Destiny 2's 8 Exotic Shotguns Ranked: PvE Powerhouse Guide 2025

Destiny 2's exotic shotgun PvE ranking showcases eight unique weapons, including the new Slayer's Fang, revealing which shotguns dominate endgame content as ad-clear specialists or boss-melting powerhouses.

With the release of Episode Revenant's Act 3, Destiny 2's exotic shotgun family has grown to eight unique weapons, each bringing something special to the battlefield. 🎯 The latest addition, Slayer's Fang, joins legendary classics like Conditional Finality and Tractor Cannon, creating a diverse arsenal for Guardians to master. While some shotguns dominate in PvP, this ranking focuses purely on their PvE performance and utility in 2025's endgame content. From ad-clear specialists to boss-melting powerhouses, here's how these exotic shotguns stack up against each other.

🔻 8. Lord of Wolves

Once a PvP terror, Lord of Wolves has fallen behind in today's meta. Its solar burst firing mechanism now feels sluggish compared to modern options. The weapon struggles with ammo economy and damage output, making it difficult to recommend for serious PvE content.

Key Issues:

• Slow burst firing speed

• Poor ammo efficiency

• Outclassed damage numbers

🔻 7. The Chaperone

This precision slug shotgun remains a PvP favorite but struggles in PvE scenarios. The requirement for consistent precision hits makes it challenging when facing hordes of enemies. While it boasts impressive one-shot potential, most players will find better options for endgame content.

Notable Features:

• Precision slug ammunition

• Excellent range for a shotgun

• Requires consistent headshots

🔻 6. Duality

Duality offers versatility with its dual firing modes - precision shots when aiming down sights and spread shots when hip-firing. The "On Black Wings" perk provides stacking buffs for precision kills, making it fun for lower-tier content but challenging in endgame activities where kill requirements can be difficult to maintain.

Unique Mechanics:

• Dual firing modes

• Precision damage stacking

• Reload speed buffs

🔻 5. Legend of Acrius

As one of Destiny 2's original exotic shotguns, Legend of Acrius remains in the heavy weapon slot, delivering massive arc shockwaves. With its catalyst providing Trench Barrel and increased magazine size, it becomes a close-range monster for raid bosses who can be safely approached.

Endgame Utility:

• Massive single-shot damage

• Arc shockwave projectiles

• Trench Barrel catalyst perk

🔻 4. The Fourth Horseman

This rapid-fire beast unleashes its entire magazine in seconds, with each shot increasing the next's damage. Perfect for enemies with short damage windows, The Fourth Horseman delivers absurd burst damage at close range, though it burns through ammo reserves rapidly.

Damage Potential:

• Fastest firing exotic shotgun

• Stacking damage per shot

• Excellent for burst damage phases

🔻 3. Tractor Cannon

The ultimate support shotgun, Tractor Cannon sacrifices one player's damage to boost the entire team's output. While no longer mandatory for raid groups, it remains valuable for players focusing on support roles or when facing mechanics that limit direct damage opportunities.

Support Capabilities:

• Team damage buffing

• Enemy suppression

• Utility over raw damage

🔻 2. Slayer's Fang

The newest addition brings incredible versatility as Destiny 2's only craftable exotic shotgun. With built-in champion stunning, void weakening capabilities, and multiple catalyst options, Slayer's Fang adapts to any playstyle. Players can choose between damage-focused or survivability-oriented builds.

Customization Options:

• Craftable with multiple perks

• Built-in champion stuns

• Void weaken application

• Choice of exotic catalysts

🔻 1. Conditional Finality

The undisputed king of exotic shotguns, Conditional Finality excels in both PvE and PvP. Its unique ability to freeze and ignite targets with a single magazine makes it incredibly versatile. The weapon provides safety through instant freezing while delivering massive damage potential and excellent subclass synergy.

Top-Tier Features:

• Freeze and ignite capabilities

• Champion stunning utility

• Excellent damage output

• Strong subclass synergies

💫 Final Thoughts

Each exotic shotgun serves a specific purpose in Destiny 2's evolving sandbox. While Conditional Finality remains the top choice for most content, the recent addition of Slayer's Fang offers exciting customization options. Legend of Acrius and The Fourth Horseman provide specialized boss damage, while Tractor Cannon maintains its support role. As Episode Revenant continues to unfold, Guardians have more shotgun options than ever to tackle 2025's toughest challenges.