Destiny 2 Solstice 2026: A Complete Guide to the Revamped Weapon Arsenal

As the sun reaches its zenith once more in the summer of 2026, the Solstice event has returned to the Last City, bringing with it the familiar glow of the Bonfire Bash and a suite of weapons that have undergone significant transformations. I've spent the last week diving deep into the activity, testing rolls, and analyzing the meta shifts. This year's refresh isn't just a simple reprisal; Bungie has delivered meaningful perk updates and archetype adjustments that have catapulted some formerly niche tools into the spotlight. From the Crucible to Grandmaster Nightfalls, the Solstice arsenal now offers compelling options for every Guardian's loadout. The ability to enhance these perks further solidifies their place in our arsenals for the foreseeable future.

🔥 Compass Rose: The Precision Frame Powerhouse

Since the shotgun rework, the Precision Frame archetype has dominated the close-quarters meta. Compass Rose, a member of this elite group, has solidified its position as a top-tier contender. I can confidently say that if you're looking for a PvP shotgun that can go toe-to-toe with the likes of Matador 64, this is your weapon.

The god roll is remarkably straightforward and devastatingly effective. You'll want to chase Slideshot paired with Opening Shot. This combination pushes the weapon's effective range to its absolute limit, often hitting the range cap with ease. For Guardians who prefer a more defensive or reactive playstyle, Threat Detector serves as a fantastic alternative to Slideshot, providing that crucial handling boost when enemies get too close.

While its PvE potential is more limited, it's not without merit. A roll with Dual Loader and Incandescent creates a satisfying tool for clearing groups of tougher red-bar enemies, spreading Solar scorch with every other shot. It won't replace your Forbearance or Heritage for endgame content, but it's a fun and effective option for general play.

Purpose	Barrel	Magazine	Trait 1	Trait 2	Masterwork
PvE Roll	Corkscrew Rifling	Tactical Mag	Dual Loader	Incandescent	Range
PvP Roll	Corkscrew Rifling	Accurized Rounds	Slideshot / Threat Detector	Opening Shot	Range

💥 Crowning Duologue: The PvE Rocket Launcher Reborn

This weapon has undergone the most dramatic glow-up of the entire Solstice set. Not only have its intrinsic stats been buffed—receiving significant ammo reserve increases and overall damage bumps—but its perk pool is now absolutely stacked with meta-defining options. The built-in auto-tracking from its origin trait cannot be overstated; it turns this into a point-and-click boss melter, forgiving minor aiming errors in hectic encounters.

The perk combinations are where this weapon truly shines. The fan-favorite Reconstruction and Bait and Switch combo is available, mirroring the legendary Apex Predator. For endgame content like Grandmaster Nightfalls, swapping Bait and Switch for Bipod is a game-changer, giving you four rockets per magazine for sustained add-clear or champion damage. There's even an intriguing, though untested, synergy with Envious Assassin in the final column. If it plays nicely with Reconstruction, we could be looking at back-to-back volleys of six rockets—a truly terrifying prospect.

Its PvP utility is more niche. A roll with Impulse Amplifier and Chain Reaction can create massive area denial, but in a meta dominated by Swords and Grenade Launchers, it's a tough sell for your Heavy slot.

Purpose	Barrel	Magazine	Trait 1	Trait 2	Masterwork
PvE Roll	Quick Launch	Alloy Casing	Reconstruction	Bait and Switch / Bipod	Range
PvP Roll	Volatile Launch	Black Powder	Impulse Amplifier	Chain Reaction	Blast Radius

🏹 Fortunate Star: A Bow with an Identity Crisis

As the newest addition to the Solstice lineup, Fortunate Star had big shoes to fill. Unfortunately, in my testing, it feels like it's stumbled. It possesses a perk pool that, on paper, looks incredible—Kill Clip, Disruption Break, Destabilizing Rounds—but in practice, none of these enable the powerful build-crafting or playstyle shifts we hope for from a new weapon.

Let's break down the disappointments:

• ❌ Kill Clip doesn't enable a one-tap kill in PvP, even when combined with Radiant.

• ❌ Disruption Break fails to activate on a single arrow hit in PvP, ruining its potential for quick-swap strategies.

• ❌ Destabilizing Rounds is hamstrung by a cooldown between activations that feels far too long.

There are fun, gimmicky rolls. Pairing Successful Warmup with Archer's Gambit results in a comically fast 114ms draw time. But it's a solution in search of a problem. For PvE, your most reliable option is Repulsor Brace with Destabilizing Rounds for generating overshields. For PvP? I simply can't recommend it. The Lightweight Bow frame needs more fundamental help than what these perks can provide in today's sandbox.

Purpose	Bowstring	Arrow	Trait 1	Trait 2	Masterwork
PvE Roll	Polymer String	Fiberglass Arrow Shaft	Repulsor Brace	Destabilizing Rounds	Draw Time
PvP Roll	Do Not Use	-	-	-	-

🎯 Something New: A Hand Cannon with a Second Chance

The irony of a weapon called 'Something New' being a remodel of the classic 'Better Devils' isn't lost on me. Yet, the 2026 perk refresh has genuinely given this Hand Cannon a new lease on life, particularly for Crucible enthusiasts. PvE mains have long cherished the Demolitionist and Headstone combo, and it remains a stellar choice. The synergy is perfect: shattering a Headstone crystal grants grenade energy via Demolitionist, and throwing that grenade instantly reloads the weapon from reserves. It's a potent loop for Stasis builds.

However, the real story for 2026 is its PvP viability. The combination of Snapshot Sights and Precision Instrument is nothing short of S-tier. Snapshot Sights completely negates the weapon's naturally low handling, making it feel snappy and responsive. Precision Instrument is the secret weapon here, allowing you to consistently win duels against Guardians with Void Overshields or those running max Resilience builds. Slap on a range Masterwork and Accurized Rounds, and you have an incredibly reliable dueling tool that excels in the competitive, life-or-death rounds of Trials of Osiris.

This transformation from a PvE niche pick to a Crucible contender is exactly the kind of meaningful refresh I love to see. It gives veteran players a new reason to farm a familiar weapon and new players a clear, powerful target to chase.

Purpose	Barrel	Magazine	Trait 1	Trait 2	Masterwork
PvE Roll	Smallbore	Accurized Rounds	Demolitionist	Headstone	Range
PvP Roll	Smallbore	Accurized Rounds	Snapshot Sights	Precision Instrument	Range

Final Verdict & Farming Tips

The 2026 Solstice event has been a net positive for the game's weapon ecosystem. Crowning Duologue and Something New are clear winners, receiving updates that make them best-in-class for certain activities. Compass Rose remains a reliable and top-tier PvP option. Only Fortunate Star feels like a missed opportunity, its potential locked behind sandbox limitations rather than its own perks.

My advice? Focus your farming on the Bonfire Bash. The drop rates are generous, and with the ability to enhance these weapons, a good roll is an investment that will last. Prioritize Crowning Duologue for your PvE needs and Something New for the Crucible. Happy hunting, Guardians—may your Bonfire Bash runs be swift and your rolls be godly! 🔥