Summary
As is the case with each episode inDestiny 2, Episode Heresy has brought with it one of the game’sstaple yearly events. With Guardian Games 2025, three previously available weapons have returned with new and powerful rolls, and a brand new Trace Rifle has hit the game at the perfect time for the weapon archetype.
Here is a rundown of each weapon available in this event, ranked by their power in both PvE and PvP, specifically when compared to other non-time gated options available in the game. While each of these weapons has a specific case to make for its use in particular places, clear power outliers have led to this ranked list.
4Hullabaloo
Arc Compressed Wave Frame Grenade Launcher
Hullabaloois one of two Compressed Wave Frame grenade launchers, the other being Dimensional Hypotrochoid from Neomuna. Hullabaloo has several Arc weapon staple perks available, from Voltshot to Chain Reaction, and also has several great damage perk options, like Envious Arsenal and One For All. Where this grenade launcher falls behind is when compared to standard grenade launchers. Thanks to this weapon requiring the player to fire at the floor for the weapon to function properly it forgoes the standard impact damage-based damage rotation, making it entirely useless against a large number of endgame bosses.
Despite this,Hullabaloo recently found popularity in the Vesper’s Host dungeon, with the second boss being a collection of Fallen Servitors. Due to the servitors clumping together in a group, this weapon can hit multiple at once, easily activating One For All, but also dealing massive damage to the boss thanks to hitting it so many times.
3Taraxippos
Strand Lightweight Frame Scout Rifle
Taraxippos is an interesting scout rifle,sadly falling short of its Strand identity thanks to a lack of Strand-based perks. Having Hatchling available in the second perk column is good for those looking for a Strand build; arguably, Explosive Payload is the more potent option for general PvE use. If a player is looking for a powerful option to fit into a Strand build, they are likely better off going for The Guiding Sight fromIron Banner, as that scout rifle has multiple Strand perks that will boost the power of a build more effectively than Taraxippos.
Overall, this weapon thrives more in PvP, thanks to having access to Lone Wolf and Zen Moment, both perks that boost the base functionality of the weapon in general game gunfights. Pairing either of these with Explosive Payload makes for a great dueling weapon, or the player can take Kill Clip for increased kill-chaining potential.
2Keraunios
Arc Adaptive Frame Trace Rifle
Keraunios is the newest addition to the Guardian Games weapon line-up and has arrived at the perfect time. Not only is Episode Heresy focused on Arc weapons, but Act 2 also brought several artifact perks focused on boosting the power of trace rifles. Similar to Warlord’s Spear, another Arc trace rifle obtained from Iron Banner,Keraunios can roll with Jolting Feedback or Detonator Beam. Both perks are potent in PvE environments, easily spreading devastation throughout a battlefield thanks to their area-of-effect ability and also play into the Arc builds that this weapon fits best into.
Rolling Storm is another great perk option if a player wishes to build into Bolt Charge. Combining any of these perks with Recycled Energy allows for consistent ability refreshes, which further push this weapon into the role of a support weapon, providing Bolt Charge and ability energy. Keraunios can also roll with Overflow and Triple Tap which are both good perks to better this weapon’s ammo economy, and pair well with both Jolting Feedback and Detonator Beam.
1The Title
Void Aggressive Frame Submachine Gun
The final weapon on this list is The Title, a staple in the Guardian Games weapons list for several years. While the combination ofRepulsor Brace and Destabilizing Roundshas been available for over a year, thanks to the time-gated nature of Guardian Games, many players missed out on this powerful gun. Now able to roll with the new perk Demoralize, this weapon is a must-have now more than ever. Combining the new roll available with the Void artifact perks available in Episode Heresy, there is no better time to pick up this weapon.
In terms ofPvP viability, The Title is not the best SMG in the game, however, it does have access to some great rolls that make it a potential powerhouse in Guardian vs Guardian combat. With Closing Time and Under Pressure, this weapon becomes a fantastic option for prolonged gunfights, with Threat Detector and Rangefinder allowing for a more neutral game dueling weapon.
