As a long-time fan of tactical shooters and team-based combat games, I dove headfirst into Helldivers 2 the moment it launched. After dozens of hours in the field, surviving bug-infested planets and heavily armed cyborgs, one thing became very clear: your weapon choice can make or break a mission.
If you’re looking for an edge in your early Helldivers 2 experience, unlocking the right weapons first can significantly improve your performance and enjoyment. Here are 11 weapons I recommend unlocking early—backed by personal experience and tested in the chaos of real missions.
1. Liberator Assault Rifle
This is the bread-and-butter weapon for many players. It has a good balance of accuracy, damage, and rate of fire. For early missions, especially if you’re still learning enemy patterns, this rifle gives you reliable control.
2. Breaker Shotgun
Close-quarters combat can get overwhelming in Helldivers 2. The Breaker’s wide spread and high stopping power are life-saving when hordes of enemies close in. I found it especially useful when defending extraction points.
3. Railgun
The Railgun’s charge-up mechanic takes practice, but once mastered, it’s devastating. It pierces heavy armor and makes short work of boss-tier enemies. I unlocked it after a rough mission fighting Automaton tanks—and never looked back.
4. Arc Thrower
When you need crowd control, this is a beast. It chains lightning through multiple enemies, making it perfect for bug swarms. It takes up a support weapon slot, but it’s worth it. In a mission where I was the last man standing, the Arc Thrower gave me just enough breathing room to call in reinforcements.
5. LAS-5 Scythe
This laser weapon never runs out of ammo—just overheats. For extended operations or high-difficulty missions where resupplies are scarce, the LAS-5 Scythe gives you dependable firepower without worrying about logistics.
6. Recoilless Rifle
Great for team-based anti-armor action. With a friend to load it, you’ll shred enemy walkers and vehicles. I recommend this for players who regularly play with a squad. It’s a game-changer when used in tandem with spotters.
7. SG-8 Punisher
The Punisher is one of the most powerful shotguns in the game. It’s slow, yes, but one-shotting enemies feels incredibly satisfying. I unlocked this after buying helldivers 2 medals to fast-track some of my unlocks—and it was worth every point.
8. Eagle Cluster Bomb
This is a Stratagem, but one of the most effective early ones. It clears large enemy clusters with a single call-in. I saved multiple squads with a well-timed cluster bomb. If you want a panic button, unlock this as soon as possible.
9. Machine Gun Stratagem
If you like holding ground, the machine gun stratagem gives you sustained firepower with high accuracy. It needs setup time but is invaluable during defense missions. I used it extensively during my first deep-siege mission—and it saved us more than once.
10. Stalwart
This SMG has high recoil but also high DPS. Great for those who can handle spray-and-pray tactics. It’s incredibly effective in mid-range fights. I used it in multiple medium-difficulty missions to great effect when flanking enemies.
11. Autocannon
For heavier threats, the Autocannon is your best friend. Like the Recoilless Rifle, it benefits from team play, but even solo, its power can’t be overstated. I paired this with supply stratagems after using Helldivers 2 Super Credits to buy a few needed upgrades—it let me hold my own even in five-star missions.
Your survival in Helldivers 2 often comes down to preparation. Unlocking these weapons early gives you versatile tools for a variety of scenarios—from bug swarms to tank battles.
I personally used Helldivers 2 Super Credits and medals to fast-track many of these unlocks. While not necessary, purchasing some of these resources can significantly enhance your early-game experience. If you’re short on time or want a smoother progression path, consider using the option to buy Helldivers 2 medals and buy Helldivers 2 Super Credits through the official store or trusted partners.