Helldivers 2 Weapons Tier List (November 2025) Best Guns

The Helldivers 2 weapons meta has been completely transformed with the massive Into the Unjust 4.1.0 update, bringing over 200 bug fixes and significant balance changes that make almost every weapon more viable. Based on extensive testing across GamesRadar, U.GG, PC Gamer, IGN, and official patch notes, this comprehensive tier list ranks every weapon by effectiveness against Terminids, Automatons, and Illuminate factions.

Quick Answer: The PLAS-101 Purifier, R-36 Eruptor, and CB-9 Exploding Crossbow remain the undisputed S-tier weapons after the 4.1.0 patch, offering unmatched versatility and damage output across all enemy types.

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Key Information Summary

Aspect	Details
Latest Patch	Into the Unjust 4.1.0 (October 23, 2025)
Major Changes	Overall weapon effectiveness increased, light/medium penetration differentiation
Top S-Tier Weapons	Purifier, Eruptor, Exploding Crossbow
Best vs Terminids	Coyote, Breaker Incendiary, Double-Edge Sickle
Best vs Automatons	Diligence Counter Sniper, Scorcher, Punisher Plasma
Best vs Illuminate	Purifier, Coyote, Blitzer

Understanding the 4.1.0 Patch Impact

The Into the Unjust update fundamentally changed Helldivers 2's weapon balance by:

• Increasing overall effectiveness of all primary weapons, sidearms, throwables, and stratagems
• Differentiating light vs medium penetration weapons with distinct advantages
• Buffing SMGs and pistols for close-quarters dominance with increased close-range damage
• Significantly improving previously underperforming weapons like the Liberator family and SMGs

This means weapons that were previously considered B or C-tier may now be viable A-tier options, making the weapon meta more diverse than ever.

Complete Helldivers 2 Weapons Tier List

S-Tier: Essential Weapons (Must-Have)

These weapons dominate across all scenarios and enemy types, offering the best combination of damage, versatility, and utility.

Primary Weapons

PLAS-101 Purifier (Polar Patriots Warbond)

• Why S-Tier: Unmatched versatility with charged explosive shots and rapid-fire capability
• Best Against: All factions (Illuminate, Terminids, Automatons)
• Patch Impact: Maintains top position with plasma projectiles now passing through foliage
• Unlock Cost: 80 Medals
• Playstyle: Charge for maximum damage against armored targets, rapid-fire for hordes

R-36 Eruptor (Democratic Detonation Warbond)

• Why S-Tier: Highest single-shot damage in the game, destroys structures and elite enemies
• Best Against: Automatons and Terminids, excellent for closing bug holes
• Patch Impact: Remains dominant with heavy armor penetration unchanged
• Unlock Cost: 60 Medals
• Playstyle: Precision shooting, avoid close-quarters to prevent self-damage

CB-9 Exploding Crossbow (Democratic Detonation Warbond)

• Why S-Tier: High damage output with excellent area control, stealth potential
• Best Against: All factions, particularly effective against grouped enemies
• Patch Impact: Explosive radius makes it even more deadly post-patch
• Unlock Cost: 80 Medals
• Playstyle: Arc-based shooting, excellent for objective destruction

AR-2 Coyote (Dust Devils Warbond)

• Why S-Tier: High-capacity assault rifle with incendiary bullets, excellent all-rounder
• Best Against: Terminids (top tier), solid vs Automatons and Illuminate
• Patch Impact: Benefits from general weapon effectiveness increases
• Unlock Cost: Premium Warbond
• Playstyle: Sustained fire with area denial from incendiary effects

Secondary Weapons

P-19 Redeemer

• Why S-Tier: Best base secondary with incredible burst damage
• Best Against: Emergency situations and close-quarters combat
• Patch Impact: Damage increased 60→70, durable damage 5→12
• Playstyle: Panic button when overwhelmed, excellent for carrying objectives

GP-31 Grenade Pistol (Democratic Detonation Warbond)

• Why S-Tier: Utility powerhouse, effectively a mini-grenade launcher
• Best Against: Structure destruction and crowd control
• Patch Impact: Benefits from general throwable improvements
• Unlock Cost: Democratic Detonation Warbond
• Playstyle: Strategic area denial and objective completion

Support Weapons (Stratagems)

Railgun

• Why S-Tier: Devastating single-shot damage with overcharge capability
• Best Against: Automatons and heavy armored targets
• Patch Impact: Maintains dominance with armor penetration unchanged
• Playstyle: Precision targeting of weak points and armor

Flamethrower

• Why S-Tier: Best crowd control against organic enemies and hordes
• Best Against: Terminids and Illuminate voteless mobs
• Patch Impact: Canister capacity 130→150, starting canisters 2→3
• Playstyle: Area denial and horde management

Autocannon

• Why S-Tier: Versatile full-auto with excellent range and structure destruction
• Best Against: All factions, particularly effective against medium armor
• Patch Impact: Damage increased 260→325
• Playstyle: Sustained fire on medium to large targets

A-Tier: Excellent Choices (Highly Recommended)

These weapons have minor drawbacks but excel in specific scenarios or against certain factions.

Primary Weapons

SG-225 Breaker

• Why A-Tier: Reliable shotgun with good range and full-auto capability
• Best Against: Terminids and close-quarters combat
• Patch Impact: Damage increased 80→90, durable damage 15→22
• Playstyle: Aggressive close-quarters combat

PLAS-1 Scorcher

• Why A-Tier: Explosive AoE effect excellent for grouped enemies
• Best Against: Automatons and Illuminate
• Patch Impact: Plasma projectiles now pass through foliage
• Playstyle: Medium-range explosive damage

LAS-16 Sickle (Cutting Edge Warbond)

• Why A-Tier: Infinite ammo energy weapon with good versatility
• Best Against: Automatons and Illuminate
• Patch Impact: Damage increased 55→60, durable damage 5→6
• Playstyle: Sustained fire with heat management

SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary (Steeled Veterans Warbond)

• Why A-Tier: Fire damage over time excellent for crowd control
• Best Against: Terminids and Illuminate hordes
• Patch Impact: Benefits from general weapon effectiveness increases
• Playstyle: Hit-and-fire tactics, let burn damage work

Double-Edge Sickle (Servants of Freedom Warbond)

• Why A-Tier: Higher damage than regular Sickle with self-damage risk
• Best Against: All factions when heat management is mastered
• Patch Impact: Benefits from energy weapon improvements
• Playstyle: High-risk, high-reward heat management

Newly Promoted A-Tier Weapons (Post-4.1.0)

These weapons received significant buffs in the 4.1.0 patch, elevating them to A-tier status:

SMG-37 Defender

• Why Promoted: Massive damage increase 80→100, durable damage 8→18
• Best Against: Close-quarters combat vs all factions
• Playstyle: Aggressive close-range engagements

MP-98 Knight

• Why Promoted: Damage increased 70→90, durable damage 7→18, drag improved
• Best Against: Terminids and Illuminate
• Playstyle: Fast-paced close-quarters combat

SG-8S Slugger

• Why Promoted: Damage increased 280→330, durable damage 75→90
• Best Against: Automatons and medium armor targets
• Playstyle: Precision slug shooting

B-Tier: Viable Options (Situational)

These weapons work well in specific situations but require more skill or have noticeable limitations.

AR-23 Liberator Family

• All Variants Buffed: Base damage and durable damage significantly increased
• Best Against: General purpose combat
• Limitations: Outclassed by specialized weapons
• Playstyle: Beginner-friendly, jack-of-all-trades

Energy Weapons (Non-S-Tier)

• Examples: Accelerator Rifle, Blitzer
• Best Against: Specific faction matchups
• Limitations: Heat management and ammo constraints
• Playstyle: Controlled burst firing

Specialized Shotguns

• Examples: Punisher Plasma, Slugger
• Best Against: Specific enemy types and ranges
• Limitations: Ammo economy and range restrictions
• Playstyle: Tactical positioning and target selection

C-Tier: Niche Picks (Limited Use)

These weapons have very specific use cases or require significant skill to be effective.

Experimental Weapons

• Examples: Various prototype weapons
• Best Against: Very specific scenarios
• Limitations: Unreliable performance or high skill requirements
• Playstyle: Experimental and fun-focused

High-Risk, High-Reward

• Examples: Weapons with self-damage potential
• Best Against: When precision is guaranteed
• Limitations: Team damage risk
• Playstyle: Extreme caution required

Faction-Specific Weapon Rankings

vs Terminids (Bugs)

Top Choices:

• AR-2 Coyote - Incendiary damage excels against organic hordes
• SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary - Fire damage over time devastates bug swarms
• LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle - Good against all bug types with heat management
• MP-98 Knight - Post-buff SMG shreds weak points effectively
• R-36 Eruptor - Instantly kills chargers and closes bug holes

Strategy: Focus on area denial and fire damage. Terminids are weak to incendiary effects and explosives.

vs Automatons (Bots)

Top Choices:

• R-63CS Diligence Counter Sniper - Precision headshots eliminate Devastators
• PLAS-1 Scorcher - Explosive AoE destroys groups and shielded enemies
• SG-8P Punisher Plasma - Post-rework explosion damage devastates bot groups
• PLAS-101 Purifier - Charged shots penetrate heavy armor effectively
• CB-9 Exploding Crossbow - Excellent for fabricator destruction

Strategy: Target weak points and armor. Automatons are vulnerable to precision weapons and armor penetration.

vs Illuminate (Squids)

Top Choices:

1. PLAS-101 Purifier - Versatility handles all Illuminate enemy types
2. AR-2 Coyote - Incendiary effects work well against voteless mobs
3. ARC-12 Blitzer - Stun effects disrupt Illuminate attack patterns
4. SG-8P Punisher Plasma - Explosion damage clears grouped voteless
5. LAS-16 Sickle - Infinite ammo valuable for prolonged Illuminate missions

Strategy: Focus on crowd control and stun effects. Illuminate are vulnerable to area damage and disruption.

Support Weapons & Stratagems Tier List

S-Tier Support Weapons

Railgun

• Why S-Tier: Unmatched single-target damage with overcharge capability
• Best Against: Heavy armor and elite enemies
• Patch Impact: Remains top-tier with armor penetration unchanged

Quasar Cannon

• Why S-Tier: Infinite ammo with devastating damage output
• Best Against: Large targets and structure destruction
• Patch Impact: Cooldown improvements make it more viable

Flamethrower

• Why S-Tier: Best crowd control in the game
• Best Against: Organic hordes and close-quarters
• Patch Impact: Canister capacity and starting ammo increased

Autocannon

• Why S-Tier: Versatile full-auto with excellent range
• Best Against: Medium armor and structures
• Patch Impact: Damage significantly increased 260→325

A-Tier Support Weapons

Commando

• Why A-Tier: Expendable rocket launcher with laser guidance
• Best Against: Heavy armor and grouped enemies
• Patch Impact: Benefits from general stratagem improvements

Speargun

• Why A-Tier: Gas cloud effect provides area denial
• Best Against: Area control and bug hole closing
• Patch Impact: Gas effects enhanced in 4.1.0

Stalwart

• Why A-Tier: Reliable machine gun with good ammo capacity
• Best Against: Sustained fire on medium targets
• Patch Impact: Damage increased 80→90, durable damage 15→22

Advanced Weapon Strategies

Attachment Optimization

The 4.1.0 patch emphasizes that weapon customization dramatically improves performance. Focus on:

• Recoil Control: Essential for automatic weapons
• Damage Output: Priority for precision weapons
• Ammo Economy: Crucial for longer missions
• Handling: Important for close-quarters combat

Loadout Synergy

Create effective loadouts by combining:

Primary + Secondary Combinations:

• Long-range Primary + Close-range Secondary: Covers all engagement distances
• Anti-armor Primary + Anti-horde Secondary: Handles all enemy types
• Energy Primary + Ballistic Secondary: Diversifies damage types

Support Weapon Pairing:

• Anti-armor Primary + Crowd Control Support: Balanced approach
• Area Denial Primary + Precision Support: Tactical flexibility

Mission-Specific Loadouts

Eradication Missions:

• Focus on area damage and crowd control
• Prioritize flamethrowers and explosive weapons

Defense Missions:

• Emphasize sustained fire and ammo economy
• Choose weapons with good ammo capacity

Extraction Missions:

• Balance mobility and firepower
• Select versatile weapons for all ranges

Community Resources & Official Links

Official Resources

• Official Helldivers 2 Website - Developer news and updates
• Official Discord Server - Real-time community discussion and developer interaction
• Arrowhead Twitter - Latest announcements and patch notes
• Official Support Page - Patch notes and technical support

Community Resources

• Helldivers 2 Subreddit - Player discussions and strategy sharing
• U.GG Helldivers 2 - Detailed statistics and tier lists
• Steam Community - Player guides and discussions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best weapons in Helldivers 2 after the 4.1.0 patch?

The PLAS-101 Purifier, R-36 Eruptor, and CB-9 Exploding Crossbow remain the top-tier weapons after the Into the Unjust update. However, many previously underperforming weapons like the Liberator family and SMGs received significant buffs, making the meta more diverse than ever.

Which weapons are best against Terminids?

For Terminids, focus on weapons with fire damage and area effect like the AR-2 Coyote, SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary, and LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle. The R-36 Eruptor is also excellent for closing bug holes and eliminating chargers.

What weapons should I use against Automatons?

Against Automatons, prioritize precision weapons with good armor penetration. The R-63CS Diligence Counter Sniper, PLAS-1 Scorcher, and SG-8P Punisher Plasma are top choices. The CB-9 Exploding Crossbow is also excellent for destroying fabricators.

How do the new light vs medium penetration changes affect weapon choice?

The 4.1.0 patch made light penetration weapons more effective against durable enemies, differentiating them from medium penetration options. Light weapons now deal a higher percentage of total damage against durable targets, making them more viable against heavy enemies.

Which support weapons are most effective?

The Railgun, Quasar Cannon, Flamethrower, and Autocannon remain the top support weapons. The 4.1.0 patch significantly buffed the Autocannon (damage 260→325) and improved the Flamethrower's ammo capacity.

Are SMGs viable after the 4.1.0 patch?

Yes! SMGs received substantial buffs in the 4.1.0 update. The SMG-37 Defender (damage 80→100) and MP-98 Knight (damage 70→90) are now solid A-tier choices, especially for close-quarters combat.

What's the best all-around weapon loadout?

For maximum versatility, combine the PLAS-101 Purifier (primary) with P-19 Redeemer (secondary) and Railgun (support). This loadout handles all enemy types effectively at all ranges.

How often are weapon balance changes released?

Arrowhead has committed to more frequent balance updates following the 4.1.0 patch philosophy. Major balance patches typically come every 2-3 months, with hotfixes addressing urgent issues as needed.

Should I prioritize unlocking Warbond weapons?

Most S-tier weapons are from Warbonds (Purifier from Polar Patriots, Eruptor and Exploding Crossbow from Democratic Detonation). These offer the best return on investment for Medals.

How do I know which weapon to use in each situation?

Consider the enemy faction, mission type, and your playstyle. Use the faction-specific rankings in this guide, and don't be afraid to experiment with the newly buffed weapons to find what works best for you.

Conclusion

The Helldivers 2 weapon meta has never been more diverse or balanced thanks to the Into the Unjust 4.1.0 update. While the Purifier, Eruptor, and Exploding Crossbow remain the undisputed kings, countless other weapons have risen to viability, allowing for more varied and effective loadouts than ever before.

Remember that weapon preference is ultimately personal - what works for one player may not work for another. Use this tier list as a starting point, but don't be afraid to experiment with the newly buffed weapons to find your perfect loadout. For the latest updates and community discussions, join the official Discord and stay connected with fellow Helldivers.

For the latest Helldivers 2 weapon meta analysis and tier list updates, bookmark this guide and check back regularly as Arrowhead continues to refine and balance the arsenal.