Destiny 2's Best Submachine Guns: A 2026 Reality Check

Best Destiny 2 submachine guns (SMGs) for PvE and PvP in 2026: Prolonged Engagement, Unforgiven, Submission, Tarrabah.

Submachine guns in Destiny 2 are the pocket-sized powerhouses that refuse to go quietly into the night. Sure, auto rifles like Khvostov 7G-0x have been hogging the spotlight, but a good SMG can still make you feel like a caffeinated squirrel on a rampage. As we roll into 2026, the meta has shifted more times than a politician's promises, but these bullet hoses remain solid choices for both PvE and PvP. So, grab your favorite energy drink, and let's dive into the best SMGs that'll have you singing 'Another One Bites the Dust' in no time.

Note: This list is based on a 2024 update, but as of 2026, these weapons are still kicking. The sandbox may have new toys, but these are tried-and-true.

Prolonged Engagement 🔫

• How to get: Strikes, Vanguard Engram Focusing

• Best perks: Outlaw, Headstone

• Element: Stasis

• Frame: Lightweight, 900 RPM

Prolonged Engagement is like that guy who brings a knife to a gunfight—Stasis is a bit niche, but when it works, it works. Outlaw and Headstone make for a reloading frenzy, but don't expect it to outshine the meta. Still, if Stasis ever gets its moment in the sun, this SMG will be the belle of the ball.

Unforgiven 💥

• How to get: Duality Dungeon

• Best perks: Demolitionist paired with either Golden Tricorn or Frenzy

• Element: Void

• Frame: Aggressive, 720 RPM

Unforgiven is the James Dean of SMGs—it plays by its own rules. Its origin trait, Bitterspite, speeds up reloads based on damage taken, which is like getting a shot of espresso after a punch in the face. Pair that with Demolitionist and Frenzy, and you've got a Void build's best friend. Grenades for days, and reloads faster than a rabbit on a hot tin roof.

Submission 🗡️

• How to get: Vow of the Disciple Raid

• Best perks: Subsistence or Encore, paired with Frenzy, Thresh, or Demolitionist

• Element: Kinetic

• Frame: Lightweight, 900 RPM

Submission is the craftable darling from Vow of the Disciple. It's like a Swiss Army knife—versatile, reliable, and just plain fun. With perks like Subsistence and Frenzy, you'll be mowing down ads like a lawnmower on steroids. It's Kinetic, so it won't synergize with elemental builds, but who cares when you're having this much fun? For PvP, Perpetual Motion and Swashbuckler can make it a sleeper hit.

Tarrabah 🐉

• How to get: Purchased from the Monument to Lost Lights Exotic Kiosk

• Element: Solar

• RPM: 720 RPM (900 RPM with Ravenous Beast active)

Tarrabah is the Exotic that proves SMGs can hit like a truck. It stores damage in its Ravenous Beast meter, and once full, it transforms into a Special weapon in disguise. The catch? You can't switch weapons without losing progress, so you're married to it until the job is done. In 2026, it's still a beast in low-to-mid PvE and a solid Crucible pick if you can commit.

The Recluse 🕷️

• How to get: Onslaught

• Best perks: Feeding Frenzy, Subsistence, or Repulsor Brace and Master of Arms, Destabilizing Rounds, and Frenzy

• Element: Void

• Frame: Lightweight, 900 RPM

The Recluse is back and better than ever. This Void SMG is a PvE powerhouse with perks that make it a breeze to farm. Master of Arms is its signature perk, giving a 15% damage boost after a kill with any other weapon. It's like having a cheerleader in your pocket, urging you to swap and slay. Destabilizing Rounds and Repulsor Brace make it a Void build's dream.

Imminence 🌌

• How to get: Salvation's Edge Raid

• Best perks: Perpetual Motion, Slice, Enlightened Action, and Firefly Chaos Reshaped, Hatchling

• Element: Strand

• Frame: Lightweight, 900 RPM

Imminence is the new kid on the block from Salvation's Edge, and it's already making waves. It's the first Strand weapon to roll with Firefly, which is like putting a cherry on top of an already delicious sundae. Hatchling and Sever make it a natural fit for Strand builds, while Chaos Reshaped and Desperate Measures offer general oomph. It's a solid choice for both PvE and PvP, so don't sleep on it.

Multimach CCX 🎯

• How to get: Iron Banner

• Best perks: Attrition Orbs or Dynamic Sway Reduction, and Frenzy or Target Lock

• Element: Kinetic

• Frame: Lightweight, 900 RPM

Multimach CCX has had more iterations than a cat has lives. This version from Season 23 is a single-target specialist, making it a PvP darling. In PvE, it's best for building Super and Transcendence energy. Attrition Orbs and Frenzy are the go-to perks for PvE, while Target Lock and Dynamic Sway Reduction keep it competitive in the Crucible. It's not The Immortal, but it's got flexibility for days.

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Shayura's Wrath ⚡

• How to get: Trials of Osiris

• Best perks: Keep Away or Repulsor Brace and Kill Clip, Target Lock, or Destabilizing Rounds

• Element: Void

• Frame: Precision, 600 RPM

Shayura's Wrath is the Trials of Osiris reward that makes PvP players drool. Its stats are through the roof, and perks like Kill Clip and Target Lock turn it into a monster. It's a bit of a grind to get, but if you can brave the Trials, you'll be rewarded with one of the best Void SMGs in the game. The Adept version is even sweeter.

Osteo Striga ☠️

• How to get: Complete The Witch Queen campaign

• Element: Kinetic

• RPM: 600 RPM

Osteo Striga is the Exotic SMG that shoots projectiles and spreads poison like a bad rumor. It's a beast in PvE for add-clearing, and with its catalyst, it becomes a PvP menace against teams that like to hug. The Screaming Swarm perk helps with aim, and final blows create poisonous bursts. It's a unique weapon that's still relevant in 2026.

IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3 🔌

• How to get: Operation: Seraph's Shield Exotic Mission (On Rotation)

• Best perks: Feeding Frenzy, Voltshot

• Element: Arc

• Frame: Aggressive, 720 RPM

The IKELOS_SMG_v1.0.3 is the third time's the charm. With Seraph Rounds that over-penetrate and ricochet, and the Rasputin's Arsenal origin trait that refills half your mag on shield breaks, it's an add-clearing machine. Voltshot and Feeding Frenzy are the PvE god roll. It's been a fan favorite for years, and in 2026, it's still zapping enemies with style.

Final Thoughts 🏁

So there you have it—the best SMGs in Destiny 2 as of 2026. Whether you're a PvE warrior or a PvP sweat, there's an SMG here for you. The meta may shift, but these weapons have stood the test of time. So go out there, farm those rolls, and show the Darkness what a little bullet hose can do. And remember, if at first you don't succeed, reload and try again.