Grenade launchers in Destiny 2 have become an essential part of many loadouts, offering powerful area-of-effect damage and incredible utility across PvE and PvP content. Whether you’re taking down hordes of enemies in Nightfalls, boss melting in raids, or controlling zones in Crucible, having the best grenade launcher in your arsenal can give you a serious edge. With the evolving weapon sandbox and seasonal mods frequently shifting the meta, it’s important to stay informed about which grenade launchers stand out in the current Destiny 2 environment.
Why Grenade Launchers Are So Valuable in Destiny 2
High Burst Damage and Versatility
Grenade launchers in Destiny 2 offer unique advantages over other weapon types. Their explosive payloads are perfect for clearing groups of enemies or dealing concentrated damage to bosses. They also come in a variety of archetypes, including breech-loaded (special ammo) and drum-fed (heavy ammo) types, allowing for flexibility depending on your playstyle and the encounter.
Synergy with Mods and Builds
One of the biggest reasons grenade launchers are popular is their synergy with certain artifact mods, such as ‘Volatile Flow,’ ‘Void Breach Generation,’ or ‘Disruption Break.’ Many grenade launchers also work incredibly well with subclass-specific perks, especially those that benefit from rapid weapon damage or ability-driven playstyles. Builds centered around grenade launchers can result in near-constant explosions and ability energy returns.
Top Grenade Launchers in Destiny 2
Witherhoard
Witherhoard remains one of the best exotic grenade launchers in Destiny 2, especially for PvE. It fires blight rounds that leave damaging AoE pools on the ground, making it a fantastic tool for both area denial and DoT (damage over time) effects. Its unique functionality makes it a top-tier choice in almost every piece of content.
- Type: Kinetic Exotic Breech-Loaded
- Strengths: Great for add control, synergy with auto-loading holster, strong sustained damage
- Best For: PvE, boss DPS phases, area control
Forbearance
Forbearance is widely considered the king of add-clearing grenade launchers. This Arc wave-frame launcher can roll with perks like Ambitious Assassin and Chain Reaction, allowing it to clear entire rooms with just one or two shots. With the right build, it becomes almost broken in PvE settings.
- Type: Energy Wave-Frame Grenade Launcher
- Strengths: Explosive add clear, excellent ammo economy
- Best For: PvE, especially Nightfalls and raids
Wendigo GL3 (Adept)
The Wendigo GL3 returned as a Nightfall weapon and is one of the strongest heavy grenade launchers, especially in its Adept form. With perks like Explosive Light and Auto-Loading Holster, Wendigo excels in burst DPS, particularly against bosses. It’s perfect for those looking to maximize damage output with heavy ammo.
- Type: Power Adaptive Frame Grenade Launcher
- Strengths: Massive damage potential, excellent for damage phases
- Best For: Grandmaster Nightfalls, raids, boss fights
Lingering Dread
Lingering Dread is a Stasis breech-loaded grenade launcher introduced during the Season of the Haunted. It can roll with blinding grenades and Chill Clip, making it extremely powerful for crowd control and freezing targets. It’s a defensive support option in higher-tier PvE content.
- Type: Kinetic Breech-Loaded Grenade Launcher
- Strengths: Crowd control with Stasis synergy, great for stunning champions
- Best For: PvE, especially endgame defensive builds
Salvager’s Salvo
This special ammo grenade launcher made a strong entrance when it was released as a ritual weapon. It’s versatile, capable of running both blinding grenades and Chain Reaction. It rewards accuracy and offers incredible mob-clearing potential with the right perks.
- Type: Energy Breech-Loaded Grenade Launcher
- Strengths: Add-clear focused, strong perk pool
- Best For: PvE and Gambit
Fighting Lion
A bit unconventional, the Fighting Lion is an exotic grenade launcher in the Kinetic slot that uses primary ammo. While it has a unique learning curve, it becomes highly effective with the right build. Since it draws from primary ammo, you essentially never run out, making it great for spamming explosions.
- Type: Kinetic Exotic Breech-Loaded
- Strengths: Infinite ammo, low reload with kills, ideal for skilled players
- Best For: PvP and PvE (with skill)
Ignition Code
Although not always available each season, Ignition Code is a kinetic breech-loaded launcher that can roll with Slideshot and Blinding Grenades. It’s one of the few launchers with excellent PvE utility and can serve as a solid option for controller users due to its aim assist and usability.
- Type: Kinetic Breech-Loaded
- Strengths: Excellent control and add clear potential
- Best For: PvE utility, especially with grenade spam builds
Tips for Using Grenade Launchers Effectively
Know Your Archetype
Breech-loaded launchers are better for control and utility, while heavy grenade launchers are ideal for raw DPS. Wave-frame launchers like Forbearance work best for add clear, and exotic variants often provide unique mechanics that redefine your playstyle.
Perk Combinations Matter
Look out for perks like:
- Chain Reaction: Creates explosions on kills for massive add clear
- Blinding Grenades: Great for stunning enemies and adding crowd control
- Chill Clip: Stasis synergy that freezes enemies with partial magazines
- Auto-Loading Holster: Automatically reloads when stowed great for boss damage phases
Build Synergy
Grenade launchers shine when paired with builds that regenerate abilities or increase damage through elemental effects. For instance, Arc builds that trigger Amplified can work beautifully with Forbearance, while Void builds that capitalize on Volatile Rounds are excellent with Witherhoard or Salvager’s Salvo.
Choosing the best grenade launcher in Destiny 2 depends on your playstyle, activity type, and build preference. Witherhoard dominates for DoT and control, Forbearance is unmatched in add clear, and Wendigo GL3 leads in raw DPS. Meanwhile, weapons like Lingering Dread and Ignition Code offer excellent support and utility. Keep an eye on upcoming balance changes and seasonal mods, as they can quickly change what’s most effective in the sandbox. Whatever your goal in Destiny 2 raiding, PvP, or casual patrols there’s a grenade launcher that fits perfectly into your strategy.