GamesThird Person ShooterHelldivers 2Best Helldivers 2 loadouts for beating the toughest enemiesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesThird Person ShooterHelldivers 2Best Helldivers 2 loadouts for beating the toughest enemiesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Sony)
Jump to:Best meta loadoutBest Terminid loadoutBest Automaton loadoutBest loadout for beginners
Jump to:Best meta loadoutBest Terminid loadoutBest Automaton loadoutBest loadout for beginners
Choosing the best Helldivers 2 loadouts, featuring meta weapons and Stratagems, will help you complete the most brutal missions in the game. After many additions since launch and huge changes with the most recentHelldivers 2 patch, the current meta is quite varied, with plenty of viable support weapon Stratagems and other tools to pick from that are both fun and effective. With that said, knowing theHelldivers 2sandbox well and tailoring your gear to the mission at hand and planning with your teammates is much more useful than just choosing the best gear for yourself. To help you fight for Super Earth with maximum effectiveness, I’ve explained some of the best Helldivers 2 loadouts for all difficulties.
Best Helldivers 2 meta loadout
(Image credit: Sony)
Picking an overall meta loadout for Helldivers 2 is tricky as there are so many great weapons to pick now, but also some that are only good for certain enemy types. Coordinating pretty much every aspect of your loadout with your teammates – especiallyHelldivers 2 Boosters– is also quite crucial at the highest difficulties, so an army-of-one-style loadout might not be needed. Regardless, here’s the best general-purpose loadout for missions:
Helldivers 2 guidesHelldivers 2 tipsHelldivers 2 beginner’s guideHelldivers 2 best weaponsHelldivers 2 progression systemHelldivers 2 roadmap
Helldivers 2 guides
Helldivers 2 tipsHelldivers 2 beginner’s guideHelldivers 2 best weaponsHelldivers 2 progression systemHelldivers 2 roadmap
Helldivers 2 tipsHelldivers 2 beginner’s guideHelldivers 2 best weaponsHelldivers 2 progression systemHelldivers 2 roadmap
Overall, this build has plenty of versatility thanks to the range of weapons and Stratagems available to you, helping you tackle the weakest cannon fodder foes, all the way up to the most heavily armoredHelldivers 2 enemies. The Sickle is a standout all-rounder and is very easy to use, while the Railgun is very powerful and can help you take down tougher enemies. The slowing effects of either the Stun or Gas grenades will help you make better use of some of the bestHelldivers 2 Stratagems– the Orbital Laser and 500kg Bomb – while the Shield Generator is essential to keeping you alive.
If you’re playing a more defense-based mission – perhaps one that’s part of aHelldivers 2 Defense campaign– you should consider swapping one Stratagem for a sentry turret, such as the EMS Mortar, Gatling, or Autocannon Sentries. You could even use this loadout forHelldivers 2 solomissions, though I wouldn’t recommend playing alone at these difficulty levels.
Unfortunately, some of the best gear isn’t unlocked until you near or at level 20, namely the Shield Generator Pack and Railgun, and some excellent weapons are locked behind Warbonds. For example, the Sickle is found in theHelldivers 2 Cutting Edge Warbond, while the Grenade Pistol is in theHelldivers 2 Democratic Detonation Warbond. Although, there are so many great alternatives you can use to create a more specialized loadout when fighting each of theHelldivers 2 factions, so don’t think of this loadout as the ultimate goal that all players in your squad should use or aspire to when playing on the hardestHelldivers 2 difficulties.
Best Helldivers 2 Terminid loadout
(Image credit: Sony)
TheHelldivers 2 Terminidsmainly use swarming tactics and melee attacks, seeking to overwhelm teams of Helldivers with pure numbers, slowing venom, and ferocious claws. They’re generally not as well armored as the Automatons and feature a lot of dangerous but fragile units that are susceptible to fire. Here’s a good meta loadout for killing Terminids in Helldivers 2:
Fire is extremely effective against the Terminids so if you want to survive to kill as many as possible, you need to be the ultimate bug barbecue-r. The Flamethrower support weapon is essential as it can incinerate swarms and even burn through the armor of creatures likeHelldivers 2 Chargers. Take the Personal Shield Generator to protect yourself from bile and other attacks and theHelldivers 2 Chemical AgentsGas Grenade to slow and confuse Terminids and you’ll have a pretty solid loadout.
As for other Stratagems, the Orbital Napalm Barrage is downright busted if you drop it on a nest or breach, scorching a massive area for well over 30 seconds, though the Eagle Napalm Strike is a good alternative. These are also even better with the Enhanced CombustionHelldivers 2 Ship Module.
Best Helldivers 2 Automaton loadout
(Image credit: Sony)
Dealing with theHelldivers 2 Automatonsrequires hard-hitting weaponry that can be fired at a variety of ranges. Thankfully, there are many options when it comes to effective bot-killing weapons, but energy weaponry is a good place to start. Here’s what I recommend for the best Helldivers 2 Automaton loadout:
Currently, the Quasar Cannon and Railgun feel like the best options for fighting the Automatons, capable of killingHelldivers 2 Hulksand other big robots easily. Arguably the most important aspects of these weapons is that they doesn’t take up a backpack slot, which means you can still use the Personal Shield Generator for more protection from Automaton guns. Stun grenades are also a great choice against the bots as they’ll buy you valuable time to run, recover, or line up a deadly headshot. Thermite Grenades are an excellent option too now, with great anti-armor power to go with all your other Stratagems.
Of course, it’s still a good idea for one or two team members to a different loadout. For example, having one player swap out the Quasar Cannon and shield pack for a Spear, Recoilless Rifle, or Commando is almost essential, adding more anti-vehicle and anti-structure firepower to the team so you can take downHelldivers 2 Gunships, Fabricators, and Tanks more easily.
Best Helldivers 2 loadout for beginners
(Image credit: Sony)
Some of the best loadout options that are currently top of the Helldivers 2 meta aren’t available until level 15, or even level 20, which can take a while to reach. While you try tolevel up fast in Helldivers 2, there are some solid alternatives and less powerful Stratagems you can unlock for lower difficulty missions, so I’ve created a loadout using only weapons and Stratagems unlockedbefore level 10 and no premium Warbonds. Broadly, I recommend choosingone Support Weapon Stratagem, one Orbital Offensive Stratagems, one Eagle Offensive Stratagem, and one Sentry Defensive Stratagem:
With lots of useful Stratagems available, it’s a good idea to ensure you and your allies choose a variety to ensure you can tackle any foe in the low-to-medium difficulties. You need armor-penetrating and explosive weapons and Stratagems to deal with boss-type enemies, but also some that can deal with swarms of weaker foes.
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more
CATEGORIESPS5PC GamingPlatformsPlayStation
CATEGORIES
More about third person shooterAfter hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarmingMarvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the yearLatest"We were honouring Sonic’s holistic history which includes both designs": 13 years on, Takashi Iizuka reveals why Sonic Generations need twice the ‘hogsSee more latest►
More about third person shooterAfter hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarmingMarvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the yearLatest"We were honouring Sonic’s holistic history which includes both designs": 13 years on, Takashi Iizuka reveals why Sonic Generations need twice the ‘hogsSee more latest►
More about third person shooterAfter hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarmingMarvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the year
More about third person shooter
After hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarmingMarvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the year
After hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarming
After hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarming
Marvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the year
Marvel Rivals joins Manor Lords, Palworld, and Helldivers 2 as one of Steam’s best-selling and most-played new releases of 2024 despite launching at the end of the year
Latest"We were honouring Sonic’s holistic history which includes both designs": 13 years on, Takashi Iizuka reveals why Sonic Generations need twice the ‘hogsSee more latest►
Latest
“We were honouring Sonic’s holistic history which includes both designs”: 13 years on, Takashi Iizuka reveals why Sonic Generations need twice the ‘hogs
“We were honouring Sonic’s holistic history which includes both designs”: 13 years on, Takashi Iizuka reveals why Sonic Generations need twice the ‘hogs
“We were honouring Sonic’s holistic history which includes both designs”: 13 years on, Takashi Iizuka reveals why Sonic Generations need twice the ‘hogs
See more latest►
Most PopularHow to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzleHow to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe codeWhere to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and SalahWhat is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get itEverything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansionBest Path of Exile 2 Ranger BuildWhere to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and keyEverything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends WarbondWhere to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana JonesHow to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones
Most PopularHow to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzleHow to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe codeWhere to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and SalahWhat is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get itEverything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansionBest Path of Exile 2 Ranger BuildWhere to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and keyEverything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends WarbondWhere to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana JonesHow to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones
Most PopularHow to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzleHow to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe codeWhere to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and SalahWhat is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get itEverything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansionBest Path of Exile 2 Ranger BuildWhere to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and keyEverything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends WarbondWhere to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana JonesHow to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones
Most Popular
How to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzle
How to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe code
Where to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2
FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and Salah
What is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get it
Everything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansion
Best Path of Exile 2 Ranger Build
Where to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and key
Everything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends Warbond
Where to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana Jones
How to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams’ disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams’ disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams’ disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams’ disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams’ disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams’ disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
1
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
2
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
3
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
4
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5
Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”