5 Helldivers 2 Best Guns 2026

In Helldivers 2, selecting the best guns depends largely on your playstyle, team composition, and which enemy faction you're up against. Each weapon has its own strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics that make it ideal for specific situations. To help you choose the right armament for your missions, here's an in-depth guide to the top-tier guns, categorized by their effectiveness against different enemy factions.

Top-Tier Primary Weapons

These weapons are versatile and powerful, and they stand out as some of the best picks in the game for various situations.

1. SG-225 Breaker (Shotgun)

The SG-225 Breaker, also known simply as the Breaker Shotgun, is widely regarded as one of the best weapons in Helldivers 2. With its ability to deal massive burst damage in close range, it's a great tool for clearing out enemies quickly, especially when you're swarmed.

• Strengths: High damage output, effective in tight spaces, especially against numerous enemies.
• Variants: The Incendiary version of this shotgun is particularly useful against Terminid swarms, burning through large groups with ease.
• Best For: Terminids (Bugs) and situations where you're engaging in close-quarter combat with multiple enemies.

2. LAS-16 Sickle (Energy Rifle)

For players who prefer a more sustained assault with virtually unlimited ammo, the LAS-16 Sickle is a top choice. As an energy rifle, this weapon comes with the unique benefit of having no need for ammunition management.

• Strengths: Infinite ammo, fast rate of fire, minimal recoil.
• Weaknesses: Requires careful heat management, as sustained fire can cause overheating.
• Best For: General use and long-range combat, especially against swarming enemies. Excellent for picking off targets in mid-range combat.

3. JAR-5 Dominator (Explosive Weapon)

When facing medium-armored targets or tough enemies like the Devastators, the JAR-5 Dominator is a go-to weapon. This explosive launcher excels in staggering and dealing damage to enemies, making it highly effective in controlling the battlefield.

• Strengths: High damage, excellent for staggering and breaking through armor.
• Weaknesses: Slower handling than other rifles, making it a bit harder to use in fast-paced combat.
• Best For: Heavy, armored targets like Devastators and larger enemies that require a bit more firepower to bring down.

4. PLAS-1 Scorcher (Energy Weapon)

The PLAS-1 Scorcher is a specialized energy weapon that's particularly effective against Automatons and Illuminates. Its explosive rounds can bypass shields and continue to damage enemies through their armor, making it a perfect choice for enemies with high resistance.

• Strengths: Effective against shielded and armored enemies, good damage over time.
• Best For: Automatons (Bots) and Illuminate (Squids), as it bypasses shields and causes sustained damage through armor.

5. ARC-12 Blitzer (Arc Shotgun)

If you're looking for a powerful crowd control weapon, the ARC-12 Blitzer is an excellent choice. This "infinite ammo" weapon fires electrical currents, which are great for staggering enemies and clearing large groups, especially in confined spaces.

• Strengths: Staggers large enemies, excellent for controlling groups of weaker enemies.
• Best For: Enemies like Stalkers and other swarm-based opponents, as well as large creatures where you need consistent crowd control.

Best Guns by Enemy Faction

The enemy faction you're up against plays a large role in determining the best weapons to bring into a mission. Each faction has unique weaknesses that can be exploited by certain weapons.

Terminids (Bugs)

• Best Primary: The SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary or the SG-451 Cookout are great choices against the fast and numerous Terminid swarms. The incendiary rounds and fiery explosives are particularly effective at clearing large groups.
• Best Support Weapon: The Flamethrower or Stalwart is ideal for dealing with dense clusters of Terminids, with high damage output and great area control.

Automatons (Bots)

• Best Primary: The JAR-5 Dominator or the PLAS-101 Purifier excels in dealing with the tough, armored Automatons. Both of these weapons provide excellent damage and stagger potential, allowing you to handle bots efficiently.
• Best Support Weapon: The Autocannon or Railgun are perfect for dealing with the mechanical foes, delivering sustained firepower or precision shots to tear through their defenses.

Illuminate (Squids)

• Best Primary: The PLAS-1 Scorcher or SMG-32 Reprimand is a solid choice for the Illuminate faction. The Scorcher's explosive rounds are great for bypassing shields, while the Reprimand SMG offers rapid fire and solid performance in close quarters.
• Best Support Weapon: The Anti-Materiel Rifle or MG-32 delivers high-damage shots capable of taking down Illuminate shields and heavily armored enemies with ease.

Specialized Picks for Specific Needs

Some guns are designed for specific roles and are indispensable in certain situations.

1. SMG-37 Defender (One-Handed Utility)

If you're using an SSSD (Super Super Shielder Drone) or carrying a Ballistic Shield, the SMG-37 Defender is a top-tier one-handed weapon. Its small size and rapid-fire capabilities make it the perfect secondary weapon to complement your defensive gear.

• Best For: Players who are playing a more tanky role, focusing on defense and support.

2. R-63CS Diligence Counter Sniper (Long-Range Precision)

For those who prefer a more strategic, long-range playstyle, the R-63CS Diligence Counter Sniper is a must-have. It's perfect for picking off weak points in Automaton enemies from a distance, giving you a chance to support your team without putting yourself in danger.

• Best For: Snipers or players who like to pick off enemies at long range, especially Automaton weak points.

3. GP-31 Grenade Pistol (Utility Sidearm)

The GP-31 Grenade Pistol is essential for many builds, especially those focused on versatility and utility. It allows you to quickly destroy bug holes and fabricators without wasting your main grenades, giving you more freedom to focus on other tasks.

• Best For: Versatile players who need to close bug holes or deal with fabricators on the fly, as well as those who need a reliable sidearm for various situations.

Summary

In Helldivers 2, the best weapon often depends on the scenario and the enemies you're facing. However, some guns remain consistently powerful across different situations. Whether you're clearing hordes of Terminids, taking on tough Automatons, or dealing with the elusive Illuminate, there's a weapon to match your strategy. Consider your playstyle and the mission requirements to select the optimal weapon loadout for the task at hand.