Best Destiny 2 Rocket Launchers In 2024
What's up, Guardians! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most iconic and powerful weapon archetypes in all of Destiny 2: rocket launchers. Seriously, these bad boys can turn the tide of any battle, from taking down massive bosses to clearing out hordes of adds. If you're looking to maximize your DPS or just want to feel the sheer satisfaction of a well-placed rocket, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down some of the absolute best rocket launchers you can get your hands on right now, covering everything from raid exotics to legendary standouts. So, buckle up, grab your favorite space armor, and let's talk rockets!
Why Rocket Launchers Reign Supreme in Destiny 2
Alright, guys, let's get real for a second. Why are rocket launchers such a big deal in Destiny 2? It's simple: raw power. These weapons deliver some of the highest burst damage in the game. Need to nuke a boss's health bar in seconds? Rocket launcher. Need to clear a room full of enemies before they even know what hit them? Rocket launcher. They offer incredible area-of-effect (AoE) damage and can be incredibly forgiving due to their blast radius. Plus, let's not forget the sheer satisfaction of landing a direct hit with a rocket. It's one of those quintessential Destiny moments that just feels so good. In high-level content, like Grandmaster Nightfalls or Master raids, a well-coordinated team with optimal rocket launchers can melt even the toughest of enemies. They’re not just about brute force; they also come with unique perks that can enhance your abilities, buff your team, or debuff your enemies, making them incredibly versatile tools in any Guardian's arsenal. The evolution of rocket launchers over the years, with new perks and archetypes, has only solidified their place as a top-tier weapon choice. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a new player just getting your feet wet, understanding the meta around rocket launchers is crucial for your success.
The Top Tier: Exotic Rocket Launchers
When we talk about the absolute cream of the crop, we're usually talking about exotic rocket launchers. These are the unique, game-changing weapons that often define the meta. Getting your hands on one of these can be a real game-changer for your loadout. Let's look at some of the heavy hitters:
Gjallarhorn: The King of Rockets
Let's just get this out of the way: Gjallarhorn is legendary for a reason. This iconic weapon from the original Destiny is back and as potent as ever. Its exotic perk, Wolfpack Rounds, splits incoming rocket rounds into tracking cluster missiles that deal massive damage. But the real kicker? When a player in your fireteam wields Gjallarhorn, all allied rocket launchers gain Wolfpack Rounds. This means one Gjallarhorn user can significantly buff the damage output of their entire team. It's a mandatory pick for raid encounters and any activity where maximum boss damage is the goal. The sheer amount of sustained damage it provides is unparalleled, making it the undisputed king of rocket launchers. Its ability to track targets and clear out groups of enemies makes it incredibly versatile, but its true power lies in its team-buffing capabilities. If you don't have Gjallarhorn yet, trust me, it's worth the quest grind. It's the ultimate "team player" exotic that benefits everyone around you, making it an essential addition to any serious Guardian's collection. The sheer nostalgia factor is a bonus, but the practical application in endgame content is where it truly shines.
The Lament: Sword and Rocket in One?
Okay, technically The Lament is a sword, but its unique exotic perk, Banshee's Wail, allows it to fire a concussive blast on revved attacks. While not a traditional rocket, its close-range burst damage and shield-shredding capabilities often fill a similar niche, especially against single, powerful targets. It's a niche pick for certain encounters where you need serious burst damage up close, but it's worth mentioning for its unique approach to heavy weapon damage. It’s definitely not your go-to for ranged engagements, but when you need to melt a boss that’s right in your face, The Lament can be surprisingly effective. Its ability to chain revved attacks means sustained damage output can be incredibly high, and the additional healing you get from dealing damage makes it a forgiving weapon to use. It’s a weapon that rewards aggressive play and mastering its mechanics. The sheer power it unleashes in a short window is remarkable, making it a viable alternative for certain boss encounters where other heavy weapons might struggle to get consistent hits.
Truth: Tracking Powerhouse
Truth is another stellar exotic rocket launcher that emphasizes tracking and sheer explosive power. Its exotic perk, Southward Winds, grants tracking to its rockets and allows them to track targets even when fired from the hip. This makes it incredibly easy to land direct hits, even on mobile enemies. It also fires a burst of four rockets, meaning you can unleash a devastating volley in a very short amount of time. Truth is fantastic for both add clear and boss damage, especially when you need guaranteed hits. The ability to hip-fire track makes it incredibly forgiving and easy to use, even for newer players. Its raw damage output, combined with its tracking capabilities, makes it a top-tier choice for many different scenarios. You’ll find yourself relying on it for quick bursts of damage when you need to eliminate a high-priority target or just want to clear out a troublesome group of enemies. The sheer speed at which you can unleash its rockets also contributes to its high DPS potential, especially when combined with the right subclass or build. It’s a weapon that truly lives up to its name – it’s the truth when it comes to reliable, hard-hitting rocket damage.
Death-Throes: A Fiery Surprise
While not as well-known as Gjallarhorn or Truth, Death-Throes is an exotic rocket launcher that packs a serious punch, especially against groups of enemies. Its unique perk causes rockets to leave behind a trail of Solar energy that damages enemies over time. This makes it excellent for controlling areas and dealing with swarms of enemies. If you love the idea of setting the battlefield ablaze and watching enemies melt, Death-Throes is definitely worth considering. Its sustained damage over time effect can be surprisingly potent, especially in situations where enemies tend to group up. It offers a different flavor of AoE damage compared to direct impact explosions, making it a valuable tool for specific combat scenarios. The visual flair of its Solar explosions is also a nice bonus, adding a bit of spectacle to your kills. It’s a weapon that excels at area denial and making sure no enemy gets left behind. Its unique damage-over-time mechanic can be particularly effective against certain enemy types or in situations where you need to soften up a large group before engaging directly. It’s a testament to how varied and interesting exotic rocket launchers can be in Destiny 2.
Legendary Launchers: The Unsung Heroes
While exotics often steal the spotlight, legendary rocket launchers are the workhorses of Destiny 2. They might not have the flashy unique perks of their exotic counterparts, but with the right rolls, they can be just as devastating, if not more so in certain builds. The key here is finding a launcher with god-roll perks.
Ascendancy: The Raid Beast
Ascendancy is a staple for a reason, especially when it comes to raid encounters. Its perk pool often includes fantastic options for boss damage. Look for rolls with Tracking Module or Quick Launch for better velocity and stability, and on the second column, perks like Field Prep (increased ammo reserves and faster reloads when crouching) or Auto-Loading Holster (automatically reloads when stowed) are absolute game-changers. The damage potential with a good roll is immense, making it a consistent favorite for players who want top-tier performance without using an exotic slot. Its reliability and consistent damage output make it a go-to choice for many endgame activities. The ability to pair it with a powerful exotic weapon in your kinetic or energy slot opens up a lot of build diversity. The consistent performance it offers makes it a weapon you can always count on, even when the pressure is on. Its ease of use and the sheer power it delivers make it a favorite among both casual and hardcore players alike.
Crux/Ruinous: A Volatile Choice
Crux/Ruinous is another legendary rocket launcher that has seen a lot of love. Its ability to roll with perks like Impact Casing (increased blast radius and projectile speed) and Demolitionist (grenade kills grant grenade energy) or Vorpal Weapon (increased damage against bosses and vehicles) makes it a potent option for both add clear and boss damage. The synergy between weapon perks and your abilities can lead to some incredibly satisfying gameplay loops. This launcher offers a lot of flexibility depending on the perks you manage to get. It’s a weapon that rewards players for actively engaging with its perk system and building around its strengths. The variety of rolls you can get means that there's likely a Crux/Ruinous out there that perfectly fits your playstyle. Whether you're focusing on grenade builds or maximizing boss damage, this launcher can adapt. Its impact and versatility make it a formidable addition to any Guardian's arsenal, capable of handling a wide range of combat scenarios with ease.
Royal Entry: Consistent Damage
Royal Entry is a solid legendary rocket launcher that offers consistent damage and good perk options. Rolls with Quick Launch and Field Prep are highly sought after for their reload speed and ammo capacity. Its ability to roll with Lasting Impression (projectiles create a larger, longer-lasting explosion on impact) can also provide excellent sustained damage, making it great for both boss encounters and dealing with groups of enemies. It’s a reliable choice that won’t let you down, offering a good balance of damage and utility. The combination of faster reloads and increased ammo reserves means you can stay in the fight longer and deal more damage over time. The Lasting Impression perk adds an extra layer of depth, allowing for strategic placement of rockets to maximize their effectiveness. It’s a weapon that truly shines in sustained combat scenarios where you need consistent, high-impact damage. Its balanced stats and strong perk pool make it a dependable option for a wide variety of activities, ensuring you're always prepared for whatever the system throws at you.
Perks to Look For: The Devil's in the Details
When building your dream rocket launcher, you're not just looking at the weapon itself, but the perks it offers. These are what truly elevate a good rocket launcher to a god-tier status. Here are some of the most important perks to keep an eye out for:
Barrel Perks:
- Quick Launch: Increases projectile speed and stability. Crucial for hitting moving targets.
- Linear Compensator: Increases stability. Good for consistent aim.
- Hard Launch: Increases projectile speed but decreases stability. Risky, but high reward for skilled players.
Magazine Perks:
- Impact Casing: Increases blast radius and projectile speed. A fantastic all-around perk.
- Alloy Magazine: Faster reload when the magazine is almost empty. Great for quick follow-up shots.
- Augmented Drum: Increases magazine size. More rockets mean more damage!
