Weapon Types & Archetypes

Explore the diverse weapon types and archetypes in Destiny 2. Learn how Kinetic, Energy, and Power slots work, and discover the unique characteristics of each weapon class to optimize your loadout.

Destiny 2 features a wide array of weapon types and archetypes, each with distinct characteristics and roles in combat. Understanding these is crucial for optimizing your Guardian's loadout and effectiveness in any engagement.

• Weapon Slots: Weapons are categorized into Kinetic, Energy, and Power slots. Kinetic and Energy weapons share many types, but Energy weapons also possess elemental damage types (Solar, Arc, Void). Fusion Rifles, Sniper Rifles, Rocket Launchers, and Shotguns are typically found in the Power slot.
• Weapon Archetypes: Within each slot, weapons fall into various archetypes such as Auto Rifles, Pulse Rifles, Scout Rifles, Hand Cannons, Sidearms, Submachine Guns, Fusion Rifles, Sniper Rifles, Shotguns, Grenade Launchers, Rocket Launchers, Linear Fusion Rifles, Trace Rifles, Glaives, and Swords. Each archetype has unique firing patterns, ranges, damage outputs, and handling characteristics.
• Damage Types: Energy weapons come in Solar, Arc, and Void damage types, which are effective against different enemy shields and can synergize with subclass abilities.