Destiny 2's Most Overpowered Linear Fusion Rifles

Summary

Episode Heresy brings mods favoring linear fusion rifles, making them a powerful choice in Destiny 2 PvE content.
Eight linear fusions ranked by power, Elemental Surge impacts, and unique perks add variety to damage rotations.
Sleeper Simulant and Lorentz Driver are easily accessible and formidable linear fusion rifle options for varied gameplay.

In the latest update of Episode Heresy, some mods that enhance linear fusion rifles have been introduced. At the same time, power ammo grenade launchers have been weakened. Consequently, it seems like Destiny 2 is moving towards a period where linear fusion rifles will dominate again. There are many potent linear fusions currently available, and they are particularly effective for dealing with individual targets. A number of these weapons also stand out as potential champions for crowd control.

This list evaluates 9 linear fusion combinations that work across every weapon slot, rating them based on their effectiveness in high-level PvE activities. Each weapon offers a potent damage option, with many of these options being ideal for impressive damage sequences. The primary factor determining the choice among these will be the elemental surge available during any given activity, as well as the player’s skill in acquiring each weapon.

9. Lorentz Driver

Void Special Ammo Linear Fusion Rifle

As a gamer, I’d say the first pick on my list is the Lorentz Driver, an exotic Void-based linear fusion special ammo. It might not be the strongest DPS weapon in a one-on-one fight, but it truly shines in crowded enemy situations. Once enemies are defeated, this bad boy explodes, giving itself a self-activating damage boost. What sets Lorentz Driver apart is its versatility – it can be paired with most weapons on my list to create an effective damage rotation sequence.

In Episode Heresy, the Lorentz Driver gains additional power due to its Void-centric artifact enhancements, unleashing an endless wave of purple energy that obliterates enemies and transforms others into Volatiles. The engaging mechanic of eliminating designated targets for a damage boost serves as an entertaining side game, adding a distinctive twist to any action.

8. Stormchaser

Arc Adaptive Burst Frame

Best Roll: Clown Cartridge and Firing Line

Among the listed weapons, Stormchaser stands out as one of the longest-standing, consistently performing well over numerous years of content. As an Adaptive Burst frame, it discharges a three-round burst for every shot fired, dealing immense damage in compact intervals. With Clown Cartridge equipped, the magazine swells unpredictably each time the player reloads.

With Firing Line enhancing damage by 20% when you’re near at least two other teammates, this weapon performs exceptionally in both brief and prolonged periods of dealing damage. However, Stormchaser ranks lower on the list because stronger weapons have been introduced later, even though it still holds up very well over time.

7. Doomed Petitioner

Void Adaptive Burst Frame

Best Roll: Reconstruction and Precision Instrument

This Void-type weapon, known as Doomed Petitioner, can be crafted during the Season of Wish, making it a bit challenging for newer players to acquire. Its unique feature, Reconstruction, periodically refills and even overflows the magazine, while its origin trait reloads the magazine when reaching critical health. This results in less frequent reloading for this weapon.

The Enhanced Precision Tool, when wielded by the player, boosts damage potential by up to 30% in precise shots. This makes it an excellent choice for any build setup. Regrettably, those who didn’t play during the Season of Wishes may find they can’t take advantage of its power.

6. The Queenbreaker

Exotic Arc Power Ammo Linear Fusion Rifle

During Episode Heresy, the Queenbreaker underwent a significant upgrade. Now, instead of manually adjusting its aim in the inventory, you can toggle its sights by holding down the reload button. Additionally, it comes with a catalyst that equips it with Rewind Rounds, significantly increasing its damage potential during prolonged firefights. Furthermore, the combat sights have been enhanced to operate as an adaptive burst weapon, dishing out massive single-target damage.

This marksman’s sights enable the weapon to discharge a solitary shot that bounces among adversaries, temporarily blinding them upon impact. This effect complements well with the Arc traits on the artifact and the abilities of Arc subclasses, transforming this previously low-tier firearm into a surprisingly effective choice.

5. Euphony

Strand Special Ammo Burst Linear Fusion Rifle

As a gamer, I’ve got to say that Euphony, often overlooked, is a real gem for damaging rotations. The problem is, it’s not so easy to get your hands on this beauty – you can only snag it as a random drop from the final boss of Salvation’s Edge, the toughest raid in the game. This means that many players might never even cross paths with this weapon. However, don’t let its elusive nature fool you – when used correctly, Euphony can match up to some heavy-hitting weapons and fit seamlessly into an amazing damage rotation, thanks to its special ammo status.

In a Strand Warlock build, Euphony shines most, emphasizing threadlings to amplify the firepower of your weapon via its exotic abilities. This is backed up by numerous artifact mods in Episode Heresy, positioning Euphony as a potent, albeit uncommon source of damage.

4. Cataclysmic

Solar Precision Frame

Best Roll: Fourth Times The Charm and Bait and Switch

For quite some time, Cataclysmic reigned unbeaten as the top pick among linear fusion rifles, thanks to its roll featuring Fourth Times The Charm and Bait and Switch. These attributes made it exceptionally potent in dealing damage, particularly when incorporated into a tactically sound damage sequence. Although it has slipped somewhat since the arrival of the Adaptive Burst archetype, Cataclysmic remains a formidable option for any loadout setup.

For the fourth time, Fourth Times The Charm auto-reloads your magazine, while Bait and Switch increases your damage by 30% when you strike an enemy with any weapon you’re carrying. It’s quite challenging to surpass such effortless harm. To top it off, Cataclysmic can be crafted or obtained as an adept weapon from the Vow of the Disciple raid, making it a fantastic pick for dedicated players seeking red borders or favorable statistics.

3. Briar’s Contempt

Solar Adaptive Burst Frame

Best Roll: Reconstruction and Surrounded

In simpler terms, while Briar’s Contempt has potential to be number one due to its high default damage and magazine refill feature with Reconstruction, it often falls short because it’s not versatile enough, having a limited use case. The issue lies in its damage-related perks.

This gun performs optimally when surrounded by at least three opponents, boosting its damage by 47%. In such situations, Briar’s Contempt becomes an undefeatable pick. Nevertheless, since not all damage sequences meet the activation prerequisites, it is the superior option only in specific activities.

2. Sleeper Simulant

Solar Power Ammo Linear Fusion Rifle

For a player searching for a straightforward, linear fusion rifle suitable for Episode Heresy, the Sleeper Simulant might be an ideal choice. This weapon can be obtained by all players from the exotic kiosk situated within The Tower. Among the recommendations, the Sleeper Simulant stands out as the most obtainable option, as any player can easily purchase it directly from a vendor.

The Sleeper Simulant boasts an astonishing ability to deal massive damage to any foe, yet each shot takes a considerable amount of time to load. However, this delay is justified when taking down tough bosses with prolonged damage phases, rather than those with brief attack intervals. Unlike other weapons on the list, the Sleeper Simulant doesn’t necessitate a complete damage sequence for maximum effectiveness but rather thrives with additional damage-over-time effects to compensate for its lengthy charging time.

1. Scintillation

Strand Adaptive Burst Frame

Best Roll: Rewind Rounds and Bait and Switch

The last item on the list is Scintillation, a Burst Linear Fusion weapon that can be acquired from Nightfall strikes and later upgraded to an Adept version during Grandmaster Nightfalls. This weapon comes with inherent traits – Veist Stinger and Stunning Recovery – which have the ability to replenish its ammunition by dealing damage or stunning champions, a feature that Scintillation can activate itself in Episode Heresy via Unstoppable Fusion/Linear Fusion Rifle.

When considering this weapon, focus on its standout features: Rewind Rounds and Bait and Switch. These attributes not only replenish the magazine but also offer an effortless-to-activate and potent damage boost. Moreover, Scintillation is Strand, making it stronger when combined with episodic artifact mods. If a player can secure a favorable roll for this gun, it becomes an exceptional option among linear fusion rifles.

2025-02-08 06:55

Destiny 2’s Most Overpowered Linear Fusion Rifles