Helldivers 2 — CB-9 Exploding Crossbow: practical guide

The CB-9 Exploding Crossbow is one of those weapons that looks simple on paper but opens up a lot of tactical possibilities in the right hands. It's a primary, one-handed explosives weapon that fires explosive-tipped bolts — a hybrid between precision single-target fire and area denial. Below I break down how it works, when to take it, and how to squeeze maximum value from its unusual tech.

Quick stats (what matters)

• Damage: 270 (projectile) + 350 (explosion) — huge per-bolt punch.
• Magazine / Reserve: 5 rounds; 6 starting magazines; spare mags and resupply generous.
• Fire rate: 50 RPM (very slow). DPS listed: 516 (bursty, not sustained).
• Recoil / ergonomics / reload: Recoil 35, ergonomics 45, reload ~3.3s.
• AoE: inner explosion radius 3 m, outer 6 m; shockwave to 7 m.
• Penetration: Medium at direct impact; outer blast weaker vs. armored targets.
• Traits: Explosive, One-Handed (can be used with Ballistic Shield or objective items).
• Procurement: Warbond page 3 — costs 80 Medals.

These numbers tell the weapon's character: enormous per-shot damage and strong splash but low rate-of-fire and a small magazine. Treat each bolt like a high-value tool, not spam.

Role & tactical niche

• Primary role: precision explosive for single strong targets and clustered crowds. One bolt can delete or severely cripple many light/medium targets and damage spawners.
• Secondary role: stealth/assassin tool — very low firing signature, so you can take targets without yelling on the battlefield.
• Not a replacement for sustained suppressive fire. Low ROF and small mag mean you must pair it with a fast secondary/support weapon for close fighting.

When to bring the CB-9

• Clearing spawners / nests: Exploding bolts are excellent for bug nests and outposts — they destroy spawners while letting you stay at range.
• Medium-range ambushes: When enemies are grouped or funneling through choke points, one bolt can knock down several.
• Stealth objectives or isolated heavy targets: Use for disabling automated emplacements or taking out high-value single targets without alerting the whole map.
• Missions where you'll carry objectives: One-handed trait lets you carry objective items (Data, Eggs) while still fielding a primary that deals AoE.

Avoid it as your only primary if you expect prolonged close quarters fights or sustained waves of fast enemies.

Aiming, drop and travel — practical ballistics tips

The CB-9 bolts are slow (100 m/s) and heavily affected by gravity (gravity factor 50%). That creates an arced trajectory and noticeable lead on moving targets.

• Short to medium ranges (0–30m): Aim fairly directly but compensate a little higher for arc at longer short ranges.
• Longer ranges (30m+): Aim well above the target and lead moving enemies. If you undershoot, bolts can slide and detonate behind targets — avoid shallow trajectories over flat surfaces.
• Bounce/skip behaviour: Bolts can skip on shallow impacts; use this intelligently (skip into a cluster behind cover) or avoid it by angling your shots more perpendicular to the target plane.
• Practice: Spend 10–20 minutes on a firing range/low-risk mission to learn arc vs. distance — once you internalize it, the CB-9 becomes frighteningly effective.

Best attachments

Optics available: 1.5x Tube Red Dot, Reflex Sight Mk2, Holographic Sight, Reflex Sight. Pick what helps your aim:

• Reflex/Holo — good all-round; helps track moving targets while compensating for arc.
• 1.5x Tube — useful if you plan longer-range, precision shots against outposts. 
  No damage attachments — the weapon's power is in the bolt/explosion itself.

Recommended loadouts & team synergy

Because the CB-9 is low-rate and magazine-limited, pair it smartly.

Core loadout example:

• Primary: CB-9 Exploding Crossbow
• Secondary: Stalwart (SMG) or Redeemer (fast high-DPS) — something to handle close swarms.
• Stratagems: Ammo/Resupply, Anti-Armor stratagem (Railgun or Recoilless) if facing heavy units, and a supporting turret or rail for sustained suppression.
• Support items: Ballistic Shield (take advantage of one-handed trait) or a mobility stratagem (jump pack) to close gaps.

Team roles:

• CB-9 user: Softens nests, picks off heavies from cover, remains the “specialist” for chokepoints.
• SMG/AR player: Cleans up close threats and covers the CB-9 user during reloads.
• Stratagem support: Ensure resupplies and anti-armor options are available.

If you're the CB-9 specialist, coordinate with an SMG/AR teammate for close-in cleanup, call resupply and anti-armor stratagems on demand, and use the one-handed utility (shield or objective carry) to stay effective during pushes — and if you need to top up gear between sorties, you can buy Helldivers 2 items online from trusted sources to quickly replace ammo, medals, or backup loadouts.

Strengths & weaknesses (short)

Strengths

• Massive per-shot damage and explosion.
• Excellent at destroying spawners and grouped enemies.
• Low sound signature — stealthy engagements.
• One-handed: flexible with shield/objectives.

Weaknesses

• Slow projectile travel and arc require practice.
• Very low ROF and small mag; poor in prolonged close fights.
• Dangerous at close range — self-damage risk.
• Outer blast less effective vs. high armor.

How to play it like a pro (practical tips)

1. Pick angles: Fire from elevated/covered positions to minimize bolt skips and maximize perpendicular impacts.
2. Aim for choke points: The explosion radius turns narrow paths into death traps.
3. Use it to check corners: A single bolt can flush out and damage hidden enemies or destroy a turret before entering.
4. Conserve bolts: Treat each shot as a precious resource; reload only when safe and coordinate resupplies.
5. Close-range caution: If enemies close the distance, switch to your secondary immediately — the CB-9's blast can hurt you.
6. Combos: Follow a CB-9 impact with a thrown grenade or fast SMG spray to finish staggered enemies before they recover.

Summary

The CB-9 Exploding Crossbow is a high-skill, high-reward tool: it can change how a single player controls space, clears spawners, and executes stealthy takedowns. It's never the “carry-all” choice, but in the hands of someone who practices its arc and values precision explosive damage, it's devastating. Use it as a specialist tool alongside a fast secondary and coordination — then watch chokepoints and nests vanish.

The CB-9 is an explosive, one-handed primary with massive per-bolt damage and area-of-effect. It excels at destroying spawners, hitting clustered enemies, and performing low-noise precision strikes, but requires practice due to slow bolt travel, gravity drop, and a low rate of fire. Pair it with a rapid-fire secondary, use attachments that aid aim, and apply tactics like elevated firing angles and choke-point control to maximize its value.