Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Destiny 2: Exotic Hand Cannons, Ranked

Destiny 2

Let’s be honest: nothing feels quite as satisfying in Destiny 2 as landing a perfect headshot with an Exotic hand cannon. These weapons are the crown jewels of any Guardian’s arsenal. They’re powerful, stylish, and often come with game-changing perks. Whether you’re tearing through mobs in PvE or going head-to-head in the Crucible, a good Exotic hand cannon can make all the difference.

In this article, we’ll break down the top 12 Exotic hand cannons in the game, ranking them based on power, versatility, and overall fun factor. Spoiler alert: some of these are absolute legends. Curious about the famed Destiny Thorn? This weapon is so iconic that there’s even a remarkable Thorn prop gun for sale that fans rave about. Intrigued? Keep reading—we’ve got a lot to cover.

Why Exotic Hand Cannons Are Essential in Destiny 2

So, why the hype around Exotic hand cannons? The answer lies in their versatility and raw power. Unlike other weapon types, these guns pack a punch that can turn the tide of any encounter. They’re your go-to for precision damage, crowd control, and flashy finishes. Plus, let’s not forget their unique perks. From explosive rounds to lifesteal mechanics, Exotic hand cannons offer abilities you simply can’t find elsewhere.

And let’s be real—they’re fun to use. There’s something about the satisfying recoil, the precision of each shot, and the sheer style of wielding one. Whether you’re a veteran Guardian or a newbie, an Exotic hand cannon is a must-have in your loadout.

The Top 12 Exotic Hand Cannons

Here’s what you came for—the rankings. These are the best Exotic hand cannons in Destiny 2, ranked from good to absolutely incredible.

1. Ace of Spades

If you’ve been around the Destiny block, you’ve heard of Ace of Spades. This weapon isn’t just a fan favorite; it’s a Crucible staple. Its Memento Mori perk reloads the gun with bonus damage rounds after a kill, making it a PvP powerhouse. But the magic doesn’t stop there.

Ace of Spades also highlights enemy locations on your HUD after a kill. Think of it as a built-in radar advantage. Combine that with its Firefly perk—which creates explosions on precision kills—and you’ve got a weapon that dominates both PvP and PvE. A true jack-of-all-trades.

2. The Last Word

Fast. Deadly. Stylish. The Last Word is the gunslinger’s dream. This weapon is all about rapid-fire hip shots, rewarding players with pinpoint accuracy and devastating damage in close quarters. If you’re the type to rush into the fray, The Last Word is your best friend.

Its unique playstyle takes some getting used to, but once mastered, it’s a PvP monster. Think of it like a shotgun with the range of a hand cannon. Perfect for fast-paced Crucible action.

3. Hawkmoon

Hawkmoon is the gambler’s weapon. Its defining perk, Paracausal Shot, grants increased damage to the final rounds of the magazine based on precision hits and kills. Translation? If you land your shots, the last bullet can hit like a truck.

This weapon rewards precision and skill, making it a favorite among players who love high-risk, high-reward gameplay. Hawkmoon’s sleek design and satisfying sound effects only add to its charm.

4. Crimson

Crimson isn’t just a weapon—it’s a lifesaver. This hand cannon’s unique perk, Cruel Remedy, heals you on kills and reloads the magazine on precision hits. It’s essentially a mini-health kit in gun form.

In PvE, Crimson’s lifesteal can keep you alive during chaotic encounters. In PvP, it’s a clutch weapon that lets you stay in the fight longer. Plus, it feels great to use. Who doesn’t love a weapon that’s both practical and deadly?

5. Thorn

Ah, Thorn. The weapon of legends. This hand cannon deals damage over time with its poison effect, making it a nightmare for PvP opponents. Land a few shots, and you can retreat while the poison finishes the job.

Thorn’s style is unmatched. Its ominous design and sinister sound effects make it a fan favorite. Whether you’re dismantling Guardians in the Crucible or mowing down enemies in PvE, Thorn is always a good time.

6. Sunshot

If explosions are your thing, look no further than Sunshot. This hand cannon’s explosive rounds make it perfect for clearing mobs in PvE. Each kill triggers an explosive chain reaction, taking out nearby enemies in a blaze of glory.

Sunshot’s flashy effects and high damage output make it a joy to use. It’s not as dominant in PvP, but in PvE, it’s an absolute beast.

7. Malfeasance

Malfeasance is a Gambit specialist. Its primary perk, Explosive Shadow, deals extra damage to enemies hit with multiple shots. This makes it ideal for taking down tougher foes and melting bosses.

What really sets Malfeasance apart is its synergy with Gambit gameplay. It deals bonus damage to Taken enemies, making it a must-have for fans of the mode. It’s a niche weapon, but when used in the right context, it’s unstoppable.

8. Eriana’s Vow

Eriana’s Vow is a long-range hand cannon with a twist. Its perk, Death at First Glance, grants bonus damage for precision hits and shields. It’s also an Anti-Barrier weapon, making it invaluable in endgame PvE content.

Think of Eriana’s Vow as a mini-sniper. It’s perfect for picking off shielded enemies and dealing massive damage from a distance. A must-have for Nightfalls and other challenging activities.

9. Lumina

Lumina is the healer’s hand cannon. Its unique perk, Noble Rounds, lets you heal and buff your allies by shooting them. Yes, you read that right.

This weapon is all about teamwork. It’s not the best for solo play, but in group activities, Lumina can be a game-changer. Plus, it’s a hand cannon with a heart. Who wouldn’t love that? 

10. Sturm

Sturm is a weapon that thrives in tandem with its companion, Drang. Kills with Drang reload Sturm’s magazine with bonus damage rounds, creating a satisfying loop of destruction.

While it’s not as flashy as some of the other hand cannons, Sturm’s reliability and synergy make it a solid choice. It’s a weapon for players who appreciate precision and strategy.

11. Fatebringer (Timelost)

Fatebringer is a throwback to the original Destiny, and its Timelost version brings it into the modern era. This weapon is all about nostalgia and power, with perks like Firefly and Explosive Payload, making it perfect for PvE.

If you’re a fan of the Vault of Glass raid, you’ll love Fatebringer. It’s a weapon that’s as iconic as it is deadly.

12. Traveler’s Chosen

Traveler’s Chosen is a sidearm turned Exotic hand cannon. Its perk, Gathering Light, boosts ability regeneration with each kill. This makes it a versatile choice for players who rely heavily on their abilities.

It may not be the flashiest weapon, but Traveler’s Chosen is a reliable tool for any situation. A solid pick for PvE and PvP alike.

How to Obtain Exotic Hand Cannons

Most Exotic hand cannons can be obtained through quests, random drops, or Xur’s inventory. Some weapons, like Thorn and Lumina, require you to complete intricate questlines that often include PvE challenges and PvP tasks. These quests are not only rewarding but also offer a fun way to dive deeper into the game’s lore.

Others, like Sunshot, may come from Exotic engrams or as rewards for completing specific campaigns. Xur, the mysterious vendor who appears weekly, is another great source. His inventory rotates, so it’s always worth checking what he has in stock.

If you’re struggling to find a specific hand cannon, focus on Nightfalls or raids where Exotic drops are more frequent. And remember—patience pays off. Collecting these weapons can take time, but the satisfaction of finally wielding them makes it all worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

Exotic hand cannons are the heartbeat of Destiny 2. They’re stylish, powerful, and endlessly fun to use. Whether you’re a Crucible warrior or a PvE grinder, there’s an Exotic hand cannon for you. From the poison-laced Thorn to the precision powerhouse Ace of Spades, each weapon offers its own unique flavor.

As you experiment with these hand cannons, don’t be afraid to switch things up. The versatility of these weapons means there’s always a new strategy to try or a different loadout to explore. So, grab your favorite, head into battle, and make every shot count. The best part? There’s always another hand cannon waiting to be discovered, promising even more thrilling moments in the world of Destiny 2.


Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Related Articles

Top Trending

Boston event planners
8 Event Planners In Boston Known For Creativity And Elegance
lainey wilson age
Lainey Wilson Age: A Look At The Country Singer's Life, Career, and More
Duke Dennis Age
Duke Dennis Age: Twitch Streamer's Height and Other Details Explored
Most Customizable WordPress Themes for Agencies
10 Most Customizable WordPress Themes for Agencies
WordPress newsletter plugins
10 WordPress Plugins That Help Increase Newsletter Signups

LIFESTYLE

retirement cities in California
10 Best Retirement Cities in California for a Relaxed and Affordable Life
Mother's Day Around The World
Mother’s Day Traditions Around the World: Mother's Day 2025 Special
summer birthday party ideas
Creative Summer Birthday Party Ideas for Kids in 2025
May 6 Zodiac
May 6 Zodiac: Positive Traits, Compatibility and More about Taurus
self storage solutions for life transitions
How Self Storage Can Help During Major Life Changes (Divorce, Moving, etc.)?

Entertainment

lainey wilson age
Lainey Wilson Age: A Look At The Country Singer's Life, Career, and More
Duke Dennis Age
Duke Dennis Age: Twitch Streamer's Height and Other Details Explored
Cannes Naked Dress Ban Red Carpet Fashion
Cannes 2025 Bans Naked Dresses: What It Means for Red Carpet Fashion
big meech net worth
Big Meech Net Worth: Breakdown of The Drug Dealer's Income
BAFTA TV Awards 2025 winners
BAFTA TV Awards 2025 Winners: Full List of Shows, Actors & Moments

GAMING

Gaming and Cognitive Skills
Gaming and Cognitive Skills: The Science Behind How Games Boost Your Brain
Hardest Boss Fights in Gaming
The Hardest Boss Fights in Gaming History (Ranked)
Avoid Getting Tilted in Competitive Gaming
How to Avoid Getting Tilted in Competitive Gaming?
Bingo Games
Are Live Bingo Games Still Popular?
Reduce Input Lag for a Smoother Gaming
How to Reduce Input Lag for a Smoother Gaming Experience?

BUSINESS

Can ADA Continue
Can ADA Continue to a $100 Level?
Eco-Friendly Plumbing Companies That Save Water and Energy
10 Eco-Friendly Plumbing Companies Helping You Save Water and Energy Efficiently
legacy shave net worth
Legacy Shave Net Worth: What Happened After Shark Tank
Crypto Facto Fintechasia Net
Crypto Facto Fintechasia Net: Unveiling The Latest Trends In Fintechasia
best emergency plumbing companies in UK cities
Top 10 Emergency Plumbing Companies in UK Cities for Quick Solutions

TECHNOLOGY

How to Change Snapchat AI Gender
How to Change Snapchat AI Gender: An Easy 5-Step Guide
Promote Your NFT Project
10 Best Ways To Promote Your NFT Project And Gain Visibility
Sensor Technology in New Zealand Farming
How Sensor Technology is Enhancing Farm Efficiency in New Zealand
Best gaming video editing software
How to Edit Gaming Videos Like a Pro: Top Software & Tips?
AI NPCs
The Rise of AI NPCs: Will They Replace Real Players?

HEALTH

Gaming and Cognitive Skills
Gaming and Cognitive Skills: The Science Behind How Games Boost Your Brain
Yimusanfendi
7 Incredible Benefits of Yimusanfendi Meditation and Possible Side Effects
Connection Between Hydration and Urinary Health
The Connection Between Hydration and Urinary Health
Neuralink Brain Implant Patient Regains Speech
Neuralink Brain Implant Helps ALS Patient Regain Speech with AI Support
Wegovy for Weight Loss
Wegovy for Weight Loss: Is It Worth Buying Online?