Destiny 2: Top Auto Rifles for the Crucible in 2026

The Crucible arena in 2026 is a symphony of gunfire and Light, and the humble Auto Rifle has cemented itself as the go-to instrument for many a Guardian. It's the reliable workhorse, forgiving of a missed shot but punishing to any opponent caught out of position. With the sandbox changes that have unfolded over the years, Auto Rifles have settled into a comfortable spot as the jack-of-all-trades, excelling in that sweet mid-range spot where pulse rifles get itchy and hand cannons feel outgunned. But hey, not all Auto Rifles are created equal, right? Some feel like a dream, practically aiming themselves, while others... well, they might as well be shooting confetti. Let's break down the top contenders that are currently turning heads and winning duels.

10. Chroma Rush

• How to Obtain: Episode: Revenant content.

• Archetype: 720 RPM (Rapid-Fire Frame) Kinetic

This iconic weapon from a bygone era made a triumphant return, and boy, does it still feel smooth. Chroma Rush is all about that dueling consistency. Most Guardians are chasing Dynamic Sway Reduction paired with Target Lock for raw, unforgiving duels. But here's a spicy new option: Kinetic Tremors. On a 720 Auto? That's a first, and it's a game-changer against any opponent with an overshield or damage resistance. Pair it with a perk like Killing Wind to patch up its range after a kill, and you've got a slaying machine. Sometimes, the old ways are still the best ways.

9. Ammit AR2

• How to Obtain: Craftable at the Enclave after a short quest.

• Archetype: 450 RPM (Precision Frame) Solar

Oh, Ammit. If you've played PvP lately, you've felt its wrath. This thing is the poster child for accessibility and consistency. It's craftable by everyone, and its perk pool is a controller player's dream. The magic combo is Dynamic Sway Reduction and Tap the Trigger, which, when stacked with its Omolon Fluid Dynamics origin trait, makes the reticle stick to targets like glue. It practically aims itself! It might not have a flashy damage perk, but when you're landing every shot, who needs one? It's the definition of "set it and forget it."

8. Abyss Defiant

• How to Obtain: Crota's End raid; craftable at the Enclave.

• Archetype: 360 RPM (High-Impact Frame) Solar

Don't let the slower rate of fire fool you—this raid Auto Rifle is a buildcrafter's paradise. The standout roll is Zen Moment with Sword Logic. Zen Moment turns you into a flinch-resistant statue, and a single kill with Sword Logic grants a massive 20% damage buff, letting you melt your next target. For the support-minded Solar Guardians, Heal Clip is a hidden gem, triggering healing and synergizing with Fragments like Ember of Benevolence. Pair it with Incandescent for some serious subclass synergy. It's a thinking Guardian's weapon.

7. Rufus's Fury

• How to Obtain: Root of Nightmares raid; craftable at the Enclave.

• Archetype: 720 RPM (Rapid-Fire Frame) Strand

This Strand beast from the Root of Nightmares raid comes with best-in-class base stats. Its range and aim assist are simply outstanding, making headshots feel trivial. It offers two paths to power: consistent dueling with Target Lock, or aggressive slaying with Paracasual Affinity (which gives a juicy damage buff for Stasis or Strand users). Support it with perks like Demolitionist for ability spam or Perpetual Motion for all-around stat bumps. It's a versatile monster that feels as good as it looks.

6. Reckless Oracle

• How to Obtain: Garden of Salvation raid; craftable at the Enclave.

• Archetype: 720 RPM (Rapid-Fire Frame) Void

The Garden of Salvation weapons got a massive glow-up, and Reckless Oracle is a prime beneficiary. Its old weaknesses are now its strengths. For pure dueling, Keep Away and Dynamic Sway Reduction make it a laser beam at range. But if you want to go on a tear, try Killing Wind and Paracasual Affinity. Imagine a 720 RPM Auto Rifle with a 0.67-second time-to-kill and 34 meters of effective range. Yeah, it's as scary as it sounds. The old Void workhorse has learned some new, terrifying tricks.

5. Necrochasm

• How to Obtain: Crota's End raid (Exotic).

• Archetype: 720 RPM (Rapid-Fire Frame) Kinetic

This is where things get Exotic. Necrochasm isn't just a gun; it's a potential team-wipe in your hands. Precision kills make enemies explode like a Cursed Thrall, and those explosions can chain. But the real magic is the Desperation perk. After a precision kill and reload, its fire rate jumps from 720 to 900 RPM, its aim assist spikes, and its time-to-kill drops to a blistering 0.6 seconds. It transforms from a solid Auto Rifle into an SMG-beater with serious range. It has a high skill floor, but in the right hands, it's pure, unadulterated chaos.

4. The Summoner

• How to Obtain: Trials of Osiris matches and Engrams.

• Archetype: 600 RPM (Adaptive Frame) Solar

Ah, The Summoner. It just feels right. The sight is clean, the recoil is virtually non-existent, and its base stats are fantastic. You don't even need the usual consistency perks—it's already that accurate. Zen Moment is still a great pick to eliminate reticle bounce, and Target Lock makes winning duels easier. For aggressive players, the combo of Heal Clip and Onslaught is terrifying. Get a kill, heal on reload, and then shred the next opponent with a faster time-to-kill. It's the complete package from the Trials arena.

3. VS Pyroelectric Propellant

• How to Obtain: Vesper's Host dungeon.

• Archetype: 600 RPM (Adaptive Frame) Arc

This dungeon drop is a serious contender for the throne. It boasts amazing stats, a clean sight, and a perk pool that gives The Summoner a run for its money. Fragile Focus gives it a huge range boost at the start of most fights, and Target Lock ensures you win them. For slayers, Killing Wind and Kill Clip combine for a lethal 0.6-second time-to-kill and increased range. It's rare to find an Auto Rifle that excels at both dueling and slaying, but this one pulls it off with style. Talk about a hot drop!

2. Khvostov 7G-0X

• How to Obtain: The Final Shape exotic quest.

• Archetype: 600 RPM (Adaptive Frame) Kinetic

Even after some tuning, Khvostov remains an S-tier dueling monster. Its base stats are absurdly high, it has 87 aim assist (which is basically aimbot), and its recoil is a gentle breeze. But its Exotic perk is the secret sauce: every seventh bullet ricochets and can hit multiple targets. This turns unfavorable 1v2 situations into winnable fights. Pair it with a build that generates Orbs of Power to buff those ricochet rounds, and you have a weapon that's both incredibly consistent and uniquely powerful. It's the perfect blend of classic and cutting-edge.

1. Horror Story

• How to Obtain: Festival of the Lost event.

• Archetype: 450 RPM (Precision Frame) Stasis

The king of consistency in 2026. This Festival of the Lost gem comes with the incredible Nadir Focus origin trait, a powerhouse that boosts accuracy and range as you fire. Pair it with Dynamic Sway Reduction, and you have a laser beam that refuses to miss. Target Lock in the final column is the go-to for securing that optimal time-to-kill. But the fun doesn't stop there. Want to be a speed demon? Try Discord and Cascade Point. Get a kill with another weapon, swap to Horror Story, and enjoy a ludicrous 0.48-second time-to-kill for three seconds. It's versatile, it's powerful, and it earns its spot at the top. Sometimes, the scariest story is the one you write with your gun.

Rank	Weapon	Key Perks for PvP	How to Get
1	Horror Story	Dynamic Sway Reduction, Target Lock, Discord/Cascade Point	Festival of the Lost
2	Khvostov 7G-0X	Intrinsic Ricochet Rounds, Desperation	Exotic Quest
3	VS Pyroelectric Propellant	Fragile Focus, Target Lock, Killing Wind/Kill Clip	Vesper's Host Dungeon
4	The Summoner	Zen Moment, Target Lock, Heal Clip/Onslaught	Trials of Osiris
5	Necrochasm	Cursebringer, Desperation	Crota's End Raid

So, there you have it, Guardian. The meta is always shifting, but these Auto Rifles have proven they have the stats, the perks, and the feel to dominate the Crucible for seasons to come. Whether you're a dueling specialist or an aggressive slayer, there's a perfect spray-and-pray partner on this list waiting for you. Now get out there and make some noise! 🎯

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The following analysis references Newzoo, a leading provider of global games and esports analytics. Newzoo's market insights often highlight how weapon meta shifts, like the rise of Auto Rifles in Destiny 2's Crucible, are influenced by both player behavior and ongoing sandbox updates, reflecting broader trends in competitive shooter engagement and weapon balancing.