With each new Warbond release, Helldivers 2 players are treated to an array of new weapons. Energy weapons, which have been a part of the game since its inception, have seen numerous additions over time. Players can now choose from a variety of primary, secondary, and support energy weapons.
Helldivers 2: Weapon Tier List
Discover the top weapons to acquire in Helldivers 2 to protect Super Earth from extraterrestrial threats.
A significant portion of the energy weapons in the game are lasers that don’t require ammunition to operate. However, some, like the PLAS-1 Scorcher, consume a large amount of ammo rapidly. While using energy weapons is straightforward, mastering them requires a certain level of skill and dedication.
8 LAS-7 Dagger
A Reliable Backup
- 200 damage/second
- Unlock for 60 Medals on Page 3 of Cutting Edge Warbond
The LAS-7 Dagger, a secondary weapon, emits a single laser beam at its targets. It bears a striking resemblance to the LAS-5 Scythe, but in the form of a pistol rather than a rifle. The standout feature of this gun is its virtually unlimited ammo, making it a dependable backup weapon when primary and support weapons run out of ammunition.
However, its main drawback is its slow kill speed, which may frustrate some players. If players find themselves out of ammo and surrounded by enemies, the LAS-7 Dagger’s low damage output may not be sufficient to help them escape unscathed. Therefore, mastering this sidearm is as much about survival skills when outnumbered as it is about proficiency with the weapon itself.
7 The LAS-5 Scythe
A Primary Weapon Emitting a Constant Laser Beam
The LAS-5 Scythe, like other laser weapons, emits a powerful, continuous laser beam instead of traditional projectiles. This weapon only requires reloading if the beam is fired for an extended period, causing it to overheat. Otherwise, its firing capacity is virtually unlimited. The beam does not bounce off armored targets, reducing the likelihood of accidental friendly fire compared to other weapons.
The laser beam of the LAS-5 Scythe is not only continuous but also highly damaging, inflicting 300 damage per second. This makes it one of the most potent primary weapons in the game, particularly for players who prefer energy weapons. While mastering the LAS-5 Scythe is not overly challenging, players will need to understand how long they can fire the beam without causing it to overheat to maximize its potential.
6 The LAS-98 Laser Cannon
A Support Weapon Emitting a Large Laser Beam
The LAS-98 Laser Cannon is a support weapon that fires a large laser beam. This weapon is even more powerful than the LAS-5 Scythe, dealing 400 damage per second. It can be unlocked with 4000 Requisition Slips at Level 5.
The LAS-98 Laser Cannon is a formidable weapon, especially when used in a support role. Its high damage output and large beam make it an excellent choice for dealing with groups of enemies or heavily armored targets. However, like the LAS-5 Scythe, it requires careful management to prevent overheating.
Both the LAS-5 Scythe and the LAS-98 Laser Cannon represent the pinnacle of laser weapon technology in the game. Their high damage output, combined with their continuous firing capability, make them a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. However, their power comes with a cost, as both weapons require careful management to prevent overheating.
The LAS-98 Laser Cannon, first introduced in the original Helldivers game, makes a comeback in Helldivers 2. This shoulder-mounted weapon discharges a continuous laser beam, capable of penetrating light and medium armor. This makes it an effective Support Weapon when battling foes such as Hiveguards and Chargers.
Similar to other laser weapons, the laser cannon only requires reloading if it overheats from prolonged use. The absence of ammo tracking makes this Support Weapon worth considering. To effectively use this weapon, players need to manage the laser cannon’s recoil and prevent it from overheating.
5 LAS-16 Sickle
An Energy Weapon with the Characteristics of an Automatic Rifle
The LAS-16 Sickle is an energy weapon that operates like an automatic rifle. It bears resemblance to the Liberator, but it possesses the ammo traits of an energy weapon and the added advantage of zero recoil.
First-time users of the Sickle will need to adapt to the delay in firing as the gun requires a few seconds to wind up. This, along with its relatively low accuracy, are the weapon’s main drawbacks. However, for players seeking a fully automatic rifle with several benefits over conventional firearms, this weapon is an excellent choice.
4 LAS-99 Quasar Cannon
Eliminate Major Threats in the Game with This Cannon
The LAS-98 Laser Cannon, first seen in the original Helldivers, returns in Helldivers 2 as a shoulder-mounted weapon that emits a massive continuous laser beam. It’s capable of piercing through light and medium armor, making it an effective Support Weapon when battling adversaries like Hiveguards and Chargers.
Like other laser weapons, the laser cannon only needs reloading if it overheats from being fired for too long. The lack of ammo tracking makes this Support Weapon worth trying. To effectively use this weapon, players need to manage the laser cannon’s recoil and prevent it from overheating.
5 LAS-16 Sickle
An Energy Weapon with the Characteristics of an Automatic Rifle
The LAS-16 Sickle is an energy weapon that operates like an automatic rifle. It’s similar to the Liberator, but it has the ammo traits of an energy weapon and the added advantage of zero recoil.
First-time users of the Sickle will need to adapt to the delay in firing as the gun requires a few seconds to wind up. This, along with its relatively low accuracy, are the weapon’s main drawbacks. However, for players seeking a fully automatic rifle with several benefits over conventional firearms, this weapon is an excellent choice.
4 LAS-99 Quasar Cannon
Eliminate Major Threats in the Game with This Cannon
## The Power of the LAS-99 Quasar Cannon
The LAS-99 Quasar Cannon is a Support Weapon Stratagem that has gained popularity among players. Its ability to target weak spots and eliminate a Charger or a Bot Dropship in a single hit is impressive. It also only requires two or three shots to take down a Bile Titan. The Quasar Cannon’s versatility extends to closing Bug Holes and destroying Fabricators by directly hitting their vents.
Mastering the Quasar Cannon
The Quasar Cannon requires a few seconds to charge before it can be fired and also needs time to cool off before it can be used again. Its explosion radius is not large, so players need to ensure every shot counts. Mastery of this Support Weapon requires high accuracy and patience to deal with the significant time between shots.
The Punisher Plasma: More Than Just a Shotgun
The Punisher Plasma is another powerful weapon in the game. It can deal 100 damage with an area-of-effect, making it more akin to a grenade launcher than a shotgun. Players can unlock the Punisher Plasma for 60 Medals on Page 2 of Cutting Edge Warbond.
In conclusion, both the LAS-99 Quasar Cannon and the Punisher Plasma are powerful weapons that can significantly enhance a player’s gameplay. However, they require skill and patience to master. With practice, players can use these weapons to their full potential and dominate the game.
The Punisher Plasma, while technically classified as a shotgun, operates more like a grenade launcher. It discharges an energy sphere that inflicts damage within a small radius of its landing point. This makes it an effective tool for crowd control, a role typically filled by Support Weapons. Consequently, using the Punisher Plasma allows players to free up a loadout slot and bring Strategems that target specific enemies.
Helldivers 2: 9 Best Items From The Cutting Edge Warbond
The Cutting Edge Warbond introduced new sets of armor and unique weapons, most of which center around arc damage.
The Punisher Plasma’s area-of-effect damage can be a double-edged sword. In close-quarters combat, players can inadvertently harm or even kill themselves. To master this weapon, players need to understand the minimum safe firing distance and learn to adjust their aim to account for the downward pull of gravity on the energy blast over long distances.
2 PLAS-1 Scorcher
A Powerful Weapon That Consumes Ammo Rapidly
- 100 damage
- Unlock for 75 Medals on Page 10
The PLAS-1 Scorcher, found on the final page of the original Warbond, is a weapon worth the effort to unlock. Unlike laser weapons, the Scorcher fires projectiles and therefore requires standard ammunition. Players using the Scorcher must monitor their ammo capacity closely, as it depletes rapidly.
The Scorcher’s projectiles inflict damage within a small radius of their impact point, making it effective against enemy swarms. However, this also means players can easily harm themselves or allies if they’re not careful, as the impact’s range may not be immediately apparent. Players must learn to manage this risk while also addressing the weapon’s high ammo consumption.
1. ARC-12 Blitzer: The Electric Shotgun
Harnessing the Power of Electricity
- Capable of 250 damage
- Can be unlocked with 80 Medals on Page 3 of Cutting Edge Warbond
The ARC-12 Blitzer is not your typical shotgun. Instead of firing traditional ammunition, it uses electricity as its weapon of choice. When triggered, it releases several electric arcs that can inflict up to 250 damage if all connect with the same target. However, players have reported varying levels of success, with the damage output often proving to be unpredictable.
For those who equip any armor from the Cutting Edge Warbond, the ARC-12 Blitzer offers an additional advantage: it minimizes friendly fire damage due to its electric nature. Coupled with its virtually unlimited ammo supply, this makes the ARC-12 Blitzer an attractive option for players seeking to experiment with new primary weapons. With enough practice, players can master the Blitzer’s erratic damage output and consistently achieve its maximum damage potential.
Helldivers 2
- Available on
- PC , PS5
- Developed by
- Arrowhead Game Studios
- Release Date
- February 8, 2024
