Rocket Launchers have reclaimed their throne as Destiny 2's premier heavy weapons in 2025, especially after transformative changes in Episode: Heresy reshaped the damage meta. Ever since Gjallarhorn's iconic debut, Guardians have sought that explosive power – now amplified by potent origin traits, craftable options, and synergistic perks that turn these launchers into boss-melting machines. destiny-2-s-top-rocket-launchers-in-2025-episode-heresy-meta-breakdown-image-0

Recent sandbox updates emphasize magazine manipulation and damage buff stacking. Weapons like Hezen Vengeance demonstrate how Episode: Heresy fundamentally altered DPS strategies. With aggressive frames dominating sustained damage and precision frames excelling in burst scenarios, choosing the right rocket becomes critical for endgame success across raids, dungeons, and the new Breach Executable activity.

People Also Ask: What makes Rocket Launchers meta in 2025? Primarily, it's the synergy between origin traits (like Restoration Ritual on Cold Comfort) and enhanced perks such as Reconstruction or Envious Assassin that allow magazine overflows previously impossible. Pair these with damage amplifiers like Bait and Switch or the new Elemental Honing, and you've got tools that outpace most heavy alternatives.

🔥 Hezen Vengeance stands unchallenged as the current pinnacle. Obtainable from the Vault of Glass raid and now craftable, its overhauled origin trait doubles magazine capacity after Super casts – stacking multiplicatively with perks like Overflow or Bipod. This creates temporary 4-6 rocket magazines perfect for annihilating raid bosses.

Recommended Traits:

Column One Column Two
Envious Arsenal Elemental Honing
Overflow Bait and Switch
Demolitionist Bipod

Cynosure offers Vanguard enthusiasts a top-tier alternative. Its absurd perk flexibility allows wild combinations: pair Reconstruction with Explosive Light for safe damage, or go all-in with Elemental Honing for 35% bonus damage when matching all five elemental damage types. destiny-2-s-top-rocket-launchers-in-2025-episode-heresy-meta-breakdown-image-1

Meanwhile, Tomorrow's Answer dominates Trials loot pools with its vicious PvE potential. Envious Arsenal automatically reloads stowed rockets when activating Bait and Switch – creating seamless weapon-swap rotations during DPS phases. Its Void damage synergizes beautifully with volatile rounds builds too.

People Also Ask: Is Gjallarhorn still relevant? Absolutely. While dethroned from the #1 spot, its Wolfpack Rounds remain invaluable team support. One Guardian running it empowers all legendary rocket users nearby, making it raid staple for coordinated groups. Solo players might prefer higher-DPS options though.

💥 Apex Predator set the standard for years with its Reconstruction/Bait and Switch combo. Though slightly power-crept, it remains formidable – especially with craftable versatility allowing Incandescent add-clear rolls or Demolitionist grenade spam variants. Still a workhorse for Last Wish runs.

Aggressive frames shine brightest in 2025's meta. Cold Comfort exemplifies this: Restoration Ritual instantly reloads rockets after finishers, while Envious Assassin loads three rounds before unleashing Bait and Switch’s 30% damage buff. Perfect for Ghosts of the Deep’s final boss.

Crux Termination IV brings unique chaos with Slideshot rocket reloading – slide, fire, repeat without ever manually reloading. High-risk, high-reward for masters of movement. Pair with Surrounded for unmatched burst in crowded arenas.

🪖 Crowning Duologue’s revival shocked many. Once dismissed, it now rolls Strand-damage beasts like Reconstruction + Bait and Switch. Air Assault even maxes reload speed mid-jump – phenomenal for Warlock aerial builds.

People Also Ask: Which Exotics compete? Eyes of Tomorrow dominates add-clear with target-refunding rockets, while Gjallarhorn’s team utility persists. For pure single-target damage, legendaries now outpace most exotics except specific scenarios.

The Hothead remains accessible through Vanguard focusing. Demolitionist/Clown Cartridge creates grenade-rocket feedback loops beloved by Sunbracers Warlocks. Field Prep alternatives offer stability for less grenade-focused builds.

With Episode: Heresy introducing perk innovations and origin trait power creep, the rocket meta feels fresher than ever. Guardians must now balance between:

  • 🔄 Magazine manipulation perks (Envious Assassin/Reconstruction)

  • 💥 Damage amplifiers (Bait and Switch/Elemental Honing)

  • ⚡️ Archetype strengths (Aggressive vs. Precision)

Which experimental perk combo have you found most devastating for this season's toughest bosses – and what surprising synergy might we still be overlooking?