Destiny 2 Best Grenade Launcher

In Destiny 2, grenade launchers have carved out a unique role in both PvE and PvP gameplay. While they were once considered a niche or situational weapon type, recent seasons have elevated them to a staple in many builds thanks to buffs, seasonal mods, and powerful exotic options. Whether you’re blasting enemies in Nightfalls, clearing adds in raids, or pushing back aggressive Guardians in Crucible, having the best grenade launcher in your loadout can make all the difference. With dozens of options to choose from, identifying the top performers requires an understanding of weapon archetypes, perks, and intended use cases.

Why Grenade Launchers Are Valuable in Destiny 2

Grenade launchers come in two main types: breech-loaded (single-shot) and drum-loaded (heavy, multiple shots). Each has its own strengths. Breech-loaded grenade launchers are usually used as special weapons, delivering high single-shot damage with strong perks like Disruption Break or Blinding Grenades. Drum-loaded launchers, on the other hand, are typically heavy weapons capable of dealing sustained burst damage, ideal for boss encounters and burst phases.

Several seasonal mods in Destiny 2 enhance grenade launcher performance, making them even more viable. For instance, mods like Volatile Flow, Surge Detonators, or Loader Mods have made them a popular option in high-level PvE. Their ability to stagger champions, debuff enemies, or apply status effects gives them incredible utility beyond raw damage output.

Top Grenade Launchers in Destiny 2

Witherhoard (Exotic)

Arguably the most universally useful grenade launcher in Destiny 2, Witherhoard is an exotic kinetic weapon that deals damage over time with its Taken Blight projectiles. It’s perfect for area control in PvE and PvP alike. Its exotic perk, Primeval’s Torment, causes enemies to take damage over time and spread blight when defeated. Paired with the catalyst, which auto-reloads the weapon while holstered, Witherhoard becomes a fire-and-forget option perfect for bosses and add groups alike.

Forbearance (Arc, Special Slot)

Forbearance is a legendary Arc-wave frame grenade launcher that has quickly become a fan-favorite due to its incredible add-clearing capabilities. It’s craftable, which means players can enhance it with enhanced traits. The best perk combination includes Ambitious Assassin and Chain Reaction, making each kill explode and feed the magazine. Combined with an Arc build, it becomes a relentless tool of destruction, ideal for dungeons, strikes, and raid encounters.

Regnant (Void, Heavy Slot)

Regnant is a Void adaptive-frame heavy grenade launcher that stands out due to its synergy with Void subclasses and its excellent perk pool. It is also craftable, giving players the freedom to tailor it to their playstyle. Top-tier rolls include Envious Assassin or Auto-Loading Holster with Explosive Light or Bait and Switch. These perks allow massive burst damage, especially in boss phases. Regnant shines in Nightfalls, raids, and Grandmaster content where damage output matters most.

Ignition Code (Kinetic, Special Slot)

Though it’s no longer farmable in the current rotation, players who own a good roll of Ignition Code know how powerful this breech-loaded grenade launcher can be. With options like Slideways, Disruption Break, and Blinding Grenades, it has long been one of the best crowd-control weapons for endgame content. It fits perfectly into builds focused on suppression and control, especially useful in Grandmaster Nightfalls where enemy aggression is extreme.

Cataphract GL3 (Strand, Heavy Slot)

As part of the more recent weapon releases, Cataphract GL3 is a Strand heavy grenade launcher that benefits from synergies with Strand builds and seasonal Strand mods. It features perk combinations such as Envious Assassin and Bait and Switch or Explosive Light, enabling it to deal high burst damage after orb generation. It’s becoming increasingly popular in builds that lean into Strand tangle generation or suspend mechanics.

Factors That Define the Best Grenade Launcher

Perk Synergy

The best grenade launchers don’t just have high stats they feature perks that work together effectively. Perks like Chain Reaction, Disruption Break, and Explosive Light can turn a good launcher into an S-tier weapon. Choosing a launcher with the right frame and perks for your build is essential.

Damage Type and Elemental Match

Matching the grenade launcher’s element with your subclass allows for synergy with elemental wells, surge mods, and subclass-specific abilities. For instance, pairing Regnant with a Void Hunter allows Void elemental wells and volatile rounds to enhance your total damage output.

Ammo Type and Economy

Special ammo grenade launchers generally offer better control and are more sustainable in longer encounters. Heavy grenade launchers, while powerful, require careful ammo management. Exotic launchers like Witherhoard circumvent ammo limitations with superior uptime and utility.

Best Grenade Launchers for PvP

Salvager’s Salvo

While no longer farmable, Salvager’s Salvo remains a solid PvP pick for those who own it. Its quick-detonating rounds and high blast radius make it ideal for aggressive pushes. Perks like Demolitionist and Chain Reaction give it flexibility even in PvE, but in Crucible, its one-shot capability stands out.

Witherhoard

In Crucible, Witherhoard controls lanes, slows down opponents, and applies damage-over-time pressure. It’s excellent for denying revives in Trials or suppressing aggressive players around objectives. Its reliability and ease of use keep it at the top for PvP utility.

Best Grenade Launchers for PvE Boss Damage

• Regnant: Exceptional burst damage with Explosive Light or Bait and Switch.
• Cataphract GL3: Excellent with Strand synergy and burst damage builds.
• Wendigo GL3: Another strong option with Auto-Loading Holster and Explosive Light, though less used now due to rotation changes.

Tips for Using Grenade Launchers Effectively

• Use Blinding Grenades or Proximity Detonation in PvE to control enemies without killing them instantly.
• Pair Auto-Loading Holster with weapons like Izanagi’s Burden or Arbalest for efficient damage swapping in boss phases.
• Take advantage of Volatile Rounds or elemental surge mods to maximize damage in specific builds.
• In PvP, pre-fire corners or objectives with Witherhoard to deny area access.

In Destiny 2, grenade launchers have evolved from a niche pick to a core part of many endgame builds. Whether you’re choosing a special weapon for add-clear like Forbearance, a heavy for boss damage like Regnant, or an exotic for versatility like Witherhoard, understanding what makes each grenade launcher strong is key. The best grenade launcher depends on your subclass, playstyle, and the activity you’re tackling. By staying up to date with seasonal mods and crafting the right perk combinations, you can turn a decent grenade launcher into a game-changing powerhouse. With the right choices, your loadout will be ready for anything the Darkness throws your way.