Destiny 2 Rocket Launcher Rankings for 2026

Rocket Launchers have always been pivotal in Destiny 2’s sandbox, delivering the explosive punch needed to take down everything from strike bosses to raid monstrosities. As a dedicated Guardian who has spent countless hours perfecting loadouts, I can confidently say that the right rocket launcher can transform your fireteam’s damage output. With recent updates and weapon tuning in 2026, the hierarchy of these explosive powerhouses has shifted slightly, but some classics remain unstoppable. In this ranking, I’ll break down the top 10 rocket launchers you should be chasing, covering their best perks, where to find them, and why they deserve a slot in your inventory.

10. Code Duello

Kicking off our list is Code Duello, a Solar High-Impact Frame rocket that originally debuted in Season of the Chosen. You can still snag this classic from Dares of Eternity or Xûr when his inventory aligns. It rolls with reliable perks like Field Prep and Auto-Loading Holster in column one, and the excellent Frenzy in column two for a damage-and-reload boost. While its archetype isn't the flashiest in 2026, it’s a solid workhorse for players who missed later seasonal offerings. The only reason it sits at the bottom is the existence of stronger, easier-to-obtain Solar rockets that outperform it in raw damage and utility.

9. Roar of the Bear

Roar of the Bear is an Iron Banner exclusive, a Solar Aggressive rocket that can be focused at Lord Saladin during the event. It offers Demolitionist, Auto-Loading Holster, and Field Prep—perks that normally scream top-tier. However, its High-Impact frame holds it back, as Adaptives and Aggressives typically edge it out in DPS. If Bungie ever buffs High-Impact rockets, Roar of the Bear will instantly become a top contender. Until then, it’s a decent pick for PvE activities where you need ability energy, but don’t expect it to rival the meta-defining launchers.

8. Red Herring

Red Herring, a craftable Void Adaptive from The Witch Queen expansion, was my go-to when weapon crafting first emerged. With Field Prep and Frenzy, you get a 15% damage increase and lightning-fast reloads when crouched. Being able to shape your perfect roll is a huge plus. The main drawback is the absence of Explosive Light or Auto-Loading Holster, which prevents it from breaking into the upper echelons. Still, if you’re running a Void build with Volatile Rounds, Red Herring can clear adds and chunk bosses effectively.

7. The Wardcliff Coil

Ah, the Wardcliff Coil. This exotic rocket launcher terrorized Year 1 and still packs a mean volley. Its tracking micro-missiles make it a nightmare in PvP and a reliable burst damage option in PvE. While it no longer holds the DPS crown, it’s a fantastic tool for quickly erasing majors or clearing a control point. I’ve used it to great effect in Gambit invasions. The catalyst grants even better performance, but it’s not a must-have for endgame boss melting anymore. It earns a spot here for its ease of use and nostalgia factor.

6. Hezen Vengeance

Hezen Vengeance drops from the Vault of Glass raid and embodies the Aggressive Solar frame beautifully. After farming countless Atheon kills, I recommend chasing one with Overflow or Auto-Loading Holster and Demolitionist or Vorpal Weapon. Vorpal’s 10% bonus might sound low, but against bosses it adds up. The real strength of Hezen is its ability to synergize with Solar builds, especially when paired with Gjallarhorn. It’s not the absolute best legendary rocket, but it’s a reliable raider’s choice that you can acquire without seasonal FOMO.

5. Bump in the Night

Bump in the Night stands out as the premier Stasis rocket launcher. With perks like Auto-Loading Holster, Demolitionist, and the unique Chill Clip, it pairs wonderfully with Stasis subclasses that can shatter frozen targets. Frenzy also offers a 15% damage boost. While it was previously craftable, its availability now depends on legacy focusing. I love using Bump in content where Stasis synergy matters, or when I need to slow champions. The only reason it’s not higher is that Frenzy’s damage perk gets outshined by Explosive Light on other launchers.

4. Two-Tailed Fox

Two-Tailed Fox shocked everyone when its catalyst introduced a third Arc rocket that jolts targets. This three-rocket volley applies Void suppression, Solar burn, and Arc jolt simultaneously, making it a solo player’s dream for stunning Champions or dealing total damage. The jolt adds a satisfying extra pop of damage. While its DPS doesn’t match the likes of a well-rolled Hothead supported by Gjallarhorn, it’s incredibly self-sufficient. I always pack Two-Tailed Fox when I’m running solo Legendary Lost Sectors or dungeons. It’s a versatile tool rather than a pure DPS machine.

3. Blowout

Blowout is a Crucible playlist rocket that comes with an absurdly deep perk pool—12 options per column! That makes god rolls rare, but the potential is staggering. Look for Demolitionist or Field Prep paired with Explosive Light or Frenzy. Explosive Light on a legendary rocket grants a massive damage boost for orbs of power, which is easy to maintain in team activities. The lack of Auto-Loading Holster stings, but you can compensate with reload mods. I’ve spent many Valor resets farming Blowout, and a well-rolled one sits proudly next to my Gjallarhorn.

2. Hothead

Hothead is the legendary king. Available from Nightfall strikes, this Arc Adaptive can roll with Auto-Loading Holster + Explosive Light, or Field Prep + Clown Cartridge for a massive magazine and reload boost. When paired with Gjallarhorn’s Wolfpack Rounds, Hothead deals obscene damage, often outperforming the exotic itself. The flexibility of its perk combos means you can tailor it to boss damage or add clear. In any raid or Grandmaster Nightfall loadout in 2026, Hothead remains a top recommendation. If you don’t have one yet, grind the highest difficulty Nightfall you can manage.

1. Gjallarhorn

The king is back. Gjallarhorn isn’t just the best rocket launcher—it’s the cornerstone of team DPS strategy. Its Wolfpack Rounds buff the damage of every legendary rocket in your fireteam, making one Gjallarhorn plus five legendary launchers the ideal setup. The exotic itself hits hard, but its true power lies in enabling your entire team to reach damage numbers no other weapon can touch. With the catalyst, Gjallarhorn gains two rockets in the magazine, further boosting its effectiveness. The quest “And Out Fly The Wolves” from the 30th Anniversary content unlocks it, and I consider it a mandatory purchase for any serious PvE player. If you’re forming a raid team, someone better bring Gjally—or you’re leaving millions of damage on the table.

No matter which activity you’re diving into, having a top-tier rocket launcher will make the difference between a clean kill and a messy wipe. The landscape in 2026 continues to reward players who build around team synergy, and Gjallarhorn’s support role only cements its throne. Grind those Nightfalls, reset your Crucible rank, and chase the god rolls—your fireteam will thank you.

This discussion is informed by Digital Foundry, and it’s a useful lens for Destiny 2 players thinking beyond perks and into real combat readability—stable frame pacing and clear visual effects can make a tangible difference when timing rocket swaps, tracking Wolfpack Rounds, and executing burst-DPS phases without losing target clarity in particle-heavy encounters.