I really, really hope so. (Destiny)

by Harmanimus , Friday, January 12, 2018, 14:44 (2450 days ago) @ CruelLEGACEY

In Destiny 2, Kinetic and Energy Weapons essentially perform the same utility role.

So, in some regards, yes. In others, no. Kinetic weapons actually do more damage against unshielded enemies, by about 10% for Precision Auto Rifles for example. Both Crit and Non-Crit.

Against red bar Fallen in Outskirts in the EDZ, both at 335.
Origin Story
Crit: 75
NCrit: 30
Shield: 30

Uriel's Gift
Crit: 68
NCrit: 27
Shield: 81

I understand that regarding their base usage they are roughly the same, but that is more an effect of range than the actual weapon in most cases. A Sniper Rifle is used, tactically, in the same method as a Scout Rifle is, but most especially when you are using the Scout at greater distance. To contrast, you move around with an SMG in a similar fashion to the way you would with a Shotgun or Fusion Rifle, but they better resemble each other from an actual combat judgement standpoint the most when you use them at the same ranges.

Now, having more flexible ranges and/or more overlap in your Kinetic and Energy weapons will make them feel more similar, but going Scout/SMG is very similar, tactically, to Scout Shotgun, and to the same with Auto Rifle with a High Impact Scout to AR/Sniper.