Introducing high powered beams onto the Destiny 2 battlefield, the exotic Trace Rifle's have become one of the more thrilling aspects in the game. Giving players some of the most unique features in the title's arsenal, the rifles only get better with time.

Surprising most enemies with their interesting mechanics, those that can master the energy beams will have a distinct advantage. Getting ahold of the weapons is a whole other story, ranging from pure luck to some multi step quest completion. There's a reason they're called exotic weapons, with only the lucky or dedicated few having the distinct honour of firing them on the battlefield.

5 Coldheart

Coldheart Trace Rifle

Now obtainable from engrams throughout the game, Coldheart was originally an exclusive weapon that only players who pre-ordered the game could wield. After reaching level 20 and completing the Red War that is, this laser beam doesn't come easy.

Incredibly effective if players can keep the beam on track, it's sure to burn a hole through most enemies that it gets pointed at. Those that want to make a real set with it will have to stabilize Coldheart as much as possible, never letting opponents escape its icy ray.

4 Divinity

Destiny 2 Exotic Rifle

This trace rifle requires the most amount of preparation, travelling to the Moon and back. Head to Sorrow's Harbor and go through the cave system on the Lunar Battlefields, eventually players will find a giant vex gate that floods with enemies. Defeating the boss at the end, Zeteon, will drop an engram that will start the Divine Fragmentation quest.

This starts the quest that's divided up into 5 different steps, the most important being the Garden of Salvations Raid and the laser puzzles within. After defeating the final raid boss, the gun will finally be in the inventory.

Those who manage to finally get their hands on it, Divinity delivers some explosive damage jumps that can take down enemies in no time. Amping up the power when enemies spend too much time in the beam, players that can keep the sight steady can dominate at range.

3 Prometheus Lens

Exotic Rifle Prometheus lens

Taking a big departure from the other trace rifles, the Prometheus Lens is gotten by lady luck being on the player's side. Needing an elusive engram that will have to be taken back to Cryptarch, players will just have to sit and hope that it spits out the gun over other rewards.

Bringing back some of the fun aspects that have been lost in the weeds, this rifle is the equivalent of a Mazda Miata, fun to drive but lacking in performance. Players won't want to whip it out in a challenging situation due to lack of performance, turning the fun into frustration.

On the other hand, it's reload ability upon securing kills will work to the players advantage with big, underpowered crowds. This includes boss minions that serve to distract and slowly chip away at the players health, increasing the damage radius for those that can keep the scope on the enemy.

2 Ruinous Effigy

Trace Rifle Destiny 2

Offering up the third person perspective, a big portion of players will be relieved to change the view to something more comfortable. One of the truly unique weapons in the game, it's mechanics are creative and make for seriously enjoyable gameplay.

Transforming enemies that have the misfortune of being taken out by the rifle into orbs of energy, then they can damage and kill other enemies creating a domino effect in favor of the player. Able to be used by teammates or the player, the orbs have a range of attacks to strike the opponent.

To get Ruinous Effigy, players will have to travel to the Drifter's Area and talk to the Prismatic Recaster. This will lead to a rotating Interference quest, usually including a boss fight. Once that's completed, players will have to gather 25 Calcified Light fragments and defeat 15 Savathun's Marionettes. Proceed to the Gambit or Reckoning quest, accomplishing the multiple goals along the way. Once completed it's back to the tower to claim the reward.

1 Wavesplitter

Trace Rifle Destiny 2

Besides the excellent 80s gun sound, the Wavesplitter has explosive power that makes up for its lack of range. With no recoil and orb pickups granting maximum power right away, Wavesplitter took the lead for trace rifles when it debuted.

Adding an element of shock to the gun as every trigger pull will alternate the power level thanks to the Harmonic Laser perk. At the lowest level of power its equal to Coldheart's base damage and at its height it can easily take out even the most stubborn enemy. Once the player gets into range, the only worry is the elusive ammo that will have to be conserved throughout the battle.

Unfortunately, there's no concrete way to get ahold of the Wavesplitter, only becoming available from random drops after picking up an exotic engram. This will create a real disparity between the effort put in, with some players getting it first try while others are in it for the long grind.

NEXT: Destiny 2: 15 Best Perks You Need On Your Weapon