Determining the best Helldivers 2 weapons requires careful consideration of your combat objectives. While powerful Stratagems provide heavy weapon support, your primary and secondary firearms form the core of your loadout. As you progress through missions and accumulate Medals, you’ll unlock additional weapons through various Warbonds – including assault rifles, shotguns, energy weapons, and sidearms.
Some weapons prove exceptionally effective, while others may not justify their Medal cost. This comprehensive guide organizes all available weapons into clear tiers based on their performance against Terminids, Automatons, and the Illuminate. Each weapon’s ranking considers damage output, armor penetration, ammo efficiency, and situational usefulness.
Weapon tier overview and recent updates
The weapons are categorized into five distinct tiers:
- SS-tier: Exceptionally powerful weapons that excel in most situations
- S-tier: Highly effective firearms with minor drawbacks
- A-tier: Reliable weapons that perform well with proper strategy
- B-tier: Niche weapons with limited effectiveness
- C-tier: Underperforming weapons with significant disadvantages
Recent additions to the arsenal include:
- PLAS-15 Loyalist (Truth Enforcers)
- LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle (Servants of Freedom)
- GP-31 Ultimatum (Servants of Freedom)
- R-6 Deadeye (Borderline Justice)
- LAS-58 Talon (Borderline Justice)
- StA-11 SMG
- PLAS-39 Accelerator Rifle
SS-tier Weapons: The Absolute Best Firearms
LAS-58 Talon (Borderline Justice)
This energy sidearm stands out as one of the game’s most versatile weapons. With infinite ammo (assuming proper heat management) and medium armor penetration, the Talon serves as an excellent backup against tougher enemies. Its precision makes it particularly effective against Automaton weak points when you need to quickly switch from your primary weapon.
LAS-16 Sickle (Cutting Edge)
The LAS-16 Sickle remains a popular choice due to its unlimited ammunition capacity. While it requires careful heat management during prolonged engagements, its effectiveness against Automatons and Illuminate forces makes it a reliable primary weapon. The charge time between bursts encourages disciplined firing patterns.
R-36 Eruptor (Democratic Detonation)
This explosive bolt-action rifle delivers unmatched destructive power. Capable of destroying bug holes, Automaton fabricators, and other strategic targets from distance, the Eruptor excels at eliminating high-value objectives. Its medium armor penetration handles most elite enemies, though the slow reload speed demands tactical positioning.
CB-9 Exploding Crossbow (Democratic Detonation)
After receiving significant damage and radius buffs, the exploding crossbow has become a formidable stealth option. Its silent operation and arcing projectiles allow for discreet eliminations, while the explosive payload handles groups effectively. The ability to fire single-handed makes it compatible with shields and objective carrying.
SG-225 Breaker
The standard Breaker shotgun outperforms its counterparts with excellent range, automatic fire, and magazine reloading. Available relatively early in the standard Warbond progression, it serves as a powerful all-around weapon capable of handling both distant targets and close-quarters swarms.
SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary (Steeled Veterans)
This incendiary variant trades some immediate damage for burning effects that damage enemies over time. Particularly effective against Terminid swarms, the fire spread creates area denial while maintaining the Breaker’s excellent handling characteristics. The Incendiary version performs well against Illuminate forces too.
PLAS-1 Scorcher and PLAS-101 Purifier (Polar Patriots)
The Scorcher stands as one of the best anti-Automaton weapons, with explosive AoE damage that eliminates groups and handles armored units effectively. The Purifier’s recent fix to its charge mechanics transformed it into a versatile tool – offering both quick shots and charged explosions for different combat scenarios.
P-19 Redeemer
As the game’s premier secondary weapon, the Redeemer delivers exceptional burst damage in close quarters. While its magazine capacity is limited, the sheer stopping power makes it ideal for emergency situations when enemies breach your optimal engagement range.
GP-31 Grenade Pistol (Democratic Detonation)
This unique sidearm provides incredible utility with eight grenades that reload from standard ammo pickups. The arcing projectiles can destroy bug holes and Automaton fabricators from safety, while freeing up your grenade slot for specialized options like incendiary or stun grenades.
S-tier weapons: Excellent choices with minor drawbacks
R-6 Deadeye (Borderline Justice)
This lever-action rifle combines satisfying mechanics with strong performance against bots. The eight-round capacity and scope make it effective at range, though the reload speed requires active management during sustained engagements.
LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle (Servants of Freedom)
The Double-Edge variant removes the standard Sickle’s firing limiters at the cost of gradual health drain. This trade-off creates an incredibly powerful but risky weapon that benefits from fire-resistant armor and shield generators.
PLAS-15 Loyalist (Truth Enforcers)
A compact version of the Purifier, the Loyalist packs explosive power into a sidearm. While the charge time and limited ammo prevent it from being a primary damage source, it serves excellently as a backup against groups and armored enemies.
SMG-32 Reprimand (Truth Enforcers)
Considered the best SMG available, the Reprimand offers medium armor penetration and high damage in a controllable package. The small magazine encourages burst or semi-auto fire, while nine total magazines provide decent sustainability.
P-4 Senator (Steeled Veterans)
Recent buffs and the addition of a speedloader have elevated this revolver to top-tier status. The increased stopping power makes it effective against most threats at close range, especially when landing headshots.
SG-8S Slugger
This precision shotgun variant outperforms the standard Punisher with superior single-target damage. Excellent against bots and bug weak points, it struggles slightly against swarms compared to the Breaker family.
JAR-5 Dominator (Steeled Veterans)
A powerful medium-armor-penetration option against bugs, the Dominator delivers heavy hits at the cost of significant recoil. The included scope helps with precision aiming against high-value targets.
A-tier Weapons: Reliable Performers with SpecificUses
PLAS-39 Accelerator Rifle
This energy sniper rifle deals impressive damage but suffers from limited three-round bursts per magazine. While effective against bots, it generally underperforms compared to the Purifier’s versatility.
StA-11 SMG
A balanced SMG option that splits the difference between the Knight’s recoil and Defender’s fire rate. The controllable handling makes it effective at various ranges.
GP-31 Ultimatum (Servants of Freedom)
Essentially a single-shot grenade launcher, the Ultimatum excels at destroying objectives but lacks general combat utility. The short range and arcing trajectory require practice to use effectively.
LAS-5 Scythe
Recent buffs have made this laser rifle viable against bots, with excellent range and the ability to set enemies on fire with sustained fire. Still risky against bug swarms due to heat buildup.
SG-20 Halt (Truth Enforcers)
This multi-ammo shotgun offers flechette rounds and stun shots, though the switching mechanic feels cumbersome. The concept shows promise but currently underperforms compared to simpler options.
P-113 Verdict (Polar Patriots)
A solid upgrade to the standard Peacemaker, the Verdict offers medium armor penetration and improved damage at the cost of some ammo capacity. Effective when aiming carefully.
AR-23P Liberator Penetrator
Recent buffs have made this armor-piercing Liberator variant genuinely viable. The medium penetration handles tougher enemies while maintaining familiar handling.
AR-23A Liberator Carbine (Viper Commandos)
This faster-firing Liberator trades some control for increased DPS. Works well against bugs but consumes ammo rapidly – consider pairing with a Supply Pack.
SG-22 Bushwhacker
A unique three-barrel shotgun that can fire individual barrels or all simultaneously. The stun and knockback effects make it excellent for emergency situations.
SMG-72 Pummeller (Polar Patriots)
Similar to the Defender but with added stun effects. The single-target stun provides limited utility compared to simply killing enemies faster.
BR-14 Adjudicator (Democratic Detonation)
This marksman rifle/assault rifle hybrid offers medium penetration but suffers from high ammo consumption. Best used in semi-auto mode for controlled fire.
R-63 Diligence and R-63 Diligence Counter Sniper
Both versions perform well against bots, with the Counter Sniper trading ammo for increased power and penetration. Excellent for maintaining distance.
AR-23 Liberator
The standard assault rifle provides reliable performance across all situations without excelling in any particular area. A safe choice for beginners.
SMG-37 Defender
The better of the two base SMGs, the Defender handles more like an assault rifle with good range and controllable recoil. Can be fired one-handed when carrying objectives.
B-tier Weapons: Situational Choices with Limitations
Arc-12 Blitzer (Cutting Edge)
This chain-lightning weapon performs well against Illuminate forces but risks friendly fire. The unlimited firing capability is its main advantage.
P-72 Crisper (Freedom’s Flame)
A flamethrower sidearm best used to ignite terrain rather than enemies directly. Limited fuel capacity restricts its usefulness.
SG-451 Cookout (Freedom’s Flame)
An incendiary version of the Punisher shotgun that fails to outperform the Breaker Incendiary. Only recommended for dedicated Punisher fans.
AR-61 Tenderiser (Polar Patriots)
A Liberator variant with less recoil but smaller magazines. The frequent reloads make it poorly suited for bug swarms.
AR-23E Liberator Concussive (Steeled Veterans)
Originally called the Liberator Explosive, this version trades damage for stun effects. The recent drum mag addition helps but doesn’t solve its core issues.
SG-8P Punisher Plasma (Cutting Edge)
A strange hybrid between shotgun and grenade launcher. The explosive plasma shots can stun groups but the tiny magazine and slow projectiles limit effectiveness.
SG-225SP Breaker Spray&Pray
This wide-spread Breaker variant lacks the standard version’s single-target damage and the Incendiary’s area control. Outclassed by its siblings.
MP-98 Knight
A standard high-rate-of-fire SMG that encourages dangerous close-range engagements. Generally outperformed by the Redeemer for emergency situations.
SG-8 Punisher
The basic shotgun is overshadowed by both the Breaker family and the Slugger variant. Adequate at lower difficulties but replaced quickly.
P-2 Peacemaker
The standard sidearm works fine for finishing wounded enemies but can’t compete with specialized secondaries like the Redeemer or Senator.
C-tier Weapons: Generally Not Worth Using
R-2124 Constitution
This ceremonial rifle offers a powerful bayonet melee attack but suffers from an extremely slow reload and five-round capacity. More for style than effectiveness.
FLAM-66 Torcher (Freedom’s Flame)
A primary slot flamethrower that’s generally outclassed by the Stratagem version or Crisper sidearm. Difficult to justify using.
LAS-7 Dagger (Cutting Edge)
An infinite-ammo energy sidearm with too little damage output and magazine capacity to be useful. Outperformed by energy primary weapons.
Final Recommendations for Weapon Selection
When building your loadout, consider these key factors:
- Primary faction you’ll be facing
- Your preferred engagement range
- Team composition and Stratagem choices
- Personal playstyle and accuracy
SS-tier weapons generally work well in all situations, while lower-tier options might require specific builds or strategies to shine. Regular updates continue to adjust weapon balance, so stay informed about patch changes that might affect your favorite firearms.
Remember that weapon effectiveness ultimately depends on your ability to use it properly – even A-tier weapons can outperform S-tier options in skilled hands. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your approach to spreading Managed Democracy across the galaxy.