Weapons

generally fall into two categories for ranges. good to pair a close range primary with a long range special, and vice versa


 * primary weapons
 * close range
 * sidearm
 * SMG
 * autorifle
 * long range
 * bow
 * scout
 * pulse
 * hand cannon


 * special weapons
 * close range
 * fusion rifle
 * shotgun
 * long range
 * sniper

heavy weapons


 * boss damage or add clear
 * boss damage
 * swords. Relentless and Whirlwind
 * Xenophage. CANNOT CRIT, so all you have to do is put bullets on target. Benefits from debuffs like Tether or Divinity
 * Whisper Of the Worm. Better than Xeno IF you have the catalyst AND you can hit crits to keep the reload proccing. If the boss has a damage phase that does not allow you to set up Whispered Breathing (takes time scoped in) OR has a hard to hit crit spot, Xeno will likely do better damage
 * There are a few encounters where you want a long range heavy, but can't use an exotic. Linear Fusion Rifles are a reasonable option then.
 * add clear
 * machine gun. 21% Delrium is ideal, anything with Demolitionist to proc the reload from a grenade throw is good too
 * rocket launchers are sub-optimal
 * grenade launchers are viable but worse than other options. If you need a heavy legendary for boss damage, they are the best option.

notable perks


 * good perks
 * primary
 * reload
 * drop mag. Takes a bit to train away from "slam a new mag in whenever possible" but it's the highest reload bonus you can get. And it allows you get to two "primary" perks since it's a mag option
 * outlaw. Highest procced reload bonus, requires headshots. Good, but not best in class anymore
 * feeding frenzy. Stackable reload bonus, think Swashbuckler for reload. Better than Outlaw for almost all circumstances.
 * subsistence. Reloads on kills, at the expense of lower reserves. Probably don't pair with Drop Mag.
 * damage
 * rampage. The classic, 3 stacks for great damage
 * swashbuckler. Almost Rampage, but 5 stacks. Can be stacked to 5 by a melee kill
 * kill clip. Highest damage bonus. DOES NOT REFRESH. You have to wait for it to expire to get a new buff
 * multi kill clip. Good damage bonus, refresh REPLACES your prior stack with current MKC count
 * utility
 * moving target. Additional move speed and aim assist while aiming down sights
 * snapshot. ADS faster
 * quickdraw. Pull your weapon out faster
 * special
 * auto-loading holster. Incredible quality of life perk for PVE. Pull out the special, delete something, put it away and be assured it'll be full next time. Target this on everything
 * bad perks
 * field prep

swords


 * boss damage roll is Relentless and Whirlwind
 * blade doesn't matter much. Jagged is the best damage at the expense of ammo, Tempered is a good balanced option
 * guard doesn't matter much. Swordmaster is ideal. AVOID Heavy guard

Shotguns


 * Barrels: rifled barrel and full choke are the best two. People will sway you one way or the other on which is better, ignore them. Use whichever of the two feels best to you. Don't ever use Smoothbore. Ever.