When it comes to surviving the chaos of Helldivers 2, the weapons you bring into battle can make or break your mission. From overwhelming swarms to armored Automatons, each enemy type requires different tools, but some weapons have proven themselves as absolute meta choices—reliable, deadly, and versatile. After dozens of missions and way too many accidental friendly fire incidents, here are the top 5 meta weapons every Helldiver should consider packing.
If you’re trying to unlock new weapons or upgrade your loadout faster, farming medals can take quite a bit of time—especially at higher Warbond tiers. Some players choose to buy Helldivers 2 medals through trusted sources to speed up their progression. While it’s always best to earn them through gameplay, having a few extra medals can help you grab that next weapon mod or armor set sooner, making future missions much smoother and more efficient.
1. AR-23P Liberator Penetrator – The All-Rounder That Never Fails
If you’ve played a few missions, you’ve probably already fallen in love with the Liberator. The AR-23P takes that classic feel and gives it more armor penetration, making it perfect for both bugs and bots. It’s light, accurate, and deadly at mid-range. The key here is flexibility. Whether you’re defending an extraction point or pushing through waves of enemies, this rifle adapts beautifully. Pair it with an ammo supply stratagem to stay stocked up.
Tip: If you’re grinding for gear or medals to upgrade your arsenal faster, it’s worth knowing where to buy Helldivers 2 medals through legitimate channels. It helps you progress quicker without relying solely on random drops or event rewards.
2. SG-225 Breaker – Close-Range Monster
There’s a reason the Breaker shotgun keeps showing up in high-level lobbies: it simply melts everything at close range. Its fire rate and stopping power make it ideal for clearing out bugs that get too close for comfort. You’ll want to manage your reloads carefully, though—running out of shells in a swarm can turn a confident push into a panic moment real fast. Still, with the right support teammates, the Breaker dominates.
Quick advice: Always bring a buddy with a support weapon like a flamethrower or autocannon to cover you while reloading. Communication saves lives.
3. LAS-16 Sickle – Infinite Ammo, Infinite Fun
The Sickle is one of those weapons that changes how you play the game. With its regenerating energy ammo system, you’ll never have to call in ammo drops again. It’s lightweight, accurate, and capable of sustained fire, making it perfect for players who like to stay mobile. Just be careful with overheating—burst fire when possible. Once you master its rhythm, it becomes one of the most efficient tools for handling extended missions.
If you’re looking to speed up your unlock progress, you might come across offers of Helldivers 2 super credits for sale from platforms like U4GM. While you should always prioritize safe and legitimate options, having extra credits can help you experiment with different loadouts sooner.
4. EAT-17 – The Portable Armor Breaker
This single-use rocket launcher might not seem flashy, but it’s a must-have against heavily armored Automatons. It’s fast to deploy, easy to aim, and deals massive damage. You can even carry multiple at once using supply stratagems. Its biggest strength is convenience—no setup, no cooldown, just fire and forget. Combine it with an Orbital Strike or Railgun for maximum efficiency against enemy tanks or bases.
Pro tip: Always pick up your teammates’ unused EAT-17s before leaving an area. Waste not, want not.
5. RL-77 Airburst Launcher – The Crowd Control King
If the battlefield starts feeling like an endless sea of bugs, the RL-77 has you covered. It fires explosive shells that detonate mid-air, shredding clusters of enemies in a wide radius. While it’s not ideal for single targets, nothing clears an area faster. It requires a bit of skill to aim effectively, as the arcing shots can take some getting used to, but once you nail the trajectory, it’s incredibly satisfying.
The RL-77 truly shines in defensive missions, especially when your squad needs breathing room to regroup or extract. Pair it with a teammate who can spot and mark targets for you—it makes a world of difference.
The beauty of Helldivers 2 is that no weapon is completely useless, but these five stand out as the most reliable in almost every mission type. Whether you’re playing solo or coordinating with friends, mastering these tools will drastically increase your survival rate and efficiency on the field.
Remember, meta shifts over time as patches roll out, so stay flexible. Try new combinations and see what fits your playstyle best—sometimes the most fun comes from experimenting with the unexpected.