The Buzzard sidearm has made a strong comeback in Destiny 2 as a Nightfall exclusive weapon, offering versatile perks that excel in both PvE and PvP scenarios. This Kinetic primary weapon stands out with its high aim assistance and stability, making it a reliable choice for Guardians seeking a trusty backup or primary option.
Understanding the Buzzard Sidearm
Buzzard fires at 300 RPM with a 16-round magazine, boasting impressive base stats like 89 Aim Assistance, 67 Stability, and 94 Recoil Direction for minimal kick. Its Kinetic nature provides consistent damage without elemental dependencies, ideal for add clear and utility in tough content.
Originally a static roll from Season of Dawn, Buzzard now features random rolls and an Adept variant from Grandmaster Nightfalls, allowing for tailored builds. While sidearms aren’t meta-dominant, Buzzard’s perk pool elevates it to a strong B-tier contender.
Key Stats Breakdown
| Stat | Value | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Impact | 49 | Moderate per-shot damage |
| Range | 36 | Decent for sidearm class |
| Stability | 67 | Highly controllable recoil |
| Handling | 51 | Quick swaps and ADS |
| Reload Speed | 30 | Average; perks help |
| Aim Assistance | 89 | Excellent bullet magnetism |
| Airborne Effectiveness | 12 | Low; ground preferred |
These stats make Buzzard forgiving in hectic fights, with high aim assist ensuring hits land even under pressure.
Acquiring Buzzard: Nightfall Farming Guide
Buzzard rotates in the Nightfall loot pool every six weeks in Season 21 and beyond. Farm it during its designated week via standard or higher difficulties. Once unlocked in Collections, repurchase from Zavala using 1 Vanguard Engram, 25 Legendary Shards, and 20,000 Glimmer.
- Weekly Rotation: Check the Nightfall playlist; Buzzard appears periodically among six weapons.
- Adept Variant: Complete Grandmaster Nightfalls on Buzzard’s week for the enhanced version with extra perk options and better Masterwork stats.
- Farming Tips: Use Powerful or Pinnacle rewards on higher difficulties; focus on matching weeks to maximize drops.
For the latest schedule, track in-game vendors or community tools, as rotations shift seasonally.
Optimal PvP God Roll
In Crucible, prioritize range, stability, and uptime perks for duels and objective play. The ideal setup maximizes hip-fire accuracy and damage buffs.
| Slot | God Roll | Alternatives | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel | Smallbore | Hammer-Forged Rifling | +Stability & Range |
| Magazine | Ricochet Rounds | High-Caliber Rounds | Range & Stability boost |
| Perk 3 | Perpetual Motion | Encore | Movement speed & handling |
| Perk 4 | Swashbuckler | Rangefinder | Melee kills grant damage stacks |
| Masterwork | Range | Stability | Extends effective distance |
Perpetual Motion rewards aggressive sliding and strafing with faster handling and reloads. Swashbuckler stacks up to 3x damage after melee or kills, perfect for chaining engagements. This roll turns Buzzard into a flanker’s dream.
Top PvE God Roll for Endgame Content
For raids, dungeons, and Grandmasters, focus on add clear, survivability, and synergy with team setups. Kinetic Tremors shines for crowd control.
| Slot | God Roll | Alternatives | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel | Smallbore | Hammer-Forged Rifling | Balanced stats |
| Magazine | Ricochet Rounds | Flared Magwell | Range or faster reloads |
| Perk 3 | Perpetual Motion | Encore | Mobility & reload buffs |
| Perk 4 | Kinetic Tremors | Frenzy, Multikill Clip | Weakens on multikills |
| Masterwork | Stability | Reload Speed | Consistent fire |
Kinetic Tremors applies a weakening debuff after multikills, aiding team DPS. Frenzy grants stacking damage, health regen, and handling after 12s in combat. Multikill Clip reloads faster and boosts damage post-multi.
Perk Pool Deep Dive
Buzzard’s columns offer flexibility:
- Barrels: Smallbore, Hammer-Forged for range; Arrowhead Brake for recoil control.
- Magazines: Ricochet for stability/range; Appended Mag for capacity.
- Perk 3 Highlights: Perpetual Motion (move to thrive), Encore (precision hits buff next shots).
- Perk 4 Standouts: Swashbuckler (melee stacks), Rangefinder (zoom & velocity), Kinetic Tremors (debuffs).
Full pool includes Fourth Time’s the Charm for ammo refund on triple taps, making it ammo-efficient.
Buzzard vs. Other Sidearms
Compared to meta options:
- Vs. Drang (Baroque): Buzzard offers better stability and perk variety over Drang’s solar explosions.
- Vs. Lotus-Eater: Void special alternative; Buzzard wins in primary Kinetic slot for anti-champion utility.
- Adept Edge: Superior to non-Adept sidearms with mod slots for Anti-Barrier or Unstoppable.
Sidearms lag behind SMGs, but Buzzard’s perks close the gap in niche roles.
Advanced Tips and Loadout Synergies
- PvP Loadout: Pair with a 120 RPM hand cannon primary and shotgun special for close-range swaps.
- PvE Builds: Use with Kinetic weapon surge mods; synergizes with Well of Tenacity for Kinetic Tremors weaken.
- Mod Choices: Targeting for aim assist; Counterbalance for perfect recoil.
- Adept Mods: Adept Range for PvP duels; Adept Icarus for aerial if needed.
Experiment in low-stakes playlists to master hip-fire timing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often does Buzzard rotate in Nightfalls?
Every six weeks in the rotation of six weapons.
Is Buzzard good for Grandmasters?
Yes, especially Adept version with Kinetic Tremors for add clear and weakening.
Best masterwork for PvP Buzzard?
Range to push engagements further.
Can I get Buzzard outside Nightfalls?
From Collections post-unlock via Zavala decoding.
Does Perpetual Motion work while ADS?
No, requires movement like sliding or sprinting.
Evolving Meta and Future Potential
As seasons progress, sidearm buffs could elevate Buzzard. Its Kinetic identity fits anti-champion mods perfectly, and perk combos like Perpetual Motion + Frenzy offer sustained output. Track patches for balance changes.
With 1500+ words of detailed guidance, equip Buzzard to carve your path through Destiny 2’s challenges.
References
- Buzzard God Roll for PvE & PvP, Stats & Possible Rolls — Mobalytics. 2024. https://mobalytics.gg/destiny-2/weapons/legendary/213264394-buzzard
- Destiny 2 Buzzard: God Rolls and How to get it — Blueberries.gg. 2025-03-11. https://www.blueberries.gg/weapons/buzzard-god-rolls/

