Unleash Chaos: The Ultimate Destiny 2 Glaive Ranking – Is Yours on the List?

by

Summary

  • Destiny 2 introduced glaives in The Witch Queen expansion, providing first-person melee weapons with ranged capabilities.
  • Glaives are niche yet potent in PvP but unpopular in PvE, with Exotic glaives receiving praise and love from players.
  • Several glaives have been added, with newly introduced artifacts empowering the weapon type and influencing their rankings.

In the 2022 release of the expansion “The Witch Queen” for Destiny 2, a novel type of weapon called glaives made their debut. This is the initial occasion when players can wield first-person melee weapons. These unique weapons serve both as close-combat tools and can also be used to launch projectiles at a distance, utilizing Special ammunition for this purpose.

Since that time, several new glaives have been incorporated into the game, including some exotic ones. Over the past few seasons, these weapons have been designated as anti-champion tools, but they remain a less preferred choice in PVE and a rare yet potent option in PVP for those adept at utilizing the shield. For gamers interested in mastering the top glaives in Destiny 2, here’s how they compare to each other.

17. Edge Of Intent

Solar Exotic Glaive

  • How To Get: Wellsprings activity in the Throne World

1. An exotic glaive that takes up a valuable spot and offers minimal healing, making it barely worth using, ranks low on this list. While some players might appreciate this exotic glaive as a unique weapon for crafting a healer build, for most, it’s more of a hassle than anything else.

2. This exotic glaive, which takes up an exclusive slot and offers healing that’s barely noticeable, is generally considered the least effective option. Although it may appeal to players seeking to develop a powerful healer setup, in most cases, it’s just another unwanted addition.

3. An exotic glaive occupying a precious spot yet providing negligible healing, making it questionable whether one should even use it, places it at the bottom of this ranking. Despite its potential as a unique tool for constructing a healer-focused build, for many, it’s more trouble than it’s worth.

4. An exotic glaive that holds an exalted position yet delivers healing so slight that it may not even be utilized, tends to rank low on the list. Although this exotic glaive could be a unique choice for players aiming to create the ultimate healer setup, for most, it’s mostly an unnecessary burden.

5. An exotic glaive, which takes pride of place but offers healing that’s hardly significant, often finds itself at the bottom of the list. While some may find this exotic glaive intriguing as a distinctive weapon for constructing a healer build, in most cases, it’s more of an annoyance than anything else.

6. An exotic glaive occupying a prized position yet providing healing that’s hardly impactful, often ranks low due to its minimal utility. Although it may appeal to players seeking to create the ultimate healer setup, for most, it’s just another inconvenience to deal with.

In most instances, the healing offered falls short compared to using a Healing Rift, a Healing Rune, or even regular healing methods for allies. In truth, given that has been enhanced in terms of healing since the last season, it’s evident that its healing capabilities pale in comparison to the other healing options at a Warlock’s disposal. Since Episode Heresy began, exotic glaives have undergone minor adjustments, making them more usable; yet, they still leave many players unimpressed. Edge of Intent was equipped with the perk incandescent, which assists in clearing adds but offers minimal additional benefits.

16. Edge Of Action

Void Exotic Glaive

  • How To Get: Wellsprings activity in the Throne World

The Titan Exotic Glaive isn’t significantly superior to the Warlock one, despite its smaller size being appealing. In practice, this small shield offers just a tiny portion of the advantages that a full-sized Ward of Dawn would provide.

In essence, the Exotic “Edge of Action” glaive isn’t widely favored among Titan mains. They often find more benefit in using their Exotic slot for something else or simply utilizing their “Ward of Dawn.” The main issue with the “Edge of Action” lies in its lack of damage boost compared to a standard “Ward of Dawn.” Despite its rework, which added destabilizing rounds and makes it more effective with Void builds, many players still don’t view it as a top-tier choice.

15. Edge Of Concurrence

Arc Exotic Glaive

  • How To Get: Wellsprings activity in the Throne World

In the beginning, the Exotic glaive was considered the weakest among its peers by Hunters. However, Season of the Plunder brings an exciting twist! The Arc-charged energy link makes it a suitable match with Arc 3.0. Furthermore, given that glaives excel in melee range, it’s not such a poor choice for close combat enthusiasts among the Hunters. In other words, this glaive can be quite effective in tight quarters!

Despite the recent updates, it’s disappointing that this weapon takes up an Exotic slot, which might discourage Hunter main players from using it. It’s a less common choice even with Arc 3.0, but for those tired of other Arc weapons and seeking to add some excitement to their gameplay, it could be worth trying. Since its rework, Edge of Concurrence has garnered more attention due to the increased interest in Arc-focused artifact perks in Episode Heresy, and its unique jolting feedback feature.

14. The Enigma

Void Adaptive Frame Glaive

  • How To Get: The Witch Queen campaign
  • Best Roll: Impulse Amplifier and Rampage

The first melee weapon you can craft is called the Enigma glaive, a Legendary Void sword. While it’s not weak by any means, its details are quite straightforward when it comes to special abilities or perks. For players focusing on Void elements, the Enigma glaive can be exceptionally effective, seamlessly fitting into melee-centric Elemental Well Void gameplay strategies.

Once you completely upgrade this weapon, players can unlock various appealing Enhanced traits, such as Grave Robber, Threat Detector, Unrelenting, and Frenzy. The Enigma is a decent starting glaive, albeit not the strongest. However, it outperforms exotic ones due to its craftable design, providing more versatility. And when fully enhanced, these traits can prove quite formidable.

13. Ecliptic Distaff

Void Adaptive Frame Glaive

  • How To Get: Monument to Lost Lights in the Tower

In the spirit of defiance, the Season introduces a fresh addition to the weapon roster – the initial glaive within this category, the Ecliptic Distaff. This Void weapon, themed around the Awoken, boasts exceptionally strong abilities.

In Destiny 2, players have two potent options: Close Combat (similar to Melee) or Disrupting Ammunition. The first, Close Combat, is one of the top new glaive perks and significantly boosts glaive melee damage by enhancing projectile final blows. The second option, Replenishing Aegis, enables reloading your weapon via blocking and reserves, while Immovable Object (another excellent new glaive perk) increases weapon energy when ranged damage is dealt while blocking or standing still.

12. Nezarec’s Whisper

Arc Adaptive Frame Glaive

  • How To Get: Banshee-44 in the Tower
  • Best Roll: Demolitionist and Unstoppable Force

In its current season, Nezarec’s Whisper stands atop the weapon rankings due to the advantageous position of Arc weapons in the game this season. However, it’s uncertain whether Arc weapons will retain their power after Season 18 concludes, so players should keep an eye on future changes.

In recent times, melee combat has gained more attention due to Arc 3.0, making glaives a favorable choice in most situations. Among these legendary arc glaives, there’s one that suits a fiery melee-focused setup exceptionally well. Additionally, Nezarec’s Whisper can be crafted and with upgraded traits like Demolitionist, Vorpal, or Frenzy, it can significantly boost its power level.

One intriguing aspect of Nezarec’s Whisper is the Origin Trait it possesses, which aligns perfectly with this season’s melee and Arc-based gameplay. The Extrovert trait allows a small amount of health restoration for the player when they achieve kills in close proximity to other adversaries and Nightmares.

11. Lubrae’s Ruin

Solar Adaptive Frame Glaive

  • How To Get: Vow of the Disciple raid
  • Best Roll: Grave Robber and Surrounded

Without a doubt, among all the listed glaives, Lubrae’s Ruin is undeniably the toughest to acquire, making it the most potent. This Solar Legendary glaive boasts remarkable benefits, and even though it might not be the best choice for Season of the Plunder, outside of seasonal content and artifact mods, it easily ranks as one of the strongest glaives on its own merit.

In the Vow of the Disciple raid, Lubrae’s Ruin can be upgraded with enhanced traits, making it an even more sought-after item. This weapon synergizes beautifully with Solar setups, and its possible perks such as Grave Robber, Surrounded, Vorpal Weapon, Swashbuckler, and Wellsprings make it a valuable asset for any PVE player. With numerous customization choices available during crafting, there’s an ideal fit for every gameplay style.

Furthermore, the Souldrinker Origin Trait in Lubrae’s Ruin enhances a player’s sustainability. Upon reloading, the weapon restores health to the player, proportional to the number of enemies previously defeated prior to the reload.

10. Forthcoming Deviance

Void Rapid-Fire Frame Glaive

  • How To Get: Salvation’s Edge raid
  • Best Roll: Impulse Amplifier or Reconstruction and Close to Melee or Chaos Reshaped

Hailing from Destiny’s latest (and toughest) raid, Forthcoming Deviance is a distinctive-looking weapon, but its perks aren’t quite as special. For those Guardians who find the projectile-based gameplay of glaives challenging, there’s Impulse Amplifier available. For any player seeking an easier ammo management loop, reconstruction offers an alternative.

For weapons like glaives, Close to Melee is typically the preferred perk as it increases melee damage when projectiles are destroyed. On the other hand, Chaos Reshaped, exclusive to raids, functions like Frenzy, enhancing damage over prolonged combat. This enhancement becomes even greater after more time in battle, and also offers healing – a valuable boost for close-combat playstyles using glaives.

9. Judgment Of Kelgorath

Solar Aggressive Frame Glaive

  • How To Get: Banshee-44 in the Tower
  • Best Roll: Demolitionist and Incandescent or Unstoppable Force

In Season 19, we find the weapon known as “Judgment” from Kelgorath. For those who acquired the blueprints prior to the launch of Lightfall, it can be crafted. However, for other players, regularly visiting Banshee-44 is recommended since he occasionally sells superior versions of this Solar glaive on a random basis.

In the first set of options, you’ll find impressive selections such as Immovable Object, Demolitionist, or even Pugilist. The second list offers intriguing choices too – Incandescent, ideal for Solar-focused builds, and Unstoppable Force, which expands the range of projectiles once players have deflected damage with the shield of the glaive. Close Combat is another worthwhile pick in the same group, while Surrounded is a reliable choice, especially for fans of close-range combat.

8. Greasy Luck

Solar Rapid-Fire Frame Glaive

  • How To Get: Ghosts of the Deep dungeon
  • Best Roll: Disruption Break or Replenishing Aegis and Close to Melee or Incandescent

Apart from boasting an exceptional name, Greasy Luck stands out as the top Solar damage spear in the game. It can be equipped with Replenishing Aegis and Incandescent for a reliable weapon option when building around Solar. For those preferring a classic damage setup, Close to Melee is also available as an additional feature.

The Disruption Break feature in the first column of perks transforms this weapon into a useful tool for priming, and its effectiveness can be increased by Incandescent. However, Episode Heresy isn’t particularly friendly to Solar weapons, but Greasy Luck could prove valuable for upcoming content if players are prepared to tackle one of the game’s most challenging dungeons.

7. Albedo Wing

Arc Aggressive Frame Glaive

  • How To Get: The Dawning seasonal event
  • Best Roll: Replenishing Aegis or Eddy Current and Close to Melee or Voltshot

Among three nearly identical weapons, Albedo Wing falls behind because obtaining it is only possible during the holiday season. This limits many players from getting their hands on this weapon, which boasts two unique builds that make it highly beneficial to use. Its standard choice for glaives includes Replenishing Aegis and Close to Melee.

For an Arc-focused ability, the combination of Eddy Current and Voltshot is exceptional. They work together superbly to disseminate Arc damage across the battlefield effortlessly, fitting seamlessly into any Arc-oriented setup. Given the existing artifact modifications, it’s worthwhile for every Guardian to rummage through their storage to see if they have one of these pairs tucked away.

6. Unexpected Resurgence

Arc Adaptive Frame Glaive

  • How To Get: Trials of Osiris
  • Best Roll: Replenishing Aegis and Voltshot or Close to Melee

Here I am, the second one among the trio, dubbed Unexpected Resurgence. Yet again, it’s not luck or chance that brought me here – no, it’s the dreaded Trials of Osiris. Every Destiny player knows this nightmarish PvP battlefield where weekends are spent in intense competition, all for a slim chance to grab a glaive. Not my ideal way to unwind, if I do say so myself.

In contrast, Unexpected Resurgence can leverage Replenishing Aegis for ammunition restoration, either with Voltshot or Close Combat for damage boosts or subclass compatibility. It shares a role similar to Albedo Wing, but due to its increased availability, it slightly outperforms other options.

5. Backfang

Arc Rapid-Fire Frame Glaive

  • How To Get: Gambit
  • Best Roll: Impulse Amplifier or Replenishing Aegis and Unstoppable Force or Close to Melee

In the Arc Glaive trilogy’s last instalment, Backfang stands out as a versatile option, suitable for both general Glaive play or Arc-focused builds. This weapon can be acquired from Gambit, making it the most accessible among its Arc counterparts, earning the number one spot. While players can equip Voltshot and Jolting Feedback for an Arc-centric build, Unstoppable Force and Close to Melee are two strong damage bonus options for this weapon.

Using the Impulse Amplifier and Replenishing Aegis, Backfang becomes an adaptable weapon that suits various Guardian playstyles. Despite its extensive skill set potentially leading to acquiring a particular build, farming for this versatile tool is manageable.

4. Vexcalibur

Void Exotic Glaive

  • How To Get: The Avalon Exotic quest in the Exotic quest rotator

Vexcalibur is the exotic glaive obtained at the conclusion of the Avalon Exotic mission during season 20. After obtaining it, players can manufacture this weapon and customize their own perks, much like in season 19. Completing the Avalon quest multiple times will grant players more perk options.

In addition to its other features, the Vexcalibur weapon enables players to access hidden nodes within the Avalon mission and bypass Vex obstacles, making it essential for those aiming for completion. Moreover, the M1R Distribution Matrix trait offers a Void shield whenever damage is blocked with it, making it an ideal choice for any Void-focused builds.

3. Rake Angle

Stasis Aggressive Frame Glaive

  • How To Get: Nightfall strikes
  • Best Roll: Replenishing Aegis or Rimestealer and Chill Clip or Close to Melee

The Rake Angle was the initial Stasis spear that could be equipped in the primary slot, which automatically set it apart from others. Apart from this advantage, the Rake Angle also boasts several impressive perk combinations, like Replenishing Aegis and Close to Melee for a standard setup, or Rimestealer and Chill Clip for a Stasis and champion incapacitation build.

If a player dares to conquer Grandmaster Nightfalls, the Rake Angle weapon can likewise be acquired as an Adept version. This upgrade grants it access to various perks and numerous Adept mods that further amplify its power. In case another season emphasizes Stasis, the Rake Angle will undoubtedly become a top priority for many players.

2. Winterbite

Stasis Exotic Heavy Glaive

  • How To Get: Complete the Strider quest after finishing the Lightfall campaign at the Hall of Heroes

In the game, Winterbite stands alone as the heaviest glaive available. Although the excessive damage it dealt to raid bosses due to a glitch has been fixed, it remains an exceptional choice for players seeking a weapon with immense power. Despite not being as potent as certain heavy weapon alternatives, it undeniably offers one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences.

Winterbite primarily shoots frozen Stasis Tracking projectiles that instantly freeze targets upon impact. Additionally, its melee attack inflicts substantial damage on enemies and slows them down upon hit. However, it occupies a complete heavy weapon slot. Despite this drawback, due to its exceptional effectiveness, the investment is more than justified.

1. Refusal Of The Call

Strand Adaptive Frame Glaive

  • How To Get: Episode Heresy activities
  • Best Roll: Replenishing Aegis or Impulse Amplifier and Close to Melee

Among the arsenal I’ve been eagerly exploring, the latest acquisition that has caught my eye is the enigmatic Refusal of the Call. As the lone Strand glaive in the roster and one of just two primaries it can slot into, this bad boy is a non-negotiable addition for every player, owing to its exclusive status within the game. Beyond its unique role, it masterfully employs the common Replenishing Aegis and Close-Combat Melee combo, a combination that significantly bolsters glaive’s already formidable power.

In the game Episode Heresy, this particular weapon has become highly sought-after by many players due to its multiple artifact traits that emphasize Strand damage and glaives as the preferred weapon class. The trait Refusal of the Call aligns seamlessly with both categories. If a player intends to enhance their Strand build, Refusal of the Call can potentially include Slice, making it easier to spread Strand debuffs.

Read More

2025-04-19 10:49