Destiny 2 has an overwhelmingly large and ever-expanding weapon arsenal. With so many options available in the ‘Exotic Archive: Monument of Lost Lights,’ at the Tower, it’s only natural to be confused about which Exotic Weapon is truly worth spending your precious Exotic Cipher and Ascendant Shards on. But worry no more; here are our top picks for both PvP and PvE modes to help you decide!
Best Destiny 2 Exotic Weapons to Unlock Using an Exotic Cipher
[#1] WITHERHOARD (Grenade Launcher)
Best Use: PVE+PVP
The Witherhoard was, without a doubt, the best exotic weapon of the Year 3: Shadowkeep DLC, and it is, to this day, a permanent staple in many veteran players’ inventories. It fires single-shot grenades that leave poison pools on the ground that poison and damage enemies over time. You can also land a direct hit on a boss to poison them, causing them to lose HP over time, even if they move away.
The Catalyst for the Witherhoard is also a pain to unlock – so the sooner you own it, the better! Here’s what and how much you will need to spend to own the best grenade launcher in the game.
- 1 Exotic Cipher
- 100,000 Glimmer
- 150 Legendary Shards
- 1 Ascendant Shard
[#2] IZANAGI’S BURDEN (Sniper Rifle)
Best Use: PVE
If you are a fan of Sniper Rifles and love to see MASSIVE critical-hit headshot damage numbers, Izanagi’s Burden is just the weapon you need. Holding the reload button on this weapon consumes the four-ammo magazine and loads it with a single high damage+range round.
Released with the Year 2: Forsaken DLC, Izanagi tops the list of must-have Sniper Rifles, and it is an excellent weapon to keep handy when you’re up against a boss with massively high hitpoints. Here’s what it will cost you:
- 1 Exotic Cipher
- 150,000 Glimmer
- 250 Legendary Shards
- 2 Ascendant Shards
[#3] JÖTUNN (Fusion Rifle)
Best Use: PVE+PVP
Jötunn is a Fusion Rifle capable of firing tracking shots that explode and burn enemies on impact – and you won’t realize how crazy that is in a game like Destiny 2 until you actually get your hands on this special-ammo Energy weapon. Charge Shots fired from the Jötunn can burn down hordes of enemies, two/three shot most mini-bosses in PvE, as well as secure you some near-automatic kills in PvP/PvEvP game modes.
Find the Jötunn in the Year 2: Forsaken Exotics section. Here’s the cost breakdown:
- 1 Exotic Cipher
- 125,000 Glimmer
- 200 Legendary Shards
- 1 Ascendant Shards
[#4] ACE OF SPADES (Hand Cannon)
Best Use: PVP
Also released with the Year 2: Forsaken DLC, the Ace of Spades is one of the most fan-favorite Hand Cannons in the game, not only due to its connection with the game’s lore but also to the highly satisfying two-tap headshot kills you can earn in Crucible with it. Reload after a kill to load the gun with extra-damage bullets.
Here’s how much you need:
- 1 Exotic Cipher
- 125,000 Glimmer
- 200 Legendary Shards
- 1 Ascendant Shards
[#5] LE MONARQUE (Combat Bow)
Best Use: PVE
Given that you already have the first four weapons on this list, Le Monarque is another super versatile weapon that will serve you well once you reach a higher level in the game. This Combat Bow releases poison arrows that, on precision hits, spread poison damage to other nearby enemies. It also has an inherent ‘Overload’ perk, allowing it to stun Overload Champions, saving you a mod slot in your Gauntlets.
Guess which DLC brought Le Monarque into the game? Yup, Year 2: Forsaken. That’s four out of five weapons from the same DLC! All hail Forsaken, am I right? Here’s what you will need to spend for the Le Monarque, by the way:
- 1 Exotic Cipher
- 125,000 Glimmer
- 200 Legendary Shards
- 1 Ascendant Shards
We hope this list helps you make the right decision and wish you all the very best with the never-ending grind that is Destiny 2. Remember, Guardian, the grind never stops!