Top Hand Cannons for PvE in Destiny 2

Hand cannons are among the most favored weapon categories in Destiny 2. It’s rare to encounter a Crucible match where a player isn’t wielding one, and they also demonstrate remarkable versatility in PvE scenarios. These weapons rank among the most damaging primary options available, which certainly adds to their attraction.

For optimal performance in PvE, hand cannons should possess perks that effectively eliminate adds while also delivering substantial damage to major enemies. Elemental Synergy often aids in add clear, featuring perks like Incandescent and Destabilizing Rounds.

Here’s a list of the top hand cannons in Destiny 2 for PvE.

Top 7 PvE Hand Cannons in Destiny 2

Fatebringer

A timeless classic.

The iconic Fatebringer is a superb 140 RPM Kinetic hand cannon. You can acquire it by farming in the Vault of Glass or obtain the Timelost variant from the Templar encounter challenge on Master difficulty.

Fatebringer may feature perks such as Kinetic Tremors or Explosive Payload in the third column, and One for All or Firefly in the fourth. It’s equipped to handle both quick add clearing and tougher enemies at elevated Power levels.

Another noteworthy mention is Midnight Coup. This hand cannon has the potential to roll Firefly alongside One for All, a combo that Fatebringer lacks. However, post-launch of The Edge of Fate, Midnight Coup is only accessible when Xûr offers it on weekends.

Exalted Truth

A top PvE hand cannon sourced from PvP activities.

Exalted Truth was reintroduced during Episode Heresy and stands as the premier 140 RPM Void hand cannon in Destiny 2, surpassing Ancient Gospel from the Garden of Salvation. You can obtain it through Trials of Osiris, which involves some PvP engagement, but recent updates have made it more straightforward to grab a few copies after reaching the Lighthouse.

For PvE, ideal rolls for Exalted Truth include Destabilizing Rounds combined with Repulsor Brace, Destabilizing Rounds with One for All, and Demoralize paired with Repulsor Brace. Each of these combinations offers exceptional effectiveness both individually and in synergy with the Void subclass.

Zaouli’s Bane

An excellent alternative to Sunshot.

Zaouli’s Bane is considered one of the best Solar hand cannons in Destiny 2. It’s obtained from the King’s Fall raid and can roll Explosive Payload with Incandescent, granting both high single-target damage and AoE effects. This roll is highly recommended, and since it’s craftable, acquiring it should be manageable.

Unloved

Not as neglected as its name suggests.

Unloved, representing Strand from the Sundered Doctrine dungeon, holds a strong position in current meta discussions. Though the Heavy Burst archetype might not appeal to everyone, the Subjugation Origin Trait is one of the strongest in the game. It grants the weapon intrinsic Explosive Payload against weaker adversaries and lowers damage received from tougher opponents.

For perks, you can select either Dragonfly or Hatchling in the third column, along with Paracausal Affinity in the fourth, enabling AoE damage and a 20 percent damage boost against enemies defeated with it.

Agape

Heal Clip is an invaluable perk for challenging encounters.

Agape represents the first Solar Heavy Burst hand cannon introduced in Destiny 2. Launched in The Edge of Fate expansion, it’s the only hand cannon on this list that aligns with the new loot tier system, allowing you to enhance your Power and farm the Kepler destination for a top-tier version featuring improved perks across the board, an Origin Trait, and a mod slot.

This weapon includes the best Solar perks available, such as Heal Clip, Incandescent, and the newly added Burning Ambition. Hunters utilizing Lucky Pants may also want to consider a Rewind Rounds and Vorpal Weapon configuration.

Graviton Spike

Highly effective when paired with the Mask of Bakris.

Graviton Spike is an Exotic hand cannon from The Edge of Fate expansion, recognized as the second 150 RPM hand cannon in Destiny 2. This weapon can alternate between Arc and Stasis elements, overcharging one while inflicting damage and registering kills.

As Graviton Spike is a craftable Exotic, you have the opportunity to unlock inherent upgrades and powerful Catalysts, significantly improving its performance.

Sunshot

The unrivaled champion of hand cannons.

No hand cannon rivals the prowess of Sunshot. As a 150 RPM hand cannon featuring the Exotic Perk, Sun Blast, it is akin to Incandescent (causing targets to explode and distribute scorch upon kills), but with added explosive capability. It remains a top selection for high-tier activities requiring a Solar primary weapon.