Seasonal metas influence scout rifle viability, but these consistently deliver top-tier performance across Destiny 2 activities.
Best Overall PvE Scout Rifles
- Doom of Chelchis (Kinetic, Void): Precision Frame from King's Fall raid. Core perk: Firefly or Explosive Payload. Synergizes exceptionally with Frenzy or Dragonfly for major add-clear and sustained DPS.
- Hung Jury SR4 (Kinetic): High-Impact Frame from Nightfalls. Seek Rapid Hit + Box Breathing (enhanced) or Explosive Payload. Unmatched range, stability, and versatile champion counter capability.
- Tarnished Mettle (Arc, Energy): Lightweight Frame from Season of Plunder/World Pool. Ideal roll: Voltshot + Rapid Hit/Demolitionist. Exceptional add-clear potential.
Best PvP Scout Rifles
- Jade Rabbit (Exotic, Kinetic): High-Impact Frame. Intrinsic perk rewards body shots, granting significant aim assist and flinch resistance. Dominates long lanes and team-shot scenarios.
- Transfiguration (Solar, Energy): Aggressive Frame from Last Wish raid. God Roll: Kill Clip + Rampage (Adept). Achieves lethal 2-tap potential after buffs, the pinnacle of scout rifle TTK.
- Contingency Plan (Arc, Energy): Rapid-Fire Frame (World Drop). Top roll: Kill Clip + Surplus. Fast handling and competitive TTK with Kill Clip active.
Top Craftable & Niche Options
- Staccato-46 (Solar, Energy): Precision Frame (World Drop). Craft with Rapid Hit + Incandescent for Solar Ignition builds. Reliable stat package.
- Perses-D (Stasis, Kinetic): High-Impact Frame (World Drop). Excellent base stats. Craft for Perpetual Motion + Explosive Payload/Headstone.
- Royal Chase (Void, Energy): Lightweight Frame (Previously Season, now Xur/Banshee). Lead to Gold + Dragonfly offers unique utility.
Prioritize scout rifles with Explosive Payload or High-Impact Reserves for endgame PvE content due to inherent Anti-Barrier properties and bonus damage against shielded enemies. Adapt your choice based on required Champion mods and elemental synergy.
