Choosing the right gear in Helldivers 2 can make the difference between surviving a brutal mission and being overwhelmed by enemies. With the wide variety of stratagems, weapons, and equipment available, it can be tough to figure out what truly deserves a spot in your loadout. This tier list breaks down the best items based on their effectiveness, versatility, and overall impact on gameplay.
S-Tier: Must-Have Gear
These items stand out as the most reliable and impactful choices in nearly every mission type.
- Railgun – A powerhouse weapon that cuts through heavily armored enemies. Its versatility makes it an essential pick when dealing with both Automatons and Terminids.
- Shield Generator Pack – Provides a significant boost to survivability, especially when tackling higher-difficulty missions. Having this in your squad often makes the difference between success and failure.
- Eagle Airstrikes – Flexible and devastating, these strikes allow players to clear enemy swarms or wipe out key targets instantly.
A-Tier: Strong and Dependable
While not always the absolute best, these items perform exceptionally well in most scenarios.
- Recoilless Rifle – Reliable for taking down armored units, particularly when paired with a teammate who can reload for you.
- Anti-Personnel Mines – Great for area denial and protecting objectives during defense missions.
- Eagle Cluster Bomb – A solid alternative to standard airstrikes, offering heavy damage in a wide area.
B-Tier: Situational Picks
These items can shine under specific conditions but are not always necessary.
- Flamethrower – Highly effective against bug swarms but risky due to short range and friendly fire.
- Supply Pack – Good for extended missions, though less impactful when ammo drops are frequent.
- Machine Gun Turrets – Useful for base defense, but they can sometimes be destroyed too easily.
C-Tier: Niche or Underwhelming
While not entirely useless, these items tend to be less efficient compared to other options.
- Laser Cannon – Fun to use but outclassed by other heavy weapons.
- Incendiary Grenades – Limited damage output and less effective in higher difficulties.
- Jump Pack – Offers mobility, but the slot is often better spent on defensive or offensive gear.
How to Choose the Right Loadout
When putting together your gear, think about the mission objectives and enemy type. For example, if you’re heading into a bug-heavy mission, area denial weapons like mines or flamethrowers can be useful. Against Automatons, prioritize armor-piercing options like the railgun or recoilless rifle.
Another key factor is resource management. Players often wonder whether to save or spend their resources. Visiting the Helldivers 2 shop regularly helps you plan out which items to unlock next, ensuring you don’t waste points on underperforming gear. For those looking to optimize quickly, many players prefer to buy Helldivers 2 items that are consistently effective across all mission types rather than experimenting with niche picks.
This tier list provides a general guideline, but the best loadout will always depend on your squad composition and playstyle. Experiment with different combinations and adapt to the challenges each mission throws at you. Over time, you’ll find which gear feels essential and which can safely be left behind.