5 Best Weapons for Beginners in Helldivers 2

Hey fellow Helldivers! If you're just stepping into the chaotic, bug-splattered, robot-smashing world of Helldivers 2, you're probably wondering: What weapons should I be using to not die every 5 seconds? I’ve been there—trust me. After plenty of trial, error, and friendly fire (oops), I’ve got a list of beginner-friendly weapons that’ll actually help you survive and maybe even thrive out there. Let’s dive in!

1. AR-23 Liberator – Your Bread and Butter

Why it’s great:   
This is your starting rifle, and honestly, it’s solid. Easy to handle, decent damage, good accuracy—it’s reliable. You won’t be winning any awards for style, but it gets the job done. Think of it as the trusty Swiss Army knife of guns.

Pro tip:   
Stick to controlled bursts and aim for center mass. You’ll be surprised how well it holds up in early missions.

2. SG-8 Punisher – Shotgun Love

Why it’s great:   
If you like to get up close and personal, the Punisher is a beast. Massive damage in tight quarters and super satisfying to use against bugs. Not so great for long-range, but perfect when things get hectic.

Pro tip:   
Pair it with a pistol or stratagem that can deal with enemies at a distance, just in case.

Starting out in Helldivers 2 can be tough, but having the right beginner-friendly weapons makes all the difference. If you want to gear up without spending a fortune, check out cheap Helldivers 2 Items to get the tools you need to survive—and thrive—right from the start.

3. LAS-5 Scythe – The Beginner’s Laser

Why it’s great:   
Unlimited ammo (overheat instead of reload)? Yes, please. The LAS-5 Scythe is super forgiving for new players who don’t want to worry about scavenging for ammo. It’s pinpoint accurate and great for clean shots.

Pro tip:   
Keep an eye on the heat meter—overheating it in the middle of a fight is no fun.

4. RL-112 Recoilless Rifle – Big Boom, Big Fun

Why it’s great:   
When you unlock this bad boy, the game changes. It's your go-to for taking out armored enemies and objectives. Just don’t stand too close to what you're shooting at. (Speaking from experience.)

Pro tip:   
Bring a buddy to help reload faster—it’s a team game, after all.

5. Grenade Launcher – Crowd Control Made Easy

Why it’s great:   
Launch a few grenades into a swarm and watch the chaos unfold. It’s especially useful when you're feeling overwhelmed, and trust me—you will feel overwhelmed.

Pro tip:   
Arc your shots and give it a second to land. Friendly fire is real, and your teammates will not be happy.

Extra Tip: Gear Up with Super Credits

Getting access to better weapons and cool gear is a lot easier when you’ve got Super Credits. You can buy Helldivers 2 Items to unlock exclusive weapons and equipment early. It’s a great way to boost your loadout and customize your Helldiver so you’re not stuck with the default setup forever. Just make sure you’re buying from trusted sources!

Starting out in Helldivers 2 can feel a bit overwhelming, but the right weapon makes a huge difference. Stick with versatile, easy-to-control guns at the beginning and gradually experiment with more advanced options as you get comfortable. And hey, don’t worry about messing up—we’ve all accidentally called in a stratagem on a teammate’s head.