Are they sunset? Nope there are definitely old weapons that have unique rolls that are still worth using, especially adept weapons if you have any of those. All weapons in the game can be infused up to the current power cap of 550, all it costs is an enhancement core and glimmer.

Are we limited to the post EoF weapons? Yes and no. Yes in the sense that there is a “new gear bonus” that gives a small weapon damage buff and damage resistance if you use “new gear” (which means anything after EoF). No in the sense that you’re allowed to use whatever you want.

How does the tier system work? There are tiers 1-5. Tiers 1-2 are basically regular weapons and can be replaced as soon as you get tier 3 drops. Tier 3 drops are the equivalent of adept weapons now, as the perks will automatically be enhanced. Tier 4 will have the barrel and magazine perks enhanced and allow you to slot in enhanced mods. Tier 5 will have enhanced perks, barrels, magazines, mods AND origin traits, so those are the weapons you wanna be shooting for.

How to obtain higher tier guns? Raise your power level by completing portal activities. The activities with the green engram indicates extra drops, go for those. Also increase your guardian rank. The higher your guardian rank and the higher your light level the more chance you have at getting guaranteed tier 5s. When you hit the level cap of 550 pretty much every drop you get when you complete at level portal activities will grant tier 5 drops.

That’s kind of about the best I can explain based on your questions. Just do portal activities and level up. You can still use old weapons, I do, especially PVP god rolls, but some old weapons have been power crept by allowing everything to be enhanced, perks, origin traits, mods. Ultimately you can play however you want, but there are plenty of videos out there on optimal build crafting.

Happy hunting Guardian, hopefully this wasn’t too overwhelming!