Find out which weapons reign supreme in Helldivers 2 with our definitive tier list ranking each gun from S-Tier down to see which are worth unlocking.
Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the Helldiver program liberating planet after planet from the bug menace or a fresh-faced recruit just joining the fight, your choice of weapons makes all the difference between victory and defeat.
This comprehensive Helldivers 2 weapons guide breaks down the stats and gameplay of every available gun, ranking them in tiers from top-tier S-Rank weapons all the way down to situational C-Tier options. Use our recommendations to optimize your loadout and crush the enemy with the most powerful tools of warfare.
Truly elite firearms belong exclusively in the S-Tier. These are the absolute best guns worthy of any Helldiver's arsenal.
SG-225 Breaker Shotgun
Still occupying our #1 slot, the SG-225 Breaker continues to be the king of Helldivers 2 shotguns. With insane single-target damage that also holds up impressively at mid-range thanks to decent accuracy, the Breaker is a hull-shredding monster. It rightfully earned its spot at the pinnacle of our ranking.
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- Damage: 330
- Capacity: 013
- Recoil: 055
- Fire Rate: 300
- Traits: Light Armor Penetrating
The Breaker's raw power and versatility make it an amazing choice to melt Terminid and Automaton armor alike. With its high base damage, you don't need many shells to take an enemy out of the fight. It also holds up well even against armored Priority targets.
A skilled Helldiver can even engage at slightly longer ranges than other shotguns thanks to tighter pellet spread, though you'll want to aim for center mass on moving targets. We highly recommend switching it to semi-auto fire for maximum accuracy too. Overall, the Breaker remains the gold standard of Helldivers 2 firearms.
Las-16 Sickle
Our #2 weapon, the Las-16 Sickle is a fine example of how energy weapons can hang with projectile guns in Helldivers 2. This rifle hits an impressive sweet spot of great damage and blistering fire rate without egregious downsides like punishing heat.
- Damage: 055
- Capacity: 009
- Recoil: 002
- Fire Rate: 750
- Traits: Light Armor Penetrating, Heat
The Sickle tears through groups of weaker enemies with ease thanks to its knife-like rate of fire. It also puts down bigger threats effectively before they can close distance. Handling is very smooth with low recoil letting you land sustained beams without issue.
Its heat meter rises gradually on hold, giving seasoned users plenty of leeway before requiring a brief cool down. Ammo is basically unlimited if you manage this heat properly too. Overall, the Las-16 stands out as an incredibly flexible and versatile weapon worthy of any loadout.
AR-23 Liberator
Damage: 055
Capacity: 045
Recoil: 015
Fire Rate: 640
Traits: Light Armor Penetrating
As the starter weapon given to all recruits, the trusty AR-23 Liberator is surprisingly effective even in late-game content. Its well-balanced stats including low recoil and high fire rate make it easy to control under pressure. While per-bullet damage is moderate, its rapid output puts enemies down efficiently.
The Liberator remains reliable all the way through multiple missions thanks to its common ammo type. Field tests show it consistently outpaces many higher-tier alternatives in eliminating swarms of weaker foes too. Its tried-and-true performance earned this classic its well-deserved spot in A-Tier.
P-19 Redeemer
Damage: 060
Capacity: 031
Recoil: 011
Fire Rate: 1100
Traits: Light Armor Penetrating, One Handed
Boasting an enormous 1100 RPM cyclic rate, the P-19 Redeemer is a hysterical hand cannon by Helldivers standards. Its blistering fire lets you turn the tide in seconds against any flankers or scouts. Despite the high-speed operation, recall is quite soft allowing users to lay down surprisingly accurate full-auto suppressive fire too.
Such an over-the-top sidearm is naturally ammunition-hungry, but its ammo type remains common. The Redeemer rewards those who master burst-firing with immense threat-stopping power from the hip as well. Its lethality and versatile one-handed use make it an easy recommendation.
SMG-37 Defender
Damage: 070
Capacity: 045
Recoil: 010
Fire Rate: 520
Traits: Light Armor Penetrating, One Handed
As a middle ground between an assault rifle and a submachine gun, the SMG-37 Defender carves out an effective niche. Unlike other SMGs, it combines strong accuracy and controllable recoil for reliable mid-range suppression.
Damage per bullet also exceeds similar-tier automatics, letting the Defender eliminate targets nearly as swiftly as heavier hitters. Its lightweight one-handed nature opens more utility too, from repairing gear to carrying objectives. Ammo consumption remains fair considering the Defender's all-round flexibility and performance.
AR-23E Liberator
Damage: 055
Capacity: 030
Recoil: 028
Fire Rate: 320
Traits: Light Armor Penetrating, Explosive
As an alternate firing mode of the stalwart AR-23, the AR-23E trades some rate of fire for explosive payloads. Individual pellet damage took a slight hit compared to standard variants as well—however, the explosive effects more than make up for this with superb crowd control.
Bursts of shrapnel tear through tightly grouped enemies with ease and stagger survivors. Concussed hostiles also become sitting ducks under follow-up fire. Though sustained DPS dropped a touch, focused bursts remain highly effective against all but the toughest foes. Its alternate firing pattern opens new strategic options too.
MP-98 Knight
Damage: 050
Capacity: 050
Recoil: 020
Fire Rate: 1380
Traits: Light Armor Penetrating, One Handed
As one of the true "spray and pray" options, the MP-98 Knight lives up to its role with a monstrous 1380 RPM rate of fire. Sustained automatic fire chews through weak enemies at an alarming pace, almost functioning as a close-quarters area denial tool.
Despite such lust for lead, controllable recoil and tight spread keep shots reasonably on target. Ammo vanishes quickly though, so diligent reloads are a must. Its light profile also helps facilitate close-quarters maneuvering. While less suited for precision, the MP-98's dakka still earns it a place among top-tier SMGs.
ARC-12 Blitzer
Damage: 250
Capacity: Unlimited
Recoil: 060
Fire Rate: 030
Traits: Light Armor Penetrating, Heat
A technological marvel, the ARC-12 sidesteps traditional magazine limits through an experimental heat-based firing system. As long as its energy cell has enough charge, you can keep blasting away indefinitely.
Each individual shot packs an immense wallop too, capable of dropping most basic enemies in one clean hit. Its conservative rate preserves ammo efficiency compared to pump-action cousins as well. Some aiming practice is needed due to heavier movement during firing, however.
Reliable without major drawbacks, these weapons can definitely serve useful purposes even if not optimal. Let's examine some key B-Tier choices:
P-2 Peacemaker
Damage: 060
Capacity: 015
Recoil: 023
Fire Rate: 900
Traits: Light Armor Penetrating, One Handed
The venerable Peacemaker proved itself a loyal sidearm for generations of Intergalactic Congressional Authority peacekeepers. While damage output matches the tier-above, Redeemer, its fire rate and magazine capacity fall short.
Still, per-bullet harm remains substantial, and controllable automatic fire lets the Peacemaker tackle most threats. It also maintains common ammo supply reliability. As a starter or backup gun, few pistols execute their role better.
R-63 Diligence
Damage: 112
Capacity: 020
Recoil: 035
Fire Rate: 350
Traits: Light Armor Penetrating
Bolt-action precision weapons require great care to use effectively. However, Diligence rewards patient marksmen with high damage outputs capable of downing even heavily armored targets in a shot or two.
With scope attachment, engaging at long range poses little issue. Just beware of the unforgiving reload and aim times leaving you exposed if overwhelmed. Its stopping power remains useful when conditions allow focus firing from cover too.
R-63CS- Diligence Counter Sniper
Damage: 080
Capacity: 010
Recoil: 040
Fire Rate: 150
Weapon Traits: Light Armor Penetrating Sniper
How to Unlock: Unlocked as part of the Helldivers Mobilize Warbonds progression in the Acquisitions menu.
Cost: 15 Medals
The R-63CS- Diligence Counter Sniper is a specialized sniper rifle with high damage and a slow fire rate. It's perfect for taking out enemies from a distance, but be cautious of its limited magazine capacity.
AR-23P Liberator Penetrator
Damage: 070
Capacity: 040
Recoil: 030
Fire Rate: 420
Weapon Traits: Light Armor Penetrating
How to Unlock: Unlocked as part of the Helldivers Mobilize Warbonds progression in the Acquisitions menu.
Cost: 15 Medals
The AR-23P Liberator Penetrator is an assault rifle that excels at penetrating enemy armor. Its high damage and moderate fire rate make it a solid choice for dealing with tougher foes.
P-4 Senator
Damage: 080
Capacity: 020
Recoil: 030
Fire Rate: 360
Weapon Traits: Light Armor Penetrating
How to Unlock: Unlocked as part of the Helldivers Mobilize Warbonds progression in the Acquisitions menu.
Cost: 15 Medals
The P-4 Senator is a powerful pistol with high damage per shot. It's a great secondary weapon for situations where you need a reliable backup option.
Jar-5 Dominator
Damage: 065
Capacity: 040
Recoil: 020
Fire Rate: 360
Weapon Traits: Light Armor Penetrating Shotgun
How to Unlock: Unlocked as part of the Helldivers Mobilize Warbonds progression in the Acquisitions menu.
Cost: 10 Medals
The Jar-5 Dominator is a shotgun that specializes in close-quarters combat. Its high damage and spread make it effective against enemies at point-blank range.
SG-8S Slugger
Damage: 070
Capacity: 010
Recoil: 030
Fire Rate: 150
Weapon Traits: Light Armor Penetrating Sniper
How to Unlock: Unlocked as part of the Helldivers Mobilize Warbonds progression in the Acquisitions menu.
Cost: 20 Medals
The SG-8S Slugger is a sniper rifle that packs a punch. With its high damage and long-range capabilities, it's perfect for taking out enemies from a distance.
SG-8 Punisher
Damage: 080
Capacity: 010
Recoil: 040
Fire Rate: 150
Weapon Traits: Light Armor Penetrating Shotgun
How to Unlock: Unlocked as part of the Helldivers Mobilize Warbonds progression in the Acquisitions menu.
Cost: 15 Medals
A heavy-hitting shotgun for those seeking impact, the SG-8S lives up to its name with tremendous damage potential. Solid accuracy aids mid-range use beyond typical spreads as well.
SG-2251E Breaker Incendiary
Damage: 060
Capacity: 010
Recoil: 030
Fire Rate: 150
Weapon Traits: Light Armor Penetrating Incendiary Shotgun
How to Unlock: Unlocked as part of the Helldivers Mobilize Warbonds progression in the Acquisitions menu.
Cost: 15 Medals
SG-8P Punisher Plasma
Damage: 080
Capacity: 010
Recoil: 040
Fire Rate: 150
Weapon Traits: Light Armor Penetrating Plasma Shotgun
How to Unlock: Unlocked as part of the Helldivers Mobilize Warbonds progression in the Acquisitions menu.
Cost: 20 Medals
Las-7 Dagger
Damage: 055
Capacity: 040
Recoil: 010
Fire Rate: 420
Weapon Traits: Light Armor Penetrating
How to Unlock: Unlocked as part of the Helldivers Mobilize Warbonds progression in the Acquisitions menu.
Cost: 10 Medals
These B-tier weapons offer a variety of playstyles and cater to different combat situations. Experiment with them and find the ones that suit your preferences and tactics. Remember, the best weapon for you is the one that you feel most comfortable and effective with. Good luck out there, soldier!
Situational but serviceable choices, C-Tier options remain usable given the right player and scenarios. Let's look at two examples:
Las-5 Scythe Energy Rifle
Damage/Sec: 300
Fire Limit: 008
Recoil: 001
Stun Time: 0 Seconds
Traits: Light Armor Penetrating, Beam, Heat
As an earlier energy weapon, the Las-5 boasts strong per-second harm. However, its minuscule magazine dried up swiftly under sustained fire. Coupled with no armor penetration nor utility effects, targets could readily shrug off beams.
Still, against clusters of the weakest foes, short controlled bursts proved capable of rapid eliminations. Careful heat management also extends potential damage output. Just understand its severe limitations against anything tougher.
SG-225SP Breaker Spray&Pray Shotgun
Damage: 144
Capacity: 032
Recoil: 045
Fire Rate: 300
Traits: Light Armor Penetrating
A full-auto variant of the iconic Breaker, the SG-225SP pays for the rate of fire gains with lower harm per shot. Even still, explosive slam-firing remains satisfying in execution.
However, reduced damage fails to overcome hard targets as efficiently as pump semi-auto. Ammo also disappears at an alarming pace. While fun, other weapons simply execute more effectively given effort or medal investment costs.
Mastery comes through experience more than any advice. While this guide outlines general strengths, every arm balances uniquely with play style. I encourage all Helldivers to peruse options, follow intuition in the field, and evolve tactics endlessly. Victory depends on adaptable genius within us all.
Though priorities shift from bug to bug and planet to planet, tested standouts exist for reliable reasons. Top performers show merit through versatility across shifting war theaters. But creativity and skill harness value from all.
No gun can compensate for weak strategy or teamwork. Focus strengths through cooperation - a force multiplied above simple arithmetic. This stays ever true from recruit to veterans and ensures our Justice endures through flexibility and harmony in arms. Now go forth, fellow warriors, and let death rain from the sky!
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