Choosing the right weapon in Helldivers 2 can be the difference between glorious victory and total annihilation. With so many guns, stratagems, and gear options available, it can feel overwhelming for new players trying to figure out what works best. After countless missions, explosions, and bug-infested battles, here’s a full weapon tier list and ranking to help you pick the best tools for spreading democracy across the galaxy.
S-Tier: Absolute Must-Haves
These weapons are the core of any efficient Helldiver loadout. They dominate every situation and remain reliable in all mission types.
1. Railgun (Anti-Materiel Rifle) This is arguably the most powerful precision weapon in the game. It one-shots medium to heavy enemies and can even tear through armor if charged properly. The Railgun requires patience and accuracy, but once mastered, it’s unbeatable for players who prefer a more tactical playstyle.
2. Breaker Shotgun Fast, devastating, and flexible. The Breaker is a go-to choice for both solo and squad play. It wipes out hordes in seconds, making it perfect for defending objectives. Its quick reload and massive damage output make it a clear S-tier pick.
3. Arc Thrower This weapon shines against groups of armored bugs or bots. The chain lightning effect is both satisfying and practical. The only downside is that it can hit allies if you’re not careful, so communication is key.
A-Tier: Powerful and Reliable
A-tier weapons may not outshine the best, but they’re excellent alternatives depending on your playstyle or mission type.
1. Laser Cannon The Laser Cannon delivers consistent damage with no need to reload, making it ideal for long fights. It’s energy-based, so you just need to manage the heat buildup. If you’re running low on ammo in prolonged missions, this one’s a lifesaver.
2. Eruptor The Eruptor’s explosive shells can wipe out groups in a single shot. It’s especially effective against Automatons, though the slow fire rate and splash damage risk mean you’ll need to aim carefully.
3. Dominator Assault Rifle A great all-around rifle for those who want balance. The Dominator performs consistently in both medium- and long-range encounters, offering solid stopping power and manageable recoil.
B-Tier: Situational Picks
B-tier weapons are decent but limited. They can shine in specific missions or for players with particular tactics.
1. Scythe Beam Rifle The Scythe looks cool and hits hard but overheats quickly. It’s stylish and fun but not always the most practical choice. Great if you want to experiment with beam weapons.
2. Stalwart Machine Gun This classic machine gun is effective for suppressing enemies, though the long reload time makes it risky. It’s better when paired with teammates who can cover you.
3. Recoilless Rifle It’s great for heavy armor targets, but carrying ammo separately can be inconvenient. However, in a well-coordinated squad, this weapon can absolutely shine.
C-Tier: For Fun, Not Efficiency
C-tier weapons are generally underwhelming compared to the rest. You can still use them for fun or challenge runs, but they’re not optimal for high-difficulty missions.
1. Punisher Plasma Looks impressive, feels powerful—but the splash damage will often get you or your squadmates killed. Still, it’s a blast (literally) if you just want to cause chaos.
2. Defender SMG The recoil and weak damage make this weapon hard to recommend. It’s okay in early missions but quickly falls behind as enemies scale up.
Small Tip: Upgrade Smartly
Weapon balance in Helldivers 2 shifts with patches, so it’s smart to keep testing and adjusting your loadouts. Also, if you want to get your hands on the best upgrades or rare unlocks faster, many players choose to buy Helldivers 2 medals to speed up their progress and experiment with top-tier weapons sooner. It’s a convenient option for those who want to explore different loadouts without endless grinding.
Experimenting with Gear and Progression
The game rewards creativity. Even B-tier weapons can feel amazing when paired with the right stratagems and teamwork. If you’re experimenting with different loadouts or trying to maximize your build efficiency, communities often discuss where to hd2 buy medals safely and how to invest them into meaningful upgrades. While grinding missions can be rewarding, getting extra medals from trusted sources like U4GM helps you focus more on combat strategy than repetitive farming.
Helldivers 2 is all about coordination, chaos, and adaptability. While the weapon rankings give a good starting point, the best loadout is always the one that fits your team and mission goal. Whether you prefer the brute force of a Breaker shotgun or the surgical precision of a Railgun, the key is learning how each weapon complements your squad.
