Look, I’ve spent way too many hours getting ragdolled by Automatons and shredded by Terminid hunters to lie to you. The "best" gun isn't always the one with the highest DPS on a spreadsheet. In 2026, Helldivers 2 has changed. A lot. We’ve got weapon customization now, level progression for our gear, and a whole new faction, the Illuminate, making our lives miserable.
Basically, if you’re still clinging to the same Breaker shotgun you used at launch, you’re probably the reason your squad is running out of reinforcements.
The meta has shifted toward versatility and "breakpoints." It’s about whether a gun can one-tap a Scavenger or stagger a Devastator before it turns you into Swiss cheese. I've broken down the current hd2 weapon tier list based on actual field performance in Helldive and Super Helldive (Level 10) difficulties. No fluff, just what actually works when the stratagems are on cooldown and you’re staring down a Bile Titan.
The God Tier (S-Tier) - Bringing Managed Democracy Effortlessly
These are the guns that make you feel like a main character. They aren't just powerful; they solve specific problems that usually get people killed.
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PLAS-39 Accelerator Rifle
This thing is a monster. It’s an energy-based sniper that hits like a freight train. Since the 2025 balance patches fixed the projectile drag, it doesn't lose damage over distance anymore. It bursts for over 2200 DPS. If you’re fighting bots or the new Illuminate shielded units, this is your best friend. It penetrates medium armor and the explosive rounds mean you don't have to be pixel-perfect with your aim.
SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary
Yeah, it’s still here. Even after the fire nerfs and subsequent "re-buffs," nothing clears a bug swarm faster. The way fire damage now scales with enemy size means you can actually bake a Charger if you’re patient, though you really should be using it to delete the 50 Hunters jumping at you.
AR-2 Coyote
Honestly, the Coyote is probably the best all-around assault rifle we’ve ever had. It came out in the Dust Devils warbond and it just feels right. It uses incendiary ammo but has the handling of a standard Liberator. It’s the ultimate "I don't know what I'm walking into" gun.
R-36 Eruptor
The king is back. After they finally fixed the shrapnel mechanics (making it 360-degree spread and actually lethal again), the Eruptor is a mini-autocannon in your primary slot. You can close bug holes and destroy fabricators with it. Just... don't fire it at something standing three feet in front of you. You will die. I have died. We’ve all died.
The Reliable Workhorses (A-Tier) - Strong, But Know Their Limits
You won't get kicked from a lobby for bringing these. They’re solid, but they might require a specific secondary or a certain playstyle to really shine.
LAS-16 Sickle
Infinite ammo is hard to argue with. In the current 2026 meta, the Sickle is the premier choice for the Illuminate front because it shreds their shields without wasting precious resupply boxes. The spin-up time is annoying, but if you’ve leveled it up and added the heat-sink attachments, it’s a laser beam of death.
JAR-5 Dominator
It’s basically a handheld Bolter. The stagger is the selling point here. If a Stalker is invisible and running at you, the Dominator stops it in its tracks. It’s heavy, it’s clunky, and the ergonomics are kinda trash, but it wins fights.
PLAS-1 Scorcher
Still the gold standard for Automatons. It ignores the front shields of Scout Striders. That alone keeps it in A-Tier. The ammo capacity is the only thing holding it back from being S-Tier—you’ll be begging for a supply drop every five minutes.
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CB-9 Exploding Crossbow
Surprisingly good now. Since they gave it a massive explosion radius buff and made it one-handed, you can run this with a Ballistic Shield. It’s a niche playstyle, but being a walking tank that shoots explosive bolts is objectively hilarious and effective.
The Situational Picks (B-Tier) - Fun, But Risky
AR-61 Tenderizer
It’s a scalpel. If you have God-tier aim and always hit headshots, it’s amazing. If you’re panicking and spraying into a crowd, it’s underwhelming. It has almost zero recoil, especially if you’ve used the new customization system to add a vertical grip.
SG-8S Slugger
It used to be the king, then it was gutted, and now it’s... fine. It still snipes targets at 50 meters, but the slow fire rate means if you get swarmed, you’re toast. Pair it with the P-19 Redeemer or the new P-35 Re-Educator dart pistol to survive.
SMG-72 Pummeler
The stun effect is great for team play. You can literally lock a heavy enemy in place while your buddy hits it with a Recoilless Rifle. But by yourself? You’ll feel like you’re shooting spitballs.
What Most Tier Lists Miss: The Support Weapon Factor
You can't talk about a hd2 weapon tier list without mentioning the support weapons because your primary choice depends entirely on what's on your back.
- The AC-8 Autocannon remains the most balanced tool in the game. If you take the Autocannon, your primary should be something for "trash clear" like the Sickle or Liberator Carbine.
- The LAS-99 Quasar Cannon is still the go-to for infinite anti-tank, but the long cooldown between shots means you need a primary that can handle itself in a 10-second window of chaos. The Dominator or Breaker fits perfectly here.
- The New "Maxigun": If you’re running the new heavy minigun stratagem, don't bother with a high-DPS primary. Take something utility-focused like the Exploding Crossbow to close holes, since the minigun will be doing 90% of your killing.
The "Leveling Up" Trap
Don't ignore the new weapon progression system introduced in the mid-2025 updates. A Level 1 Liberator is D-Tier. A Level 20 Liberator with a drum mag, compensator, and improved optics? That’s an A-Tier weapon. Before you give up on a gun, check the attachment unlocks. Some of the worst-feeling guns in the game become top-tier once you fix their recoil or magazine issues.
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Actionable Tips for Your Next Drop
- Check the Faction: Do NOT take the Incendiary Breaker to a Bot world. The fire damage is wasted on metal. Take the Scorcher or Accelerator Rifle.
- Mind the Armor: If your primary doesn't have at least "Medium" armor penetration, someone in your squad must carry an Anti-Materiel Rifle or Railgun.
- One-Handed Utility: If you’re doing a Data Upload mission, weapons like the Defender or Crossbow allow you to carry the SSSD drive and still shoot. It's a game-changer for solo players.
- Stealth is Real: With the "Redacted Regiment" warbond items like the R-72 Censor, you can actually clear outposts without alerting the whole map. It’s a slower way to play, but on Difficulty 10, it’s often the only way to survive.
Stop looking for the "one gun to rule them all." It doesn't exist anymore. The current meta is about synergy. Pick a primary that covers the weaknesses of your support weapon, and for the love of Liberty, stop standing in the fire.