Trace rifles in Destiny 2 offer a unique balance of continuous damage and utility, bridging the gap between primary and special weaponry. Whether clearing groups of combatants, supporting team fireteams during raid DPS phases, or controlling lanes in the Crucible, choosing the right weapon makes a massive difference. Understanding which energy types and perk combinations suit each game mode allows players to maximize their loadout efficiency.
Top Trace Rifles for Raids and Endgame PvE
In high-tier endgame content, exotic utility often outweighs raw weapon damage. Divinity remains a cornerstone pick for raids due to its ability to create a massive critical hit bubble for fireteam members while applying a constant weaken debuff. For raw damage output against resilient targets, Microcosm excels at shredding shields and boss-level enemies in heavy encounters.
When ad-clear and crowd control are the main focus, Ager's Scepter provides unmatched freeze potential that spreads across clusters of foes. Players can also leverage elemental synergy with legendary options like Acasia's Dejection or Chronophage to keep abilities cycling rapidly. Selecting weapons with perks like Incandescent or Voltshot helps maintain total map control during difficult encounters.
Effective PvP Choices for the Crucible
Competitive multiplayer requires weapons with rapid time-to-kill and exceptional beam stability. Trace rifles like Coldheart and Wavesplitter offer incredible accuracy at medium ranges, allowing skilled players to track moving targets effectively. Managing special ammo is critical in PvP, making perk combinations that boost handling and target acquisition highly desirable.
Legendary options such as Incisor or Retraced Path allow Guardians to conserve their exotic slot for armor or primary weapons. Incisor in particular brings utility to Crucible matches through perks that lower enemy damage output during duels. Maintaining steady aim while managing ammo pickups ensures trace rifles stay viable against aggressive primary weapon users.
Utility and Solo Play Recommendations
Solo Guardians often require weapons that handle utility roles, such as grabbing distant ammo bricks or breaking specific shields. Weapons rolling with Shoot to Loot, such as Path of Least Resistance or Unsworn, enable players to collect resources safely from behind cover. These utility features ensure high survival rates in challenging solo dungeons and Nightfalls.
For build crafting, pairing trace rifles with elemental synergy mods ensures consistent orb generation and ability uptime. Their deep ammo reserves allow them to act almost like primary weapons while delivering special-tier damage output. Mastering these versatile weapons provides Guardians with dependable answers for every activity in Destiny 2.
