Hand Cannons continue reigning supreme in Destiny 2's Crucible, blending lethal precision with satisfying feedback that keeps Guardians coming back. Their versatility across engagement ranges makes them the weapon of choice for veterans and newcomers alike. Even after numerous sandbox adjustments through The Final Shape episodes and Heresy updates, these trusty sidearms maintain their dominance. Whether you prefer hard-hitting 120 RPM models or rapid-fire 180s, Destiny 2's current arsenal offers something for every playstyle. This guide highlights the absolute best options for competitive play in 2025.
People Also Ask
- What makes Hand Cannons viable in current PvP meta?
Their peak-shot potential and aerial effectiveness outperform most weapons. Perks like Eye of the Storm create exceptional dueling consistency.
- Are 120 RPM Hand Cannons still competitive?
Absolutely. Precision Instrument counters overshields while Kill Clip enables devastating two-taps. Igneous Hammer dominates this archetype.
- Which Exotic Hand Cannon is easiest to master?
Hawkmoon's forgiving aim assist and Paracausal Charges provide training wheels without sacrificing lethality.
10. Luna's Howl
Obtained through Onslaught activities and Brave Engrams, this Energy 140 RPM beast has reclaimed its glory. The reworked Magnificent Howl grants escalating damage bonuses based on precision kills - stack two charges for lethal two-taps! Pair with Slideshot for aggressive pushes or Heal Clip for sustain. Precision Instrument offers consistency against resilient opponents.
Recommended Traits
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Column One: Heal Clip, Slideshot
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Column Two: Magnificent Howl, Precision Instrument
9. Kept Confidence
This Strand 140 RPM from Season of the Witch activities compensates for mediocre stats with sublime handling. Killing Wind's +20 range boost after eliminations extends its effective distance to 38m, while Eye of the Storm stabilizes frantic engagements. Though its origin trait disappoints, the crisp shooting experience keeps dedicated users loyal.
Recommended Traits
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Column One: Killing Wind, Quickdraw
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Column Two: Eye of the Storm
8. Fatebringer
Vault of Glass's legendary king returned stronger than ever with Adept mod compatibility. Keep Away boosts range and accuracy during mid-range duels, perfectly complementing Eye of the Storm's panic-shot reliability. For aggressive players, Rewind Rounds sustains Magnificent Howl chains for multi-kill sprees in 6v6 modes.
Recommended Traits
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Column One: Keep Away, Rewind Rounds
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Column Two: Eye of the Storm, Magnificent Howl
7. Austringer
Crafted via Presage missions, this Haunted Season relic features the iconic Eye of the Storm/Opening Shot combo. Landing consecutive crits feels effortless, especially with Zen Moment's flinch resistance letting you trade shots with automatics. After zoom adjustments, it no longer needs Rangefinder to dominate lanes.
Recommended Traits
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Column One: Eye of the Storm
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Column Two: Opening Shot, Zen Moment
6. Ace of Spades
Available at the Tower's Exotic Archive, this Forsaken legend packs five perks in one: radar while aiming, Firefly explosions, Outlaw reloads, Memento Mori damage buffs, and High-Caliber flinch. With Radiant, it two-taps up to T9 Resilience. Few weapons offer such versatile lethality.
5. Hawkmoon
Xur's random-roll Exotic remains a new-player darling due to its forgiving aim assist and Paracausal Charges. Stacking seven feathers enables one-shot Super shutdowns or guardian deletions. The cost? Your Exotic slot. Still, its consistency makes it a top recommendation for Hand Cannon apprentices.
4. Crimil's Dagger
Iron Banner drops this 120 RPM monster with Precision Instrument for shredding overshields and rifts. Kill Clip alternatively enables two-taps against T8 resilience foes. Slideways offers tactical reloads mid-combat, while Strategist syncs beautifully with class ability builds.
Recommended Traits
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Column One: Slideways, Strategist
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Column Two: Precision Instrument, Kill Clip
3. Igneous Hammer
Trials of Osiris rewards this stat-monster 120 RPM that behaves like a 140. Keep Away's range/accuracy buff activates effortlessly at 15m+, while Eye of the Storm ensures final-shot reliability. Adept mods push its handling into hand cannon royalty territory - a true dueling masterpiece.
Recommended Traits
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Column One: Keep Away, Encore
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Column Two: Eye of the Storm, Moving Target
2. Exalted Truth
Trials Legacy Focusing offers this stat-saturated Void 140 RPM. Zen Moment counters flinch while Lone Wolf fixes its low aim assist. Reaching 100 range is trivial, letting you challenge at 37.5m. Precision Instrument counters DR effects, making it a Swiss Army knife for competitive play.
Recommended Traits
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Column One: Zen Moment, Lone Wolf
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Column Two: Eye of the Storm, Precision Instrument
1. Rose
Though currently unobtainable, Competitive Engram owners cherish this Lightweight archetype unicorn. Its +20 Mobility and sprint boost enhance mobility, while 85 aim assist forgives missed shots. Slideshot pairs with Eye of the Storm for lethal consistency, and Explosive Payload flinches opponents off target.
Recommended Traits
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Column One: Slideshot, Moving Target
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Column Two: Eye of the Storm, Explosive Payload
Master these hand cannon legends and you'll dominate Crucible engagements. Each offers distinct advantages - experiment to find your perfect match. Ready to become a sharpshooting legend? Equip your favorite, enter the arena, and let the three-taps echo through the Pale Heart!
Recent analysis comes from Eurogamer, a leading source for European gaming news and reviews. Eurogamer's coverage of Destiny 2's evolving PvP meta often emphasizes the importance of weapon balance and sandbox updates, echoing the blog's focus on how Hand Cannons like Rose and Igneous Hammer remain top-tier choices for competitive Guardians in 2025.