The 
AR-23P Liberator Penetrator is a longer version of the default AR-23 Liberator in Helldivers 2. It is a bullpup rifle that's likely to be the first weapon players get that can pierce medium armor. This is a powerful weapon in the right hands, but it's usually at the center of debate whenever it comes to discussing primary weapon balancing.
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Despite being a larger variant of the default assault rifle, the Penetrator actually performs very differently. This wild shift in usage caught many players by surprise, subverting their expectations of having a stronger Liberator by providing something else entirely. If you're apprehensive about spending all your hard-earned Medals in Helldivers 2 to unlock this gun, here are some important things you need to know about it.
Updated March 22, 2024 by Marc Santos: The Liberator Penetrator is a hot topic when it comes to primary weapon balancing. Many players swear by it, while others avoid it like the plague. The weapon's advantages and drawbacks make it a better choice to use against Automatons, though it is still useful everywhere else so long as it is used properly. To further drive the points made in this short weapon review, a companion video has been added, showcasing the Liberator Penetrator's reliability in an Impossible mission against the Automatons.
Liberator Penetrator Stat Overview
- Damage: 45
- Capacity: 30
- Recoil: 19
- Rate of Fire: 640
Stat-wise, the LIberator Penetrator is very similar to the default Liberator, but with a notably weaker damage per shot value, a reduced magazine capacity, and slightly stronger recoil. The rate of fire stays the same between variants, but the Penetrator is limited to semi-auto and burst fire modes only.
The main difference between the two Liberator variants is that the Penetrator can pierce medium armor, making it a good choice for dealing with the Automatons in Helldivers 2. Its shots will not ricochet off Devastators and the softer parts of Scout Striders, and it can take down Raiders with a well-placed headshot. The Penetrator also appears to have a significantly stronger weakspot damage multiplier compared to other weapons.
Is The Liberator Penetrator Good?
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Yes, but players should temper their expectations before using this gun. Unlike the base Liberator, the Penetrator is used more like a mid-ranged battle rifle. You won't be able to comfortably spray this weapon due to its lack of a full-auto feature, and its high precision damage means it's better off used by a designated marksman against high-priority targets. Some large enemies like Automaton Hulks in Helldivers 2 can also be quickly taken down by just a Liberator Penetrator if players can shoot its back.
Ironically, one of the biggest gripes players have with the Liberator Penetrator also lies in its main draw: the medium armor penetration trait. The weapon's damage is so low that it can't kill medium-armored enemies efficiently if players do not hit weakspots, making the trait somewhat irrelevant outside of being a safety net for missed shots or panic situations. Bullets will not ricochet off medium armor, and they will still do damage, albeit very little of it. It's best not to rely on the Liberator Penetrator's actual penetrating properties — you'll get much more mileage from it by using it like a Diligence. If anything gets too close, make sure to aim for the head or limbs so as not to waste any precious shots from the rifle's small magazine.
