Helldivers 2: Best Special Weapons Ranked and How to Use Them Effectively

TurboViper

In Helldivers 2, special weapons are game-changers that can completely alter how you handle each faction — Bugs, Bots, and Automatons (Squids). Whether you’re mowing down hordes of enemies or taking out heavily armored targets, the right special weapon can make all the difference. Below is an organized overview and analysis based on recent community discussions and player testing.

1. MG43 Machine Gun – The Reliable Starter

The MG43 is the first special weapon every Helldiver gets, and it’s surprisingly effective. With 90 damage per shot and medium armor penetration, it’s a versatile tool that doesn’t require a backpack slot. It’s most common in city maps and offers a balanced performance across all factions.

Against Bugs and Bots, the MG43 handles medium units effectively, and it can even take down Titans or Chargers with enough sustained fire. For new players, it’s a reliable choice that doesn’t demand much setup.

Tier Rating: A-tier across all factions.

2. Anti-Material Rifle – Precision and Power

This rifle has always been a fan favorite, especially after its recent buff. It now holds eight magazines and can one-shot Hulks, Titans, and armored enemies. Its 450 damage per shot and heavy armor penetration make it one of the most lethal tools against mechanical enemies.

However, it’s less practical versus Squids, where rapid crowd control is more effective than single-target fire. Still, it remains one of the best long-range weapons in the game.

Tier Rating: A-tier vs. Bugs, S-tier vs. Bots, B-tier vs. Squids.

3. Stalwart – Mobile Crowd Control

The Stalwart is essentially a lighter version of the standard machine gun, offering high mobility and an enormous magazine. It’s especially effective when paired with explosive primary weapons like the Eruptor or Crossbow.

With its 1150 fire rate and 250-round magazine, it’s a go-to weapon for clearing small and medium enemies. However, its light armor penetration makes it less ideal against heavy targets like Tanks or Gunships.

Tier Rating: A-tier vs. Bugs, A-tier vs. Squids, B-tier vs. Bots.

4. Expendable Anti-Tank (EAT) – Short Cooldown Destruction

The EAT is one of the most flexible tools in your arsenal. With a short 70-second cooldown, it can one-shot Titans, Chargers, Hulks, and tanks. It deals 2,000 projectile damage plus splash, making it perfect for emergency use or pairing with another heavy weapon.

It’s less necessary against Squids, but remains a top-tier choice for Bugs and Bots. Every team should consider having one EAT user for instant anti-armor support.

Tier Rating: S-tier vs. Bugs and Bots, B-tier vs. Squids.

5. Recoilless Rifle – The Team Favorite

The Recoilless Rifle is a classic powerhouse available at level 5. It deals immense damage and can be reloaded by teammates, making it an essential co-op weapon. It’s more versatile than the EAT due to reload potential but requires a backpack slot.

This weapon shines against large enemies — from Chargers to Factory Striders. It’s consistent, powerful, and one of the best early-game purchases you can make with requisition slips.

Tier Rating: S-tier vs. Bugs and Bots, A-tier vs. Squids.

6. Flamethrower – Once Hot, Now Lukewarm

The Flamethrower was once a top-tier tool against Bugs, but recent balance changes have weakened it slightly. It still excels at clearing out small enemies and controlling choke points, but it’s awkward against ranged or heavy targets.

Fireproof armor can help offset its weaknesses, but for most situations, other special weapons outperform it.

Tier Rating: A-tier vs. Bugs, B-tier vs. Squids, D-tier vs. Bots.

7. Autocannon – The All-Round Powerhouse

The Autocannon is a favorite among experienced players for its versatility. It now deals both projectile and explosive damage, and you can swap between anti-tank or flak rounds. With 325 base damage and 150 explosive damage per shot, it’s excellent for both single targets and crowd control.

Its heavy armor penetration makes it lethal against Titans, Chargers, and even large Bots. Players who regularly buy Helldivers 2 medals to unlock gear faster often prioritize the Autocannon due to its adaptability in any environment.

Tier Rating: S-tier vs. Bugs and Squids, A-tier vs. Bots.

8. Heavy Machine Gun – High Damage, Low Mobility

The Heavy Machine Gun brings unmatched firepower but sacrifices speed and ammo efficiency. With heavy armor penetration and massive damage per shot, it excels against Squids and larger Bots. However, its smaller magazine and slower reload make it less ideal for prolonged engagements.

Tier Rating: A-tier vs. Bugs and Bots, S-tier vs. Squids.

9. Air Burster Rocket Launcher – Explosive Fun

This rocket launcher is one of the most entertaining special weapons available. With cluster and airburst options, it covers wide areas with explosives, making it perfect for wiping out swarms of enemies.

It’s excellent for crowd control but risky at close range due to friendly fire. Against Squids, it can one-shot Flesh Mobs and Overseers with ease.

Tier Rating: B-tier vs. Bugs, C-tier vs. Bots, A-tier vs. Squids.

10. Commando – Guided Missiles on Demand

The Commando fires guided rockets that follow your laser pointer. It’s easy to use and can be fired multiple times per cooldown, but its individual damage is only half that of an EAT. Great for precise hits on Chargers or Titans but less efficient in fast-paced fights.

Tier Rating: B-tier vs. Bugs and Bots, C-tier vs. Squids.

11. Railgun – The Master of Penetration

Unlocked at level 20, the Railgun is a late-game powerhouse. It’s capable of one-shotting medium units and even damaging larger armored enemies. It’s at its best against Bots, where its piercing power dominates, though it’s less practical against swarming enemies like Squids.

Tier Rating: B-tier vs. Bugs, S-tier vs. Bots, C-tier vs. Squids.

Each special weapon in Helldivers 2 has its place, depending on your mission and faction matchup. The Recoilless Rifle and Autocannon are currently top-tier all-around choices, while the EAT remains the best emergency weapon. For those looking to expand their arsenal quickly, many players choose to buy Helldivers 2 medals or buy Helldivers 2 super credits online through trusted platforms like U4GM to speed up unlocks and experiment with multiple builds.

EllaNewman

Great insights on the weapon dynamics in Helldivers 2! The MG43 indeed seems like a solid choice for newcomers, while the Anti-Material Rifle’s recent buff is exciting for those looking to maximize damage against tougher foes. It’s fascinating how weapon selection can shape team strategies. Speaking of versatility, I recently checked out Monkey Mart, which offers a range of fun items that could really enhance gaming sessions. Happy diving!

LilianWalter

In a world where strategy reigns supreme, Helldivers 2 takes tactical gameplay to another level. The special weapons can dramatically shift the tide of battle, providing an edge against diverse foes. Much like when I navigated a tricky multiplayer raid where coordination and weapon choice were key, I found that choosing the right gear was vital to our success. Using slope unblocked tactics helped us overcome the odds decisively. Navigating these challenges effectively requires understanding each weapon's strengths and weaknesses.