The Perfect Weapons in “Destiny 2” You Can Create

The search for the perfect weapon in Destiny 2 can be frustrating, but weapon shaping allows you to create the guns of your dreams, with over 100 to choose from. So which ones are the best craftable weapons?

Related: How to get the Navigator in Destiny 2

How to craft weapons in Destiny 2

Just so we’re all on the same page, let me quickly explain how to craft before I start recommending specific weapons. Players gain the Deepsight ability during the introductory missions in the Witch Queen DLC. Deepsight is required for weapon shaping and is available to all players.

Once Deepsight is earned, you can visit the Enclave on Savathun’s Throne World. You typically need 5 of the same Weapon Patterns to craft a gun. You’ve probably noticed you have some weapons with a red border around them, and you can collect the patterns from these.

You can ‘Shape’ (craft) the matching weapon at the Enclave, and that weapon’s perks can be mixed and matched whenever you like. Beware that Shaping is quite resource-heavy, so I recommend saving it for your favorites. The best thing about this system is you can apply ‘enhanced traits’ that are more potent than usual. Some traits will require you to level up the weapon, which can be done by using it in battle. You can also spend resources in the Enclave to expedite the process.

Besides random red border drops, you can use Deepsight Harmonizers to gather a pattern from any appropriate weapon. Keep in mind that Deepsight Harmonizers are exceptionally rare and can only be used once per gun.

Destiny 2: The best Shapeable weapons

There are tons of different weapons available for Shaping. Many of the best weapons are Raid exclusive, but as these are out of reach for the majority of players, I won’t include them here. Here are my picks for the best craftable weapons in Destiny 2, with some suggested perks to make your own. While I’ve ranked these with the most desirable at number one, every gun here is worth your time.

#8 Tripwire Canary

• Weapon Type: Bow
• Element: Arc

When it comes to Bows, you’d be hard-pressed to get me to trade out my Exotic Wish Ender. That said, if you must use a Legendary Bow, you can’t go wrong with the Tripwire Canary.

The Tripwire Canary can be Shaped with Archer’s Tempo and Frenzy. This combination makes the weapon feel far snappier than most other Bows in Destiny 2. The rate of fire feels great, and Frenzy increases damage output when you’re in combat.

There are several Shapeable Bows, but at the time of writing, this is the only one I recommend spending your hard-earned resources on.

#7 Brya’s Love

• Weapon Type: Scout Rifle
• Element: Void

I’m a big fan of Scout Rifles, but many seem to deal lackluster damage for precision weapons. Fortunately, that’s not the case with the Brya’s Love from the Season of the Witch.

This punchy Void Scout Rifle hits like a truck and has access to several superb Trait combinations. Mine has Explosive Payload and Triple Tap and has quickly become one of my go-to Void weapons. On top of the excellent Traits, Brya’s Love is easy to control and has a comfortable rate of fire.

#6 Taipan-4FR

• Weapon Type: Linear Fusion Rifle
• Element: Void

I don’t see many people using the Taipan-4FR, which is a shame as it can roll with some superb traits. The Taipan can have Firing Line, which makes the weapon deal more precision damage when you’re near allies. Combine this with Clown Cartridge or Triple Tap to extend your magazine, and you’ve got a potent damage dealer.

Besides the Arbalest, Linear Fusion Rifles are a rarity. If you want to change that and remain effective, the Taipan-4FR is for you.

#5 Scatter Signal

• Weapon Type: Fusion Rifle
• Element: Strand

The Scatter Signal Fusion Rifle is one of the best shapeable weapons in the Season of the Wish loot pool. Better yet, there are two distinct ways to build it. You can rock Slice and Hatchling if you want to lean into Strand. Slice can inflict Sever, which makes enemies deal less damage, and Hatchling spawns Threadlings all over the place.

Enlightened Action and Controlled Burst are great for a pure DPS option if the Sever effect doesn’t interest you. I urge you to try the Scatter Signal even if you’re not a fan of Fusion Rifles; it’s that good.

#4 Ammit AR2

• Weapon Type: Auto Rifle
• Element: Solar

If you’ve delved into the Crucible, you’ve likely fallen victim to the Ammit AR2 at some point. This Auto Rifle is incredible in PvP and is exceptionally easy to control. Dynamic Sway Reduction (DSR) is a superb trait and is a big reason the Ammit AR2 excels in Crucible. Pair DSR with Triple Tap, and you have a pinpoint-accurate Auto Rifle with massive magazines.

The Ammit AR2 is deadly in the hands of veterans and newcomers alike. If you struggle with precision weapons and want to get into PvP, this is the gun for you.

#3 Brigand’s Law

• Weapon Type: Sidearm
• Element: Arc

The Brigand’s Law is an exceptional Sidearm with a decent fire rate. This weapon is special because it can roll with Voltshot, one of the most sought-after traits for Arc weapons. Threat Detector pairs nicely with Voltshot, making the gun easier to use when opponents are nearby.

If you’ve never seen Voltshot in action, you’re in for a treat, as this trait alone turns the weapon into an add-clearing machine. Feeding Frenzy is a viable replacement for Threat Detector if you’re shaping your own. 

Xur brought a beautifully rolled Brigand’s Law to the Tower some time ago, so check your inventory, as you may not need to Shape one if you bought it.

#2 Osteo Striga

• Weapon Type: SMG
• Element: Kinetic

The Osteo Striga is an anomaly on this list as it’s one of the handful of craftable Exotics. On top of that, it’s easy to get and is rewarded upon completion of the Witch Queen campaign.

It’s rare to find a weapon that excels at both PvP and PvE, but the Osteo Striga rises to the challenge. This brutal SMG is strong enough to use in end-game PvE content, including Raids. Osteo Striga projectiles slightly track targets, making it extremely strong in Crucible, too.

I’ve lost count of how many times Striga shots have followed me around corners and killed me in PvP. Make sure you inflict that misery on your fellow Guardians and take the Osteo Striga for a spin.

#1 Calus Mini-Tool

• Weapon Type: SMG
• Element: Solar

When I returned to Destiny 2, I heard tales of the powerful but extraordinarily rare Calus Mini-Tool. After finally getting one myself, I can confirm the tales are true.

I only recently got my hands on a Shaped Calus Mini-Tool, and this thing is a mob-clearing monster. With Enhanced Perks, it feels like an Exotic masquerading as a Legendary and works in all game modes. My Calus Mini-Tool has Unrelenting and Incandescent. This combination triggers health regeneration and spreads scorch across groups of enemies.

The downside is that the only vendor who will sell you a Calus Mini-Tool is Xur. The Agent of the Nine can go months without bringing a Calus Mini-Tool, and you can do nothing to force his hand.

Those are my picks for the best Shapeable weapons to spend your precious resources on. If you’re ready to take on some Dungeons, check out our list of the best Exotics to farm.