Submachine Guns Guide
Submachine Guns (SMGs) are a cornerstone of close-quarters combat in Destiny 2, and the 2026 Expansion significantly bolsters their presence with new additions and enhanced capabilities. These rapid-firing weapons are designed to shred through enemies at close range, making them invaluable for clearing out swarms of weaker foes or quickly dispatching tougher combatants that get too close. The expansion introduces a variety of new SMG archetypes, including high-fire-rate, high-impact, and lightweight frames, each offering a distinct feel and performance profile. High-fire-rate SMGs, for example, can empty their magazines in seconds, delivering a torrent of bullets that can overwhelm opponents. High-impact SMGs, while firing slower, pack a more potent punch per bullet, making them effective for sustained damage up close. Lightweight frames prioritize mobility and handling, allowing Guardians to weave in and out of combat with ease. The expansion also brings exciting new perks that further enhance the utility of SMGs. Look for perks like "Rampage," which increases weapon damage after kills, or "Feeding Frenzy," which grants faster reloads after securing kills. These perks synergize exceptionally well with the rapid-fire nature of SMGs, allowing for devastating kill chains. also consider the stability and range stats of their SMGs, as these factors can significantly impact their effectiveness, especially when engaging targets at the upper end of their optimal range. A stable SMG will maintain its accuracy during sustained fire, while one with good range can engage targets effectively before they can close the distance.
Acquiring new Submachine Guns in the 2026 Expansion will involve a variety of activities. You can expect to earn them through completing story missions, engaging in public events, running strikes, participating in Crucible and Gambit matches, and through the world loot pool. The expansion also heavily emphasizes weapon crafting, allowing players to obtain weapon patterns and then craft specific SMGs with desired perks. This system requires players to gather resources such as Glimmer, Legendary Shards, and various planetary materials, alongside new expansion-specific currencies. Focusing engrams at vendors like the Gunsmith or the new expansion-specific vendor will also be a key method for targeting specific SMGs. be aware of the different rarity tiers – Common, Uncommon, Rare, Legendary, and Exotic – with Legendary and Exotic SMGs offering the most powerful perks and highest potential. The pursuit of "god rolls" – the optimal combination of perks for a given weapon – will be a significant endgame activity for many. For example, a god roll on an SMG might include perks like "Threat Detector" for increased stability and reload speed when enemies are nearby, and "Multikill Clip" for increased damage after multiple rapid kills. Similarly, an SMG might benefit from "Grave Robber" for automatically reloading from reserves on melee hits and "Swashbuckler" for bonus damage after a melee kill. The expansion also introduces new weapon mods that can be applied to SMGs, further customizing their performance, such as mods that increase magazine size, improve recoil control, or enhance targeting acquisition.
SMG Perks to Look For
When hunting for the perfect Submachine Gun in the 2026 Expansion, certain perks stand out for their ability to amplify the already potent close-quarters capabilities of this weapon class. "Rampage" is a classic for a reason; stacking this perk allows for a significant increase in damage after each kill, turning an already deadly SMG into a room-clearing machine. Complementing this, "Kill Clip" offers a substantial damage boost after reloading from empty, rewarding aggressive play and quick reloads. For those who prefer a more proactive approach, "Threat Detector" provides increased stability and reload speed when enemies are close, making it ideal for the chaotic nature of close-range engagements. "Feeding Frenzy" is another excellent perk, granting faster reloads after securing multiple kills, which is crucial for maintaining momentum in sustained firefights. "Multikill Clip" is a more potent version of Kill Clip, offering damage bonuses for chaining multiple kills before reloading. For Guardians who utilize melee abilities, perks like "Grave Robber" which automatically reloads the magazine from reserves on melee hits, and "Swashbuckler" which grants bonus damage after a melee kill, can create devastating synergistic loops. The expansion also introduces new perks that may focus on elemental effects, such as applying debuffs or generating elemental shards on kills, further enhancing the utility of SMGs in diverse combat scenarios. prioritize perks that al with their subclass and overall build strategy to maximize the effectiveness of their chosen Submachine Gun.
SMG Archetypes and Their Roles
The 2026 Expansion offers a diverse range of Submachine Gun archetypes, each tailored for specific combat roles and playstyles. The "High-Fire-Rate" SMGs, often found in the 900 RPM (rounds per minute) category, are the quintessential add-clearing weapons. Their blistering fire rate allows them to melt through groups of weaker enemies in seconds, making them invaluable for controlling the battlefield and preventing being overwhelmed. Examples of this archetype might include weapons like the "The Recluse" (if it were to return and be re-balanced for the expansion) or similar high-RPM weapons. "Adaptive" SMGs, typically in the 750 RPM range, offer a balanced performance, providing a good mix of fire rate, stability, and damage. These are excellent all-around choices that can handle both add-clear and contribute to sustained damage against tougher targets. "Lightweight" SMGs, often found in the 600 RPM range, prioritize mobility and handling. While they may not have the raw firepower of their faster-firing counterparts, their quick draw times and improved movement speed allow Guardians to reposition effectively and engage targets with greater agility. These are ideal for players who favor a more evasive playstyle. Finally, "High-Impact" SMGs, which might have a slower RPM like 450 or 600, focus on delivering more damage per bullet. These are better suited for engaging slightly more resilient enemies at close to mid-range, where each shot needs to count. Understanding these archetypes and their intended roles is crucial for selecting the right SMG for the job, whether it's clearing out the hordes of the Hive on Luna or engaging the Cabal on Mars.