemies and break shields.
- Ignition Code: A breech-loaded launcher with perks like Slide Shot and Blinding Grenades, making it one of the most disruptive choices in the Crucible.
Perks and Traits to Look For
Best PvE Perks
In PvE, grenade launchers benefit from perks that enhance damage, utility, and reload speed:
- Auto-Loading Holster: Reloads your weapon when holstered perfect for damage rotations.
- Spike Grenades: Increases impact damage when direct hitting enemies.
- Explosive Light: Increases damage based on picking up Orbs of Power.
- Envious Assassin: Overflows the magazine based on previous kills with other weapons.
Best PvP Perks
For Crucible performance, you want perks that increase your ability to control the fight:
- Quickdraw: Allows for fast weapon switching and snap engagements.
- Blinding Grenades: Temporarily disorients enemies, giving you an edge in duels.
- Slide Shot: Reloads a portion of the magazine and boosts range/stability after sliding.
Builds and Loadout Synergies
Pairing with Subclasses
Grenade launchers can be even more powerful when paired with specific subclass abilities:
- Void Titans: Use Suppressor Grenades and Volatile Rounds with Void heavy GLs for synergy.
- Solar Warlocks: Combine Witherhoard with Starfire Protocol for unmatched DPS during boss phases.
- Arc Hunters: Utilize Disorienting Grenades with Lethal Current to stagger enemies before engaging with melee.
Mod Suggestions
Armor mods can make grenade launchers even more efficient:
- Ammo Finder Mods: Helps generate more special or heavy ammo.
- Grenade Launcher Loader: Increases reload speed for faster follow-ups.
- Volatile Flow or Firepower: Synergizes with grenade effects for more damage or ability energy.
Tips for Using Grenade Launchers Effectively
Adjusting for Arc and Drop
Grenade launchers have travel time and gravity drop, which means you’ll need to lead your shots and adjust for arc, especially at range. Practice in less pressured activities to get a feel for timing and aiming arcs.
Using Environmental Traps
You can shoot around corners, into chokepoints, or near spawn doors to damage or scare enemies without exposing yourself. This is especially useful in PvP when trying to flush out opponents hiding behind cover.
Reload Management
Grenade launchers typically have slower reloads. Perks like Auto-Loading Holster or mods like Loader Gloves are essential. In high-level PvE, timing your reloads and weapon switches is key to maximizing uptime and safety.
Future of Grenade Launchers in Destiny 2
Upcoming Changes
Bungie has continued to adjust grenade launcher performance over time. Recent patches have focused on buffing damage in PvE and reducing spam potential in PvP. Future sandbox updates are likely to further refine these weapons’ role in Destiny’s combat loop.
New Weapon Additions
Seasonal content and expansions continue to add fresh grenade launchers to the loot pool. Keeping an eye on new perk combinations, element types, and damage tuning can help you stay ahead of the curve and maintain a powerful loadout.
Grenade launchers in Destiny 2 offer explosive gameplay and strategic advantages across all modes. Whether you prefer the precision of breech-loaders or the raw firepower of drum-fed heavies, there is a grenade launcher to suit every style. Understanding how to use them effectively, which perks to chase, and how to integrate them into your build can elevate your performance. With evolving sandbox dynamics and an ever-expanding arsenal, mastering grenade launchers will keep you prepared for whatever threats lie ahead in the universe of Destiny 2.