Destiny 2: Best New Rocket Launchers In 2024

What's up, Guardians! Today we're diving deep into the explosive world of rocket launchers in Destiny 2. If you're looking to add some serious boom to your arsenal, you've come to the right place, guys. Rocket launchers have always been a staple for high-damage output, and with the constant stream of new content and weapon rolls, figuring out the best new rocket launchers can be a bit of a challenge. But don't you worry, because we're here to break it down for you. We'll cover everything from their perks, best-in-slot potential, and where you might be able to snag these bad boys. So, buckle up, Guardians, because we're about to explore some seriously powerful ways to obliterate your enemies.

The King of the Hill: Cataclysmic

Let's kick things off with a real heavy hitter, shall we? The Cataclysmic rocket launcher has been a top-tier choice for a while now, and for good reason. It’s a Legendary, Solar rocket launcher that consistently ranks high in PvE damage. What makes it so special? Well, its unique perk pool, especially when you're aiming for specific god rolls. The combination of Bait and Switch and Field Prep is the dream. Field Prep gives you increased Glimmer pickup fromفتح chests and significantly faster reload and handling when you're crouching. This is crucial for sustained DPS phases. Then comes Bait and Switch. This perk activates when you hit three separate damage sources on a target within a short window, granting a substantial boost to your rocket's damage for a limited time. Imagine unloading a volley of rockets, each hitting harder than the last – that's the power of Cataclysmic with this roll. It truly shines in boss encounters where you need to maximize your damage output in short bursts. You'll want to be looking for barrels like Impact Casing or Quick Launch for that extra velocity or impact. For the magazine, Alloy Magazine is always a solid choice for faster reloads. And for the masterwork? Velocity is king here, ensuring your rockets reach their targets faster, which is especially helpful against mobile bosses. Getting your hands on a god-rolled Cataclysmic might require some serious grinding in the Vow of the Discipline raid, but trust me, the payoff is absolutely worth it. This weapon isn't just good; it's essential for any Guardian serious about high-level PvE content. It’s the kind of rocket launcher that makes you feel like a walking force of destruction, capable of taking down even the toughest foes with ease. The sheer impact and reliability of this weapon make it a must-have, and its place at the top of the meta is well-deserved.

Tracking vs. Velocity: What's Best?

When it comes to optimizing your rocket launcher, especially one like Cataclysmic, you'll often find yourself debating between Tracking Module and Velocity Masterwork (or perks that boost velocity). Let's break it down, guys. Tracking Module is fantastic for general use. It helps your rockets home in on targets, making it easier to land your shots, especially against smaller, faster-moving enemies or when you're not in a perfect DPS position. However, in high-end PvE content, like boss fights, precision and raw damage are paramount. Most bosses are large, stationary targets, or move in predictable patterns. In these scenarios, Velocity Masterwork and perks that increase projectile speed become far more valuable. A faster rocket means less time for the boss to move out of the way or for you to lose DPS uptime. For dedicated boss damage, you'll often sacrifice the convenience of tracking for the raw effectiveness of increased velocity. Think of it this way: if you can reliably hit your shots without tracking, the extra speed can make a significant difference in how quickly you can unload your burst damage. It’s all about adapting your loadout to the specific challenge at hand. For raids and grandmaster nightfalls, where every second and every rocket counts, pushing that velocity as high as possible is the name of the game. So, while tracking is great for everyday activities, for serious boss melting, prioritize velocity, folks!

A New Contender: Apex Predator

Alright, moving on to another absolute beast, the Apex Predator. This Legendary, Solar Rocket Launcher comes from the Last Wish raid, and let me tell you, it has quickly become a fan favorite for its incredible potential. What sets Apex Predator apart? Its perk pool is absolutely stacked. We're talking about perks that synergize beautifully for pure damage output. The god roll that most players are chasing is Reconstruction and Bait and Switch. Reconstruction is a game-changer, allowing your rocket launcher to slowly reload itself over time when stowed. This means you can fire off your clip, switch to another weapon, and by the time you need your rocket launcher again, it’s either fully or partially reloaded – magic, right? This drastically reduces downtime and increases sustained damage. Combined with Bait and Switch, which, as we discussed with Cataclysmic, provides a massive damage boost after landing three separate hits, you've got a recipe for some insane DPS. Other desirable perks include Field Prep for those crouched reloads and handling boosts, and Demolitionist if you're looking for grenade energy on kills. For barrels, you're looking for Impact Casing or Quick Launch, and for magazines, Alloy Magazine is solid. The masterwork you'll want is, you guessed it, Velocity or Reload Speed. Apex Predator is an absolute monster in PvE, especially against bosses and champions. The ability to consistently have rockets ready to fire thanks to Reconstruction is just phenomenal. It allows for more aggressive playstyles and reduces the reliance on ammo finders. Grinding the Last Wish raid can be a bit of a trek, especially if you're going for specific rolls, but the sheer power and utility of this rocket launcher make it a highly sought-after weapon. It’s the kind of weapon that makes you feel powerful and efficient, and honestly, that’s what Destiny 2 is all about. It’s a testament to how well-designed weapons can completely change the way you approach combat, and Apex Predator is a prime example of that.

Solar Rocket Synergy

Since both Cataclysmic and Apex Predator are Solar rocket launchers, it’s worth noting the broader synergy they bring to a Solar subclass build. Having a powerful Solar heavy weapon like these can easily amplify the benefits of certain Solar fragments and aspects. For instance, with the Ember of Torches fragment, landing melee hits grants you and your nearby allies radiant, increasing kinetic and Solar weapon damage. Imagine applying radiant, then unloading rockets from Apex Predator or Cataclysmic – that’s a massive damage increase right there! Similarly, aspects like Icarus Dash on a Warlock can provide excellent aerial maneuverability, allowing you to reposition safely while reloading or lining up your next shot. For Titans, the Synthoceps exotic gauntlets can significantly boost your melee damage, which can then trigger Ember of Torches for that crucial radiant buff before you switch to your rocket. This kind of build crafting is where Destiny 2 truly shines, and having these potent Solar heavy weapons makes it even more rewarding. It’s not just about the weapon itself, but how it integrates into your overall Guardian's capabilities, making you a more effective and dangerous force on the battlefield. The consistent synergy they offer makes them incredibly valuable assets, regardless of the specific encounter you're facing.

The Crowd-Pleaser: Cold Comfort

Alright, let's talk about a rocket launcher that’s a bit more accessible but still packs a serious punch: the Cold Comfort. This Legendary, Stasis Rocket Launcher is available from the Season of the Haunted activities, specifically the Duality dungeon. While it might not have the same raid prestige, its perk combinations can make it a top-tier contender, especially for those who might not have the raid weapons yet. The god roll for Cold Comfort often revolves around Bait and Switch and Envious Assassin. Envious Assassin is a fantastic perk that overflows the magazine based on the number of rapid kills you get with a different weapon before reloading your rocket launcher. This means if you're skilled with your primary or special weapon, you can enter a DPS phase with multiple rockets already loaded into your Cold Comfort, significantly boosting your burst damage. Combined with Bait and Switch for that extra damage kicker, and you've got a rocket launcher that can compete with the best. Other desirable perks include Field Prep for the reload and handling benefits, and Demolitionist for grenade energy. For barrels and magazines, you'll want to aim for Impact Casing or Quick Launch and Alloy Magazine, respectively. The masterwork of choice is usually Velocity or Reload Speed. Cold Comfort is incredibly versatile. It’s great for boss damage, but also quite effective in add-clearing scenarios due to its potential for high burst damage. Its Stasis element also opens up unique build possibilities, especially with the introduction of Stasis aspects and fragments that enhance abilities or control the battlefield. Getting this from Duality is definitely a worthwhile grind, as it provides a powerful heavy option that doesn't require you to have completed specific raids. It's a fantastic example of a dungeon weapon punching way above its weight class, offering serious utility and damage for dedicated players. This weapon proves that you don't always need raid-exclusive loot to be a top-tier Guardian; smart perk choices and skillful play can make any weapon a powerhouse.

Stasis Rocket Launcher Utility

Being a Stasis rocket launcher, Cold Comfort brings a unique utility that other elemental rocket launchers can't offer. While Solar and Void rockets focus purely on damage, Stasis has the added benefit of crowd control. Perks like Headstone (though not on the god roll for Cold Comfort) can create Stasis shards on precision kills, which can be used for ability regeneration or even triggering certain artifact mods. Even without specific Stasis perks on the rocket itself, the elemental damage type can interact with Stasis subclass abilities. Imagine hitting a group of enemies with a Stasis rocket and then following up with a Whisper of Chains fragment for damage resistance, or using Whisper of Shards to increase your grenade recharge rate after shattering a Stasis crystal. This adds another layer of tactical depth to your loadout. For players who enjoy a more controlled playstyle, or who need to manage adds effectively while still contributing significant boss damage, a Stasis rocket launcher like Cold Comfort offers a fantastic balance. It’s not just about the boom; it’s about how that boom can set up your team for success, freeze enemies, or create opportunities for your abilities to shine. This versatility makes it a standout option in the heavy slot, especially when combined with a well-thought-out Stasis build.

Honorable Mentions: Dragonfly and Volatile Rounds

Before we wrap this up, let's give a shout-out to a couple of perks that can elevate any rocket launcher, new or old: Dragonfly and Volatile Rounds. Dragonfly causes enemies to explode on precision kills, creating a secondary damaging blast. This is absolutely phenomenal for add-clearing. Imagine lining up a headshot with a rocket, and then the resulting explosion chains to take out a whole group of weaker enemies. It’s satisfying and incredibly efficient. Many new rocket launchers can roll with Dragonfly, and it can seriously change how you approach trash mobs. On the other hand, Volatile Rounds is an intrinsic perk for Void subclasses and weapons. When you have Volatile Rounds active, your Void weapon rounds cause targets to become Volatile, exploding after a short duration. This effect is devastating against groups of enemies and significantly boosts your damage against tougher targets. While not a perk on a rocket launcher itself (unless it's a specific Void rocket that can synergize), having a Void subclass and equipping a rocket launcher can indirectly benefit from this. For example, if you're running a Void Warlock with Echo of Instability, precision final blows with your Void weapons grant Volatile Rounds to your Void weapons. If you have a Void rocket launcher equipped, this can lead to some truly explosive results. It's all about that chain reaction, guys! These perks and effects remind us that sometimes, the coolest and most effective ways to deal damage come from those synergistic explosions and debuffs. It’s not always about the single biggest rocket shot, but the cascade of destruction you can create.

Wrapping It Up, Guardians!

So there you have it, guys! We’ve covered some of the new rocket launchers Destiny 2 has to offer, from the raid-centric powerhouses like Cataclysmic and Apex Predator to the more accessible but still potent Cold Comfort. Remember, the