As is the case with video games that rely on combat, there is naturally going to be a vast array of different weaponry for players to test out and discover as the best. Helldivers 2 is a shooter, which only further propels this, as players will strive to find out what guns work and what guns don't.

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Such is the case with shotguns in Helldivers 2. Many believe in shotgun supremacy, as the category has some of the strongest and most reliable weapons in the game. However, it also has some weaker guns that won't be able to tear through opponents quite as easily as compared to others.

7 ARC-12 Blitzer

Sometimes Good, Sometimes Bad

Most players would describe almost most of the shotguns in Helldivers 2 as conclusively powerful. The same can't be said for the ARC-12 Blitzer, as at times it can wipe out patrols of enemies, but sometimes it seems like it shoots feathers.

It fires a number of lightning arcs that can target multiple enemies, which is good against bugs who tend to group up more often than the automatons. The main downside to the weapon is its inability to arc to other enemies, as opposed to the Arc Thrower.

6 Breaker Spray And Pray

An Eponymously Named Shotgun

While some people believe in the usability of the Breaker Spray and Pray, others don't. It is argued as one of the worst shotguns in the game.

The armor penetration isn't as good as some other shotguns, with shells ricocheting off more protected enemies. The damage doesn't add up to some other shotguns either, but given its status as a gun players are supposed to Spray and Pray, this makes sense. Just overall, the regular Breaker should be used in place of the Spray and Pray due to its increased viability.

5 SG-8S Slugger

Powerful Shots Against Enemy Weakspots

The Slugger is one of the strongest weapons for dealing with specific weak areas on an enemy. A single round fired into an automaton's head will instantly kill it, as opposed to even some other shotguns.

However, the Slugger isn't as strong as it once was. The gun will no longer reliably stagger enemies, meaning if a shot is missed, the player might be on the receiving end of a harsh damage penalty. It can still be used to take out enemies at longer ranges, but overall, is a weaker gun after its nerf compared to its contemporaries.

4 SG-8P Punisher Plasma

A Reliable Weapon For Stunning Enemies

Plasma and energy weapons are some of the best ways to deal with the waves of enemies in Helldivers 2. The SG-8P Punisher Plasma is a bit more of a niche weapon, as it is better used against armored, dangerous enemies rather than less threatening adversaries.

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The gun fires a single bolt of plasma suited for very close enemies. The best part is its stagger capability, as heavier, armored enemies can effectively be stunlocked by the weapon. However, the damage isn't substantial, so a couple of rounds will need to be put into an enemy before killing them, or with the support of a teammate.

3 SG-8 Punisher

A Strong Early-Game Shotgun

For those who wish to focus on dealing damage, the Punisher serves as the weapon to use before obtaining the Breaker. Even after players acquire the Breaker, the Punisher still has some unique selling points.

It might not be as good as later shotguns in the crowd control department, but the Punisher deals incredible damage per shot, capable of easily killing enemies in close quarters, being arguably better than the Slugger at doing so. More importantly, the Punisher can stagger enemies with ease, putting them out of the picture. It even has a respectable range, capable of damaging enemies at longer distances than expected of a video game shotgun.

2 SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary

Turning The Tables With Fire Damage

The regular Breaker might receive more attention than its fire counterpart, but that doesn't mean the incendiary version is a weak weapon. Truthfully, some players prefer this gun over its regular variant.

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The raw damage might be lower, but that's due to the fire dealing a good chunk of it. Players can use fire, their worst nightmare, against any opponent. Much like the normal Breaker, it is a great weapon for crowd control, easily dealing with multiple enemies. It also possesses more ammo, which, for a gun that focuses on spamming the shoot button, is extremely beneficial.

1 SG-225 Breaker

A Powerful Gun Versus Hordes Of Enemies

There are some shotguns that players would consider the best, such as the Breaker's fire counterpart, but the regular Breaker is often the most praised. It has all the parts to deal with every aspect of an enemy, leading to its popularity.

It has a high rate of fire that can mow through enemies, especially when they crowd around players. Due to this, it is extremely useful for crowd control. The damage is strong, only falling behind the Punisher, which is pump-action instead of automatic like the Breaker. It is also able to deal with single enemies quite well, as it can decently stagger them, and, owing to its fast rate of fire, can pump lots of lead in quick succession for fast kills.

Helldivers 2

Platform(s)

PC , PS5

Released

February 8, 2024

Developer(s)

Arrowhead Game Studios

Genre(s)

Shooter