Helldivers 2 Primary Weapons Tier List

Attention Helldivers: This tier list is based off of how effective each weapon is against each faction. Effective range is an important factor, as close-range weapons such as Shotguns perform better versus Bugs and Squids, but worse versus Bots.

Playstyle versus Optimization: Most weapons in the game can work well against every faction depending on the scenario. While some weapons consistently perform better and rank higher on tier lists, ultimately, it’s best to choose a primary weapon that you enjoy using to make the game more fun.

This tier list provides a general overview of which weapons perform best against each faction, helping you narrow down your choices and pick your preferred weapon without the need to test the entire arsenal.

If you have any suggestions or ideas, please feel free join our Discord to chat.

---

Rating Definitions

Attachments

---

The weapons customization system allows you to dramatically improve the handling of a weapon.

This primary weapon tier list factors base stats, but not the potential strength after adding attachments.

There are a number of primary weapons in game that do not support attachments (ODST weapons for example). This means while the base stats of the weapon may be decent, they could offer less value than a primary with attachments.

---

Primary Weapon Stats Breakdown

Primary Weapon	Damage Per Second (DPS)	Damage Per Shot	Magazine Capacity	Damage Per Magazine	Armor Piercing	Weapon Notes
PLAS-39 Accelerator Rifle	2292	250	3	750	Medium	Explosive Shots, Burst-Fire (3), Sniper Rifle, No Attachments
SG-225 Breaker	1650	330	16	5280	Light
MP-98 Knight	1610	70	50	3500	Light	One-handed
R-2 Amendment	1600	200	20	4000	Light
AR-61 Tenderizer	1488	105	35	3675	Light	Staggers
SG-225SP SPRAY & PRAY	1320	240	26	6240	Light
StA-11 SMG	1225	70	48	3360	Light	No Attachments
SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary	1200	240	25	6000	Light	Applies Burning
PLAS-1 Scorcher	1166	100 + 100	20	4000	Medium	Explosive Shots
JAR-5 Dominator	1144	275	15	4125	Medium	Explosive Shots, Staggers
R-63CS Diligence Counter Sniper	1167	200	15	3000	Medium
AR-23A Liberator Carbine	1073	70	45	3150	Light
VG-70 Variable	1062	85	49	4165	Light	Three Firing Modes Auto (Select RPM) Burst Modes: Volley Fire (7 Bullets) Total Fire (49 Bullets)
StA-52 Assault Rifle	1053	80	56	4480	Light	No Attachments
SMG-32 Reprimand	1021	125	25	3125	Medium
M7S SMG	1017	70	48	3360	Light	Suppressed No Attachments
R-63 Diligence	963	165	25	4125	Light
BR-14 Adjudicator	870	95	30	2850	Medium
AR-23 Liberator	853	80	45	3600	Light
MA5C Assault Rifle	853	80	32	2560	Medium	No Attachments
LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle	816	55-70	Energy	Energy	Heavy
M90A Shotgun	806	605	6	3630	Light	No Attachments
AR-2 Coyote	750	75	45	3375	Medium	Applies Burning
SMG-37 Defender	693	80	45	3600	Light	One-handed
LAS-16 Sickle	687	55	Energy	Energy	Light
AR-23P Liberator Penetrator	640	60	45	2700	Medium
AR-32 Pacifier	583	50	40	2000	Medium	Stuns
SMG-72 Pummeler	554	70	45	3150	Light	Stuns, One-handed
PLAS-101 Purifier	550	200 + 350	15	8250	Medium	Charge up, Explosive Shots, Staggers
SG-8 Punisher	540	405	16	6480	Light	Staggers
CB-9 Explosive Crossbow	517	620	5	3100	Medium	Explosive Shots, One-handed
SG-20 HALT	513	385	16	6160	Medium	AP Rounds, Stun Rounds
R-6 Deadeye	500	300	8	2400	Medium	Lever-Action
AR-23C Liberator Concussive	433	65	60	3900	Light	Stuns
SG-451 Cookout	426	320	16	5120	Light	Applies Burning
FLAM-66 Torcher	375	–	80	–	Medium	Flamethrower, Applies Burning
SG-8S Slugger	373	280	16	4480	Medium	Staggers
LAS-5 Scythe	350	Beam	Energy	Energy	Light	Beam Weapon
SG-8P Punisher Plasma	332	250	10	2500	Light	Explosive Shots, Staggers
R-36 Eruptor	242	455	5	2275	Heavy	Explosive Shots, Staggers
ARC-12 Blitzer	187	250	Energy	Energy	Medium	Lightning Arcs to multiple Targets
R-2124 Constitution	180	180	5	900	Medium	Breech-Loader, Bolt-Action

---