As Season 26’s Episode Heresy unfolds in 2025, Guardians find themselves spoiled for choice with over ten exotic auto rifles in Destiny 2. These kinetic and elemental powerhouses blend devastating firepower with unique traits, yet not all prove worthy of endgame battles against the Witness’s forces. From ricocheting arc bolts to thrall explosions, each exotic tells a story—some feel like unleashing caged thunderstorms, while others fizzle out like damp fireworks. Let’s dissect these weapons, their quirks, and where they truly shine in today’s meta. 🔥

Cerberus+1: Chaotic Fury

Wielding Cerberus+1 is like herding four rabid wolves—each barrel sprays erratic bullets, sacrificing accuracy for sheer chaos. Its intrinsic perk, Four-Headed Dog, unleashes simultaneous fire from all barrels, while Spread Shot Package mildly tightens the spread when aiming. Despite the hilarious spectacle, Guardians lament its awful stability and minimal impact; even with the catalyst, it feels like swinging a sledgehammer through fog. Grandmaster Nightfalls? Forget it. This exotic belongs in casual play, where laughter outweighs efficiency.

Hard Light: Versatile Veteran

Hard Light’s Volatile Light lets rounds ricochet like hyperactive pinballs, overpenetrating targets with reduced falloff. The Fundamentals cycles between Void, Arc, and Solar damage—perfect for stripping shields. Yet, it’s a jack-of-all-trades that masters none. The temporary damage boost after switching elements feels thrilling, like catching lightning in a bottle, but lacks the punch of newer exotics. In endgame content, it’s outshone, leaving Guardians craving more substance behind its rainbow glow. 🌈

Tommy’s Matchbook: Double-Edged Flame

Tommy’s Matchbook tempts Solar builds with Ignition Trigger, overheating the weapon for extra damage at the cost of self-harm. Heat Sink reduces burn when hip-firing, but it’s still like juggling live coal—thrilling yet perilous. Hunters adore its catalyst for health recovery on scorched kills, yet in high-stakes PvP or raids, the risk rarely rewards. One moment, you’re a pyromaniac hero; the next, you’re ashes.

• Pros: Solar synergy, catalyst heals

• Cons: Self-damage, situational utility

Sweet Business: Minigun Madness

With Payday auto-reloading on ammo pickups and Business Time ramping up fire rate, Sweet Business turns Titans into walking armories. Holding 150 rounds, it’s a carnival ride of bullets—exhilarating but exhausting. Paired with Actium War Rig, it achieves near-infinite ammo, dominating PvP corridors. Sadly, its low impact and lack of endgame buffs make it a novelty, like bringing a confetti cannon to a siege. 🎪

Centrifuse: Arc Momentum

Centrifuse rewards aggression: sprinting builds electrostatic charge via Overcharge Capacitor, causing blinding explosions at max charge. Regenerative Motion reloads while running—ideal for hit-and-run tactics. Still, its slow handling feels like wading through syrup. In ad-heavy battles, it suppresses foes elegantly, yet it’s overshadowed by faster Arc alternatives. A fun tool, not a meta staple.

SUROS Regime: Precision Sustain

SUROS Regime’s SUROS Legacy heals on kills with the bottom half of its magazine, while Spinning Up accelerates fire rate. The catalyst boosts health gains, making ad-clear feel like sipping a rejuvenating elixir. Its crisp stability and reload speed enchant newcomers, but against bosses, it’s a peashooter. Perfect for patrols, forgettable for raids.

Necrochasm: Thrall-Exploding Menace

Crota’s End raid rewards this beast, where Cursebringer triggers cursed thrall explosions on precision kills, refilling the magazine. Desperation boosts fire rate after reloads. It’s a PvE masterpiece—like unleashing a hive of angry hornets—melting ads with chain reactions. The catalyst elevates range and handling, making it top-tier for Grandmasters. A trophy worth the grind. 🏆

Monte Carlo: Brawler’s Best Friend

Monte Carlo Method recharges melee abilities on damage, with Markov Chain boosting weapon damage after melee kills. For Sunbracer Warlocks or Synthoceps Titans, it’s indispensable—a dance of fists and bullets where every kill fuels the next brawl. The synergy feels like a well-oiled engine, relentless and satisfying. In melee-centric builds, it’s S-tier.

Quicksilver Storm: Rocket-Salvo Specialist

This Strand rifle’s Rocket Tracers turns sustained fire into homing micro-rockets; Grenade Chaser morphs it into a grenade launcher. Reliable and adaptable, it shreds ads like a paper shredder in a hurricane—efficient but not exceptional. A solid choice when Strand surges dominate, though it lacks raw dominance.

Khvostov 7G-0X: Timeless Titan

The Khvostov, earned in The Pale Heart, reigns supreme. The Right Choice ricochets every seventh bullet, while Shoot to Loot grabs orbs and ammo. Its generous magazine, low recoil, and chain reactions make it a Crucible terror and ad-clear king—like a vintage sports car with a jet engine. Nostalgic and deadly, it’s the auto rifle to never vault.

Final Verdict

In 2025’s meta, Necrochasm and Khvostov stand tall for endgame viability, while Monte Carlo dominates melee builds. Others, like Cerberus+1, offer fleeting fun but falter under pressure. As the Witness’s threat looms, choose wisely: some exotics feel like trusted swords, others like broken toys. Ready your arsenal, Guardian—the stars won’t reclaim themselves. ⚔️

Call to Action: Equip Necrochasm or Khvostov for your next raid, and share your #AutoRifleVictories on social channels!