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.
