Table of Contents
Introduction
Picture this. You’re descending onto a hostile planet in Helldivers 2, heart pounding as the dropship door opens. You’ve got seconds to evaluate the terrain, anticipate enemy swarms, and—most importantly—rely on the weapons you’ve chosen. The unmistakable appeal of Helldivers 2 lies not only in its chaotic, action-packed gameplay but also in the deep strategy it demands. Trust us, success doesn’t just come from guts—it comes from carrying the right gun.
Every co-op or solo mission is a test of your survival skills, tactics, and, most critically, your arsenal. The wrong weapon can leave you vulnerable and scrambling for backup. The right one? It can turn you into an unstoppable force. With so many options available, you’re probably asking yourself, “Which Helldivers 2 guns are truly worth my time?” Let’s break it down, so you can hit any mission knowing you’re geared up for success.
Understanding the Helldivers 2 Weapon Classes
To master the game, you need to first understand the breadth of weaponry at your disposal. Helldivers 2 offers a variety of guns, each suited to specific situations. Whether you’re dealing with massive enemy hordes or specialized boss units, knowing the different weapon classes is your first step toward victory.
What Types of Guns Are Available in Helldivers 2?
Weapons in Helldivers 2 fall into distinct classes, each with its unique strengths and uses. The main ones include Assault Rifles, Shotguns, Heavy Weapons, and Sidearms.
| Weapon Class | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Assault Rifles | Balanced firepower and control | Mid-range combat |
| Shotguns | High burst damage at close range | Crowd control |
| Heavy Weapons | Splash damage with high armor penetration | Large enemies or vehicles |
| Sidearms/Secondary | Backup firepower for emergencies | Close quarters |
Assault Rifles are the bread-and-butter choice for beginners and veterans alike. Weapons like the Justice AR offer accuracy, manageable recoil, and versatility. Shotguns, on the other hand, are your go-to for clearing tight spaces of overwhelming enemy numbers. Heavy Weapons deliver devastating damage but often come at the cost of increased reload times. Lastly, Sidearms might feel like an afterthought, but they’re your life-saver when your primary runs out of ammo.
Keep these classes in mind as we move into which guns excel in specific situations.
The Must-Have Guns in Helldivers 2
While every weapon serves a purpose, some guns consistently outperform the others and are worth prioritizing as you build your arsenal. Here’s a closer look at the guns you can rely on, whether you’re tackling missions solo or with a squad.
Best Guns for Solo Players
When flying solo, survivability and versatility are crucial. You’ll want weapons that can handle diverse threats with minimal assistance.
- Justice AR
This reliable assault rifle balances damage, ammo capacity, and reload speed. Its accuracy allows you to hit enemies at mid-range without wasting precious ammunition. - MG-94 Machine Gun
This crowd-control beast excels in solo play, offering sustained fire for fending off overwhelming enemy waves. Sure, it’s less mobile, but with the right positioning, it’s unbeatable for holding ground.
Best Guns for Co-op Play
Teaming up with friends changes the game entirely. You’ll need weapons that support your team and contribute to the group’s overall strategy.
- Obliterator
If your team is spread thin or dealing with groups of heavily armored foes, the Obliterator’s splash damage becomes a lifesaver. - Rep-80 Support Gun
While not damaging on its own, this gun provides crucial healing and shields, reducing downtime for your squad and keeping everyone in the fight.
Hidden Gems You Shouldn’t Ignore
There are a few weapons that don’t immediately stand out but pack a punch under the right circumstances.
- Punisher Shotgun
Often overlooked, this weapon decimates tight clusters of enemies with ease, especially during infested swarm missions. Pair it with fast reload perks for maximum effect. - Railgun MK II
Perfect for high-damage single-target eliminations, this weapon excels against bosses and heavily armored units.
Use these guns to tailor your playstyle and ensure you’ll never feel under-equipped, no matter what the game throws at you.
Weapon Stats and Damage Guides
Understanding weapon stats allows you to make better choices based on mission difficulty and enemy types. Certain metrics, like damage per shot and reload time, will directly impact your effectiveness on the battlefield.
| Weapon | Damage/Shot | Reload Time | Best Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justice AR | Moderate | 2.0 seconds | Mid-range |
| Punisher Shotgun | High | 3.5 seconds | Close |
| Railgun MK II | Very High | 4.0 seconds | Long-range |
- Damage/Shot
Damage output is a critical factor when deciding on a weapon. Guns like the Justice AR may not have the highest damage per shot but make up for it with consistent accuracy over time. - Reload Time
A weapon that takes too long to reload can leave you vulnerable. For instance, the Railgun’s long reload time can be a drawback in swarm-heavy missions. - Best Range
Choosing the correct weapon range matters. Always consider your map and mission details before locking in your loadout.
Mastering these metrics ensures you’re making objective decisions, not just emotional ones, about which guns to bring along.
Loadout Tips to Maximize Weapon Performance
A perfectly customized loadout can transform your approach to any mission. Here’s how to pair your arsenal with perks, Stratagems, and secondary tools for maximum efficiency.
Pairing Weapons with Stratagems
Certain weapons shine brighter when paired with specific Stratagems. For instance, large-area turrets or airstrikes work well alongside mid-range guns like the Justice AR, allowing you to control the battlefield from a distance.
Perks for Specific Weapons
- Fast Reload perk for Heavy Weapons ensures you can stay in the fight longer.
- Knockback Immunity pairs excellently with close-range weapons like the Punisher Shotgun, ensuring enemy swarms don’t disrupt your aim.
Example Loadouts by Skill Level
- Beginner
- Primary Weapon: Justice AR
- Stratagems: Deployable turret + Ammo Resupply
- Perk: Ammo Specialist
- Intermediate
- Primary Weapon: MG-94 Machine Gun
- Stratagems: Auto Bomb + Air Dropped Mortar
- Perk: Fire Resistant
- Advanced
- Primary Weapon: Railgun MK II
- Stratagems: Orbital Strike + Healing Drone
- Perk: Unyielding Rage
Tailoring your loadout will make you versatile and prepared, whether you’re wading through waves of Bugs or facing precision-firing Illuminate forces.
Common Weapon Mistakes to Avoid
Believe it or not, even the best guns won’t help if you’re mishandling them. Avoiding these common mistakes can dramatically improve your performance.
- Over-Reliance on High-Damage Weapons
Heavy hitters like the Railgun are tempting, but their weaknesses, like long reload times, can be deadly in swarm scenarios. Balance your loadout. - Ignoring Sidearms
Your secondary weapon is more than just a backup. Carry something like a shotgun or a fast-firing pistol to handle surprise encounters or emergencies. - Sacrificing Team Synergy for Personal Gain
Don’t pick a selfish loadout in co-op play. A support weapon might feel less exciting, but it’s priceless when it keeps your squad alive.
Learning from these mistakes ensures smoother gameplay and better mission outcomes.
FAQ About Helldivers 2 Guns
Got questions? We’ve got the answers to help you make informed decisions and get the most out of your arsenal.
What’s the Best Gun for Beginners in Helldivers 2?
If you’re just starting, the Justice AR is your best bet. It offers a balanced mix of power, accuracy, and versatility, making it great for any mission type.
Can I Upgrade My Guns?
Yes! Weapon upgrades enhance damage, reduce reload times, and improve overall performance. Check your crafting options as you progress.
What’s the Most Powerful Gun in the Game?
There’s no definitive answer, but guns like the Railgun MK II and Obliterator dominate specific scenarios. Their utility depends on how and when you use them.
How Do You Unlock New Guns?
To add new guns to your arsenal, complete missions, earn research points, and focus on campaign progression. Some require crafting components, so keep an eye out for loot.
Final Verdict – Which Guns Truly Shine?
To summarize, the best Helldivers 2 guns aren’t limited to just raw power—they’re the weapons that align perfectly with your mission goals. The Justice AR and Punisher Shotgun excel in versatility and crowd control, making them great choices for any mission. Meanwhile, co-op players can rely on team-focused options like the Rep-80 Support Gun for tactical dominance.
Experimentation is the key to discovering your signature style. Try out different combinations, adapt to your missions, and don’t forget to have fun as you deliver democracy across the stars!
Call-to-Action
What’s your favorite Helldivers 2 loadout? We’d love to hear about your strategies and weapon choices in the comments below. Don’t forget to bookmark this article for future updates, weapon guides, and advanced tactics!
