Destiny 2 features a vast arsenal of Exotic weapons and armor pieces, making choice a crucial factor in high-level activities. Determining the best gear comes down to utility, damage efficiency, and versatility across both PvE and PvP modes. This guide breaks down the top Exotic gear ranked by practical usage in current endgame scenarios.
S-Tier Universal Essentials
The highest tier consists of Exotic items that perform exceptionally well in almost any activity. Weapons like Gjallarhorn and Apex Predator variants dominate boss damage phases, while armor pieces like Cenotaph Mask or Synthoceps define team strategies. These items provide indispensable utility that drastically simplifies challenging encounters.
Players running Grandmaster Nightfalls or raids consistently rely on S-Tier gear for reliable output. Investing resources into acquiring and upgrading these specific Exotics yields immediate benefits for any Fireteam. Their consistent performance makes them top priorities for players building their endgame loadouts.
A-Tier High Utility Equipment
A-Tier Exotics offer outstanding power in specialized scenarios or specific subclass builds. Items like Sunbracers, Star-Eater Scales, and Conditional Finality excel at ad clear and burst damage. While they may require specific elemental synergy, their impact on the battlefield is undeniable.
These options are ideal for players looking to optimize niche playstyles without sacrificing efficiency. They regularly outclass standard Legendary gear and maintain high popularity in mid to endgame content. Keeping a selection of A-Tier items in your inventory ensures readiness for shifting encounter mechanics.
B-Tier Situational Choices
Exotics in the B-Tier serve distinct purposes in targeted buildcrafting or specific Crucible playlists. Gear like Wish-Keeper or specialized exotic armors perform well under proper conditions, though safer options often exist. They provide fun, engaging mechanics that reward creative player setups.
While not strictly necessary for fast raid completions, B-Tier gear offers strong alternatives when main meta options are unavailable. Experimenting with these items helps players understand complex subclass interactions. They remain valuable tools for diversifying overall gameplay experience.
C-Tier and Niche Exotic Items
The lower tier includes Exotic gear that has fallen behind due to sandbox updates or power power creep. Items in this category generally require significant reworks or buffs from developers to compete with top-tier choices. Players typically use them for lower-difficulty activities or casual cosmetic fun.
Understanding which Exotics sit in this tier helps players avoid spending precious upgrade materials inefficiently. Keeping track of patch notes is vital, as sandbox adjustments can quickly elevate C-Tier items back into meta relevance. For now, these pieces remain situational collection items.
