Best SMGs in Destiny 2: PvP & PvE submachine guns ranked

Amitesh Dhar
Spirit of Riven in Destiny 2 Season of the Wish

The best SMGs in Destiny 2 are the ones that have the highest rate of fire and come with a nice set of rolls. So, here are the best Submachine Guns that you should unlock in the game as soon as you can.

Destiny 2 has quite a few SMGs on offer, but not all of them are that good in PvP and PvE activities. The efficiency of these weapons is governed by the rolls that they drop with. It’s worth noting that most of the Legendary SMGs in the game can be farmed, so you can always hunt down those god rolls easily.

Not all SMGs have similar rolls, and barring the Exotics, none of them have special intrinsic rolls either. So here’s a list of the best SMGs in Destiny 2 Season of the Wish.

Destiny 2: Top 7 SMGs for PvE & PvP

When it comes to choosing the best SMGs in Destiny 2, it’s always important to look at their rate of fire, damage output, and the rolls they drop with. These guns have excelled in the game and continue to be a part of the SMG meta in Destiny 2.

Here are the top 7 SMGs for PvP and PvE activities in Destiny 2:

7. Out of Bounds

Out of Bounds Destiny 2
The Out of Bounds is a force to be reckoned with in both PvP and PvE activities.

If you’re a fan of PvP activities, then you will be familiar with this weapon. Out of Bounds is an Arc SMG that has a steady rate of fire. Although it drops from the Crucible only, it finds good use in both PvP and PvE activities, especially if it has the Golden Tricorn roll on it.

6. Riskrunner

Riskrunner Destiny 2
The Riskrunner is the most beginner-friendly Exotic in the game.

The Riskrunner is the first Exotic that you will get when you start your journey after being resurrected by your Ghost. This is one of the best Exotic SMGs because it’s very easy to use and grants a certain degree of damage reduction as well. It’s a very beginner-friendly weapon and is still used in both PvP and PvE activities.

5. Osteo Striga

The Osteo Striga in Destiny 2.
The Osteo Striga is the only SMG that deals poison damage.

PvP players used to get very annoyed if someone showed up with the Osteo Striga in the Crucible of Destiny 2.

This weapon wrecked a lot of havoc in PvP activities before Bungie nerfed it. Despite that, it continues to be one of the best SMGs in Destiny 2. Not just in PvP, the Osteo Striga is very good for boss encounters and ad-clearing in PvE activities as well.

4. IKELOS_SMG_V_1.0.3

Ikelos SMG in Destiny 2.
The IKELOS_SMG_V_1.0.3 became a crowd favorite in Season of the Seraph.

The IKELOS_SMG_V_1.0.3 has been reworked three times in the game, and each time it turned out to be even better. After the final rework, the weapon could shred through enemies in PvE activities instantly, thanks to the Voltshot perk that was introduced in the Season of the Seraph.

Although the weapon rarely drops right now, those who’ve been able to craft it, still use it in the game.

3. Funnelweb

Funnelweb Destiny 2.
This weapon is quite lethal when paired with a Void build.

The Funnelweb was first introduced in the Witch Queen expansion and quickly rose to popularity because of its high rate of fire.

The Void subclass had just received a rework as well, and when paired with this weapon, it is a force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately, the Funnelweb couldn’t excel as much in PvP, but it’s still one of the best SMGs in Destiny 2.

2. Calus Mini Tool

The Calus Mini-Tool in Destiny 2.
You can access enhanced perks on this weapon by crafting it.

Introduced during the Season of Opulence, the Calus Mini Tool was a wonderful Solar SMG that Bungie left behind. Later on, during the Season of the Haunted, they reintroduced this weapon along with some brand-new perks, and the weapon soon became one of the best SMGs that Destiny 2 had to offer.

This weapon is craftable, so make sure you craft the Incandescent perk on this one if you want to pair it with some of the best Solar builds in the game.

1. The Immortal

The Immortal Destiny 2.
The only way to get this weapon is by playing the Trials of Osiris.

This SMG dominated the Trials of Osiris for a while because of the Target Lock perk. It outperformed some of the Exotics that were usually seen in the competitive PvP sector in Destiny 2. Although the weapon isn’t in the reward pool right now, it should be back in rotation once The Final Shape releases.

That sums up the best SMGs in Destiny 2. For more information about the game, be sure to check the following links:

Destiny 2 Prophecy Dungeon loot table explained | Destiny 2 codes for free Emblems and Shaders | How to get Monte Carlo Catalyst in Destiny 2 | Best Destiny 2 PVP weapons | How to get the Destiny 2 Breakneck Auto Rifle | All Destiny 2 Expansions so far | Destiny 2 Pit of Heresy Dungeon loot table explained

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About The Author

Amitesh started writing about video games in 2020. He previously worked at Sportskeeda, Gfinity, and Attack of the Fanboy before joining CharlieIntel in 2024. He's an avid fan of Destiny 2 and Diablo 4 and an expert on all things Fortnite. You can get in touch with him at [email protected].