The Ultimate Destiny 2 Glaive Power Ranking: From Obscurity to Legendary Dominance
Destiny 2's Glaive weapons have transformed into essential hybrid marvels, defining the 2026 Guardian arsenal with their versatile melee and projectile capabilities. This definitive ranking explores the thrilling meta, from foundational classics to world-shattering supreme tools of destruction.
The Glaive, Destiny 2's hybrid marvel of melee and projectile fury, has evolved from a curious novelty into an absolute cornerstone of the 2026 Guardian arsenal. This versatile weapon type, capable of absorbing torrents of enemy fire with its energy shield before retaliating with devastating close-quarters strikes or long-range energy blasts, has cemented its place as the ultimate jack-of-all-trades. The sandbox has been utterly transformed since their introduction, with new additions and archetypes pushing the boundaries of what these weapons can do. Forget the days of limited choice; the modern Glaive meta is a thrilling landscape of explosive potential and build-defining power. Let's embark on a definitive journey, ranking these magnificent tools of destruction from the merely functional to the utterly, world-shatteringly supreme.
10. Greasy Luck: The Fiery, Yet Forgettable, Contender
Hailing from the depths of the Ghosts of the Deep dungeon, Greasy Luck is a Solar Rapid-Fire Glaive that, frankly, struggles to make a lasting impression. Its claim to fame is the ability to roll with the ever-popular Incandescent perk, allowing its projectiles to set the battlefield ablaze. Paired with perks like Replenishing Aegis for tactical reloads or Disruption Break for shield-busting utility, it's a solid, serviceable tool. For those obsessed with the melee aspect, Close to Melee offers a damage boost. However, in the grand, explosive theater of 2026's endgame, Greasy Luck simply fails to bring anything new or revolutionary to the party. It's the definition of a weapon you chase for a single perk and then promptly forget in your vault.
Verdict: A one-trick pony in a circus of legends.
9. The Enigma: The Timeless, Reliable Foundation
Behold, the progenitor! The Enigma, the first Glaive every Guardian crafted during The Witch Queen era, remains a shockingly effective and accessible workhorse. Its strength lies in beautiful, straightforward synergy. The classic Grave Robber and Frenzy combination is a dream: melee kills reload the weapon while Frenzy boosts damage, handling, and reload speed, making the entire experience fluid and powerful. For the defensive tactician, Subsistence and Unstoppable Force creates an almost unbreakable shield, refilling the magazine with projectile kills. It's easy to craft, synergizes wonderfully with Void 3.0 builds, and is an absolute joy to use. In a world of overcomplicated exotic traits, The Enigma is a masterclass in elegant, effective design.
Verdict: The reliable, trusty sidearm you never stop loving.
8. Nezarec's Whisper: The Arc Utility Powerhouse
Don't let the name fool you; this Arc Glaive is all about providing staggering utility options. While a straightforward Impulse Amplifier and Frenzy roll will let you slay with reckless abandon, the true magic lies in its specialized combos. Genesis and Adaptive Munitions turns this Glaive into a shield-shredding monstrosity that auto-reloads. For the immovable object playstyle, Tilting At Windmills paired with Unstoppable Force makes you a walking fortress. And for ability spam enthusiasts, Demolitionist and Adrenaline Junkie is a match made in heaven. It's a craftable, versatile gem that can be tailored to fit virtually any build imaginable.
Verdict: A Swiss Army knife disguised as a polearm.
7. Winterbite: The Heavyweight Stasis Titan
Winterbite demands a heavy sacrifice—your Exotic and Heavy slots—but repays that investment with glacial, overwhelming force. This Heavy Glaive doesn't just fire projectiles; it launches a slow-moving Stasis orb that freezes everything in its path, creating perfect setups for massive shatter damage. Its true, earth-shattering potential, however, is unlocked when paired with melee-boosting Exotics like Synthoceps. The enhanced melee damage becomes absurd, allowing you to pulverize majors and even chunk bosses. It's ammo-efficient, hits like a freight train made of ice, and controls the battlefield with an iron fist. A true powerhouse for those who like their combat up close and personal.
Verdict: Giving up your Heavy slot has never felt so rewarding.
6. Lubrae's Ruin: The Exotic Disguised as a Legendary
Lubrae's Ruin isn't just a weapon; it's a statement. Sourced from the Vow of the Disciple raid, this Glaive looks and feels like it should be Exotic. Its perk pool is a treasure trove of excellence. Grave Robber and Swashbuckler creates a seamless loop of melee kills and empowered projectiles. Steady Hands and Wellspring turns it into an ability-generating machine. For the ultimate tank, Immovable Object and Unstoppable Force makes you nearly invincible. It deals exceptional damage, can withstand apocalyptic levels of fire, and possesses an aesthetic so cool it should lower the temperature of your gaming room. It is, without a doubt, a masterpiece.
Verdict: A raid weapon worthy of its legendary status.
5. Ecliptic Distaff: The Void-Spreading Ritual Beast
The ritual weapon from Season of Defiance holds two unique and powerful distinctions: it is the only Glaive that can roll with Destabilizing Rounds, and the only Void Glaive with Close to Melee. This makes it an absolute monster for Void builds, spreading Volatile debuffs everywhere or significantly boosting its melee damage for endgame content. Its first-column perk, Replenishing Aegis, synergizes perfectly with the Glaive's blocking mechanic, allowing for sustained fire. With a deterministic farm from ritual vendors, this is a must-have for any Void enthusiast looking to add serious utility and punch to their loadout.
Verdict: A volatile, melee-focused nightmare for the enemies of the Light.
4. Vexcalibur: The Unbreakable Overshield Engine
Vexcalibur redefines the Glaive as a survival tool. This Exotic doesn't just block damage; it converts that blocked energy into a potent Void Overshield for you and your allies. This overshield synergizes with all Void Fragments and Aspects, and the weapon itself can activate Volatile Rounds. The result? You become an unstoppable, mobile bunker. The damage resistance from the overshield, stacked with the Glaive's frontal shield, allows you to walk through hails of gunfire that would disintegrate lesser Guardians. Its catalyst options further enhance its auto-reloading capabilities, making Vexcalibur the ultimate tool for aggressive, sustained pushes where survival is paramount.
Verdict: The definition of tactical immortality.
3. Judgment of Kelgorath: The Aggressive Frame Annihilator
As Destiny 2's first Aggressive Frame Glaive, Judgment of Kelgorath trades speed for raw, unadulterated power. Its projectiles and melee attacks hit harder than any other Special Glaive, and its perk pool is a catalog of destruction. The crown jewel is Close to Melee, granting a massive 30% buff to melee damage. Pair this with Synthoceps, and you become a walking demolition crew. For projectile fans, Enhanced Surrounded offers devastating AOE potential. Want to be a tank? Unstoppable Force and Immovable Object have you covered. Fancy setting the world on fire? Overflow and Incandescent is a valid option. This weapon caters to every single Glaive playstyle and excels at all of them.
Verdict: A brutally versatile instrument of pure destruction.
2. Unexpected Resurgence: The Stat-Monster From Trials
Bungie may have marketed this as a PvP Glaive, but that label is a tragic undersell. Unexpected Resurgence, earned from the Trials of Osiris, is a stat monster that outclasses every other Adaptive Frame Glaive in nearly every category. Its perk pool is arguably the best in the entire Glaive family. The combination of Shot Swap and Rampage is sublime: get a kill, boost your projectile damage, and gain lightning-fast weapon swaps. For pure, unadulterated add-clear madness, Subsistence paired with Voltshot or Swashbuckler turns you into a walking electrical storm or a perpetual motion killing machine. It is a flawless fusion of PvE and PvP excellence.
Verdict: A Trials weapon that transcends its competitive origins.
1. Forthcoming Deviance: The Salvation's Edge God-Killer
Behold, the pinnacle. The apex. The undisputed champion of the Glaive world in 2026. Forthcoming Deviance, born from the cosmic horrors of the Salvation's Edge raid, is Bungie's love letter to Glaive enthusiasts. Its perk pool is so disgustingly good it feels like a mistake. The first column offers Demolitionist, Disruption Break, and the ammo-multiplying beast that is Reconstruction. The second column is where dreams become reality: it houses the glorious, explosion-chaining Chain Reaction and the exclusive, reality-warping Chaos Reshaped trait. Yes, its Rapid-Fire Frame means individual projectiles lack punch, demanding smart build-crafting with Exotics and subclass verbs to unlock its true potential. But for those willing to master it, Forthcoming Deviance doesn't just kill enemies; it obliterates entire concepts of what a Glaive can be. It is the new standard. It is perfection.
Verdict: The S-tier king. The ultimate reward. The Glaive to end all Glaives.
| Rank | Glaive | Archetype | Key Strength | Obtained From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forthcoming Deviance | Rapid-Fire | God-Tier Perk Pool (Chain Reaction, Recon) | Salvation's Edge Raid |
| 2 | Unexpected Resurgence | Adaptive | Stat Monster, Versatile Perks | Trials of Osiris |
| 3 | Judgment of Kelgorath | Aggressive | Highest Damage, All Playstyles | Xur / World Pool |
| 4 | Vexcalibur (Exotic) | Adaptive | Void Overshield Generation | Avalon Mission |
| 5 | Ecliptic Distaff | Adaptive | Destabilizing Rounds / Close to Melee | Ritual Vendor |
| 6 | Lubrae's Ruin | Adaptive | Exotic Feel, Great Perks | Vow of the Disciple Raid |
| 7 | Winterbite (Exotic) | Heavy | Stasis Freeze, Heavy Melee Damage | Lightfall Quest |
| 8 | Nezarec's Whisper | Adaptive | Ultimate Utility Options | Crafting (Legacy) |
| 9 | The Enigma | Adaptive | Reliable, Synergistic Foundation | Crafting (Witch Queen) |
| 10 | Greasy Luck | Rapid-Fire | Incandescent, But Forgettable | Ghosts of the Deep Dungeon |
The Glaive meta has never been more exciting or diverse. From the accessible power of The Enigma to the raid-bestowed glory of Forthcoming Deviance, there is a perfect polearm for every Guardian's playstyle. Choose your weapon, raise your shield, and dominate the battlefield. The age of the Glaive is now.