The Strand subclass in Destiny 2: Lightfall introduced a new Darkness element focusing on crowd management and unrivaled mobility. Strand weapons are ideal for this subclass, particularly those equipped with the Hatchling perk, which generates Threadlings under certain kill situations. Acquiring top-tier Strand weapons is critical for improving your gameplay with the Strand subclass.

These weapons can be earned through various means, including patrol tasks on Neomuna, seasonal events, and raids. Here is a list of some of the most powerful Strand weapons available in the game.

10. Perpetualis

For soldiers of the eternal war.

In the Season of Defiance, the Queensguard introduces a new lineup of weapons, a standout called Perpetualis, an Auto Rifle with a Strand element. Derived from its predecessor, the 360 rounds per minute Chrysura Melo, Perpetualis elevates the formula to new heights. It shifts from the previous archetype to a more comfortable and effective one at 600 rounds per minute. Moreover, Perpetualis introduces innovative perks, complemented by its unique Strand element, adding a vibrant touch to its impressive capabilities.

Perpetualis Stats

• Impact: 21
• Range: 43
• Stability: 35
• Handling: 62
• Reload Speed: 58
• Reload Time: 1.86 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 67
• Inventory Size: 54
• Zoom: 16
• Airborne Effectiveness: 19
• Recoil: 53
• Rounds Per Minute: 600
• Magazine: 41  

PvP God roll:

• Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling
• Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
• Perk 1: Perpetual Motion
• Perk 2: Hatchling

How to get Perpetualis

Perpetualis Auto Rifle may only be obtained through Season of Defiance activities. To earn the gun, players must first participate in the Defiant Battlegrounds activities in the Helm.

9. Taraxippos

A flash of green on the event horizon.

Destiny 2 gamers received one of the best scout rifles in the game and one of the first Strand Scout Rifles as part of the 2023 Guardian Games event. Taraxippos served as a Strand version of the famous Hung Jury SR4, with any Guardian Games participant able to earn one, often finding desired rolls due to the event's generous rewards. With the proper perks, Taraxippos becomes an intimidating weapon on the battlefield for both PvE and PvP players. Perks like Explosive Payload and Dragonfly ensure that enemies, whether ads or Guardians, explode on headshots. The weapon's accurate and consistent headshot damage reinforces its position as a top option among Strand lovers.

Taraxippos Stats

• Impact: 60
• Range: 33
• Stability: 67
• Handling: 53
• Reload Speed: 47
• Reload Time: 1.73 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 61
• Inventory Size: 67
• Zoom: 12
• Airborne Effectiveness: 25
• Recoil: 96
• Rounds Per Minute: 450
• Magazine: 18  

PvE God roll:

• Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling
• Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
• Perk 1: Perpetual Motion
• Perk 2: Hatchling

How to get Taraxippos

Taraxippos was part of the Guardian game's loot pool; however, there is currently no method of obtaining this weapon.

8. Fang Of Ir Yut

This is the shape and the point of the tooth: nothing has ever lived that will not die.

The Fang of Ir Yut is a powerful 260 RPM Scout Rifle with tremendous firepower. Its Cursed Thrall origin characteristic quickly attracts the eye, causing explosions from slain enemies after a strong melee attack. For PvE fans, the Fang of Ir Yut promises a rewarding experience, blending easily into Strand builds and providing special features not found in other weapons. One such perk is Sword Logic, which increases the weapon's damage when it lands the final blow. This stacking perk increases its effectiveness in PvE and PvP situations, giving it an adaptable option for players looking to succeed in various combat situations.

Fang Of Ir Yut Stats

• Impact: 45
• Range: 32
• Stability: 44
• Handling: 26
• Reload Speed: 35
• Reload Time: 2.51 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 64
• Inventory Size: 60
• Zoom: 20
• Airborne Effectiveness: 17
• Recoil: 49
• Rounds Per Minute: 260
• Magazine: 18  

PvE God roll:

• Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling
• Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
• Perk 1: Perpetual Motion
• Perk 2: Hatchling

How to get Fang Of Ir Yut

Fang of Ir Yut is found in the Crota's End raid after completing the first encounter, The Abyss, and the second encounter, Oversoul Throne Bridge. It can also drop from Crota's red border chest.

7. Round Robin

Standard-issue weapon provided for Golden Age extraplanetary expeditions, retrofitted to combat Vex.

Round Robin debuted in the Lightfall DLC, joining the roster of new weapons in the Neumona destination. While 120 RPM hand cannons endured a setback in the Beyond Light update, they've returned triumphantly to prominence, partly thanks to standout choices like Round Robin. This hand cannon can be identified by its unique origin attribute, "Nanotech Tracer Rockets," which fires micro missiles at the target, delivering additional damage. With the correct rolls, Round Robin can be a viable option for PvP and PvE content. However, because of its slow rate of fire and recoil, it may be less competitive in certain situations than other weapons. 

Round Robin Stats

• Impact: 92
• Range: 56
• Stability: 20
• Handling: 24
• Reload Speed: 22
• Reload Time: 3.81 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 58
• Inventory Size: 52
• Zoom: 14
• Airborne Effectiveness: 14
• Recoil: 97
• Rounds Per Minute: 120
• Magazine: 8

PvP God roll:

• Barrel: Fluted Barrel
• Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
• Perk 1: Keep Away
• Perk 2: Kill Clip

How to get Round Robin

There are multiple ways to farm Round Robin in the game. The weapon was released with the lightfall expansion, and the grind was tied to the new destination, Neomuna. You can get it from the Lightfall engrams and the chests of Terminal Overload activity. The fastest and easiest way to farm it is by completing the Heroic Petrols on Neumona.

6. Mykel’s Reverence

"Pain… Fear… Sacrifice… Feed the fiend." —Mykel, Leader of the Acolytes of Nezarec

Destiny 2's sidearms often don't receive as much attention as other weapon types despite their solid stats like stability, handling, and rate of fire. One notable standout is Mykel's Reverence, the game's first Legendary Sidearm. It packs a Rapid-Fire Frame, offering surprisingly potent damage output. Its exclusive raid perk, Paracasual Affinity, sets it apart further, granting a hefty 20% damage boost against any enemies touched by Darkness, including those affected by Stasis and Strand abilities.

Mykel's Reverence Stats

• Impact: 35
• Range: 33
• Stability: 67
• Handling: 53
• Reload Speed: 47
• Reload Time: 1.73 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 61
• Inventory Size: 67
• Zoom: 12
• Airborne Effectiveness: 25
• Recoil: 96
• Rounds Per Minute: 450
• Magazine: 18  

PvP God roll:

• Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling
• Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
• Perk 1: Perpetual Motion
• Perk 2: Hatchling

How to get Mykel's Reverence

You can get this weapon from the Root of Nightmare Raid, specifically the raid's second (Enter the Root) and third (Zo’aurc) encounters. Once the gun drops, it can appear in secret chests hidden throughout the activity. You can easily farm the red borders of this weapon once this raid is the featured raid of the week.

5. Rufus’s Fury

"For every round, a whisper. For every shell, a scream." —Rufus, Acolyte of Nezarec

Rufus' Fury is a dangerous 720 RPM Strand Auto Rifle with outstanding perk choices and excellent base stats. Its remarkable range and aim make it a consistently effective weapon. Despite adding additional Strand Auto Rifles to the game, Rufus' Fury remains a top-tier choice due to its exceptional perks, great stability, and adaptability in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Rewind Rounds, in particular, shine by automatically activating upon causing damage, letting players focus on targeting and fire until the enemy falls or a reload is required.

Rufus's Fury Stats

• Impact: 18
• Range: 34
• Stability: 58
• Handling: 41
• Reload Speed: 50
• Reload Time: 1.99 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 82
• Inventory Size: 60
• Zoom: 16
• Airborne Effectiveness: 22
• Recoil: 56
• Rounds Per Minute: 720
• Magazine: 55

PvP God roll:

• Barrel:  Corkscrew Rifling
• Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
• Perk 1: Perpetual Motion
• Perk 2:  Target Lock

How to get Rufus's Fury

You can get this weapon from the Root of Nightmare Raid, specifically the raid's third (Zo’aurc) encounter. Once the gun drops, it can appear in secret chests hidden throughout the activity. You can easily farm the red borders of this weapon once this raid is the featured raid of the week.

4. The Navigator

I dive to understand.

Navigator is another great strand exotic that debuted in Season 21. This one-of-a-kind weapon unleashes a Strand beam of energy, severing enemies and lowering their damage output. While this feature might not seem significant, the Navigator also gives Woven Mail to allies upon contact with the beam.  However, the Navigator's ultimate power is its Protective Weave trait. Wielders and their Guardian friends receive Woven Mail when they fire the weapon. This extra layer of protection is crucial for Guardians, making it a powerful asset for those who value the range and energy beams of top-tier Trace Rifles while still giving their team critical armor assistance.

Exotic Perk:

Firing this weapon at an ally grants Woven Mail to the user and the target. Dealing with sustained damage severs the target.

The Navigator Stats

• Impact: 6
• Range: 71
• Stability: 80
• Handling: 53
• Reload Speed: 55
• Aim Assistance: 100
• Inventory Size: 60
• Zoom: 16
• Airborne Effectiveness: 18
• Recoil: 100
• Rounds Per Minute: 1000
• Magazine: 97

How to get The Navigator

The Navigator is an exclusive Exotic weapon that can only be earned from Ghosts of the Deep, one of two dungeons associated with the Lightfall expansion's update cycle. Players must have either a Lightfall Dungeon Key or an Annual Pass to play this dungeon.

3. Scatter Signal

To the Voice on the other line.

Scatter Lock, a Rapid-Fire Fusion Rifle available during Season of the Wish activities, has a number of top-tier perks designed for PvE activities, including Overflow and Controlled Burst, for maximum damage output.  Its strong combination of impact and charge rate makes it a top pick for tackling difficult PvE content like Dungeons, Raids, and Nightfall. Scatter Signal's rapid-fire frame provides big ammo reserves and quick reloads after depleting all charges, increasing its usefulness in challenging fights.

Scatter Signal Stats

• Impact: 55
• Range: 23
• Stability: 36
• Handling: 52
• Reload Speed: 46
• Reload Time: 2.21 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 39
• Inventory Size: 52
• Zoom: 15
• Airborne Effectiveness: 4
• Recoil: 59
• Rounds Per Minute: 500
• Magazine: 7 

PvE God roll:

• Barrel: Corkscrew Rifling
• Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
• Perk 1: Perpetual Motion
• Perk 2: Hatchling

How to get Scatter Signal

There are currently two options for obtaining this incredible Fusion Rifle: complete Coil or Riven's Lair or focus on it at Riven.

2. The Immortal

Not one, but many.

Unsurprisingly, The Immortal stands out as an amazing 750 RPM SMG with impressive basic traits such as plenty of attractive perks, strong origin perks, and even an Adept variant. Its famous perk, Target Lock, enhances its strength by increasing damage in extended combat, which is especially useful against PvE majors while also marginally reducing time-to-kill in Crucible battles. The weapon's savage performance spans both the Crucible and PvE activities, thanks to its rapid-fire rate, impressive range for an SMG, and excellent handling, establishing its reputation as a powerful weapon in players' hands.

The Immortal Stats

• Impact: 23
• Range: 40
• Stability: 25
• Handling: 58
• Reload Speed: 30
• Reload Time: 2.28 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 39
• Inventory Size: 37
• Zoom: 14
• Airborne Effectiveness: 25
• Recoil: 96
• Rounds Per Minute: 720
• Magazine: 28

PvP God roll:

• Barrel:  Corkscrew Rifling
• Magazine: Ricochet Rounds
• Perk 1: Rangefinder
• Perk 2:  Target Lock

How to get The Immortal 

The Immortals Adept weapon is challenging to acquire because it is associated with the Trials of Osiris activity. You must access the lighthouse chest to get it, which is only possible by achieving a flawless trial run. After unlocking it in your collections, you can purchase an additional one from Saint-14 by giving up your card and a handful of other materials.

1. Quicksilver Storm

Three words. Carved by hand: Affinity. Altruism. Awareness.

Quicksilver is part of the rapid-fire frame category of auto rifles, but its uniqueness lies in its ability to transform into a grenade launcher after landing successive shots. While Quicksilver boasts excellent stability, its true allure lies in its exotic catalyst. With the catalyst-equipped, Quicksilver transforms into a Strand elemental weapon, and the final blows from its grenades generate tangles. The combination of its impressive rounds per minute and the potential for creating tangles results in a furious onslaught of rapid fire, especially following the auto rifle buffs.

Exotic Perk:

"Landing multiple hits turns your next shot into a homing micro-rocket. Landing multiple rockets loads a grenade."

Quicksilver Storm Stats

• Impact: 18
• Range: 40
• Stability: 85
• Handling: 48
• Reload Speed: 54
• Reload Time: 1.92 seconds
• Aim Assistance: 83
• Inventory Size: 59
• Zoom: 16
• Airborne Effectiveness: 26
• Recoil: 88
• Rounds Per Minute: 720
• Magazine: 51

How to get Quicksilver Storm

Quicksilver Storm is accessible to the owners of Lightfall DLC. You only need to get the DLC and claim the weapon for free.

You may also be interested in:

• Destiny 2 Class Tier List: The Best Destiny 2 Classes and Subsclasses
• Top 10 Best Destiny 2 Auto Rifles Right Now
• Top 10 Destiny 2 Best Exotic Weapons for PvP

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