Best Sidearms in Destiny 2

Sidearms in Destiny 2 are often considered the overlooked, less powerful, little brother to the stronger, more popular Hand Cannon. However, sidearms have increasingly become a popular pick for many guardians who like quick handling and fast movement in PvP activities. Furthermore, the selection of exotic sidearms has increased and can even contend with most other weapon types in a fight. So, if you're looking for more speed and better handling in a fight or just wanting to collect more weapons, here are the five best sidearms in Destiny 2.

Peacebond

The Peacebond is a legendary, energy sidearm that has quickly become a user favorite. It is a unique weapon since it's the only legendary sidearm that does stasis damage and uses new stasis-oriented perks.

It is a 3-round burst weapon that fires rapidly and can roll with many different perks. Some of its standout perks would be Killing Wind, Subsistence, or Rangefinder for PvP, or Swashbuckler and, its unique perk, Headstone for PvE. If you're lucky enough to roll with any of those, this weapon is definitely worth holding on to.

This weapon can be randomly acquired by playing Iron Banner when it is in the weekly rotation.

Related: Best Shotguns in Destiny 2

Punching Out

This sidearm may fly under the radar, but it is certainly not a sidearm to ignore. Punching Out is a legendary, energy sidearm that fires in full auto and comes with a lot of really strong perks.

But its pool of perks is larger and might take longer to get a so-called "god roll." Some recommended perks for this weapon would be Rangefinder or Encore (a new perk) for PvP and Overflow, Subsistence, Kill Clip, or Frenzy for PvE.

This weapon is obtainable through Vanguard Strikes and Engrams.

Drang

Drang is one of the most unique, legendary sidearms that originally appeared in Year One of Destiny 2. It is a solar, kinetic sidearm that only comes with its own set of perks and can never be rerolled for different ones.

Its perks are Moving Target which allows for greater accuracy and target acquisition and Rampage, which boots damage after every kill. These perks make Drang a powerhouse in both PvP and PvE situations. What's even more interesting about this weapon is its intrinsic trait called Together Forever. Drang is a sidearm that is intended pair with an exotic Hand Cannon called Sturm. So, when both weapons are equipped at the same time, they will boost each other in different ways. Kills with Drang reload Sturm and loads a bonus damage round, and kills with Sturm reloads Drang.

Drang can still be obtained by either purchasing it from Banshee-44 in the tower or from the collections tab under "weapons."

Devil's Ruin

Devil's Ruin is quite the little beast when it comes to sidearms. It is an exotic, energy weapon that also comes with its own unique perks.

Its exotic perk is a variable trigger that allows the weapon to be shot in different ways. Pressing and releasing fires normal shots but holding down the trigger shoots a high-powered laser capable of killing other guardians very quickly or stunning Unstoppable Champions. It's important to know that charging the laser uses up more ammo than normal firing. But its unique perk, Pryogenesis, will reload the weapon if the laser is fully charged.

This sidearm is obtainable through the Monument to Lost Lights by purchasing it under the "Shadowkeep Exotics" tab.

Cryosthesia 77K

This weapon was the newest sidearm to be released in the Beyond Light DLC and it definitely packs a punch. It's an exotic energy sidearm that does stasis damage and comes with unique perks.

Similar to Devil's Ruin, Cryosthesia 77K's exotic perk is a variable trigger. Press and release to shoot normal rounds or hold to fire a charged shot. The only difference is that its unique perk, Liquid Cooling, has to be active to shoot a charged shot. This is done by just getting kills. The charged shot is very effective in PvP since it can completely freeze another guardian in place.

This weapon can be obtained in the Monument to Lost Lights by purchasing it under the "Beyond Light Exotics" tab.

For more Destiny 2 content, check out Best Scout Rifles in Destiny 2