Discover the Best Bows in Destiny 2 Lightfall
Table of Contents
When the release of The Forsaken DLC came around, no one could have predicted how much Destiny 2 players would come to love the new weapon type. Years later, it has become a top choice for various activities and proves incredibly effective in endgame scenarios. This article delves deep into them, highlights the finestt ones, and explains why they are so good. So, buckle up as we explore the best bows in Destiny 2.
Weapon Type Overview
Bows are long-range weapons that are effective against any enemy. They are effective in mob clearing and against champions in Grandmaster Nightfalls. Some players love using them in PvP, but they are only useful on maps with large open spaces. Their prior disadvantage is the long draw time, but often they have a fix for this issue.
- Lightweight Frame (580 Draw Time)
- Precision Frame (684 Draw Time)
Let’s discuss these two frames before moving on to the top bows in Destiny 2 Lightfall. Both archetypes excel in PvE, but in PvP, the Precision Frame has the edge. Why? Unlike the Lightweight Frame, Precision type can eliminate Guardians with two body shots, and the lengthy Draw Time can easily be reduced. Having a Draw Time Masterwork on all Precision ones is also highly recommended, as it will improve your DPS without affecting the damage.
Best Exotic Bows in Destiny 2 Lightfall
Our typical list will be somewhat different from the previous ones. The first and main difference is the absence of PvP and PvE categories. We will break down all must-have Exotic and Legendary ones, as each of them can be used in any content. Let’s start with the former ones.
Wish-Ender
- How To Get It: Quest in The Shattered Throne
Wish-Ender takes up the primary slot and boasts one of the highest damage outputs among all primary weapons in the game, thanks to the Broadhead perk. The perk allows the arrow to penetrate the foe, dealing double damage, making it possible to take down a major opponent with just two shots. Moreover, Wish-Ender proves incredibly effective against Barrier Champions, making it a must-have for GM Nightfalls and other endgame activities.
A great bonus is that it’s relatively easy to acquire. It doesn’t drop randomly, nor is it available from the Monument to the Lost Light. Players have to finish a secret quest in the first dungeon, which can typically be done in just over an hour or two. If you want to see an in-depth review, we cover one of the best PvE bows in Destiny 2 Lightfall in a separate guide.
Verglas Curve
- How To Get It: Monument to the Lost Light
If you’re looking for a weapon to complement your Stasis Builds and generate Crystals, Verglas Curve is an ideal match. What’s its unique feature? Final blows from it grant Stasis arrows that freeze enemies on contact and produce Stasis Crystals when interacting with the environment. Note that you can hold a maximum of 5 such arrows and make only a hip-fire shot.
It’s worth mentioning that if you shatter the Crystals created by the Verglas Curve and secure a final blow, you’ll also get a Stasis Arrow. However, this might not always work if you’re using Fragments like the Whisper of Fissures, a bug that’s remained unaddressed for some time.
Trinity Ghoul
- How To Get It: Random Exotic Drop
Now that we’ve tackled Stasis, what about a weapon tailored to Arc builds for your Warlock, Titan, or Hunter? Welcome the Trinity Ghoul!
Its main features are twofold:
- Arrows that split upon firing
- Securing headshot takedowns guarantees the subsequent shot will be imbued with chain-lightning capabilities. But that’s not all. With its Catalyst, you can obtain the Lightning Rod from any Arc Final Blow, and its Draw Time gets reduced
That’s why, Trinity Ghoul consistently could be found among the outstanding ranked bows in Destiny 2 Lightfall.
Le Monarque
- How To Get It: Monument to the Lost Light
Le Monarque firmly established itself in the PvP Meta, which Bungie felt compelled to nerf in Season 22. However, this is unlikely to impact its PvE performance, where Le Monarque stands as one of the perfect bows to bring in any activity. Its main feature, of course, is its Poison Arrows. Landing a precision hit with these arrows will stun the combatant and spread poison to nearby foes. It’s essential to note that this poison can incapacitate Overload Champions, making Le Monarque a frequent choice in Nightfalls.
Leviathan’s Breath
- How To Get It: Monument to the Lost Light
When Leviathan’s Breath first arrived in the game, it faced universal derision, with players considering it one of the worst weapons. However, after much deliberation, Bungie reworked it, elevating it to a must-pick heavy weapon in any Endgame activity.
Leviathan’s Breath can now stun unshielded enemies and quickly vanquish Unstoppable Champions, which sometimes could be helpful. Furthermore, the weapon’s ammo capacity increases to 15 with its Catalyst, and it gains the Archer’s Tempo perk, reducing draw time with headshots. With these traits, it’s a top pick among the best bows for Raids in Destiny 2 Lightfall, especially against Bosses and Unstoppable Champions.
Best Legendary Bows in Destiny 2 Lightfall
Now that we’ve discussed the ultimate Exotic weapons let’s focus on which legendary you should obtain. Although only a handful are available, each one offers unique and fascinating abilities!
Raconteur
- PvE Roll: Elastic String, Fiberglass Arrow Shaft, Archer Tempo, Explosive Head/Headstone
- PvP Roll: Elastic String, Fiberglass Arrow Shaft, Archer Tempo, Successful Warm-Up
- How To Get It: Season of Defiance Activities
If you’re after a Stasis weapon to utilize in PvE without occupying the Exotic Slot, Raconteur is tailor-made for you. The combination of Archer’s Tempo, which reduces Draw Time for a Precision Hit, and Headstone, which creates a Stasis Crystal on a Precision Final Blow, is a dream come true for Stasis aficionados. If Stasis isn’t your thing, then Explosive Head, which bumps up crit damage by 10%, stands out as a prime choice and one of the best bows in Destiny 2 Lightfall.
In terms of PvP, where Draw Time is pivotal, you’d want perks that reduce it. You’re familiar with Archer’s Tempo, but Successful Warm-Up might be new. That perk slashes Draw Time by a whopping 37.5% after a Final Blow, offering a significant boost.
Biting Winds
- PvP Roll: Elastic String, Fiberglass Arrow Shaft, Moving Target, Swashbuckler
- How To Get It: The Dark Priestess Empire Hunt
While it might not be our highest PvE recommendation, given better options, that gun shines uniquely in PvP. Its distinctiveness stems from one perk: Swashbuckler. After a Melee Final Blow, Biting Winds receives a buff allowing a headshot to instantly down any Guardian. Granted, you’d need a build centered on Melee, but wielding Biting Winds is sheer joy.
Fel Taradiddle
- PvE Roll: Elastic String, Fiberglass Arrow Shaft, Archer Tempo, Explosive Head
- How To Get It: Wellspring, boss Bor’gong, Warden of the Spring
If someday you’ll venture into The Wellspring activity and snag Fel Taradiddle with ideal rolls, grab and use it without a second thought. We particularly recommend it due to its swift Draw Time and because it ranks as one of the best kinetic bows in Destiny 2 Lightfall. Moreover, you can collect five Red Borders to craft precisely what you need. Fel Taradiddle is an exemplary Lightweight bow in PvE combat, boasting perks comparable to Raconteur.
Tyranny Of Heaven
- PvE Roll: Elastic String, Straight Fletching, Explosive Head/Archer’s Tempo/Dragonfly, Incandescent/Golden Tricorn
- How To Get It: Last Wish Raid
Tyranny Of Heaven is indisputably one of the best energy bows in Destiny 2 Lightfall. With the Last Wish weapons undergoing a complete perk revamp, Tyranny Of Heaven has claimed an array of fantastic perks and combinations. While there are the standard Explosive Head and Archer’s Tempo, it also features Dragonfly, which causes the victim to explode upon a Precision Final Blow. In another column, you’ll find two equally superb perks: Incandescent (applies Scorch to nearby foes upon killing a target) and Golden Tricorn (increasing gun damage by 15% after an enemy takedown, followed by a whopping 50% boost upon executing Solar Ability takedowns).
Tyranny of Heaven is a must-have if you like its weapon type enthusiast, given its pivotal role in the Destiny 2 Lightfall bow meta.
Under Your Skin
- PvE Roll: Elastic String, Fiberglass Arrow Shaft, Archer Tempo, Explosive Head
- PvP Roll: Elastic String, Fiberglass Arrow Shaft, Hip-Fire Grip/Archer Tempo, Opening Shot/Successful Warm-Up
- How To Get It: Banshee-44 or Xur
If you’re not keen on using Le Monarque for some reason, Under Your Skin emerges as an excellent alternative, proficient in both PvE and PvP. Delving into its PvE capabilities, you’re presented with the practical and familiar combo of Archer’s Tempo and Explosive Head. Who wouldn’t want reduced Draw Time after Precision Hits and an inherent 10% boost to Precision Damage?
In the PvP realm, things get a bit more intriguing. Even if you don’t like the best PvP bows in Destiny 2 Lightfall, we suggest trying out the Hip-Fire Grip + Opening Shot combination. The former boosts accuracy when firing without aiming down sights, while the latter enhances accuracy specifically for the initial shot. This combination bestows Under Your Skin with an astonishing 100 Aim Assistance, even before any mods are applied. Under Your Skin is fun to use and surprisingly efficient in Crucible.
Final Words
With this guide, you’re now a bow specialist in Destiny 2. If you appreciate this knowledge, a comment or a like is the best way to show gratitude. Moreover, consider sharing this Destiny 2 Lightfall bow guide with a friend – because two archers are always better than one! Remember, while these guns might require persistent grinding, some can be acquired through Destiny 2 services, fulfilling your desires in mere hours or days and allowing you to focus on more crucial tasks.
Thanks for Reading! Owl is Flying Away.
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