In Helldivers II, going up against the insectoid menace known as the Terminids is no walk in the park. These giant bugs swarm in overwhelming numbers and can easily push your squad to the breaking point. Choosing the right weapons can make all the difference between a glorious victory for Super Earth and being reduced to bug chow.
This guide will discuss some of the most effective weapons and Stratagems specifically for taking down bugs, ensuring you and your team are fully equipped to handle whatever the Terminids throw at you.
Primary Weapons: The Backbone of Your Defense
Liberator AR-23 (Standard Issue Assault Rifle)
The Liberator AR-23 is your trusty standard-issue rifle, and it’s surprisingly effective against smaller and medium-sized bugs. Its balanced accuracy, decent range, and solid damage output mean it’s reliable in most scenarios. While it won’t single-handedly dominate larger foes, it does a great job thinning out swarms and providing consistent firepower.
Breaker SG-225 (Automatic Shotgun)
When facing hordes of charging Terminids, the Breaker automatic shotgun is your best friend. Its rapid-fire capabilities and spread damage let you quickly clear out tightly packed groups. Especially powerful at close range, the Breaker can shred regular bug infantry and even handle the tougher armored ones with a few concentrated blasts.
Defender SMG-37 (Submachine Gun)
This compact SMG might seem underpowered at first glance, but its sustained fire rate makes it ideal for dealing with fast-moving enemy groups. It’s excellent for quickly eliminating weaker bugs before they overwhelm your position. Pairing it with teammates wielding heavier weapons offers balanced coverage.
Diligence R-63 (Designated Marksman Rifle)
Sometimes, handling bugs from afar is the smart choice. The Diligence Rifle packs a serious punch from medium to long distances, ideal for taking down special bugs like Spewers or acidic spitters before they get too close. It rewards accurate players, so use it when precision counts.
Heavy Weapons: Stop the Big Bugs Dead in Their Tracks
Railgun
Widely considered one of the best heavy weapons available, the Railgun delivers massive, single-target damage capable of punching through armored Terminids like the dreaded Bile Titan. Its ammunition is limited, so make sure to coordinate with teammates carrying ammo resupply packs. Pairing multiple Railguns in your squad can decimate heavy bug encounters, dramatically improving your survival odds on higher difficulties.
Recoilless Rifle
While powerful, the Recoilless Rifle can leave you vulnerable due to its slow reload time. However, it’s still extremely effective against large, heavily armored targets when you have a team covering you during reloads. Just make sure you have good coordination and positioning to avoid getting caught off-guard.
Anti-Material Rifle
An excellent alternative to the Railgun, the Anti-Material Rifle provides significant damage at longer distances. It’s particularly strong against armored enemies and special bugs, allowing you to safely eliminate threats before they reach your frontline. Pair it with ammo resupply Stratagems to maintain your effectiveness throughout extended engagements.
Stratagems: Your Tactical Trump Cards
Mortar Sentry Turret
Deployable turrets can turn the tide of battle, and the Mortar Sentry is particularly effective against Terminids. Set it up at choke points or extraction zones, and watch it rain explosive shells onto incoming swarms. Be cautious with placement, though—friendly fire is always a risk.
Eagle Airstrike
When you need to thin out large groups fast, the Eagle Airstrike Stratagem is your go-to option. It calls in a powerful bombardment that can wipe out swarms in a designated area. Coordinate carefully with your squad to avoid friendly casualties and maximize its destructive potential.
Guard Dog Rover Drone
This autonomous drone hovers around your Helldiver, delivering accurate, close-range laser fire to bugs that get too close. It’s terrific for protecting yourself and teammates from surprise attacks by stealthy or fast-moving Terminids, giving you more breathing room to focus on your objectives.
Ammo Backpack
A must-have for heavy weapon users like Railgun and Anti-Material Rifle wielders. Carrying an ammo backpack ensures your squad can sustain firepower during lengthy and intense bug encounters. Without reliable ammo resupplies, even the strongest weapons quickly become useless. Always have at least one teammate equipped with this Stratagem.
Optimal Weapon Loadouts for Specific Scenarios
Standard Swarm Missions
- Primary Weapon: Breaker SG-225 or Defender SMG-37 for quickly clearing swarms
- Heavy Weapon: Railgun or Anti-Material Rifle (for stronger special bugs)
- Stratagems: Mortar Sentry Turret, Eagle Airstrike, Ammo Backpack, Guard Dog Rover (for close-range defense)
High Difficulty Titan Hunts (Bile Titans, Spewers)
- Primary Weapon: Diligence Rifle or Liberator AR-23 (for accurate ranged attacks)
- Heavy Weapon: Railgun (essential for handling heavily armored Titans)
- Stratagems: Eagle Airstrike (crowd control), Ammo Backpack (to sustain Railgun use), Guard Dog Rover (personal defense)
Extraction and Defense Objectives
- Primary Weapon: Breaker SG-225 (for close-quarters swarm clearing)
- Heavy Weapon: Anti-Material Rifle or Railgun (taking down armored targets from safe distances)
- Stratagems: Mortar Sentry Turret (area denial), Ammo Backpack (continuous heavy firepower), Guard Dog Rover (protect against close-up threats)
Final Thoughts
Helldivers II presents a challenging, teamwork-driven experience against relentless bug foes. Choosing the right weapons and Stratagems tailored to your mission objectives and enemy types is key to consistent success. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your loadouts and communicate clearly with your team—after all, spreading Managed Democracy across the galaxy is a team effort!
Good luck, Helldivers. For Super Earth!
