The JAR-5 Dominator is an unlockable heavy rifle in Helldivers 2, and it's one of the most expensive weapons in the game so far in terms of cumulative Medal costs. It packs a mean punch with its explosive rounds, but many players are wondering if the overall package is worth its asking price.

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All weapons have their place, and the JAR-5 does a fine job of fulfilling its specified role. If you're thinking of getting a new gun in Helldivers 2, here are some important things you need to know about the Dominator.

Is The JAR-5 Dominator Worth It?

An Automaton Devastator in Helldivers 2

Yes, the Dominator is worth unlocking. However, you'll need to temper your expectations as this gun is highly specialized. It is one of the few weapons in the game with medium armor penetration, and it is best used to counter heavy infantry like Devastators and Brood Guards. Firing the Dominator feels like shooting a miniaturized autocannon, and it definitely hits and sounds like one. The gun's stats are:

The JAR-5 Dominator in the Helldivers 2 equipment screen
  • Damage: 200
  • Capacity: 15
  • Recoil: 75
  • Fire Rate: 250

You can unlock the Dominator by reaching the third page of the Steeled Veterans Warbond, which can either be purchased with Super Credits or claimed for free if you purchased the Helldivers 2 Super Citizen Edition. The gun itself costs 80 Medals, but you'll need to spend another 200 Medals just to reach the third page of the Warbond.

JAR-5 Dominator Pros and Cons

The JAR-5 Dominator in the Helldivers 2 equipment screen

Pros

Cons

  • Fast TTK
  • Manageable recoil
  • Medium armor penetration
  • Can stagger shielded Automaton Devastators
  • Slow fire rate
  • Low magazine capacity
  • Low max ammo
  • Cumbersome

The main strength of the Dominator is its damage profile. It's strong enough to take down Automaton Devastators and Terminid Brood Commanders with less than one magazine. While this gun is generally better against bots, it's particularly strong against the bugs' Bile and Spore Spewers. Just a couple of shots from the Dominator is enough to pop a Spewer's sac, killing it instantly.

On the other hand, this weapon performs poorly in high-intensity situations, particularly those where melee enemies are swarming in or if there are too many enemies actively firing at the user. The Dominator's damage may be high, but its low magazine capacity, slow fire rate, and sluggish handling make it unreliable in chaotic close-range combat.

At the end of the day, the decision to get the JAR-5 Dominator boils down to whether or not players can deal with its limitations. The weapon is a powerful tool to have, especially if you're joining a public Helldivers 2 game and notice that no one has a quick way of dealing with Spewers or Devastators. Treat it like a mid-ranged DMR and aim for enemy weakpoints to get the most out of it.

Helldivers2GameCover
Helldivers 2

Platform(s)
PC , PS5
Released
February 8, 2024
Developer(s)
Arrowhead Game Studios
Publisher(s)
Sony
Genre(s)
Shooter