The Lightfall DLC of Destiny 2 gave a massive buff to LMGs, and throughout the DLC, they have excelled in all forms of content. With Season of the Deep less than a week away, we’ll likely see new LMGs added, especially with the rumor of Guardians returning to Titan during the Season. With that in mind, it’s time to discuss the ten best LMGs for PvE and PvP in Destiny 2.
Best LMGs for PvE in Destiny 2 (Season of Defiance)
Image Source: Light.gg
| LMGs | How to Obtain | Drop Rate |
| The Swarm | Obtained from completing Nightfall Strikes. | Not Guaranteed |
| Retrofit Escapade | Obtained from purchasing from Banshee. | Only When Featured. |
| Commemoration | Obtained from defeating Taniks in the Deep Stone Crypt Raid. | Not Guaranteed |
| Corrective Measure | Obtained from completing encounters in the Vault of Glass Raid. | Not Guaranteed |
| Thunderlord | Obtained by purchasing from Exotic Kiosk. | Guaranteed |
| Chain of Command | Obtained by purchasing from Exotic Kiosk. | Guaranteed |
| Xenophage | Obtained by purchasing from Exotic Kiosk. | Guaranteed |
| Quilm’s Terminus | Obtained from completing encounters in the King’s Fall Raid. | Not Guaranteed |
| Fixed Odds | Obtained from completing encounters in the Duality Dungeon. | Not Guaranteed |
| Circular Logic | Obtained from completing activities on Neomuna. | Not Guaranteed |
Aside from pure boss DPS, LMGs are arguably the strongest heavy weapon in the game. They’re excellent for clearing waves of enemies while also being a solid option for damage against boss enemies. Some LMGs excel in particular fields more than others do.
For example, the Exotic Arc LMG, Thunderlord, got a massive damage buff and is now one of the best weapons to use against Nezarec, the final boss of the Root of Nightmares Raid. Although, Bungie recently announced that its chain lightning ability is getting toned down just a little to keep it in line with other guns.
Recently becoming craftable in Season of the Seraph, the Commemoration has gained a massive boost in popularity and usage, as its updated perk pool makes it the best Void LMG in the game, aside from Corrective Measure, of course.
With the rumors of the Stasis element being one of the main elements for the upcoming Season of the Deep, we’ll likely see the Quilm’s Terminus and Chain of Command see more usage. Chain of Command, in particular, has access to the Demolitionist perk, making it a fantastic option for grenade-focused builds.
Arc is also rumored to be one of the main elements next Season, making Thunderlord and The Swarm powerful options to choose from.
Overall, LMGs are far and away the best heavy weapon to use in PvE in the current sandbox, and it would take a severe nerf to put them down anytime soon.
Related:
Destiny 2: Best Scout Rifles For PvE & PvP (Season of Defiance)
Best LMGs for PvP in Destiny 2 (Season of Defiance)
Image Source: Light.gg
| LMGs | How to Obtain | Drop Rate |
| The Swarm | Obtained from completing Nightfall Strikes. | Not Guaranteed |
| Retrofit Escapade | Obtained from purchasing from Banshee. | Only When Featured. |
| Commemoration | Obtained from defeating Taniks in the Deep Stone Crypt Raid. | Not Guaranteed |
| Corrective Measure | Obtained from completing encounters in the Vault of Glass Raid. | Not Guaranteed |
| Thunderlord | Obtained by purchasing from Exotic Kiosk. | Guaranteed |
| Heir Apparent | Obtained by purchasing from Exotic Kiosk. | Guaranteed |
| Xenophage | Obtained by purchasing from Exotic Kiosk. | Guaranteed |
| Quilm’s Terminus | Obtained from completing encounters in the King’s Fall Raid. | Not Guaranteed |
| Fixed Odds | Obtained from completing encounters in the Duality Dungeon. | Not Guaranteed |
| Circular Logic | Obtained from completing activities on Neomuna. | Not Guaranteed |
Similarly to Rocket Launchers, LMGs are typically hard to judge in PvP, as more often than not, a player would need to be lucky to secure heavy ammo in a PvP match. That said, aside from Heavy Grenade Launchers, they’re the most potent heavy weapon to use in PvP, thanks to their excellent ammo economy and the ability to shred opponents easily.
Any option that one would generally use in PvE would suffice. Still, Commemoration or Corrective Measure would be ideal, as they have excellent handling and stability, making it easy to defeat any enemy in the user’s path.
Among the Exotics, Heir Apparent still reigns supreme as making the user a walking tank, mainly due to its impressive Arc shield. If the opposing Guardian doesn’t use some form of Arc damage to pop the shield, then the user with Heir Apparent is virtually invincible outside of getting supered.
Overall, LMGs are an excellent option for PvP activities, as they’re easy to use and can often secure more than one kill.