Helldivers 2: Weapon Tier List

SG-225 Breaker

The SG-225 Breaker is a fully automatic Shotgun with a fast rate of fire and great range. The Breaker also has a high damage output that can help you regain control in the most intense battles. Even though it requires frequent reloading, this shotgun is a must-have for high-pressure situations.

SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary

The SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary is a modified Breaker shotgun that fires Incendiary projectiles. It is an excellent pick against Terminids since it sets them on fire and damages them over time. With a high firing rate, you can quickly blast any enemies that come your way. However, this particular gun is ineffective against bots.

PLAS-1 Scorcher

The PLAS-1 Scorcher is a powerful plasma rifle that fires a bolt of superheated gas that explodes on impact. It is by far one of the best guns to take down bots on the field. The explosion can help crowd control by quickly eliminating groups of weaker enemies, as well as stunning tougher ones momentarily. Avoid standing too close, as the blast can also damage you.

P-19 Redeemer (Secondary)

The P-19 Redeemer is a one-handed pistol with an extremely high fire rate, making it the best secondary weapon in the game. While it may require a lot of ammo, it is the perfect weapon for dealing with enemies that get too close.

JAR-5 Dominator

The JAR-5 Dominator is an explosive weapon with excellent damage per shot and medium armor penetration, making it a decent pick against the Terminids. It is a great weapon for focused fire on weak points. However, its higher recoil can make follow-up shots challenging.

AR-23 Liberator

The AR-23 Liberator is a standard assault rifle that is well-rounded in all areas. It delivers consistent damage, works for multiple ranges, and can switch between automatic, burst, or semi-automatic firing modes. It may not be the best at everything, but it serves as a reliable primary weapon against small targets.

R-63 Diligence and R-63CS Diligence Counter Sniper

The R-63 Diligence is a high-caliber marksman rifle, perfect for engaging enemies at a distance. It can precisely target and eliminate Automatons on the battlefield before they get close. The R-63CS Diligence Counter Sniper is a modified version of the Diligence. It trades some of the standard version’s ammo for higher damage, medium armor penetration, and an upgraded scope.

SMG-37 Defender

Compared to other SMGs, the SMG-37 Defender is a bit smaller, which is why it can be used one-handed. It delivers decent damage output and boasts a lower recoil, making it a solid choice to handle most weaker enemies effectively. However, it has a slower firing rate and requires frequent reloading.

LAS-16 Sickle

The LAS-16 Sickle is an energy-based laser rifle that packs a serious punch and can take down most enemies quickly. Unlike traditional weapons, the Sickle boasts an endless energy reserve, eliminating the need for reloading. While it doesn’t require ammo, the Sickle does overheat if fired continuously. You’ll need to fit a new heat sink to keep using it.

BR-14 Adjuciator

The BR-14 Adjuciator bridges the gap between assault rifles and marksman rifles, offering a balance between firepower and precision. It can take down moderately armored enemies. However, the high recoil makes the Adjuciator a bit harder to control.

AR-23P Liberator Penetrator and AR-23C Liberator Concussive

The Penetrator and Concussive are two modified versions of the AR-23 Liberator. The Penetrator fires armor-piercing rounds, whereas the Concussive features explosive rounds and a red-dot sight. While both guns may seem more powerful, they deal noticeably reduced damage compared to the standard Liberator.

SG-8 Punisher

The SG-8 Punisher is a powerful pump-action shotgun with a dual magazine. It features high firepower and excels at controlling large groups of enemies. The Punisher can also quickly take down lightly-armored enemies on the field. Unfortunately, it is limited by damage falloff and has a slow firing rate due to its pump-action operation.

SG-8S Slugger

This modified Punisher variant actually surpasses the original and offers far more value. The SG-8S Slugger features higher damage per shot and better penetration against armor. However, it is less effective at crowd control compared to the Punisher, and requires more precise aiming for optimal damage.

MP-98 Knight SMG

Another one-handed SMG, the MP-98 Knight SMG has a very high fire rate and is absolutely lethal at close range. However, the severe recoil and need for frequent reloading can make it challenging to control, especially for sustained bursts. Additionally, it struggles with damage and accuracy at longer distances.

P-2 Peacemaker (Secondary)

The P-2 Peacemaker is the standard SEAF pistol – reliable and easy to control. It deals decent damage, and comes with a fast firing rate and quick reloading, making it a perfect choice for a secondary weapon.

ARC-12 Blitzer

The Arc-12 Blitzer is an interesting concept for an energy-based shotgun. It is described as a gun with truly infinite ammo that shoots multiple arc beams to stun enemies. However, with its limited range, slow fire rate, and inconsistent bolts, the Blitzer is just not worth it.

SG-8P Punisher Plasma

Another energy-based shotgun, the SG-8P Punisher Plasma fires an explosive ball of plasma that deals area-of-effect damage, temporarily stunning all nearby creatures, including your squadmates. However, these shots deal less damage compared to a traditional shotgun, making it less effective against heavily armored enemies.

LAS-5 Scythe

The LAS-5 Scythe is an energy-based rifle that fires a constant damage-dealing laser beam. While it doesn’t require ammo, the Scythe does overheat if fired continuously. As such, you’ll need to wait for it to cool down and fit a new heat sink each time.

LAS-7 Dagger (Secondary)

Similar to the Scythe, the LAS-7 Dagger fires a continuous laser beam and can overheat quickly. Maxing out the heat capacity would require you to exchange the weapon’s batteries.

P-4 Senator (Secondary)

The P-4 Senator is a heavy revolver, which preserves ammo well but does less damage than you’d expect, and requires frequent reloading. Comparatively, the P-19 Redeemer and P-2 Peacemaker are much better choices for a secondary weapon.