The latest Helldivers 2 update has dramatically reworked the LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle, turning what was once an overlooked energy weapon into one of the most devastating tools in the game. But is it a buff worth celebrating, or has the LAS-17 become the next balance headache for the Helldivers community?
From Bugged to Buffed: The LAS-17’s New Power
Previously, the LAS-17 had a bug that mistakenly limited its armor penetration to light armor, leaving it underwhelming against tougher enemies. The new patch, however, introduces a more dynamic armor penetration system, making it a legitimate threat to even the most resilient foes—if divers know how to use it correctly.
The key mechanic? Heat buildup. When the weapon reaches its maximum heat threshold, it applies AP4 damage (heavy armor penetration), meaning it can shred through some of the toughest enemies in the game. However, there’s a catch—divers must overheat themselves to maximize damage, which introduces a risk-reward dynamic that only the bravest (or most reckless) Helldivers will embrace.
To mitigate this, pairing the weapon with the Inflammable passive (75% fire resistance) and the Vitality booster significantly increases survivability, allowing divers to harness the weapon’s full potential without burning themselves into oblivion.
Latest Patch Adjustments to the LAS-17
According to the official patch notes from February 11, the developers aimed to enhance the weapon’s risk/reward balance while maintaining its core power. The changes include:
- Armor Penetration Adjustments
- 0-25% Heat: AP2, 55 damage (No self-damage)
- 26-50% Heat: AP3, 55 damage (10 self-damage/second)
- 51-90% Heat: AP3, 70 damage (20 self-damage/second)
- 91%+ Heat: AP4, 70 damage (50 self-damage/second + fire status effect)
- Magazine Capacity Buffs
- Starting magazines increased from 1 to 2
- Spare magazines increased from 2 to 3
These changes emphasize a progression-based damage system, forcing divers to weigh the benefits of overheating against the potential self-damage risks.
What the LAS-17 Excels At
With the right setup, the LAS-17 is an absolute wrecking machine against:
✔ Hulks – Melts through their armor when targeting the weak point.
✔ Shielded Devastators & Scout Striders – Overwhelms them with sustained fire.
✔ Gunships – Can destroy their engines, causing them to crash.
✔ Tanks & Barrager Tanks – Efficiently blows them apart.
✔ Chargers (Terminids) – Best to aim for the legs to expose the weak flesh and finish them off quickly.
However, not everything is sunshine and orbital strikes. The LAS-17 struggles against certain objectives and enemies due to its lack of demolition force:
✖ Factory Striders – Can be damaged but takes too long to kill.
✖ Bot Fabricators & Warp Ships – Completely immune to the LAS-17’s damage.
✖ Behemoths & Bile Titans – Possible to kill, but not efficient compared to anti-tank weapons.
Community Reactions: Buff or Balance Problem?
The Helldivers community is split on the LAS-17’s new capabilities. Some divers praise the buff, arguing that it finally gives the weapon a clear identity as a high-risk, high-reward powerhouse. Others, however, worry that it might become too dominant, making certain enemy encounters trivial.
Meanwhile, the controversial nerf to the Ultimatum—which removed its synergy with the Hellpod Optimization Booster and Siege Ready armor passive—has left many divers frustrated. Some believe the LAS-17’s newfound strength balances out the Ultimatum nerf, while others argue that both changes were unnecessary.
Final Verdict: A Game-Changer in the Right Hands
The LAS-17 is no longer a gimmick—it’s a serious contender for one of the best weapons in Helldivers 2. While it still requires smart loadout choices and an understanding of heat management, those who master it will find themselves melting through armored threats with ease.