In Destiny 2, the Kinetic Grenade Launcher stands out as a versatile and powerful weapon that has become a favorite among many Guardians. Combining explosive impact with precise handling, this weapon type offers players an effective way to control crowds, deal heavy damage to bosses, and complement various gameplay styles. Whether you are a casual player or a competitive one, understanding the mechanics, best perks, and optimal usage of the Kinetic Grenade Launcher is crucial for maximizing your performance in both PvE and PvP activities.
What is a Kinetic Grenade Launcher?
The Kinetic Grenade Launcher is a weapon category in Destiny 2 that fires explosive projectiles without relying on elemental damage types such as Solar, Arc, or Void. Instead, it deals raw kinetic damage, making it effective against shielded enemies and a reliable choice for many combat scenarios. Unlike Energy or Power weapons, Kinetic weapons do not bypass enemy shields, but their high burst damage and splash radius can efficiently clear groups of weaker enemies and significantly chip away at tougher foes.
How It Differs from Energy and Power Grenade Launchers
- Kinetic Grenade Launchersdeal non-elemental damage and are typically equipped in the kinetic slot.
- Energy Grenade Launchersdeal elemental damage (Solar, Arc, or Void) and can bypass some shield types more effectively.
- Power Grenade Launchersare heavy weapons that deal massive damage but have limited ammo availability.
The kinetic variety provides a balance between ammo availability and damage output, making it a popular choice for sustained engagements.
Key Features of Kinetic Grenade Launchers
Explosive Impact and Area Control
Kinetic Grenade Launchers excel at delivering explosive damage over an area. Their projectiles can clear groups of enemies by hitting clusters or hitting high-priority targets with concentrated damage. This makes them particularly useful in PvE scenarios such as strikes, Gambit, and raids where crowd control is vital.
Ammo Management
Since Kinetic Grenade Launchers use the kinetic slot, their ammo is more abundant compared to Power weapons, allowing players to use them more liberally without worrying excessively about ammo scarcity. This facilitates aggressive playstyles and frequent use.
Versatility in Builds
Many Kinetic Grenade Launchers come with perks and intrinsic traits that boost reload speed, blast radius, or handling. This allows players to tailor their weapon to suit specific combat situations or personal preferences.
Best Kinetic Grenade Launchers in Destiny 2
Several Kinetic Grenade Launchers have gained popularity due to their unique perks and solid base stats. Here are a few top picks:
- Adored: Known for its excellent perks like Rampage and Rapid Hit, which increase damage output after kills.
- Falling Guillotine: Offers good handling and blast radius, favored for PvP engagements.
- Alone as a God: Popular for PvP due to its precise blast radius and quick reload.
- Breath of the Dragon: A versatile choice with perks that enhance reload and impact, good for both PvP and PvE.
Intrinsic Traits to Look For
When selecting a Kinetic Grenade Launcher, consider intrinsic traits such as:
- Quickdraw: Allows faster weapon ready and aim down sights speed.
- High-Caliber Rounds: Increases stagger effect on enemies.
- Flared Magwell: Improves reload speed, critical in fast-paced combat.
Perks and Mods to Optimize Your Kinetic Grenade Launcher
Top Perks for PvE
- Rampage: Increases damage after a kill, stacking up to three times.
- Outlaw: Greatly improves reload speed after precision kills.
- Kill Clip: Boosts damage after reload following a kill.
- Grenadier Mod: Increases grenade launcher ammo, crucial for sustained fights.
Top Perks for PvP
- Moving Target: Improved movement speed and weapon handling while aiming.
- Explosive Payload: Increases blast radius, useful for controlling enemy movement.
- Snapshot Sights: Faster aim down sights time, critical in PvP engagements.
- Anti-Barrier Rounds: Effective against shielded opponents.
How to Use the Kinetic Grenade Launcher Effectively
Positioning and Timing
Using a Kinetic Grenade Launcher effectively requires good positioning to maximize splash damage and avoid friendly fire. In PvE, try to anticipate enemy movement patterns and aim grenades where multiple enemies cluster. In PvP, predicting enemy positioning and controlling chokepoints can lead to effective kills and area denial.
Combining with Abilities
Coordinate grenade launcher use with your Guardian’s abilities. For example, combining grenade launcher shots with supers or grenade abilities can quickly overwhelm enemies. Some subclasses synergize well by debuffing enemies, making grenade damage more effective.
Ammo Conservation Tips
- Don’t waste shots on single, low-health enemies if other weapons can finish them off.
- Use precision shots to maximize damage and benefit from perks like Outlaw and Kill Clip.
- Pick up ammo drops regularly and use ammo-generating mods where possible.
Where to Obtain Kinetic Grenade Launchers
Kinetic Grenade Launchers can be earned through various activities and vendors in Destiny 2:
- Random dropsfrom strikes, Gambit, and Crucible matches.
- Vendor purchasesusing in-game currency such as Glimmer or Legendary Shards.
- Seasonal activitiesand quests often reward exclusive grenade launchers.
- Raids and dungeonscan drop high-quality kinetic grenade launchers with unique perks.
The Kinetic Grenade Launcher in Destiny 2 is a vital weapon class that combines explosive firepower with tactical versatility. Its ability to deal significant kinetic damage, maintain a steady ammo supply, and adapt through various perks and mods makes it an indispensable tool for many Guardians. Whether you’re engaging waves of enemies in PvE or locking down key areas in PvP, mastering the kinetic grenade launcher will elevate your gameplay. Understanding its strengths, choosing the right perks, and employing smart tactics will ensure you get the most out of this dynamic weapon in Destiny 2.