Unveiling the Top Tier List of Best Helldivers 2 Weapons

In the vibrant world of Helldivers 2, players join forces, strategizing and coordinating as a tight-knit squad to combat against formidable foes and complete challenging objectives. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and released on February 8, 2024, this game has quickly climbed the ranks to become a favorite among players on PC and PlayStation 5, demonstrating the power of teamwork and the thrill of achieving victory against all odds. As champions navigate through varied mission types and enemies, the game's progressive system, devoid of a mandatory paid battle pass, rewards players for their prowess on the battlefield, making every win feel gratifying.

This article's top tier list is meticulously designed, tapping into the game's arsenal to unveil the weapons that truly make players feel invincible. From the indispensable supports that safeguard your squad to the powerful twitch reflexes needed to survive in the heat of battle, we've got you covered. Whether you're looking for gear that will turn the tide of war or just aiming to enhance your gameplay experience, this guide illuminates the path to becoming the ultimate Helldiver.

S-Tier Weapons

In the arsenal of Helldivers 2, the S-Tier weapons stand out for their unmatched power and versatility on the battlefield. These top-tier weapons are the game-changers, designed for players who demand the best in damage output, fire rate, and overall performance. Among them, the SG-225 Breaker Shotgun and LAS-16 Sickle shine as the epitome of firepower and precision.

• SG-225 Breaker Shotgun

  • Damage: 330
  • Capacity: 16
  • Recoil: 30
  • Fire Rate: 300
  • Traits: Light Armor Penetrating
  • Unlock: Helldivers Mobilize Warbonds progression, 20 Medals
  • Description: Dominates the battlefield with high damage and a rapid fire rate, making it the go-to choice for clearing out enemies quickly.

• LAS-16 Sickle

  • Damage: 55
  • Capacity: 9
  • Recoil: 2
  • Fire Rate: 750
  • Traits: Light Armor Penetrating, Heat
  • Unlock: Cutting Edge Premium Warbond progression, 20 Medals
  • Description: An energy-based rifle that combines a fun shooting experience with the power to take down foes swiftly.

The alternative variants like the SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary and LAS-16 Sickle Cutting Edge Warbond offer specialized advantages, such as setting enemies ablaze or providing enhanced reliability. These weapons, accessible through different Warbond progressions, ensure that players can tailor their arsenal to their playstyle, making every mission a testament to their prowess and strategic choices in weapon selection.

A-Tier Weapons

Diving into the A-Tier weapons, Helldivers 2 offers a range of gear that balances high performance with specific situational advantages, making them indispensable for players looking to diversify their arsenal. These weapons, while not as universally powerful as the S-Tier selections, provide unique benefits that can turn the tide in many battles.

• AR-23 Liberator Assault Rifle & SMG-37 Defender Submachine Gun

  • Traits: Both weapons boast Light Armor Penetrating capabilities, making them solid choices for piercing through enemy defenses.
  • Usage: Ideal for players who prioritize mobility and precision, offering a balance between firepower and ease of handling.

• P-19 Redeemer Pistol

  • Key Stats: Damage: 60, Capacity: 31, with traits including Light Armor Penetrating and One Handed.
  • Specialty: Its rapid-fire capability makes it perfect for close encounters, chewing through both ammo and enemies at an impressive rate.

Additionally, the A-Tier includes versatile tools like the Recoilless Rifle for heavy damage and the High Explosive Grenade for its small blast radius but high impact, rounding out a player's tactical options. Each weapon in this tier has its niche, offering a blend of damage, utility, and strategic value that can enhance any Helldiver's effectiveness on the field.

B-Tier Weapons

Exploring the B-Tier weapons in Helldivers 2 reveals a collection that, while not topping the charts, certainly holds its ground with unique capabilities and situational advantages. Among these, the SG-8P Punisher Plasma and SG-225SP Breaker Spray&Pray stand out for their distinctive approaches to combat. The Punisher Plasma, firing explosive plasma balls in an arc, excels in crowd control by stunning groups and dealing AoE damage, particularly effective against bots. On the flip side, its slow firing rate and small magazine size demand frequent reloads, a notable drawback.

• Key B-Tier Weapons:
  • SG-8P Punisher Plasma: Best against bots, struggles with reloads and lacks the spread of the SG-225SP.
  • SG-225SP Breaker Spray&Pray: Offers a wider spread but falls short in single-target damage compared to the SG-8S Slugger.
  • MP-98 Knight SMG: High damage at close range but risky for high-difficulty missions due to its focus on close combat.

The B-Tier is also home to the Senator Pistol and Defender, which, while decent for finishing off enemies, don't quite match the focused role or firepower of higher-tiered weapons. These weapons, including the Diligence Counter Sniper and Expendable Anti-Tank, offer Helldivers flexibility and options for different playstyles, albeit with limitations against heavily armored foes or in ammo economy. This tier, encapsulating weapons like the Laser Cannon and Spear, serves well in lower difficulties but might require strategic supplementing with higher-tier weapons for the more challenging missions.

C-Tier Weapons

Venturing into the realm of C-Tier weapons in Helldivers 2 reveals a collection with a mix of potential and limitations. These tools of war might not always be the first choice for a Helldiver, but under the right circumstances, they can shine or at least get the job done.

• Specialized Situational Use:

  • Arc-12 Blitzer & LAS-7 Dagger: Best suited for specific scenarios, their effectiveness is curtailed by limited use cases, with the LAS-7 Dagger struggling in prolonged engagements due to overheating.
  • Anti-Materiel Rifle & Arc Thrower (Stratagems): While offering unique advantages like armor-piercing and energy-conserving chain attacks, their utility is dampened by challenges such as managing the increased enemy volume and avoiding friendly fire, respectively.

• Performance Variations:

  • AR-23P Liberator Penetrator: Offers higher armor penetration at the cost of increased recoil and reduced overall effectiveness, making it a niche choice.
  • Frag Grenade & Smoke Grenade: These provide tactical options like dispersing enemy groups and facilitating retreats, though their effectiveness and utility vary across different difficulty levels.

• Niche Choices with Improvement Potential:

  • SG-225SP Breaker Spray & Pray: Initially underperforming, it received updates to improve its utility against smaller foes, showcasing the game's balance adjustments.
  • Stalwart (Stratagem): Trades off damage for accuracy, a compromise that can be a disadvantage when overwhelmed, highlighting the importance of strategic weapon selection.

In essence, C-Tier weapons in Helldivers 2 embody the game's depth, offering players a broad arsenal to experiment with and adapt to their playstyle, despite some weapons requiring a bit more finesse to wield effectively.

Special Mentions

While the tier lists have given you the lowdown on the best of the best and the pretty darn good, let's not overlook the special mentions that add flavor and strategic depth to every Helldiver's arsenal. These weapons might not top the charts, but they bring unique traits and situational advantages that can swing the tide of battle in creative and unexpected ways.

• The JAR-5 Dominator & SG-225 Breaker Explosive: A dynamic duo for those who love to see things go boom. The Dominator packs a punch with its high damage output, while the Breaker Explosive variant adds an incendiary twist to the classic shotgun, perfect for crowd control.

  • Trait Highlights: High damage, explosive rounds, crowd control capabilities.

• LAS-5 Scythe: For the precision players out there, the Scythe slices through enemy lines with ease. Its effectiveness against Automatons makes it a must-have in tech-heavy missions.

  • Key Features: Precision targeting, high effectiveness against Automatons, sleek design.

• EAT-17 Expandable Anti-Tank & RS-422 Railgun: The old meets the new with these two. The EAT-17 brings that old-school rocket launcher charm, effective against armored behemoths, while the RS-422 Railgun offers a modern, high-tech option for taking down targets with precision and power.

  • Why They're Special: Versatility in dealing with armored targets, high damage, essential for varied combat scenarios.

These special mentions deserve a spot in your loadout for their unique advantages and the ability to adapt to various combat situations. Whether you're planning a stealthy snipe or an explosive entrance, these weapons have got your back.

Conclusion

Through the detailed exploration of Helldivers 2's extensive armory, from the unmatched might of S-Tier weapons to the situational usefulness of C-Tier choices, this guide serves as a beacon for players navigating the formidable battles of this game. By highlighting key attributes, strategic uses, and the varying efficiency of each weapon across different tiers, we've aimed to arm Helldivers with the knowledge to tailor their arsenals to suit their playstyle and the challenges that lie ahead. The SG-225 Breaker Shotgun and LAS-16 Sickle, among others, stand out as instrumental tools in a Helldiver's quest for supremacy, showcasing the richness of options available to players.

As we conclude, the significance of selecting the right weapon cannot be overstated in the ever-evolving battlefield of Helldivers 2. The implications of these choices extend beyond mere preference, influencing both individual and team success in missions. With an understanding of the strengths and limitations of each tier, Helldivers are better equipped to face the array of threats that the game presents, making every mission an opportunity to demonstrate tactical prowess and collective strategy. As the game continues to evolve, so too will the strategies and weapon preferences of its players, ensuring that the battle for galactic dominance remains as dynamic and engaging as ever.