Summary:
I used to treat my secondary weapon as just a backup option in Helldivers 2, but high-level missions quickly proved how important the right sidearm can be. After testing different weapons against Terminids, Automatons, and Illuminate, I found that each enemy type requires a different approach. This guide breaks down the strongest secondary weapons, their unique roles, and how to choose the best sidearm for damage, crowd control, armor breaking, and team support, while also factoring in the reasonable utilization of Helldivers 2 Items.
1. Stop Using One Secondary for Everything:Match Your Weapon to the Enemy
A strong secondary weapon is not always the one with the highest damage. Its real value comes from solving battlefield problems.
A good secondary should help you:
Cover your primary weapon's weaknesses
Survive close-range pressure
Kill elite enemies quickly
Support teammates during difficult missions
The best loadout depends on the faction you are fighting.
2. Terminids:Fire and Explosions Rule the Bug War
Against Terminids, speed and crowd control matter most. Enemies rush quickly, so your secondary needs to clear groups and create breathing room.
Top choices:
P-72 Crisper
A pocket flamethrower that dominates close-range fights. It is excellent for controlling bug waves and dealing with aggressive enemies like Chargers.
GP-20 Ultimatum
A mini explosive weapon that can destroy groups of bugs and deal heavy damage to dangerous targets. Perfect for players who like aggressive playstyles.
Plas-15 Loyalist
A powerful hybrid option with explosive damage, strong against both small enemies and larger targets.
Best for:Players who struggle with bug swarms or want a secondary that can become a real damage tool.
3. Automatons:Armor Penetration Is Everything
Robot enemies punish players who cannot deal with armor. Against Automatons, precision and penetration matter more than raw firepower.
Top choices:
P-4 Senator
One of the strongest anti-robot sidearms. Its heavy penetration allows players to target weak points on enemies like Hulk and Devastators.
GP-20 Ultimatum
A powerful emergency weapon that can eliminate dangerous armored targets and destroy key objectives.
Plas-15 Loyalist
Excellent for explosive damage against groups and medium-heavy enemies.
Best for:Players who want reliable answers against elite robots and armored threats.
4. Illuminate:Lock-On and Burst Damage Take Over
Illuminate battles require flexibility. Their shields, flying units, and large groups make accuracy and area damage extremely important.
Recommended weapons:
P-4 Senator
Strong against high-value targets with reliable precision damage.
P-92 Warrant
Its targeting system makes dealing with moving enemies much easier, especially flying threats.
Plas-15 Loyalist
Great for clearing groups and applying constant pressure.
P-33 Missile Pistol
A valuable choice for dealing with flying enemies and priority targets.
Best for:Players who want easier target management and strong crowd control.
5. The Ultimate Team Weapon:P-11 Stem Pistol
Not every powerful secondary is about killing.
The P-11 Stem Pistol provides huge team value by:
Healing teammates from range
Restoring stamina
Improving squad survival
For high-difficulty missions, this weapon can be more valuable than another damage tool.
Best for:Support players, coordinated squads, and players who want to increase team consistency.
6. Final Thoughts:The Best Secondary Depends on the Battlefield
This guide is perfect for:
New players:Learn which secondary weapons fit each faction.
High-level players:Optimize builds for harder missions.
Team players:Improve squad survival with support options.
Build creators:Create stronger weapon combinations.
In Helldivers 2, the best secondary weapon is not the one with the biggest numbers. It is the weapon that solves your biggest problem on the battlefield, and making smart choices about how to buy Helldivers 2 Weapons can support that decision.
Quick tips:
Use fire and explosives against Terminids.
Use armor penetration against Automatons.
Use lock-on and burst damage against Illuminate.
Always match your secondary with your primary weapon.
In team missions, a support secondary can be more valuable than extra damage.
