The Best Weapons in Helldivers 2

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In the unforgiving world of Helldivers 2, where relentless alien swarms and mechanized adversaries lurk around every corner, possessing the right weaponry can spell the difference between triumph and defeat. This meticulously crafted guide delves deep into the game’s vast arsenal, evaluating each firearm’s potency, versatility, and suitability for various combat scenarios. Prepare to equip yourself with the ultimate knowledge to obliterate foes and emerge victorious on the harshest of battlegrounds.

Tier-Based Weapon Rankings: Unveiling the Deadliest Contenders

To streamline your quest for the perfect armaments, we’ve curated a tier-based ranking system that separates the game’s weaponry into distinct echelons of lethality. From the unparalleled SS-tier behemoths to the serviceable yet underwhelming C-tier options, this comprehensive breakdown ensures you can swiftly identify the most formidable tools of destruction.

SS-Tier: Harbingers of Annihilation

In this rarefied realm, a select few weapons reign supreme, their sheer destructive prowess unmatched by lesser counterparts. Brace yourselves for the uncompromising might of these elite armaments:

The SG-225 Breaker: Precision and Mayhem Intertwined Defying conventional wisdom, this shotgun excels at both precision strikes and crowd control, making it an indispensable ally in high-pressure situations. Its fully automatic fire mode, coupled with an impressive range, empowers you to surgically eliminate targets or unleash a torrent of devastation upon encroaching hordes with equal ease.

The SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary: A Blazing Scourge for the Insectoid Scourge Engineered to combat the relentless onslaught of insectoid adversaries, this incendiary variant of the Breaker unleashes a fiery maelstrom that engulfs and torments its victims over time. Its wide projectile spread and rapid-fire capabilities make it a potent choice for decimating tightly packed swarms, while its lingering flames ensure even stragglers meet a searing demise.

The PLAS-1 Scorcher: Automaton Annihilator While ill-suited for combating the insectoid menace, the PLAS-1 Scorcher reigns supreme against the mechanized Automaton forces. Its explosive area-of-effect rounds can obliterate even the most heavily armored adversaries, effortlessly dismantling Scout Striders and shielded Devastators with a single, well-placed shot.

The P-19 Redeemer: Your Salvation in Dire Straits Though a secondary weapon, the P-19 Redeemer’s immense burst damage makes it an invaluable lifeline when the odds seem insurmountable. With a limited yet potent magazine, this sidearm’s true strength lies in its ability to swiftly neutralize threats that have breached your defenses, allowing you to regroup and regain the initiative.

The GP-31 Grenade Pistol: A Versatile Demolitions Expert Hailing from the Democratic Detonation warbond, the GP-31 Grenade Pistol redefines utility with its capacity to launch a barrage of eight grenades from a safe distance. Whether demolishing Automaton fabricators, sealing insectoid entry points, or experimenting with specialized ordnance like incendiaries or stun grenades, this weapon’s versatility is unparalleled.

S-Tier: Instruments of Decimation

While not quite attaining the lofty heights of the SS-tier, these exceptional weapons are more than capable of turning the tide of battle in your favor. Prepare to wield instruments of decimation that will leave your adversaries trembling in fear.

The CB-9 Exploding Crossbow: Silent but Deadly Harnessing the power of explosive bolts, the CB-9 Exploding Crossbow excels at stealthily eliminating clusters of foes from afar. Its lack of muzzle flash and multiple shots per magazine make it an ideal choice for covert operations, while its potent explosive payload ensures even the most formidable adversaries are swiftly dispatched.

The R-36 Eruptor: A Thunderous Harbinger of Destruction Boasting the game’s most devastating firepower, the R-36 Eruptor is a bolt-action behemoth capable of obliterating insectoid entry points, Automaton fabricators, and even fortified structures with ease. However, its sluggish reload speed and lethal backblast demand careful positioning and a complementary support weapon to ensure comprehensive coverage.

The LAS-16 Sickle: Energy Efficiency Personified A true marvel of energy-based weaponry, the LAS-16 Sickle trades infinite ammunition for a brief charging delay and the potential for overheating. Yet, its damage output rivals that of the formidable AR-23 Liberator, making it an ideal choice for conserving precious resources while maintaining uncompromising lethality against Automaton forces.

The SG-8S Slugger: Precision Personified Surpassing its predecessor, the SG-8 Punisher, the SG-8S Slugger is a force to be reckoned with against both insectoid and Automaton adversaries. Its high precision damage and exceptional range make it a natural choice for headshots, while its ability to swiftly dispatch isolated targets ensures you remain in control of the battlefield.

The JAR-5 Dominator: Bug-Slaying Brutality Hailing from the Steeled Veterans warbond, the JAR-5 Dominator is a formidable ally against the insectoid threat. Boasting high damage output and medium armor penetration, this weapon excels at exploiting weak points and delivering precise, lethal headshots, especially when paired with its integrated scope and first-person aiming mode.

A-Tier: Reliable Companions in Arms

While not quite reaching the pinnacle of lethality, these weapons are dependable and versatile, capable of carrying you through even the most arduous battles. Embrace their strengths and forge your path to victory.

The SMG-72 Pummeller: Stunning Suppression Hailing from the Polar Patriots warbond, the SMG-72 Pummeller is a capable submachine gun that trades a modest reduction in damage for the ability to stun enemies with each well-placed shot. While not a game-changer, this feature can provide a tactical advantage in certain scenarios, making the Pummeller a viable choice for those who favor a more measured approach to combat.

The BR-14 Adjudicator: Medium Armor Penetration Perfected Classified as an assault rifle, the BR-14 Adjudicator excels at piercing through medium armor with its potent rounds. While its voracious appetite for ammunition can be a drawback, switching to semi-automatic fire mode can mitigate this issue, allowing you to conserve precious resources while maintaining a steady stream of accurate, armor-piercing fire.

The R-63 Diligence and R-63 Diligence Counter Sniper: Marksman Mastery In a game where maintaining distance from adversaries is paramount, the marksman rifles shine as reliable long-range companions. The R-63 Diligence and its Counter Sniper variant offer exceptional accuracy and stopping power, with the latter trading some ammunition capacity for enhanced armor penetration and single-round precision fire.

The AR-23 Liberator: A Balanced Workhorse The standard-issue Helldivers 2 assault rifle, the AR-23 Liberator, is a well-rounded and dependable weapon. With decent damage output, range, and ammunition capacity, it may not excel in any particular area, but its versatility and first-person aiming mode with variable zoom make it a trustworthy companion for those who value consistency over specialization.

The SMG-37 Defender: Assault Rifle Masquerading as an SMG Defying its classification as a submachine gun, the SMG-37 Defender boasts characteristics more akin to an assault rifle. With superior range, recoil management, and a slower firing rate than its counterparts, this weapon delivers higher damage output while maintaining ammunition efficiency, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more controlled and precise close-to-mid-range option.

B-Tier: Serviceable Sidekicks

While not at the forefront of destructive prowess, these weapons still possess the capability to turn the tide of battle when wielded with skill and tactical acumen. Embrace their unique attributes and let them complement your primary armaments.

The AR-61 Tenderiser: A Forgettable Contender Hailing from the Polar Patriots warbond, the AR-61 Tenderiser fails to leave a lasting impression. Essentially a Liberator variant with reduced recoil and a smaller magazine size, it offers little to distinguish itself from its counterparts. While serviceable against Automaton forces, its frequent reloading makes it ill-suited for combating the relentless insectoid swarms.

The AR-23C Liberator Concussive: A Stunted Stunner Originally named the AR-23E Liberator Explosive, this assault rifle variant trades raw damage for the ability to stun enemies. However, this trade-off proves to be a poor bargain, as the reduced magazine size, fire rate, and lackluster power make it a pale imitation of the standard Liberator.

The SG-8P Punisher Plasma: A Grenade Launcher in Disguise Blurring the lines between shotgun and grenade launcher, the SG-8P Punisher Plasma fires explosive plasma balls in an arcing trajectory, dealing area-of-effect damage and briefly stunning nearby foes. While better suited for Automaton encounters than insectoid swarms, its limited magazine capacity and slow-moving projectiles demand careful coordination with teammates to maximize its effectiveness.

The AR-23P Liberator Penetrator: A Fading Star Once a formidable choice against Automaton adversaries, the AR-23P Liberator Penetrator has been overshadowed by more recent additions to the arsenal. While its medium armor penetration remains a valuable asset, its reduced stopping power and the release of superior alternatives like the BR-14 Adjudicator have diminished its appeal.

The SG-225SP Breaker Spray&Pray: Crowd Control Compromise A variation of the mighty SG-225 Breaker, the SG-225SP Breaker Spray&Pray trades single-target damage and the incendiary effects of its brethren for increased spread and crowd control capabilities. While not the optimal choice for either precision or sustained area denial, this weapon can serve as a viable option for those seeking to thin the ranks of standard insectoid swarms.

The MP-98 Knight: A Risky Gambit Embodying the quintessential submachine gun characteristics of high damage at close range, rapid fire rate, and minimal long-range accuracy, the MP-98 Knight presents a double-edged sword. While it excels in close-quarters combat, Helldivers 2’s emphasis on maintaining distance from adversaries renders this playstyle inherently hazardous, necessitating a secondary weapon like the P-19 Redeemer for emergency extraction.

The SG-8 Punisher: A Jack of All Trades, Master of None The SG-8 Punisher suffers from a lack of focus, failing to excel in either crowd control or single-target damage. Its buckshot spread is too limited for effective swarm suppression, while its precision is outclassed by the SG-8S Slugger. While serviceable at lower difficulties, this weapon ultimately falls short when compared to the more specialized options available.

The P-2 Peacemaker: A Reliable Sidearm The standard-issue Helldivers 2 sidearm, the P-2 Peacemaker, serves as a dependable backup option. While not possessing the potent burst damage of the P-19 Redeemer, its primary strength lies in its ability to swiftly dispatch adversaries that have breached your defenses when your primary weapon is depleted.

The P-4 Senator: Penetrating Punch Hailing from the Steeled Veterans warbond, the P-4 Senator packs a potent punch against Automaton forces, thanks to its medium armor penetration. With the addition of a speedloader, allowing for rapid reloads after emptying its magazine, this sidearm can serve as an effective close-range option for dispatching tough adversaries like Berserkers or Devastators, especially when paired with precise headshots.

C-Tier: Last Resorts

While not recommended for most combat scenarios, these weapons can still serve as a last line of defense when all other options have been exhausted. Approach them with tempered expectations and a willingness to adapt to their unique quirks.

The Arc-12 Blitzer: Unfulfilled Potential The Arc-12 Blitzer is a tantalizing concept – an energy shotgun capable of unleashing tendrils of arc damage that can spread between adversaries. However, in practice, it fails to live up to its promise. Lacking the widespread of the Arc Thrower and underwhelming single-target damage, combined with its short range and sluggish fire rate, make this weapon a risky choice in the heat of battle.

The LAS-7 Dagger: Infinite Ammunition, Limited Impact As a secondary weapon with infinite ammunition, the LAS-7 Dagger offers a unique advantage – you’ll never find yourself without a backup option. However, its lackluster damage output relegates it to a support role, best suited for dispatching minor adversaries while conserving primary ammunition for more formidable threats.

The LAS-5 Scythe: A Perplexing Paradox The LAS-5 Scythe is a puzzling paradox, trading lower damage for the potential of unlimited ammunition, provided you allow it to cool down after firing its beam. However, this gimmick fails to translate into practical combat effectiveness, as the need for constant firing on higher difficulties renders the cooldown mechanic moot. Unless ammo conservation is your primary concern, more conventional firearms with superior damage output are recommended.

Embracing the Path of the Helldivers: Strategies for Success

As you embark on your journey through the unforgiving battlegrounds of Helldivers 2, remember that true mastery lies not only in selecting the right weapons but also in employing them with tactical prowess. Adapt your playstyle to the unique strengths and weaknesses of each armament, leverage environmental advantages, and coordinate seamlessly with your squadmates to overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Whether you prefer the precision of marksman rifles, the raw destructive power of explosive ordnance, or the versatility of energy-based weaponry, this comprehensive guide has armed you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and emerge victorious against any adversary that dares to stand in your path.

So, gear up, Helldivers, and let the echoes of your triumphs reverberate across the cosmos, inspiring future generations of warriors to follow in your footsteps and uphold the legacy of unwavering courage and unparalleled skill on the battlefield.