Destiny 2 Best Auto Rifles - Tier List 2026

Auto rifles stand out as perhaps the most adaptable weapon type in Destiny 2. Their moderate recoil, solid range, and the ability to recover from missed shots make them a staple for many players. In this guide, we’re diving into the Best Auto Rifles in the current meta to help you find the most reliable picks for your arsenal.

One previous downside of auto rifles was their underwhelming damage compared to SMGs. However, this changed with a 25% damage boost against red and orange bar enemies in the Lightfall expansion, significantly improving their PvE viability.

With the sheer variety of auto rifles and their perk combinations, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one. This updated tier list will break down the Best Auto Rifles in Destiny 2 and explain what makes them meta-worthy.

Auto Rifles Types and What You Need to Use

Just like every other weapon class in Destiny 2, auto rifles are divided into subtypes based on their frames. Each subtype has its own RPM (Rounds Per Minute), handling, and base stats that dictate how it performs in combat scenarios.

Below are the four main auto rifle frames in the game:

• Rapid Fire Frame (720 RPM): The fastest-firing subtype with low per-shot damage and range. Despite this, their sheer DPS potential places many of them among the Best Auto Rifles for PvE.
• Adaptive Frame (600 RPM): A balanced choice offering moderate range and damage. Weapons like Gnawing Hunger belong here, considered by many as the pinnacle of adaptability among auto rifles.
• Precision Frame (450 RPM): Known for having controllable recoil and good range. Unfortunately, these often fall short in DPS, making them less favored in the current meta.
• High-Impact Frame (360 RPM): These rifles have the highest per-shot damage but suffer from low fire rate and high recoil. One notable exception is Cerberus+1, which behaves more like a semi-auto shotgun than a traditional auto rifle.

Also, remember that exotic auto rifles deal 40% more damage to red bar enemies compared to legendary ones, making them incredibly valuable in high-difficulty activities.

Best Legendary Auto Rifles

This section highlights the Best Auto Rifles of legendary rarity that you can earn from general gameplay. If you have top-tier rolls on older rifles like The Summoner, it’s time to bring them back into action.

Rufus’s Fury

Frame Type	Source	God Roll	DLC Requirements
Rapid Fire (720 RPM)	Adept Version: Master Challenge in Root of Nightmares. Regular Version: random drop from 3rd and last encounters of the RoN raid.	Demolitionist + Hatchling Target Lock + Reconstruction	Lightfall

Rufus’s Fury delivers Strand damage and comes with PvE-focused perks like Demolitionist and Hatchling, making it a dream pick for Strand builds. Alternatively, pairing Rewind Rounds or Reconstruction with Target Lock ensures consistent damage to both red and orange bar enemies.

To get the most out of this weapon, you’ll want to craft it—which requires completing the Root of Nightmares raid. If you're struggling to get a coordinated team, Gamer Choice offers services that help you acquire Rufus’s Fury and other high-demand weapons effortlessly.

The Last Breath

Frame Type	Source	God Roll	DLC Requirements
Adaptive (600 RPM)	Random drop from 2nd encounter in the Prophecy Dungeon.	Demolitionist + Frenzy / Adrenaline Junkie	You can get it without any DLC.

If raiding isn't your thing, The Last Breath is a great substitute. It can fit into numerous PvE and PvP loadouts depending on your chosen perk combination. Killing Wind and Rangefinder are excellent for PvP, and best of all, you don’t need any expansions to get it.

Perpetualis

Frame Type	Source	God Roll	DLC Requirements
Adaptive (600 RPM)	Defiant Engrams, Reward Chest in Defiant Battlegrounds.	Envious Assassin + Hatchling	Lightfall

Considered the most accessible option among the Best Auto Rifles from Lightfall, Perpetualis is a solid performer. While it lacks standout perks like Demolitionist or Rewind Rounds, it compensates with ease of acquisition and compatibility with solo gameplay via Defiant Engrams.

Chroma Rush

Frame Type	Source	God Roll	DLC Requirments
Rapid Fire (720 RPM)	Random drop from the Dares of Eternity activity.	Subsistence + Rampage	You can get it without any DLC.

Despite being an older weapon, Chroma Rush maintains its position among the top-tier auto rifles due to powerful perk combos like Feeding Frenzy with Kill Clip or Subsistence with Rampage. Though RNG can be brutal, this gun doesn’t require any DLC to obtain—just patience.

Ammit AR2

Frame Type	Source	God Roll	DLC Requirements
Precision (450 RPM)	Random World Drop. Also, you can get it after obtaining the Enigma Glaive in Anclaive on Mars.	Dynamic Sway Reduction + Incandescent	You can get it without any DLC.

Ammit AR2 is arguably the best Solar energy legendary auto rifle available. It boasts minimal recoil, excellent synergy with Solar 3.0 subclasses, and user-friendly handling—especially for gamepad players. Better yet, it’s easy to unlock its crafting pattern via The Enigma Glaive questline.

Season of the Deep Updated Auto Rifles

Two auto rifles are receiving updates in Season 21 based on credible leaks. These updates might shake up the list of Best Auto Rifles again.

Tommy’s Matchbook

Rounds per Minute	Source	Catalyst Availability	DLC Requirements
720 RPM	Exotic Kiosk	You can get it after obtaining the weapon from Banshee-44.	You can get it without any DLC.

With its updated catalyst, Tommy’s Matchbook will now apply scorch effects when Ignition Trigger is activated. For players running Solar subclasses, this exotic might climb the ladder as the best energy auto rifle in Destiny 2.

Age-Old Bond

Frame Type	Source	God Roll	DLC Requirements
High-Impact (360 RPM)	Random Drop from the Last Wish raid.	Dynamic Sway Reduction + Kill Clip	Forsaken

Age-Old Bond is being refreshed with a new origin trait and craftability. These enhancements, paired with new perks, make it a strong contender among updated Best Auto Rifles for both PvE and PvP content.

Best Exotic Auto Rifles

While exotic auto rifles occupy a valuable gear slot, the tradeoff is often worth it in tough PvE scenarios. Below are some of the most effective exotic picks currently available.

Monte Carlo

Rounds per Minute	Source	Catalyst Availability	DLC Requirements
600 RPM	Random drop from exotic engram.	No	You can get it without any DLC.

Monte Carlo is ideal for melee-based builds. It buffs your damage—up to 65% for melee kills—and rapidly regenerates melee ability energy. Warlocks using Sunbracers and Solar 3.0 can spam grenades endlessly when pairing with this kinetic auto rifle, making it a top-tier choice.

Quicksilver Storm

Rounds per Minute	Source	Catalyst Availability	DLC Requirements
720 RPM	Deluxe Lightfall DLC.	You can get it after obtaining the weapon on your account.	Deluxe Lightfall

Quicksilver Storm is arguably the most well-rounded exotic auto rifle in Destiny 2. It can switch into grenade launcher mode for heavy splash damage and synergizes with Strand subclass abilities. This makes it a standout option for nearly all content in 2026.

Vex Mythoclast

Rounds per Minute	Source	Catalyst Availability	DLC Requirements
390 RPM	Random drop from the last boss of the Vault of Glass raid.	You can obtain the catalyst for completing a special puzzle in the Vault of Glass raid.	You can get it without any DLC.

Though technically labeled a fusion rifle, Vex Mythoclast behaves like an auto rifle, earning its spot on this list. Its alternate fire mode transforms it into a linear fusion weapon, enabling devastating precision bursts. Unfortunately, acquiring it is quite a grind—but Gamer Choice can help you skip that hassle with a guaranteed drop service.

F.A.Q.

What is the best automatic rifle in Destiny 2?

For legendary options, Rufus’s Fury stands out as the top pick. When it comes to exotics, Quicksilver Storm is the clear winner thanks to its unique versatility and damage output.

What is the strongest gun in Destiny 2?

Monte Carlo is among the strongest auto rifles, offering a massive 65% damage boost from just a single melee kill, making it a powerhouse in the right build.

What is the best rifle in Destiny 2 PvE?

Rufus's Fury is currently the most well-rounded choice for PvE. It doesn't take up your exotic slot and provides excellent perk combinations that suit a variety of builds.

Is Krait auto rifle good?

Krait is considered underwhelming compared to other legendary rifles. Weapons like Perpetualis and The Last Breath are much better suited for PvE performance.

Conclusion

The recent 25% damage buff to auto rifles has breathed new life into this weapon class. Many now stand as serious contenders in both PvE and PvP content. While some require significant effort to obtain or rely on a strong team, their enhanced performance more than makes up for the investment.

We hope our breakdown of the Best Auto Rifles has helped you discover your next favorite weapon. Whether you're chasing god rolls or want a solid pick-up-and-play gun, Destiny 2 now offers a robust selection of auto rifles worth your time.