How Do Weapons Work in Helldivers 2?
Weapons in Helldivers 2 are not just tools for killing; they are an extension of your strategy. There’s a variety of guns, explosives, and special devices, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. To get the most out of your weapons, it’s crucial to understand their individual properties.
Standard Firearms: These are your bread-and-butter weapons. Rifles, shotguns, and submachine guns are balanced in terms of damage, fire rate, and accuracy. The key to using them effectively is adapting to the range and situation. For example, rifles are ideal for long-range combat, while shotguns shine in tight spaces.
Heavy Weapons: These weapons pack a serious punch but come with a tradeoff in mobility. You’ll be slower when carrying them, and ammo may be limited, so it’s vital to make every shot count. They work well against large groups of enemies or powerful creatures, but be careful not to overuse them in situations where agility is key.
Explosives: Grenades, mines, and launchers are your go-to for crowd control. Explosives can clear out enemies in tight spots or help you deal with enemy clusters from a distance. The trick with explosives is knowing when to deploy them for maximum effect—often after a brief delay or a short burst of combat.
Special Weapons: These are more unique, like flamethrowers or experimental guns. They often require more skill to use and can drastically change how you engage enemies. Mastering special weapons takes practice, but their versatility can offer an edge in specific situations, especially when combined with the right gear.
How Does Gear Influence Gameplay?
Gear in Helldivers 2 provides much-needed flexibility and utility during missions. You can customize your loadout to complement your playstyle and weapon choice. Gear doesn’t just serve as protection; it enhances your combat ability by offering buffs, tools, and even environmental advantages.
Armor: Armor increases your durability, but not all armors are made equal. Some provide more protection, while others might enhance your stamina or mobility. It’s important to balance between defensive and offensive capabilities. Heavier armor gives you more survivability but may slow you down, which can be a disadvantage when you need speed.
Jetpacks and Boosters: Mobility is key in Helldivers 2, and a well-timed jump or boost can make all the difference. Jetpacks let you fly around the battlefield, dodging fire and getting into advantageous positions. Boosters, on the other hand, help you move faster on the ground. A combination of both can make you highly effective in avoiding enemy attacks and controlling the flow of battle.
Drones and Support Gear: Support gear can include medkits, ammo boxes, or drones that can assist you during a fight. Drones are especially useful because they can provide additional firepower or tactical advantages, such as recon or automated defense. Knowing when to call in your drone is critical—if you deploy it too early, it may not be as effective when things get tough.
Tactical Equipment: This gear can include a variety of useful tools like mines, turrets, or hacking devices. Tactical equipment is usually designed to turn the tide of battle in your favor by giving you options other than just shooting. For example, deploying a turret or an EMP device can create breathing room and help neutralize dangerous enemies.
How Do Weapons and Gear Synergize?
The real magic in Helldivers 2 happens when you combine the right weapons with complementary gear. The synergy between the two allows you to cover your weaknesses and maximize your strengths. Here are a few examples of how to make it work in practice:
High Mobility Loadout: Pairing a lightweight submachine gun or a rifle with a jetpack and speed-boosting armor lets you zip around the map while maintaining effective firepower. This combination works well when you need to control enemy positions or perform hit-and-run tactics. The added mobility lets you dodge incoming fire while quickly dispatching weaker enemies.
Heavy Firepower Loadout: If you prefer the “tank” approach, equipping a heavy weapon (like a rocket launcher or minigun) with armor that increases defense will let you stand your ground and deal massive damage. Combining this with a deployable turret or drones adds layers of protection, making you a mobile stronghold that deals damage from multiple angles.
Tactical Loadout: If you focus on strategic control and manipulation of the battlefield, gear like EMP grenades or mines, along with a sniper rifle, can help you disable enemies or set traps. You might not be in the thick of the fight, but from a distance, your ability to weaken or disable enemy units will give your team a huge advantage.
Support and Crowd Control Loadout: For those who prefer to assist their teammates, combining medical drones or ammo boxes with crowd control weapons like grenades or flamethrowers allows you to manage large groups of enemies while also ensuring your squad stays well-equipped. If your team is struggling, you can use support gear to keep them in the fight longer, while using explosive weapons to help control waves of enemies.
When Should You Switch Up Your Gear?
One of the most important aspects of gear in Helldivers 2 is knowing when to switch things up. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The type of mission, the number of players in your squad, and the kinds of enemies you face all influence your gear choices.
Tougher Enemies: If you’re facing off against heavily armored enemies or swarms of powerful creatures, you may need to switch to heavier weapons and more protective armor. This will help you survive longer and deal with more difficult threats.
Team Synergy: If you’re playing with a squad, it's important to coordinate your gear and weapon choices. Having a mix of roles (e.g., a tank, a sniper, a medic) ensures that the team is prepared for any situation. Sometimes, it’s about playing to your strengths and filling gaps in your team’s capabilities.
Objective-Based Missions: Some missions may require a more specific approach. For example, if you need to defend a position or escort a target, mobility might be less important than heavy defense and crowd control. Adapting your loadout to fit these objectives will make the mission much easier.
What About Buying Gear?
As you progress in Helldivers 2, you'll unlock new gear and weapons, but the game also lets you buy helldivers 2 items cheap from various in-game shops or third-party sellers. If you want to speed up your progression or obtain specific items for certain loadouts, buying these items can be a quick way to enhance your gear without grinding. Just make sure you know what you’re buying—sometimes a quick purchase might not always be the best long-term investment.
In Helldivers 2, there’s no one “best” weapon or gear combo—everything depends on your playstyle and the situation at hand. Whether you prioritize mobility, firepower, or support, the key is to understand the strengths and limitations of each piece of gear and weapon. By experimenting and learning how to mix and match them, you can optimize your loadout and become a more effective fighter in the chaotic world of Helldivers 2.
