Co-op shooter Helldivers 2 has exploded in popularity since launch, and it’s easy to see why.
In a world full of AAA games that try to appeal to the masses, the game that got everyone hooked wasn’t a major title. It was just a game about Democracy. You and up to three random people or three of your friends could load the game up and listen to the humor of the fake propaganda of Super Earth. Your objective is simple: drive back the Automatons and Terminids and save Super Earth.
There are plenty of weapons you can unlock as you progress through the game, but which should you be spending your hard-earned medals on?
Let’s take a look at what I believe are five of the best weapons in the standard edition (not including Steeled Veterans and Cutting Edge Warbonds).
What to focus on afterward?
If you’re playing Helldivers 2 with friends or strangers, a great way to try out new weapons for free and see what you like is simply to pick up a fallen player’s primary weapon after they perish.
While it can be bad manners to snag their support weapons or backpacks, they’ll be dropping back down with a new primary weapon, so it’s fair game to pick up and equip yourself.
The Sickle, unlocked in the first page of the premium Cutting Edge warbond, is a fantastic weapon overall. It’s an energy-based assault rifle that works on a heat mechanic – you technically have unlimited ammo, provided you don’t overheat your gun with an extended period of firing. It’ll take some getting used to managing the cooldown periods, but the benefit of having a primary weapon you don’t need to constantly call in supply drops for or to wear a supply backpack is a huge plus.
SG-225 Breaker
Before the latest patch, the Breaker was the best shotgun in the game. It cleared waves of Automatons and Terminids with ease. After the latest patch, it is still one of the top two weapons in the game. I see it as an interchangeable weapon with the Punisher. It all comes down to personal preference. I prefer the Breaker due to the high rate of fire. You have to reload way more than you used to but the gun is still worth using.
SG-8 Punisher
The Punisher was a good weapon before its latest buff. Now it has 16 shells in a mag and 60 total shells. It has incredible stopping power and packs a punch against both Automatons and Terminids alike. The biggest drawback to this weapon is that it takes a year to reload. If you find yourself in a firefight on the higher difficulty levels, you will die trying to reload due to how slow it is.
AR-23 Liberator
As crazy as it sounds, the default gun the game gives you is one of the better weapons in the game. It’s not the best gun in the game, but it is serviceable. As you grind to get more money and levels, it will get the job done.
P-19 Redeemer
I know some people will say, “But this is not a primary weapon!” That does not matter. The P-19 Redeemer is one of the best weapons in Helldivers 2. There is probably not another gun in the game that has saved me more than the redeemer. If I am being chased by a horde and run out of ammo in my primary, I can quickly swap to the redeemer and I will be fine.
SMG-37 Defender
The firing rate on the SMG is not as high as it is on the basic AR that you start with, but it allows you to fire it with only one hand if you are in a pinch. The low recoil on this gun makes it feel like a laser beam at times against enemies.
