In Destiny 2, players are constantly searching for the most effective weapons to enhance their performance across different game modes. Among the vast arsenal available, Edgewise, a legendary machine gun, often comes up in discussions about heavy weapons. Whether you’re clearing waves of enemies in PvE or suppressing opponents in PvP, choosing the right weapon can make a significant difference. But is Edgewise good in Destiny 2? The answer depends on your playstyle, its perks, and how it fits within the current meta of the game. Let’s explore what makes Edgewise worth considering and whether it should be part of your loadout.
What Is Edgewise?
Overview of the Weapon
Edgewise is a Solar adaptive frame machine gun first introduced in Destiny 2 as a seasonal ritual weapon. Initially obtainable during the Season of the Undying, it has since reappeared in various loot pools or via legacy content. As an adaptive frame machine gun, Edgewise offers balanced stats for stability, reload speed, and impact, making it versatile in many scenarios.
Edgewise is well-known for being user-friendly, with a relatively high rate of fire and decent recoil control. It’s designed to be accessible to all types of Guardians, whether you’re new to Destiny 2 or a seasoned player looking for a reliable heavy weapon.
Base Stats Summary
While stats may vary depending on the version of Edgewise you acquire and the perks rolled on it, here’s a general idea of its base characteristics:
- Impact: Moderate
- Range: Decent for a machine gun
- Stability: Above average
- Handling: Medium
- Reload Speed: Fairly fast for the archetype
- RPM (Rounds Per Minute): 450
- Magazine: 57 rounds (base, modifiable with perks or mods)
How Does Edgewise Perform in PvE?
Clearing Ads and Boss Damage
In PvE environments, machine guns are generally used for crowd control and sustained damage against majors or bosses. Edgewise excels at add-clear thanks to its fast fire rate and manageable recoil. If you’re running strikes, dungeons, or seasonal content where waves of enemies are a common challenge, Edgewise can quickly mow them down.
Its Solar damage type also provides synergy during Solar burn activities or Solar-focused builds. Pairing Edgewise with subclass perks like Solar Wells or armor mods that boost Solar weapon damage can significantly increase its effectiveness.
Recommended PvE Perks
When searching for a PvE god roll, look for the following perks on Edgewise:
- Feeding Frenzy Speeds up reload after kills, helping maintain uptime.
- Rampage Grants increased damage on kill, stacking up to three times.
- Field Prep Boosts ammo reserves and faster reload while crouching.
- Disruption Break Ideal if pairing with kinetic weapons for breaking shields.
With the right perks, Edgewise becomes more than just a standard machine gun it becomes a consistent tool for dealing with both mobs and tougher enemies. While it might not outshine exotic heavy weapons like Thunderlord or Xenophage, it still holds its own as a solid legendary option.
Is Edgewise Viable in PvP?
Heavy Ammo Opportunities
In Crucible, heavy ammo spawns are limited, so heavy weapons must make an immediate impact. Edgewise, with its fast RPM, can melt opponents quickly once heavy ammo is secured. Its stability helps maintain accuracy during long bursts, making it easier to stay on target even in chaotic gunfights.
Downsides in Competitive Modes
Despite its decent performance, Edgewise may not be the top choice in competitive PvP. Other heavy weapons like rocket launchers or sniper rifles offer instant kills or more range flexibility. Edgewise requires sustained fire, which can leave you exposed while trying to secure a kill.
Best PvP Perks
- Tap the Trigger Improves accuracy and stability at the start of firing.
- Quickdraw Helps you switch to the weapon faster when picking up heavy ammo.
- Kill Clip Reloading after a kill grants bonus damage, helping secure multikills.
Overall, Edgewise in PvP is situational. It’s fun and effective in casual play, especially when you’re confident in controlling recoil and managing engagements. But in high-stakes modes like Trials of Osiris, you may find better results using one-shot heavy options.
Edgewise Compared to Other Machine Guns
Edgewise vs Thunderlord
Thunderlord, an Exotic Arc machine gun, is often the go-to for PvE machine gun fans. With lightning chain damage and excellent ad-clear capabilities, it overshadows most legendary options. Edgewise, while solid, doesn’t reach the same performance ceiling but provides flexibility in your exotic slot.
Edgewise vs Retrofit Escapade
Retrofit Escapade, a Void machine gun with the ability to roll with Fourth Time’s the Charm and Target Lock, is another popular choice. It excels at boss DPS when paired with Volatile Rounds. Edgewise, being Solar, fits into a different build archetype but offers faster handling and slightly more consistent add-clear at close range.
Edgewise vs Corrective Measure
Corrective Measure is a Vault of Glass raid weapon with a slower fire rate but higher damage per shot. It is favored for burst damage and ammo efficiency. Edgewise caters more to those who prefer a spray-and-control method of combat rather than deliberate firing.
Is Edgewise Worth Using Today?
Current Meta Relevance
The Destiny 2 sandbox is always evolving, and weapon metas shift with each season. While Edgewise isn’t currently at the top of the DPS charts or Crucible rankings, it remains a viable option for Guardians who value consistency, Solar synergy, and machine gun versatility. In endgame content, it may serve as a backup or secondary damage source rather than a primary boss killer.
Good for Mid-Level Content
Edgewise shines most in mid-tier PvE activities Vanguard Ops, seasonal story missions, and public events. It delivers excellent crowd control and lets players focus on objectives without constantly reloading or switching weapons. For players returning to Destiny 2 or building out a diverse weapon collection, it’s definitely worth holding onto.
So, is Edgewise good in Destiny 2? The answer is yes with some context. It’s not the best in every scenario, but it offers a reliable and enjoyable experience, especially for PvE players. Its Solar damage and adaptable stat profile make it suitable for many encounters. While not a game-changing weapon, Edgewise provides enough utility and firepower to justify its place in your inventory. Whether you’re blasting through PvE missions or grabbing heavy ammo in Crucible, Edgewise can get the job done particularly if you land a strong perk roll tailored to your playstyle.