Helldivers 2 M90A Shotgun Guide – Stats, Strengths, and Weaknesses

The M90A Shotgun arrives in Helldivers 2 as part of the Halo: ODST crossover, and it instantly stands out for one reason: sheer stopping power. It's a weapon built around the philosophy of “one shot, one problem solved,” but it demands careful management of shells and reload timing.

Weapon Overview

The M90A is classified as a Primary Weapon shotgun, designed for light-armor penetration and massive single-shot damage. With 605 ballistic damage per shell, it outperforms every other primary shotgun in raw per-shot damage, even surpassing the SG-8 Punisher and coming very close to the SG-88 Break-Action.

• Category: Primary Weapon – Shotgun
• Damage: 605 ballistic per shot
• Rate of Fire: 80 rpm
• Capacity: 6 shells
• Spare Shells: 44
• Reload Style: Rounds Reload (one shell at a time)
• Traits: Light Armor Penetrating, High Stagger Force
• Unlock Cost: 65 Medals (Obedient Democracy Support Troopers Warbond, Page 3)

The trade-off for this immense damage is a small magazine and reduced reserve pool compared to other shotguns.

Tactical Strengths

1. High Damage Output 
   The M90A delivers more damage per shot than any other shotgun. Against enemies with light armor, five well-placed blasts are enough to shatter Grounded Warp Ship shields, making it invaluable during sieges and objective pushes.
2. Stagger Power 
   Like the SG-8 Punisher, the M90A has excellent stagger, capable of halting the advance of dangerous enemies such as Predator Stalkers or Alpha Commanders. This makes it a reliable defensive tool when you need to hold the line.
3. Controlled Reload System 
   Thanks to its shell-by-shell reload, you never waste ammunition. You can top up between fights, or even after each shot if needed, which pairs nicely with the Siege Ready armor passive for smoother pacing.
4. Spread and Pellet Count 
   With 11 pellets per shell and relatively consistent spread, the M90A feels more forgiving at medium range than some shotguns, letting you reliably land damage even when mobility gets hectic.

For players who want to maximize their effectiveness with the M90A Shotgun, keeping your loadout well-balanced is just as important as understanding its mechanics. Whether you're focusing on elite takedowns or holding choke points, make sure your gear complements the shotgun's strengths. And if you're looking to round out your arsenal faster, many trusted platforms allow you to buy Helldivers 2 items online, helping you experiment with different setups without grinding endlessly.

Weaknesses

1. Limited Magazine Size 
   Six shells may sound manageable, but in practice it feels restrictive, especially when facing swarms. You'll often need to reload mid-fight, which can leave you vulnerable.
2. Low Ammo Reserves 
   The M90A carries only 44 spare shells, compared to the more generous 60 shells of most other shotguns. Without consistent supply drops, it's easy to run dry in longer missions.
3. Slower Full Reloads 
   Rounds Reload is efficient but unforgiving if you're completely empty. Fully topping off the weapon can take longer than a standard magazine-fed shotgun.

How It Compares

• Versus SG-8 Punisher: The Punisher has a larger mag and more reserve shells but significantly less per-shot damage. The M90A wins for raw stopping power and stagger impact.
• Versus SG-88 Break-Action: Nearly equal in damage output, though the M90A edges ahead slightly. However, the SG-88's different reload pattern may suit players who dislike constant shell feeding.
• Versus SG-225 Breaker: The Breaker excels in crowd control with its higher magazine capacity, while the M90A is the clear boss-killer or elite-buster.

Best Uses

The M90A is a specialist's shotgun—ideal for:

• Taking down elite targets quickly.
• Breaking through shields and stagger-resistant enemies.
• Holding choke points where its high damage and stagger can control the flow of enemies.

It's less effective for large swarms where sheer ammo volume and spray matter more than per-shot damage.

The M90A Shotgun in Helldivers 2 is all about concentrated firepower. It sacrifices capacity and reserve ammo for unparalleled stopping power and stagger, making it one of the most dangerous primary shotguns in the game. If you can manage its reloading rhythm and ammo economy, the M90A will reward you with consistent, brutal efficiency against priority targets.