Helldivers 2 offers a diverse arsenal of weapons for players to wield in their fight against alien threats. The game features an extensive range of primary, secondary, and support weapons, each designed to suit different combat situations and playstyles. From assault rifles to heavy ordnance, Helldivers 2 provides a weapon for every strategic approach, allowing players to customize their loadouts for maximum efficiency in battle.
Weapon selection plays a crucial role in mission success. The game’s arsenal includes options for close-quarters combat, long-range engagements, and area-of-effect damage. Players can choose from various damage types and traits to optimize their effectiveness against specific enemy types, whether facing the Illuminate, Terminids, or Automatons.
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each weapon is essential for progression in Helldivers 2. The game encourages experimentation with different weapon combinations to find the most effective setup for each mission. As players advance, they can unlock upgrades and new weapons, expanding their tactical options and overall firepower.
| Weapon Category | Examples | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Assault Rifles, Shotguns | Main combat engagements |
| Secondary | Pistols, SMGs | Backup and close-quarters |
| Support | Rocket Launchers, Mortars | Heavy targets, area denial |
Mastering the Arsenal of Helldivers 2
Weapon Variety and Roles
Helldivers 2 offers a diverse arsenal of weapons, each serving distinct purposes on the battlefield. From close-quarters combat to long-range engagements, the game provides tools for every combat scenario. Understanding these roles and selecting the right weapons is key to success against the game’s challenging enemies.
Primary Weapons: Your Main Offense
Primary weapons form the core of your loadout. These include various weapon types, such as assault rifles for balanced combat, submachine guns for rapid fire at close range, shotguns for devastating close-up damage, and sniper rifles for picking off distant targets. Each weapon has unique stats, like damage, rate of fire, accuracy, armor penetration, ammo capacity, and reload speed.
Secondary Weapons: Backup and Utility
Secondary weapons offer backup firepower or specialized utility. Pistols provide a reliable sidearm, while grenade launchers can clear groups of enemies or destroy structures. These weapons often complement your primary weapon, covering its weaknesses or offering tactical options.
Stratagems: Calling in Support
Stratagems are powerful support options that can be called in during missions. These include airstrikes for devastating area-of-effect attacks, orbital bombardments for long-range destruction, and support backpacks for providing ammo, healing, or other benefits. Choosing the right stratagems can significantly impact the outcome of a mission.
Popular Weapon Choices and Strategies
Several weapons have proven particularly effective among players. The RS-422 Railgun is a popular choice for eliminating heavily armored enemies due to its high armor penetration. The Stalwart machine gun provides good crowd control against weaker foes. The Eagle Airstrike stratagem is extremely useful for clearing out large groups of enemies or destroying enemy structures.
Weapon Categories and Key Examples
| Weapon Type | Example | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Assault Rifle | AR-23 Liberator | Balanced performance, good for medium-range combat. |
| Shotgun | SG-8 Punisher | High damage at close range. |
| Railgun | RS-422 Railgun | Excellent armor penetration. |
| Stratagem | Eagle Airstrike | Powerful area-of-effect attack. |
Teamwork and Loadout Coordination
The best weapon loadout often depends on your team’s overall composition and the mission objectives. Coordinating with your teammates to ensure a balanced mix of weapons and stratagems is essential for maximizing your effectiveness. For example, a team might benefit from having one player with a railgun for dealing with heavy armor, another with a crowd-control weapon like the Stalwart, and another with support stratagems.
Key Takeaways
- Helldivers 2 offers a wide range of weapons to suit various combat scenarios and player preferences
- Weapon selection significantly impacts mission success and team effectiveness
- Players can upgrade and unlock new weapons as they progress, expanding their tactical options
Primary Weapons Overview
Helldivers 2 offers a diverse arsenal of primary weapons to combat hostile forces. These range from versatile assault rifles to powerful shotguns and specialized energy weapons, each with unique characteristics and tactical applications.
Assault Rifles
The AR-23 Liberator series forms the backbone of Helldivers’ armament. The AR-23P Liberator provides a balanced mix of firepower and accuracy, suitable for most combat scenarios. Its penetrator variant offers enhanced armor-piercing capabilities, ideal for heavily armored targets.
The AR-61 Tenderizer boasts a higher fire rate, excelling in close-quarters combat. For those preferring mobility, the AR-23A Liberator Carbine sacrifices some range for improved handling in tight spaces.
| Weapon | Damage | Fire Rate | Penetration |
|---|---|---|---|
| AR-23P | Medium | Medium | Standard |
| AR-61 | Low | High | Low |
| AR-23A | Medium | Medium | Low |
Assault rifles offer versatility across various mission types, balancing damage output with controllable recoil.
Shotguns
Shotguns in Helldivers 2 excel at close-range engagements. The SG-225 Breaker delivers devastating short-range firepower, ideal for clearing rooms or repelling swarms of smaller enemies.
For those seeking additional stopping power, the SG-8 Punisher offers a slower fire rate but increased damage per shot. The SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary adds area denial capabilities with its fire-spreading rounds.
The SG-451 Cookout stands out with its ability to set targets ablaze, providing both damage and tactical advantages.
Shotguns require careful positioning but reward players with unmatched close-quarters effectiveness.
Specialist Weapons
Helldivers 2 features advanced energy weapons for specialized roles. The LAS-5 Scythe and LAS-16 Sickle offer precision and heat management, ideal for sustained fire against multiple targets.
The PLAS-1 Scorcher delivers concentrated plasma bursts, effective against armored foes. For area control, the PLAS-101 Purifier excels with its wide-spread plasma discharge.
These weapons often trade conventional ammunition capacity for unique capabilities, such as overheating mechanics or charge-up times. They shine in specific scenarios, offering alternatives to traditional ballistic weapons.
Secondary and Support Weapons
Helldivers 2 offers a diverse arsenal of secondary and support weapons to complement primary firearms. These tools provide tactical flexibility and devastating firepower against tougher enemies and fortified positions.
Grenades and Explosives
The GP-31 Grenade Pistol serves as a versatile secondary weapon, launching explosive rounds with pinpoint accuracy. Its compact size allows for quick deployment in close-quarters combat.
Incendiary grenades create area denial effects, burning enemies and obstructing pathways. The R-36 Eruptor sprays flames in a wide arc, excelling at crowd control and eliminating swarms of smaller foes.
For maximum explosive power, the Recoilless Rifle delivers high-impact shells capable of destroying armored targets and structures. Its slow reload speed necessitates careful positioning and timing.
Heavy and Precision Weapons
The Autocannon rains down a hail of armor-piercing rounds, shredding through enemy formations and light vehicles. Its high rate of fire compensates for lower accuracy at long range.
For precision strikes, the Anti-Materiel Rifle offers unparalleled stopping power against elite units and weakpoints. Each shot can penetrate multiple targets, making it ideal for thinning densely packed enemy lines.
The Arc-12 Blitzer delivers electric shocks to stun and damage foes. It proves particularly effective against robotic enemies and electronic systems.
Strategic and Exotic Choices
The CB-9 Exploding Crossbow combines stealth and explosive power. Its bolts stick to surfaces before detonating, allowing for creative traps and ambushes.
The Railgun fires hypersonic projectiles with extreme penetration, capable of punching through multiple enemies or thick cover. Its charge-up time requires careful timing and positioning.
The Spear support weapon offers a unique melee option. This throwable javelin deals massive damage on impact and can be retrieved for multiple uses.
| Weapon Type | Damage | Armor Penetration | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grenade Pistol | Medium | Low | Limited |
| Recoilless Rifle | Very High | High | Very Limited |
| Autocannon | High | Medium | High |
| Anti-Materiel Rifle | Very High | Very High | Low |
| Railgun | Extreme | Extreme | Very Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
Helldivers 2 offers a diverse arsenal of weapons, each with unique characteristics and applications. Players often seek information on weapon tiers, stats, unlocking methods, and effective strategies.
What are the top tier weapons in Helldivers 2?
The SMG-37 Defender stands out as a highly effective primary weapon. Its balance of damage output and handling makes it versatile in various combat situations.
Other top-tier options include the SG-8 Punisher shotgun for close-quarters combat and the R-63 Diligence rifle for long-range engagements.
Where can I find a comprehensive weapons list for Helldivers 2?
A complete list of weapons is available on dedicated Helldivers 2 wikis and fan sites. These resources typically include primary weapons, support weapons, and stratagems.
The official game menu also provides a detailed overview of unlocked and locked weapons.
What are the differences in weapon stats in Helldivers 2?
Weapon stats in Helldivers 2 include damage, rate of fire, magazine capacity, and recoil. Some weapons have unique properties like stun effects or armor-piercing capabilities.
These stats significantly impact weapon performance and suitability for different mission types and enemy encounters.
How can new weapons be unlocked in Helldivers 2?
New weapons are primarily unlocked through progression in the game. Players earn medals and requisition slips by completing missions and challenges.
Some weapons are tied to specific rank requirements or battlepass progression. Special events or updates may introduce additional unlocking methods.
What strategies are best for using primary weapons in Helldivers 2?
Effective primary weapon use involves understanding each weapon’s strengths and limitations. Players should match weapon choice to mission objectives and expected enemy types.
Positioning, ammo management, and coordinating with team members’ loadouts are crucial for maximizing weapon effectiveness.
What are the most effective support weapons in Helldivers 2?
Support weapons like the Recoilless Rifle and Flamethrower excel in specific situations. The Recoilless Rifle is effective against armored targets, while the Flamethrower excels in crowd control.
The choice of support weapon often depends on mission parameters and team composition. Coordinating with squadmates to cover different combat roles enhances overall effectiveness.
| Weapon Type | Best For | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|
| SMG | Close-range | Rate of fire |
| Rifle | Mid-range | Accuracy |
| Shotgun | Close-quarters | Damage |
| Sniper | Long-range | Precision |
| Support | Specialized roles | Utility |
