Destiny 2 was in need of something powerful. A weapon so lethal that it could send enemies rushing for their lives and still fit inside the pocket. Hence, they came up with the hand cannons.
If you’ve been playing FPS games for a while, you would’ve come across a hand cannon at some point. Call of Duty franchise decided to call them a revolver and place them as secondary weapons in your arsenal lineup. Game designers at Halo decided to stick with Magnums. But not Destiny.
Developers at Destiny decided to place an entire cannon within your fists. They’re small and handy, but if someone has a loaded Hand Cannon in a battle, you would not want to be on the other side of that battle.
Only to spice things up a bit, there are a plethora of Hand Cannons to choose from, and below I’ve given a list of the 24 best hand cannons in Destiny 2.
Best Hand Cannons Destiny 2 – Ranked
Presenting the best hand cannons you can unlock in destiny 2 to dominate lobbies one step ahead. Let’s check all the hand cannons below:
#1- Igneous Hammer
Igneous Hammer is one of the hand cannons available in the game that is easily capable of changing the tide of the battle.
This Hand Cannon is unlocked during Trials of Osiris, and yes, you have to be in luck to unlock this weapon. The Engram received at the end of the quest may or may not yield Igneous Hammer.
However, once you have Igneous Hammer, you’ll find out that the weapon is made for both PvP and PvE modes. Add Outlaw to the weapon, and it will become more powerful than ever.
#2- Fatebringer
The second up on my list is the Fatebringer Hand Cannon, and it’s named that way for a reason. It does determine the fate of the antagonists.
Fatebringer, too is made to last in both PvP and PvE game modes, however, you’ll have to spec it differently for both of the game modes.
If you don’t have Fatebringer yet, you can unlock it during the Vault of Glass raid. And there’s no other way of unlocking this weapon.
#3- Bottom Dollar
If there’s one thing that Hand Cannons lack in, is their range. These weapons are quite powerful, but they’re not designed for long-ranged encounters. However, Bottom Dollar takes care of that as well.
It does have an astounding impact stat of 92, but at the same time, it has the range stat of 64 as well. However, getting your hands on this gun can be tricky. You can only unlock this weapon by competing in Gambit Matches.
#4- The Palindrome
Next up on the list of best hand cannons in Destiny 2 is The Palindrome. Another great weapon that can be taken into battle in both PvP and PvE game modes.
To unlock The Palindrome, you’ll have to complete the Nightfall activities. You can complete these activities on any difficulty; however, you’ll have a better chance at unlocking The Palindrome if you complete them with the Legend or Master difficulty.
#5- Annual Skate
Yet another product of the Season of the Lost, Annual Skate is a 140 RPM beast. You’ll receive this weapon by completing the activities such as public events, Nightfalls, and Trials.
Annual Skate has a well-rounder grip that allows you to control the weapon better and make precision shots. You can equip it with Outlaw to make the weapon even more precise.
Its specs and stats aren’t that spectacular; however, it’s still a pretty good all-rounder weapon and can do marvels for you if used right.
#6- Vulpecula
If Annual Skate’s precision and handling isn’t for you, then Vulpecula takes it up a notch. However, it doesn’t have as much damage or range.
Vulpecula can be found in any loot that you come across during the season. It’s advised that you don’t miss out on any events and activities to improve your chances of getting this hand cannon.
Other than that, there’re multiple add-ons available for this hand cannon that increase its accuracy and range.
#7- Eriana’s Vow
Eriana’s Vow isn’t a new addition to the game, and it has been around 2019. Therefore, there’s no way of acquiring it now except through The Monument to Lost Lights.
Buying this hand cannon will cost you 1 Exotic Cipher, 100000 Glimmer, 150 Helium Filaments, and one Ascendant Shard.
Eriana’s Vow seems incomplete without the Ariana’s Vow Catalyst perk. This perk allows you to give the weapon an extended mag and auto-reloading capability.
#8- Hawkmoon
Hawkmoon is yet another returning Hand Cannon in Destiny 2. This means you’ll be spending some cash on getting it if you didn’t unlock it when it was first released.
To get this Hand cannon, you’ll have to spend one Ascendant Shard, one Exotic Cipher, 200 Legendary Shards, and 125000 Glimmer.
This isn’t a small price to pay, but the capabilities of this weapon are worth it. Most importantly, it’s capable of firing 140 rounds per minute.
#9- Ace of Spades
The ninth best hand cannon in Destiny 2 can be bought from The Monument to Lost Lights. Since this isn’t a new addition to the game, you cannot obtain it as a reward or as a part of any loot.
Buying this hand cannon will cost you 1 Exotic Cipher, 125,000 Glimmer, 200 Etheric Spiral, and 1 Ascendant Shard. The perks that this weapon comes loaded with allow it to have some additional bullets if you reload it after scoring a kill.
#10- The Last Word
The Last Word can be bought from The Monument to Lost Lights. Since this isn’t a new addition to the game, you cannot obtain it as a reward or as a part of any loot.
Buying this hand cannon will cost you 1 Exotic Cipher, 125,000 Glimmer, 200 Etheric Spiral, and 1 Ascendant Shard. The perks that this weapon comes loaded with allow it to have increased stability, accuracy, and precision.
#11- Nation of Beasts
Nation of Beasts was first introduced to the game 2 years back. However, it hasn’t lost much popularity over the years, and there’s a reason for it.
It came as a reward for the Last Wish raid that was found in The Dreaming City. If you’re looking for a weapon that has a high impact and respectable range, then this weapon would be the perfect match for you. Moreover, it has a reloading time of less than 3 seconds.
#12- Eyasluna
Just like the previous weapon on the list, this hand cannon is also a Legendary type weapon, and it shares a lot of similarities with Nation of Beasts.
This weapon can also be reloaded within 3 seconds and has a high impact. However, it does have a tad bit more range than Nations of Beast.
Completing the Grasp of Avarice dungeon will reward you with this weapon. Overall, this is a good all-around weapon and offers respectable precision.
#13- Crimson
What’s a better weapon than what heals you to score some kills? The first thing that comes to mind is Red Death. While Red Death didn’t make it to Destiny 2, the Crimson Hand Cannon did.
This Hand Cannon is nothing like the rest of the hand cannons on this list. If you pair it up with the right perks, it will help you heal with each enemy that you kill.
Moreover, if you’re willing to add more range to the weapon, you can do that as well with its catalyst. Crimson Catalyst allows you to add 20 more range to the weapon.
#14- Dire Promise
Dire Promise is a Legendary hand cannon that does kinetic damage to the enemies. This hand cannon is capable of shooting 140 rounds per minute and has an impact stat of 84. The range, on the other hand, is a bit on the lower side.
Unfortunately, there’s no specific quest that would lead you to unlock this gem of a weapon. If you want to get your hands on this hand cannon, you’ll have to look for it in any loot that you come across.
#15- Sunshot
Just when you thought that 140 rounds per minute was the best you were going to get, Sunshot dropped by to save the day.
This exotic weapon is capable of shooting 150 rounds per minute, and it was the first exotic weapon ever introduced to destiny 2. Sunshot can be found in loots, or if you’re not willing to put that much effort, it can also be bought from Xur.
#16- Thorn
If you’ve been playing the original Destiny, then the weapon Thorn won’t be new to you. However, Thorn from Destiny 2 is not as powerful as the one in Destiny 1.
Given the nostalgia associated with this hand cannon, you would still want to get your hands on it in destiny 2. Since this is one of the returning weapons in the game, it cannot be unlocked through any quest.
Instead, you’ll have to purchase it from the Monument to Lost Lights. It will cost you 1 Exotic Cipher, 125,000 Glimmer, 200 Dusklight Shards, and 1 Ascendant Shard.
#17- True Prophecy
Next up on the list for best hand cannons in Destiny 2 is True Prophecy. True Prophecy can fire 120 rounds per minute.
It has an impact of 92, Range of 62, Stability of 30, Handling of 37, Reload speed of 30, and it reloads in just over 3.5 seconds.
#18- Posterity
The 18th best hand cannon that you can get your hands on in Destiny 2 is Posterity. Perhaps the only thing that distinguishes this hand cannon from the rest is its capability to fire 180 rounds each minute.
Other than that, it has an impact of 78, Range of 45, Stability of 64, Handling of 42, Reload speed of 61, and it reloads in just under 3 seconds.
#19- Seventh Seraph Officer Revolver
Seventh Seraph weapons have been around Destiny for a while now, and it was about time that folks at Destiny 2 added a hand cannon to that lineup as well.
Just like the last hand cannon on the list, Seventh Seraph Officer Revolver can also fire 180 rounds per minute. And even better, it has a vertical recoil that can easily be controlled.
Other than that, it has an impact of 78, Range of 35, Stability of 57, Handling of 37, Reload speed of 54, and it reloads in just under 3 seconds.
#20- The Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is an old-fashioned revolver with a long revolver. However, it still has a kinetic damage type. The Old Fashioned is a legendary type hand cannon in Destiny 2, and it’s been there since the very beginning of the sequel.
Other than that, it has an impact of 88, Range of 44, Stability of 55, Handling of 51, Reload speed of 49, and it reloads in exactly 3 seconds.
#21- Spare Rations
Spare Rations is another legendary type of hand cannon that does kinetic type damage to the foes. It can fire 140 rounds per minute. If you’re looking for something that has respectable damage and is easier to control while firing, then Spare Rations could be a suitable choice for you.
Other than that, it has an impact of 84, Range of 42, Stability of 52, Handling of 74, Reload speed of 60, and it reloads in under 3 seconds.
#22- Warden’s Law
Warden’s Law is yet another legacy Destiny 2 Hand Cannon. It can fire 120 rounds per minute, and It does Kinetic damage to the antagonists.
Moreover, it has an impact of 92, Range of 60, Stability of 36, Handling of 32, Reload speed of 34, and it reloads in under 3.5 seconds.
#23- Jack Queen King 3
Jack Queen King 3 is a legendary type of Hand Cannon in Destiny 2. It can fire 140 rounds per minute, and It does Energy damage to the antagonists.
Moreover, it has an impact of 84, Range of 48, Stability of 44, Handling of 73, Reload speed of 63, and it reloads in under 3 seconds.
#24- Malfeasance
Moving on to the last Hand Cannon on this list, Malfeasance. This exotic hand cannon can be unlocked by completing the Malfeasance quest.
Moreover, it has an impact of 78, Range of 46, Stability of 82, Handling of 36, Reload speed of 82, and it reloads in just over 2 seconds. You can reload it within a blink of an eye.
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Final Verdict:
Hand cannons aren’t the most powerful of weapons out there, but still, it’s their capability and their damage to size ratio that makes them shine above the rest.
There’re plenty of Hand Cannons to choose from in Destiny 2. You’ll be lucky to find some of them in loots, whereas the search for the rest will send you through some pretty challenging quests.
Lastly, there’s no such thing as the perfect hand cannon in Destiny 2. They all have their pros and cons. And it all comes down to your playstyle and needs.
