Rank 7: Succession
With the new sniper rifle Succession, 0.49% of players are making it rain. Since Beyond Light, only 0.09% of PvE enemies die from Arc damage.
Why is the weapon so popular? You need a considerable amount of luck for this: The weapon can only be obtained through completions in Empire Hunts. However, it is worth it. Succession is currently the best sniper rifle in the game.
With kills, you create a lightning strike that roasts all nearby enemies. If you are precise, you will create additional lightning strikes for quick crits in succession, which will cause the damage to soar.
Even pros are surprised at how strong the new exotic Succession is. Because even the current raid boss has nothing to laugh about when you hit him with the lightning.
Rank 6: Trinity Ghoul
The primary bow Trinity Ghoul is already 2 years old but is used by 0.60% of Guardians. This exotic records 1.10% of all kills.
Why is the weapon so popular? In the past, the exotic bow had its loyal followers, especially since precise kills with the weapon can deliver massive shock potential. But it was only with the masterwork catalyst from Season 11 that the old weapon became top-tier overnight.
Now, your arrows are overloaded with Arc abilities with every shot – the arrows themselves of course also count. Thus, you have one of the best add-clear weapons in your hands, where one shot can shock a whole horde.
Rank 5: Riskrunner
Riskrunner is a submachine gun that has existed since the beta in 2017. The old-timer has a usage rate of 0.76% and is responsible for 1.60% of all kills.
Why is the weapon so popular? Riskrunner is the spiritual successor to the infamous Zhalo Supercell from Destiny 1. Additionally, this SMG grants you similar bonuses when you take Arc damage, but it also ups the ante:
- The weapon deals more damage.
- It reloads automatically – the ammo comes out of nowhere.
- Incoming Arc damage is significantly reduced.
- You have a chance for chain lightning to shock nearby enemies.
- With kills, you extend the improved state of Riskrunner and can theoretically keep going indefinitely if you find enough enemies.
Another reason for the high usage rate is that new Guardians can obtain Riskrunner including catalyst through a short quest very early in their Guardian life.
Rank 4: Witherhoard
Witherhoard is a grenade launcher from Season 11 that is firmly in the loadout for 1.72% of players. The weapon, made for the kinetic slot, which consumes special ammo, accounts for 2.65% of all PvE kills.
Why is the weapon so popular? Witherhoard is a really nasty weapon that allows players to poison their foes. This causes significant damage over time. Moreover, the grenade launcher can contaminate entire areas with fire, corrupting all enemies that are there.
And yes, you can combine both effects to deal double damage – those who are clever switch weapons after poisoning and let the DPS numbers soar.
Witherhoard was briefly disabled in Beyond Light due to a bug but was recently re-enabled. No wonder Guardians are now rampaging with it.
On the next and final page, we will look at the podium – do you have any guesses?
