The AR-23 Liberator is the base assault rifle in the game, offering well rounded performance suitable even for higher difficulties, though it might not always be the optimal choice.

It struggles in long-range engagements and lacks sufficient staggering power to keep bigger bugs at bay.

The SG-8 Punisher is the first primary weapon you can unlock, costing only 4 medals. It is available on the first page of the Helldivers Mobilize Free Warbond.

The Punisher features extremely high damage-per-shot, fantastic ammo efficiency, and incredible staggering power that allows you to keep bugs such as Stalkers and Brood Commanders back with ease.

Cost: Free, Unlocked at Level 1.

A machine gun sporting Medium-armor penetrating rounds and a high rate of fire. Capable of mowing down most Terminids and Automatons with ease. Don’t get caught empty while running, as the reload is slow and stationary.

Cost: 4,000, Unlocked at Level 3.

The Eagle Cluster Bomb is a highly effective Stratagem that blankets a wide area with dozens of mini explosives, making it ideal for eliminating swarms of lightly and medium-armored enemies.

There’s a slight chance that some of the larger submunitions may enter bug holes or fabricator vents and close them, but it’s not a guarantee, so never rely on it.

Cost: 1,500, Unlocked at Level 1.

The Machine Gun Sentry has a slower rate of fire compared to its Gatling Sentry counterpart but compensates with medium-armor penetrating rounds, higher damage-per-shot and superior ammo efficiency.

Deploying Sentries when securing objectives or deploying them to provide covering fire during an escape are just a few ways they can be invaluable during a mission.