Unleashing Destruction: Ranking Legendary Machine Guns for Endgame PvE

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Machine Guns
3. Scoring Machine Guns for Endgame Content
   • 3.1 Archetype and Perks
   • 3.2 Ammo Perks
   • 3.3 Utility Perks
   • 3.4 Damage Perks
4. Evaluating Machine Guns Tier List
   • 4.1 Fine Memorial
   • 4.2 Archon Thunder
   • 4.3 Avalanche
   • 4.4 Chain of Command
   • 4.5 Circular Logic
   • 4.6 Commemoration
   • 4.7 Corrective Measure
   • 4.8 Liberator V2
   • 4.9 Retrofuturist
   • 4.10 Riddle of Steel
   • 4.11 Shattered Cipher
   • 4.12 Song of Ir Yût
   • 4.13 Cold Front
   • 4.14 Honor's Edge
   • 4.15 Sleeper Simulant
   • 4.16 Vex Mythoclast

Introduction

In Destiny, machine guns play a crucial role in the game's heavy weapon arsenal. With a clear purpose of providing precise, ranged, and ammo-efficient add clearing, machine guns are a tried and true weapon choice for many players. In this article, we will delve into the world of machine guns, evaluate their effectiveness and viability for endgame content, and present a comprehensive tier list of machine guns based on their archetype, perks, and overall performance.

Understanding Machine Guns

Machine guns in Destiny can be classified into three archetypes: adaptive, rapid-fire, and high-impact. While each archetype has its unique characteristics, adaptive and rapid-fire machine guns are generally considered the most versatile and suitable for most scenarios. High-impact machine guns, on the other hand, offer higher total damage but lower DPS.

Scoring Machine Guns for Endgame Content

To properly evaluate machine guns for endgame content, we will score them based on their archetype, perks, and their effectiveness in gameplay. The scoring will focus on three major categories: ammo perks, utility perks, and damage perks.

3.1 Archetype and Perks

The archetype of a machine gun determines its overall performance and viability. Adaptive and rapid-fire machine guns are favored for their balance between DPS and total damage. High-impact machine guns, despite their lower total damage, can still be effective in specific situations.

3.2 Ammo Perks

Ammo perks greatly affect the ammo efficiency and reliability of a machine gun. Field Prep, Triple Tap, and Envious Assassin are considered strong ammo perks, with Reconstruction being the most highly regarded. These perks ensure a plentiful and uninterrupted supply of ammunition during battles.

3.3 Utility Perks

Utility perks enhance the versatility and effectiveness of machine guns in combat. Wellspring, Frenzy, and Dragonfly are examples of solid utility perks that provide additional benefits in various scenarios. Demo and Incandescent, while not categorized as utility perks, are noteworthy additions that further contribute to damage output.

3.4 Damage Perks

Damage perks greatly impact a machine gun's ability to deal with enemies efficiently. One for All and Killing Tally are the top choices for damage perks, as they provide significant damage boosts. Adrenaline Junkie, Demo, and Rampage also contribute to damage output but may require specific playstyles.

Evaluating Machine Guns Tier List

Based on the scoring system described above, we have compiled a tier list for machine guns in Destiny. Each machine gun is assessed for its unique perks, archetype, and overall performance in endgame content. Here are the top contenders:

4.1 Fine Memorial

• Archetype: Adaptive
• Perks: Autoloading, Subsistence, Field Prep, Demo, Adrenaline Junkie, One for All

Fine Memorial offers a well-rounded selection of perks, making it a solid choice for most scenarios. Its high archetype score and efficient ammo perks earn it a spot in the B tier.

4.2 Archon Thunder

• Archetype: High Impact
• Perks: Auto, Rusev, Demo, Adrenaline Junkie, Wellspring

Archon Thunder provides high damage output but lacks versatility in utility perks. Its perks and archetype place it in the D tier.

4.3 Avalanche

• Archetype: Adaptive
• Perks: Auto, Subsistence, Demo, Adrenaline Junkie, Incandescent, Target Lock

Avalanche boasts a range of valuable perks, including Demo and Incandescent. Its overall effectiveness and versatility secure its place in the A tier.

4.4 Chain of Command

• Archetype: Adaptive
• Perks: Demo, Adrenaline Junkie, Headstone, Target Lock, Wellspring

Chain of Command offers a combination of damage and utility perks. While it lacks certain desirable perks, it still holds its own and sits comfortably in the C tier.

4.5 Circular Logic

• Archetype: Rapid Fire
• Perks: Envious Assassin, Demo, Adrenaline Junkie, Dragonfly, Reconstruction

Circular Logic presents an interesting mix of perks, with Envious Assassin and Reconstruction being standouts. Its overall performance lands it in the B tier.

4.6 Commemoration

• Archetype: Adaptive
• Perks: Reconstruction, Killing Tally

Commemoration stands out as one of the top machine guns, boasting Reconstruction and Killing Tally. Its versatility and performance earn it a spot in the S tier.

4.7 Corrective Measure

• Archetype: Adaptive
• Perks: Auto, Subsistence, Demo, Adrenaline Junkie, Frenzy

Corrective Measure impresses with its well-rounded selection of perks, making it a strong choice for endgame content. It comfortably sits in the A tier.

4.8 Liberator V2

• Archetype: Rapid Fire
• Perks: Demo, Adrenaline Junkie, Subsistence, Rampage, Tricorn

Liberator V2 offers a mix of damage and utility perks, making it a decent choice for various scenarios. It lands in the B tier.

4.9 Retrofit Escapade

• Archetype: Adaptive
• Perks: Field Prep, Four Times a Charm, Dragonfly, Rampage

Retrofit Escapade features a combination of utility, damage, and Archetype perk. While it lacks certain desirable perks, it still holds its own and sits comfortably in the B tier.

4.10 Riddle of Steel

• Archetype: Adaptive
• Perks: Demo, Adrenaline Junkie, Surrounded

Riddle of Steel offers a good mix of damage and utility perks. While its perks are somewhat limited, it still performs respectably, placing it in the B tier.

4.11 Shattered Cipher

• Archetype: Adaptive
• Perks: Field Prep, Dragonfly, Demo, Volatile Rounds

Shattered Cipher possesses a unique combination of perks that provide decent utility and damage potential. It secures a place in the B tier.

4.12 Song of Ir Yût

• Archetype: Adaptive
• Perks: Demo, Adrenaline Junkie, Headstone, Tricorn

Song of Ir Yût showcases a strong combination of damage and utility perks. Its performance in various scenarios earns it a spot in the A tier.

4.13 Cold Front

• Archetype: Rapid Fire
• Perks: Moving Target, Killing Wind

Cold Front lacks the versatility and strength of other machine guns. It falls in the D tier due to its limited perk selection.

4.14 Honor's Edge

• Archetype: Adaptive
• Perks: Zen Moment, One for All

Honor's Edge offers decent perks but falls short in terms of overall performance. It lands in the C tier.

4.15 Sleeper Simulant

• Archetype: Linear Fusion Rifle
• Perks: Auto-Loading Holster, Modifiers

Sleeper Simulant, while not a traditional machine gun, performs admirably in its designated archetype. It falls in the C tier due to its unique classification.

4.16 Vex Mythoclast

• Archetype: Fusion Rifle / Pulse Rifle
• Perks: Timeless Mythoclast, Atheon's Epilogue

Vex Mythoclast, like Sleeper Simulant, is not a conventional machine gun. It earns a spot in the C tier due to its fusion rifle and pulse rifle functionality.

Conclusion

Machine guns in Destiny offer unique gameplay mechanics and play a significant role in endgame content. Through our evaluation and tier list, we have highlighted the top-performing machine guns in terms of archetype, perks, and overall effectiveness. Whether it's the versatile Commemoration, the reliable Corrective Measure, or the utility-rich Retrofit Escapade, each machine gun brings its own strengths and weaknesses to the battlefront. Use this tier list as a guide to choose the machine gun best suited for your playstyle and the challenges you face in Destiny's endgame content.