Destiny 2’s meta goes through twists and turns as weapons rise in popularity and either counters are found, or Bungie ends up nerfing them. In this guide, we’re going to run through the best weapons to use in Destiny 2’s PvEvP game mode Gambit, as of Lightfall and Season of the Deep. . We’ll start with Legendary weapons and then dive into the best exotic weapons for Gambit as well.
Before we dive into the list, it’s important that we first explain the thought process behind what we’re suggesting.
The weapons you want to use for Gambit as of Lightfall, for the most part, are the same weapons that you’d want to use for PvE with an emphasis on two very particular things: clearing out packs of enemies quickly and then, later, burning down a boss.
Ideally you have a set of Gambit weapons that you start with that’s just about clearing stuff out quickly so you can get motes and spawn the primeval; and then you switch to a boss clear set after you’ve done that.
The exception is if you’re a dedicated invader, then you’re going to want to consider some weapons that have a PvP slant of sorts, and can get you kills from a long distance without having to put yourself in a 4v1 scenario potentially up close.
For our list of the best Gambit weapons, we’re mostly going to look at exotics that particularly shine in the various parts of a Gambit match and highlight just a few very noteworthy legendary weapons.
Best Weapons for Gambit in Destiny 2 (2023)
Mote Phase
- Eyes of Tomorrow (Exotic, Rocket Launcher, Power, Solar) – Possible drop from completing Deep Stone Crypt raid.
- Forbearance (Grenade Launcher, Energy, Arc) – Possible drop from completing encounters in Vow of the Disciple Raid.
- Heritage (Shotgun, Kinetic) – Possible drop from completing encounters in Deep Stone Crypt raid.
- Ikelos_SMG_v.1.02 (SMG, Energy, Arc) – Obtained from Season of the Seraph activities.
- Malfeasance (Exotic, Hand Cannon, Kinetic) – Obtained from “Darkness in Light” quest.
- Quicksilver Storm (Exotic, Auto Rifle, Strand) – Obtained from completing Neomuna Quest Line.
- Riskrunner (SMG, Energy, Arc) – Obtained from New Light quest.
- Sunshot (Hand Cannon, Energy, Solar) – Purchase from Exotic Kiosk.
- Trinity Ghoul (Exotic, Bow, Energy, Arc) – Purchase from Exotic Kiosk.
- Witherhorde (Exotic, Grenade Launcher, Kinetic) – Purchase from Exotic Kiosk.
Let’s start with discussing add clear. Your goal needs to be clearing out each wave of enemies ASAP without dying. There are a couple of ways to skin this cat.
If you’re comfortable getting up close and personal, Heritage would be the best option, as it can shred annoying Orange-Bar enemies with ease. If you’re fighting the Fallen or the Hive definitely consider Riskrunner to jolt them all in one go.
If you want to hang back a little, you have a lot of great options such as Trinity Ghoul. Power weapons like Eyes of Tomorrow are obvious too, but keep in mind you’re going to be power ammo starved a lot of the time in Gambit so definitely make sure you’re modded for it.
Speccing to get your super back as quickly as possible is also a viable option and Bad Juju paired with a max Intellect build can allow you to pop your super as often as possible during the mote phase.
Best Gambit Weapons (2023)
Invading
- Eyes of Tomorrow (Exotic, Rocket Launcher, Power, Solar)
- Cloudstrike (Exotic, Sniper Rifle, Arc) – Obtained from completing Empire Hunts.
- Sleeper Simulant (Exotic, Linear Fusion Rifle, Power, Solar)
- Truth (Exotic, Rocket Launcher, Power, Arc)
- Xenophage (Exotic, Machine Gun, Power, Solar)
- Your favorite sniper rifle or PvP weapon
For invading, being proficient with a long range weapon is generally the path of least resistance. If you have builds for it, spec out for one of the exotic options above and when you have ammo go ahead and invade, easily picking off opposing enemies from relative safety.
Your backup option could of course be a sniper rifle that you’re comfortable landing headshots with, whatever that may be.
And if all else fails, if you’re confident in your PvP skills and want to just get in there, feel free to use whatever weapon you’re comfortable killing opposing guardians with.
Best Gambit Weapons (2023)
Boss Phase
- Anarchy (Exotic, Grenade Launcher, Power, Arc) – Purchase from Exotic Kiosk.
- Parasite (Power, Solar, Exotic) – Purchase from Exotic Kiosk.
- Cloudstrike (Exotic, Sniper Rifle, Energy, Arc) – Obtained from Empire Hunts.
- Divinity (Exotic, Trace Rifle, Energy, Arc) – Obtained from Divine Fragmentation quest.
- Izanagi’s Burden (Exotic, Sniper Rifle, Kinetic) _ Purchase from Exotic Kiosk.
- Sleeper Simulant (Exotic, Linear Fusion Rifle, Power, Solar) – Purchase from Exotic Kiosk.
- Succession (Sniper Rifle, Kinetic) – Possible drop from completing encounters in Deep Stone Crypt raid.
- The Lament (Exotic, Sword, Power, Solar) – Purchase from Exotic Kiosk.
- Witherhorde (Exotic, Grenade Launcher, Kinetic) – Purchase from Exotic Kiosk.
- Xenophage (Exotic, Machine Gun, Power, Solar) – Obtained from Pit of Heresy Dungeon.
During the boss phase you need to consider a few factors: 1. You’re going to get constantly invaded and 2. Gambit bosses love to boop you away constantly.
Izanagi’s Burden is a nice weapon that can address both of those problems. Not only is it a solid hard-hitting sniper that you can’t go too wrong with, but a Honed Edge body shot will one-hit any invader which, as long as you’re quick, can save your team a massive headache.
Xenophage, and to a lesser extent, Sleeper Simulant, will also give you maximum range and maximum damage when it comes to dealing with bosses and invaders.
One way to counter boop though — and also ensure that you kill a boss ASAP if you have the power ammo — is to use swords. You have two options here, either Falling Guillotine or The Lament; each one will absolutely chew bosses. Lament will hit harder, but Falling Guillotine will free up an exotic somewhere else if you want.
Finally there’s always ol’ reliable, the DPS build king, Anarchy. Slap a couple rounds onto the boss and switch to whatever else you want to use.
That’s all for our picks for the best weapons for Gambit in Destiny as of 2023 and Lightfall. Be sure to search for Twinfinite for more tips and information on Destiny 2-related content.
