For those who have been playing Destiny 2 for a few Seasons now, it should be no secret that SMGs are incredibly potent in the current sandbox. In PvE, they’re used in an unimaginable amount of builds; in PvP, they’re arguably the most oppressive weapon to fight against, aside from Hand Cannons. With that in mind, before Season of the Deep begins, it’s time to discuss the best of the best SMGs for PvE and PvP in Destiny 2.
Best SMGs For PvE In Destiny 2 (Season of Defiance)
Image Source: Light.gg
| SMG | How to Obtain | Drop Rate |
| Ikelos SMG | Obtained from decrypting Prime Engrams. | Not Guaranteed |
| The Immortal | Obtained from completing matches of Trials of Osiris. | Not Guaranteed |
| Submission | Obtained from completing encounters in the Vow of the Disciple Raid. | Not Guaranteed |
| Unforgiven | Obtained from completing encounters in the Duality Dungeon. | Not Guaranteed |
| Tarrabah | Obtained by purchasing from Exotic Kiosk. | Guaranteed |
| Risk Runner | Obtained by purchasing from Exotic Kiosk. | Guaranteed |
| Huckleberry | Obtained by purchasing from Exotic Kiosk. | Guaranteed |
| Calus Mini Tool | Obtained from decrypting Prime Engrams. | Not Guaranteed |
| Osteo Striga | Obtained from purchasing from Exotic Kiosk. | Guaranteed |
| The Title | Obtained from completing Guardian Games activities. | Not Guaranteed |
SMGs are the best primary weapon to use in virtually all PvE content. All the SMGs above are used in amazing builds dominating endgame activities like Raids or Nightfalls.
Introduced as the second Strand SMG in the Lightfall DLC, The Immortal has wasted no time dominating both PvE and PvP activities with its fantastic perk pool. With Demolitionist, The Immortal can be a significant weapon in Strand Titan builds that revolve around the Shackle Grenade and more.
The Ikelos SMG continues its reign as the best Arc SMG, and with rumored artifact mods for the upcoming Season being Arc, it’s safe to say it won’t be dethroned anytime soon.
While we’ve gotten other Void SMGs to work with, the Unforgiven with Demolitionist and Frenzy is far and away the best option to use for endgame Void builds. Void Titans, in particular, use this weapon extensively.
For sheer ad clear, Osteo Striga, Tarrabah, and Huckleberry all make great secondary options if the player isn’t focusing on a specific build.
Overall, SMGs are powerful and viable options for all PvE activities, and unless a Nerf is patched in, it’s safe to say these guns won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
Best SMGs For PvP In Destiny 2 (Season of Defiance)
Image Source: Light.gg
| SMG | How to Obtain | Drop Rate |
| Ikelos SMG | Obtained from decrypting Prime Engrams. | Not Guaranteed |
| The Immortal | Obtained from completing matches of Trials of Osiris. | Not Guaranteed |
| Submission | Obtained from completing encounters in the Vow of the Disciple Raid. | Not Guaranteed |
| Funnelweb | Obtained from decrypting Prime Engrams. | Not Guaranteed |
| Tarrabah | Obtained by purchasing from Exotic Kiosk. | Guaranteed |
| Risk Runner | Obtained by purchasing from Exotic Kiosk. | Guaranteed |
| Huckleberry | Obtained by purchasing from Exotic Kiosk. | Guaranteed |
| Calus Mini Tool | Obtained from decrypting Prime Engrams. | Not Guaranteed |
| Osteo Striga | Obtained from purchasing from Exotic Kiosk. | Guaranteed |
| The Title | Obtained from completing Guardian Games activities. | Not Guaranteed |
Those who have played PvP throughout the Season of Defiance have probably been killed by The Immortal SMG hundreds of times. An SMG having access to the Rangefinder and Target Lock perks should have never seen the light of the day, and it’s safe to say Bungie knows about the monster they’ve created and have already slated an upcoming Nerf for it when Season of the Deep goes live.
However, they also mentioned that an overall Nerf to SMGs in PvP is also coming, given how powerful and over-used they are, leaving the other archetypes like Auto Rifles out to dry. This list will probably see some dramatic changes by the time Season 22 starts, but it is necessary for the greater good of the PvP scene (even if everything else about PvP is neglected).
However, while Season of Defiance is still active, they should take full advantage of any of the powerful weapons above. The Ikelos SMG will be the next best option if they can’t access The Immortal.
Regarding Exotics, Huckleberry and Tarrabah still rule with an Iron Fist, which can be easily acquired from the Exotic Kiosk with an Exotic Cipher. Players should speak with Xur each weekend to obtain an Exotic Cipher.
Overall, SMGs are currently the ruling class of weapons in PvP, though the meta will significantly change with the upcoming Nerf when Season of the Deep begins next week. We’ll have to wait and see how badly it affects this list moving forward.