Helldivers 2 Weapons Tier List – Complete (March 2026) Guide
Welcome, soldier! If you’re looking for the best weapons in Helldivers 2 to spread democracy efficiently, you’ve landed in the right drop zone. With the constant balance patches and new Warbond updates, the meta for the best primary and support weapons shifts faster than a Gunship patrol.
What are the best weapons in Helldivers 2? The best weapons in 2026 are the SG-8S Slugger, PLAS-1 Scorcher, and LAS-98 Laser Cannon. These weapons offer the best balance of armor penetration, ammo economy, and damage output against both Terminids and Automatons. The Quasar Cannon and Autocannon remain the kings of support stratagems for heavy armor disposal.
I have analyzed data from top-tier players and the latest patch notes to compile this definitive Helldivers 2 weapons tier list. Whether you are fighting bugs or bots, this guide will help you choose the right loadout.
Helldivers 2 Weapon Ranking Factors
Not every gun is built for the same mission. When ranking weapons for this tier list, I considered these critical factors:
- Armor Penetration: Can it strip armor from Heavy Devastators or Bile Titans?
- Versatility: Does it work well against both Terminids and Automatons?
- Damage Output (DPS): How fast can it kill a Charger or a Hulk?
- Utility: Does it have stagger, explosion radius, or heat mechanics?
- Skill Floor: Is the weapon easy to use, or does it require perfect aim?
2026 Helldivers 2 Primary Weapons Tier List
Here are the primary weapons ranked from best to worst. I have separated them by tier to make it easier to read.
S-Tier Primary Weapons (The Best of the Best)
| Weapon Name | Tier | Damage | Best Against | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG-8S Slugger | S | High | Bots & Bugs | Stagger & Penetration |
| PLAS-1 Scorcher | S | High | Bots | Explosive Plasma |
| JAR-5 Dominator | S | Very High | Bots | Heavy Impact |
| R-36 Eruptor | S | Extreme | Bots/Nests | Shrapnel Explosion |
| CB-9 Exploding Crossbow | S | High | Bots | Homing/Explosive |
A-Tier Primary Weapons (Excellent Choices)
| Weapon Name | Tier | Damage | Best Against | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG-225 Breaker | A | High | Bugs | High Fire Rate |
| SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary | A | Medium | Bugs | Fire Damage DOT |
| LAS-5 Scythe | A | Medium | Bugs | Infinite Ammo Beam |
| AR-23P Liberator Penetrator | A | Medium | Bots | Medium Armor Pen |
| SMG-37 Defender | A | Medium | All | One-handed Use |
| R-2124 Constitution | A | High | Bots | Bayonet Charge |
B-Tier Primary Weapons (Good but Niche)
| Weapon Name | Tier | Damage | Best Against | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR-23 Liberator | B | Medium | Bugs | Standard Issue |
| BR-14 Adjudicator | B | High | Bots | Burst Fire |
| MP-98 Knight | B | Low/Med | Bugs | Super Fire Rate |
| FLAM-66 Torcher | B | High | Bugs | Flamethrower |
| LAS-7 Dagger | B | Low | Bots | Precision Laser |
| P-19 Redeemer | B | Medium | Bugs | Burst Pistol |
C-Tier Primary Weapons (Situational)
| Weapon Name | Tier | Damage | Best Against | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARC-12 Blitzer | C | Medium | Bugs | Chain Lightning |
| SG-8P Punisher | C | High | Bugs | Double Barrel |
| Diligence | C | Medium | Bots | Semi-Auto |
| P-4 Senator | C | High | Bots | Revolver |
2026 Helldivers 2 Support Weapons Tier List
Support weapons (Stratagems) are the heavy hitters you call down. These are essential for higher difficulties.
S-Tier Support Weapons
| Weapon Name | Tier | Damage | Best Against | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAS-98 Laser Cannon | S | High | Bots/Fabricators | Infinite Ammo/Heat |
| Quasar Cannon | S | Very High | Heavy Armor | Charge Up Shot |
| AC-8 Autocannon | S | Very High | All | Explosive Rounds |
| EAT-17 | S | Extreme | Tanks/Titans | Disposable Rockets |
A-Tier Support Weapons
| Weapon Name | Tier | Damage | Best Against | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS-422 Recoilless Rifle | A | Extreme | Heavy Armor | Team Reload |
| MG-43 Machine Gun | A | High | Bugs | Sustained Fire |
| FLAM-40 Flamethrower | A | High | Bugs/Chargers | Fire Damage |
| Railgun | A | High | Heavy Armor | Charge Shot |
Detailed Analysis of Primary Weapons
SG-8S Slugger
The SG-8S Slugger is arguably the best primary weapon in the game right now. It fires high-velocity slugs that can penetrate medium armor, making it a monster against Automatons. It has excellent stagger capability, which interrupts Devastator attacks and stops smaller bugs in their tracks. The damage per shot is incredible, allowing you to headshot most enemies with ease. While the fire rate is slow, the precision and stopping power make it a top-tier choice for any mission.
PLAS-1 Scorcher
The PLAS-1 Scorcher is a plasma rifle that excels at medium-range combat. It fires explosive plasma rounds that deal area-of-effect damage, perfect for taking out groups of enemies or destroying bot fabricators from a distance. It requires a bit of skill to aim because the projectiles have travel time, but the payoff is massive. It strips armor effectively and can kill a Devastator in two to three shots. It is arguably the best gun for solo play against the Automaton faction.
JAR-5 Dominator
The JAR-5 Dominator is a heavy-hitting energy rifle that feels like a hybrid between a shotgun and a rifle. It fires explosive energy projectiles that deal massive damage and have significant knockback. This gun is perfect for holding a defensive line against charging bugs or pushing through Automaton fortifications. The only downside is its slower handling and projectile speed, but if you land your shots, nothing survives. It is a staple for players who value raw stopping power over fire rate.
R-36 Eruptor
The R-36 Eruptor is a unique primary that functions like a grenade launcher. It fires explosive bolts that detonate on impact, dealing massive damage in a radius. It is incredibly effective at clearing out bot drops from a safe distance or destroying bug nests without using stratagems. The shrapnel effect can be dangerous to the user, so you need to be careful with your positioning. Despite the risk, its ability to close bug holes and destroy fabricators makes it an S-tier utility weapon.
CB-9 Exploding Crossbow
The CB-9 Exploding Crossbow has risen in popularity due to recent buffs. It fires exploding bolts that can curve over cover, allowing you to hit enemies hiding behind shields or walls. The damage is substantial, and the ability to pre-fire around corners gives you a tactical advantage against Automatons. It pairs well with a close-range secondary weapon like the Senator or Redeemer. It requires practice to master the arc, but once you do, it is a devastating tool.
SG-225 Breaker
The SG-225 Breaker used to be the undisputed king of primaries, but recent nerfs to its fire rate and magazine size have brought it down to A-tier. It is still a powerhouse against Terminids, shredding through hunters and warriors in seconds. The high fire rate comes at the cost of ammo economy, so you will find yourself scavenging for supplies often. It remains a top pick for Bug Dives, but Bots require more precision than this shotgun offers.
SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary
The Breaker Incendiary applies fire damage over time, which makes it exceptional against Terminids. The fire causes panic among bug packs and melts the health of larger enemies. With the recent buffs to fire damage, this weapon can kill a Charger simply by shooting its legs and letting it burn. It struggles against the Automatons since robots don’t panic and take reduced burn damage, but for bug missions, it is an A-tier beast.
LAS-5 Scythe
The LAS-5 Scythe is a beam laser rifle that offers infinite ammo mechanics. Instead of reloading, you manage a heat gauge, allowing you to fire continuously if you pulse your shots. It is incredibly accurate and works wonders against unarmored bugs. It creates “cook-off” effects on enemies, causing them to explode. However, it lacks armor penetration, making it ineffective against heavy units or Bots without targeting weak spots. It’s a comfort pick for many veteran players.
AR-23P Liberator Penetrator
The Liberator Penetrator is the middle-ground rifle many players overlook. It offers medium armor penetration, allowing you to kill Automaton Devastators by shooting them in the face or chest. It has a slower fire rate than the standard Liberator but better utility against armored targets. This is the go-to gun for players who want a standard assault rifle experience on high-difficulty Bot missions. It is reliable and effective, earning it a solid A-tier spot.
SMG-37 Defender
The Defender is a submachine gun that is often underrated. It has a high fire rate, great handling, and most importantly, it is one-handed. This allows you to carry the Ballistic Shield while firing, creating a “tank” build that is invincible against bots. Even without the shield, its accuracy and damage are surprising for an SMG. It is a versatile weapon that punches above its weight class, making it an A-tier choice for specific builds.
AR-23 Liberator
The standard AR-23 Liberator is the jack-of-all-trades but master of none. It has no armor penetration, meaning it bounces off anything heavier than a Scout Strider’s face plate. However, it is fantastic for clearing chaff (small enemies) and has great stability. It shines on lower difficulties or when paired with a heavy support weapon like the Autocannon. It earns a B-tier spot because it is reliable, but it falls off hard in higher difficulty operations.
BR-14 Adjudicator
The BR-14 Adjudicator is a burst-fire rifle that hits hard. It offers medium armor penetration and can stagger enemies, which is great for controlling crowds. The recoil is heavy, making it difficult to use on full auto or rapid burst fire at long range. It fills a similar niche to the Diligence but with higher damage potential. If you can control the recoil, it is a strong B-tier contender, especially against the Automaton faction.
FLAM-66 Torcher
The Torcher is a primary flamethrower that is absolute hell for bugs. It creates a massive cone of fire that ignites everything in front of you. It deletes Titan spew and clears nests faster than almost any other primary. However, its range is painfully short, and it does nothing against heavy armor or Bots. It is a situational B-tier weapon that is “God Tier” on bug missions but practically useless elsewhere.
ARC-12 Blitzer
The ARC-12 Blitzer fires a cone of lightning that chains between enemies. It looks cool and is satisfying to use, but the damage output is inconsistent. It often fails to kill targets quickly, leaving you vulnerable while the lightning arcs. It also has a charge-up time that can be frustrating in close-quarters combat. It sits in C-tier because, while fun, it lacks the reliability and punch of other energy weapons.
SG-8P Punisher
The Punisher is a double-barreled shotgun that deals massive damage at close range. It can strip Charger armor and one-shot most smaller enemies. However, the reload mechanic is slow and clunky, and the range is very short. In a game where positioning is key, getting that close to enemies is often a death sentence. It is a fun “boomstick” but sits in C-tier due to its high risk and low consistency compared to the Slugger.
Detailed Analysis of Support Weapons
LAS-98 Laser Cannon
The Laser Cannon is currently the best all-around support weapon in 2026. It is a beam weapon that you can fire indefinitely by managing heat. It strips armor from Hulks and Chargers with ease and can destroy bot fabricators from across the map. It also has a scope, turning it into a pseudo-sniper. Its versatility against both factions and infinite ammo potential place it firmly in S-tier.
Quasar Cannon
The Quasar Cannon is the ultimate heavy hitter for solo divers. It fires a massive beam that recharges, meaning you never run out of ammo. It one-shots Hulks, Chargers, and even damages Bile Titans. The charge-up time requires you to anticipate enemy movement, but the ability to delete heavy armor without calling down a stratagem every few minutes is invaluable. It is a definitive S-tier weapon for high-level play.
AC-8 Autocannon
The Autocannon is a team favorite for a reason. It fires explosive rounds that are devastating against groups of enemies and heavy armor alike. It can close bug holes and destroy bot fabricators without using a grenade. While it requires a backpack slot for efficient reloading, the damage output is unmatched. It is the ultimate tool for crowd control and heavy deletion, making it S-tier for group play.
EAT-17
The Expendable Anti-Tank (EAT) stratagem is essential for every loadout. These disposable rockets have the highest burst damage in the game against armor. You can call them down frequently, ensuring you always have a way to kill a Bile Titan or Tank. They are “fire and forget,” making them perfect for players who want to keep their backpack slot free. Their utility is unmatched, earning them S-tier status.
Railgun
The Railgun was once the meta, but nerfs to its damage and unsafe mode have brought it to A-tier. It still kills Chargers efficiently if you aim for weak spots, but it lacks the crowd control of the Autocannon and the utility of the Quasar. It requires a backpack for ammo, and the charge mechanic can be unforgiving. It is still a strong weapon, just no longer the absolute best.
RS-422 Recoilless Rifle
The Recoilless Rifle is a classic rocket launcher. It deals massive damage to armor but requires a teammate to reload you quickly. In solo play, it is sluggish; in a team, it is a beast. The ability to one-shot Hulks from a distance is great, but the Quasar Cannon often outclasses it due to recharge capability. It sits comfortably in A-tier for its raw power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best weapon in Helldivers 2?
The best primary weapon is the SG-8S Slugger for its armor penetration and stagger, while the best support weapon is the LAS-98 Laser Cannon or Quasar Cannon for their versatility and heavy armor damage.
Is the Breaker Shotgun still good?
Yes, the Breaker is still good, but it is no longer the dominant S-tier weapon it once was. It is now rated A-tier, best used against Terminids rather than Automatons due to its lack of armor penetration.
What is the best support weapon against Automatons?
The LAS-98 Laser Cannon is the best support weapon against Automatons because it can overheat and destroy Fabricators, strip Hulk armor, and snipe Devastators from a distance without running out of ammo.
How do I unlock the SG-8S Slugger?
The SG-8S Slugger is unlocked in the Steed Warbond (Premium Warbond). You must purchase the Premium Warbond using Super Credits and unlock the required page to claim it.
Does armor penetration matter in Helldivers 2?
Yes, armor penetration is critical on higher difficulties (6+). Without it, your bullets will bounce off Heavy Devastators and Chargers, dealing zero damage. Always prioritize weapons with Medium or Heavy penetration for Bots and high-level Bugs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Helldivers 2 weapons tier list highlights the most effective tools for spreading democracy in 2026. Whether you prefer the raw stopping power of the SG-8S Slugger or the endless utility of the Quasar Cannon, using the right gear is the difference between a successful extraction and a chaotic retreat. The meta is constantly evolving with new patches and Warbonds, so it is crucial to stay updated on the latest balance changes.
Remember, while S-tier weapons make the job easier, the best weapon is ultimately the one that fits your playstyle. Don’t be afraid to experiment with A-tier options like the Breaker Incendiary or Adjudicator to find what works best for you against the Terminid swarm or the Automaton legion. For even more loadout ideas to dominate the battlefield, check out our guide on the Best Stratagems in Helldivers 2.