As the life of Helldivers 2 goes on, the meta is going to change drastically. Things are going to get better as new enemies (and factions) are introduced. Things will also get worse. As of right now, these are the best weapons after the Viper Commandos patch in Helldivers 2.
This could drastically change as the whole spawn fix actually made things feel a lot tougher.
The best weapons in Helldivers 2 after the Viper Commandos patch
The following weapons will be displayed when fighting the current factions. Weapons will only include Primaries, Secondaries, Throwables, and Support Weapons. Typical call-down stratagems like the Eagle 500KG, other air strikes, and turrets will not be on this list.
SMG-72 Pummeler
If you need something fast and light, this concussive SMG can do the trick. It won’t clear waves of enemies like other weapons can, but it can soften up mobs and slow them down so you can get a chance to recover or shake them off. It pairs really well with a Ballistic Shield.
SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary
The Incendiary Breaker didn’t get a buff this patch, but it’s really good at clearing out smaller Terminids from close and medium ranges. Weirdly enough, it’s also one of the best weapons to take down Shriekers which have now become part of normal enemy waves.
LAS-16 Sickle
The Laser Sickle is probably one of the better assault rifles now in this game because, with proper trigger discipline, you can have infinite ammo. With more small fries to kill, this will be even stronger.
SG-8P Punisher Plasma
The Punisher Plasma gun didn’t get a buff either, but it’s really good at blowing up groups of weaker enemies. Of course, with big risk comes big rewards. Shoot this too close to yourself and you’ll die.
SG-22 Bushwhacker
The new triple-barrel shotgun from the Viper Commandos Warbond is the highlight of the set. Its stopping power is great enough as a deterrent against Stalkers and medium-tier enemies. Don’t sleep on this one.
P-19 Redeemer
The Redeemer pistol is still the best all-rounder for a sidearm. Whether you’re fighting the bugs or the bots, you can’t go wrong with this. It’ll save you in a pinch.
Arc-12 Blitzer
This gun may not be able to clear waves like other shotguns, but its inherent stun mechanic will be a godsend. The Blitzer can stop a Devastator in its tracks and essentially perma-stun it so that it can’t attack you. Of course, if you have many other enemies surrounding you, this won’t be as effective.
Plas-1 Scorcher
Since the R-36 Disruptor isn’t as great as it used to be, the runner-up is now the better pick. A few well-placed shots on enemy weak spots can melt them in seconds. It’s best used against the Automatons as semi-auto rifles aren’t the best in fending off the Terminids.
G-16 Impact
The Impact grenade is the perfect tool to finish off any heavy that wasn’t killed by a call-down stratagem or ordnance-type weapon. Because it’s also an explosive, it can take care of Fabricators and Terminid hives.
G-13 Incendiary Impact
The Impact version of the Incendiary grenade is king. No fuse timer makes it exceptionally good at killing mobs of medium and small enemies. Like its normal non-incendiary counterpart, this can also destroy Fabricators and Hives.
Flamethrower
The Flamethrower is almost a must-have at higher-level Terminid missions. It can mow down all the small enemies and even Chargers. With Titans being your only concern, you can save other Stratagem slots to deal with them. Just, be careful not to incinerate yourself.
Heavy Machine Gun
Don’t mind the recoil. If you need stuff to be destroyed, the HMG is it. Yeah, the reloading can be a pain, but the amount of firepower it has is plenty.
Spear
Gone are the days of the Railgun, but the Spear has now taken its place. With its recent tracking buffs, this thing can take down the biggest heavies in Helldivers 2 with ease. Just make sure to keep that backpack on you.
Quasar Cannon
Much like the spear, the Quasar Cannon is something you’ll ideally use just to take down huge enemies in one or two well-placed shots. The cooldown for each shot is 13 seconds, so make each one count.
