Helldivers 2has a massive armory, allowing players to call in everything from flamethrowers and weaponized mechs to laser-guided rocket launchers and tactical nukes. However, seasoned players know that success is not just about heavy firepower. Even thebest primary weapons in the gamerequire to be paired with the right secondary weapon. They are valuable in providing crucial support, utility, and a tactical edge. Whether players need a reliable backup, crowd-control, or specialized sidearm for armored enemies, here are the best secondaries to consider inHelldivers 2.
0
70 rounds per minute
23
-
How to Get
Chemical Agents Warbond (80 Medals)
The P-11 Stim Pistol holds promise as a support tool but falls short as an effective secondary weapon inHelldivers 2. It has no offensive capabilities apart from allowing players to heal teammates from a distance, which can be valuable in coordinated squads. However,the inability to heal oneself significantly limits its viability, making it a poor substitute for a traditional sidearm. As it stands, the Stim Pistol is a niche option best suited for dedicated medics rather than a practical choice for most loadouts.
75
900 rounds per minute
1.8 seconds
Complete the Tutorial
TheP-2 Peacemakeris the classic sidearm available to all players immediately after completing the tutorial. It offers a reliable blend of decent damage, solid capacity, and low recoil, making it a decent secondary to take while spreading managed democracy inHelldivers 2. There is nothing more that can be said except that the Peacemaker is good enough for a starting secondary weapon. It is still aweapon that players will want to replaceas soon as possible inHelldivers 2.
250 DPS
6.67 seconds before overheating
Cutting Edge Warbond (60 Medals)
TheLAS-7 Daggercan feel underwhelming. Being an energy-based weapon, players have to train its beam on enemies while maneuvering the battlefield. While extremely effective against light enemies, the Dagger just lacks the firepower needed for more serious threats, making it a situational sidearm rather than a go-to choice inHelldivers 2. On the flipside, players never have to worry about running out of ammo.
60
1100 rounds per minute
15
2.1 seconds
Helldivers Mobilize Warbond (5 Medals)
TheP-19 Redeemeris a fully automatic secondary that functions like a submachine gun inHelldivers 2. Its high fire rate means players can shred enemies with ease, making the Redeemer a powerful backup weapon at close quarters. However, the high fire rate also means the weapon eats ammo like anything, making it quite a struggle to manage ammo.
In the early days ofHelldivers 2,the Redeemer was one of thebest options for players using a Ballistic Shieldor carrying mission-specific items like SSSD Hard Drives. These days, however, there are better one-handed options in the armory.
405
650 rounds per minute
170
Viper Commandos Warbond (50 Medals)
TheSG-22 Bushwhackeris a solid choice for players who want a secondary weapon with close-range stopping power inHelldivers 2. It is a sawed-off shotgun with three barrels, delivering a burst of pellets withenough stagger to stop even Stalkers. It also can be toggled to fire all three barrels at once to deliver a single, powerful blast to the face. However, its slow reload speed and limited capacity means that the Bushwhacker is not always the most reliable option in tight situations. There are stronger all-around secondaries, but for those who prefer a one-handed shotgun, the Bushwhacker is a fun and effective choice.
50
150 rounds per minute
8
Superstore (200 SC)
The CQC-30 Stun Baton is one of three newly introduced melee weapons inHelldivers 2and the best secondary option for players looking to smash through enemies. Unlike the CQC-19 Stun Lance from theUrban Legends Warbond,the Stun Baton swings faster and covers a wider arc, allowing players to hit multiple enemies at once. It also staggers enemies, meaning players can take on entire groups of enemies with relentless swings for as long as their stamina holds out.
125
450 rounds per minute
40
2 seconds
Polar Patriots Warbond (60 Medals)
TheP-113 Verdictis a high-caliber sidearm and a direct upgrade to the Peacemaker, dealing significant damage per shot. While it has a smaller magazine, its fast fire rate and medium penetration enable players to take apart tough enemies like Hive Guards and Overseers with precision.Targeting enemy weak spots,players can even take out Devastators with a few shots. Combining power and precision, the Verdict is an exceptional secondary weapon to have in anyHelldivers 2loadout.
200
200 rounds per minute
43
4.8 seconds
Steeled Veterans Warbond (15 Medals)
TheP-4 Senatoris a powerful revolver-style sidearm that packs a hefty punch inHelldivers 2.It takes only a single shot to kill light enemies and two at most for medium enemies, giving players an excellent short-range answer when their primary or support weapon runs dry.
However, the Senator struggles with limited capacity, meaning every shot counts. This is further compounded by being a round-reload weapon, which means it has to be reloaded bullet by bullet, making it less desirable for extended firefights. Despite this drawback, the Senator’s sheer stopping power keeps it among the top-ranked secondary weapons inHelldivers 2.
Keep holding the reload button to make the Senator spin, wild-west-style.
Democratic Detonation Warbond (60 Medals)
TheGP-31 Grenade Pistolis another secondary that lobs grenades inHelldivers 2. While they do not do as much damage as the Ultimatum,players will find the Grenade Pistol highly usefulin closing bug holes, destroying bot fabricators, and exploding warp ships.
With a quick reload and plenty of spare rounds, players can run around enemy encampments while firing grenades to close out objectives, and without wasting standard grenades or stratagems.This unmatched utility on all three frontsmakes the Grenade Pistol one of the best secondary weapons inHelldivers 2.
3 seconds
Servants of Freedom Warbond (40 Medals)
The GP-31 Ultimatum lobs a powerful grenade that may as well be a mini-nuke, doing damage on par with an Orbital Precision Strike. It candestroy structures such as Stratagem Jammersand even take down Chargers and Bile Titans when aimed at weak spots. While its short range and arcing trajectory require precise aiming,no other secondary weapon matches the Ultimatum’s destructive power, making it the best secondary weapon inHelldivers 2.
