Permafrost is a Stasis Wave-Frame Grenade Launcher that can be farmed during The Dawning event. With a solid perk pool and a strong Stasis identity, Permafrost is a welcome option for fans of Wave-Frame grenade launchers. This guide breaks down how it performs in the current meta, the best PvE and PvP rolls, and how to get your hands on one.

How to Get Permafrost

Permafrost is obtained through The Dawning event. Completing Dawning-themed activities can reward Dawning Engrams, which contain event loot. You can also exchange Dawning Spirit with Eva Levante in the Tower to focus Dawning Engrams. Additionally, a guaranteed Holofoil version of Permafrost can be earned through the Event Rank reward track.

Permafrost

Permafrost is a Legendary Kinetic Grenade Launcher with a Wave Frame meaning it’s a one-shot handheld Grenade Launcher. Projectiles release a wave of energy when they contact the ground.

Looking at the stats we have Blast Radius 50, Velocity 71, Stability 23, Handling 63, Reload Speed 63, Rounds Per Minute 72, Magazine 1.

We have a choice of Origin Traits:

Dawning Surprise – Defeating targets awards a Dawning gift. Defeated powerful targets count as more than one.

Field Tested – Defeating targets or dealing damage with this weapon gradually increases range, stability, handling, and reload speed.

How Good Is Permafrost?

Permafrost is the first true Stasis Wave-Frame Grenade Launcher in Destiny 2. While Wave-Frames aren’t dominating the meta right now, Permafrost brings something genuinely unique to the table.

Its biggest competition comes from Rite of the Nine’s New Pacific Epitaph, which boasts stronger base stats and more traditionally powerful perks. However, where Permafrost stands out is its commitment to the Stasis fantasy. With access to Rimestealer and Crystalline Corpsebloom, it offers a fully realised Stasis perk combination that gives it a clear role as a Special-ammo AoE option.

Although its archetype and Stasis focus prevent it from competing with the absolute top-tier picks, Permafrost is still a strong weapon overall—and one that could become even more valuable if Wave-Frames regain prominence in the future.

Permafrost God Rolls

PvE God Roll – All-Around
Barrel: Quick Launch
Magazine: High-Velocity Rounds
Perk 1: Rimestealer (Demolitionist is a solid alternative)
Perk 2: Crystalline Corpsebloom (Reaper’s Tithe is also good)
Masterwork: Handling or Reload Speed
Origin Trait: Field-Tested

For Permafrost, prioritising quality-of-life stats goes a long way. Quick Launch, High-Velocity Rounds, and either Handling or Reload Speed help the weapon feel faster and more responsive.

Rimestealer is the standout perk in column one, especially when paired with Crystalline Corpsebloom for a strong Stasis-focused build. If you’d rather avoid leaning fully into Stasis, Demolitionist paired with Reaper’s Tithe is a reliable alternative. Reaper’s Tithe synergises extremely well with the Wave-Frame archetype, while Demolitionist is always valuable for ability-focused builds.

Permafrost PvP God Rolls

Between a weak PvP archetype and a lack of compelling Crucible perks, Permafrost simply isn’t worth chasing for PvP. There are far better Special-ammo options available for the Crucible.

Let me know what you think in the comments.