Democracy’s Finest: The Ultimate Helldivers 2 Weapons Tier List

The fight for Super Earth is a constant, evolving battle. As new enemies emerge and the galactic war shifts, so too does the meta of Helldivers 2. What was once the most powerful weapon in the galaxy can, with a single patch, become a glorified paperweight. Staying on top of the latest gear is essential for any Helldiver who wants to survive on the front lines and successfully spread managed democracy. This comprehensive tier list breaks down the best weapons to use in the current meta, separating the truly divine tools of destruction from the less-than-stellar options. Whether you’re a new recruit or a seasoned veteran, this guide will help you optimize your loadout and ensure every bullet, laser, and rocket finds its intended target.

Understanding the Current Meta

The current Helldivers 2 meta is all about efficiency and versatility. The best weapons are those that can handle a variety of threats, from swarms of small enemies to heavily armored abominations. This means that while pure damage is important, it’s not the only factor. A weapon with good crowd control, armor penetration, or a unique utility can be just as valuable as a high-damage one. The recent introduction of the Illuminate has also changed the game, forcing players to consider new weapons and tactics to deal with their shields and teleporting abilities. Our tier list reflects these changes, prioritizing weapons that perform well against all three factions: the Terminids, Automatons, and the newly introduced Illuminate.

S-Tier: The Gods of War

These weapons are the best of the best. They are highly effective, versatile, and can be used in almost any situation. If you are looking to dominate on the highest difficulties, these are the weapons you should be using. Their power is often offset by a slow fire rate or a long reload, so you’ll need to use a secondary or a team member to cover your back.

• R-36 Eruptor (Primary): A bolt-action rifle that fires explosive, high-damage shrapnel shells. It’s the highest-damage primary in the game and can destroy bug holes and automaton fabricators from a distance. Its medium armor penetration allows it to take on most elite enemies with ease.
• PLAS-101 Purifier (Primary): This marksman rifle fires a charging explosive projectile. Its unique charge-up mechanic allows you to control the size of the explosion, making it perfect for taking out large groups of enemies or a single, heavily-armored target.
• CB-9 Exploding Crossbow (Primary): An unconventional but powerful weapon that fires explosive bolts. It’s one-handed and has medium armor penetration, making it an excellent utility weapon for clearing groups of enemies and taking out light armor.
• RS-422 Railgun (Support): A once-nerfed but now-revived powerhouse, the Railgun is back on top. It can pierce heavy armor and deal massive damage to weak spots. When overcharged in “unsafe mode,” it can two-shot even the toughest enemies.
• LAS-99 Quasar Cannon (Support): The single most powerful support weapon in the game. It fires a massive laser blast that can one-shot almost any enemy, including Bile Titans and Hulks. It has a long cooldown but an infinite ammo supply, making it a reliable and powerful choice.

A-Tier: The Workhorses of Democracy

These weapons are still incredibly strong but may not have the same versatility or raw power as the S-tier options. They are excellent choices for a variety of situations and are often easier to use than their S-tier counterparts.

• AR-23 Liberator (Primary): The original and still a great choice. The Liberator is a well-rounded assault rifle with decent damage, a high fire rate, and a large ammo capacity. It’s a fantastic all-around weapon for clearing hordes of enemies.
• SG-225 Breaker (Primary): Even after a series of nerfs, the Breaker remains one of the best shotguns in the game. Its high damage and full-auto fire make it a force to be reckoned with at close range.
• LAS-16 Sickle (Primary): A popular energy weapon that functions as an assault rifle with infinite ammo. Its heat mechanic means you can fire it indefinitely without reloading, but it will overheat if you aren’t careful. It’s an excellent choice for a run-and-gun playstyle.
• AC-8 Autocannon (Support): A highly versatile support weapon that can be used for both crowd control and taking out armored enemies. Its explosive, armor-piercing shells make it a great choice against Automatons and medium-sized Terminids.
• GR-8 Recoilless Rifle (Support): A powerful rocket launcher that deals incredible damage to a single target. With a teammate to assist in reloading, you can take down a Bile Titan in a matter of seconds.

B-Tier: The Niche and the Mediocre

These weapons have their uses, but they are often outshined by the higher-tier options. They can be fun to use and can be effective in certain situations, but they are not the best for all-around gameplay.

• SG-8S Slugger (Primary): A shotgun that fires a single slug with medium armor penetration. It’s a great option for taking out a single, heavily-armored enemy but struggles against large groups of smaller enemies.
• P-19 Redeemer (Secondary): The best secondary weapon in the game. It’s a rapid-fire pistol that is perfect for clearing small enemies when your primary weapon is reloading. It’s a must-have for any loadout.
• AR-23P Liberator Penetrator (Primary): A variant of the Liberator with medium armor penetration. While it sounds good on paper, its lower fire rate and damage make it less effective than other options.
• MG-43 Machine Gun (Support): A machine gun with a high fire rate and medium-armor-penetrating rounds. It’s great for clearing out hordes but has a very slow reload, leaving you vulnerable.