Summary
Have you ever ignored a weapon simply because almost nobody was using it? I used to do the same, assuming low pick rates meant weak performance. After spending several missions testing some of the least-used weapons and Stratagems in Helldivers 2, I completely changed my mind. A surprising number of these "forgotten" tools perform incredibly well when used correctly. If you're tired of running the same meta loadouts every mission, these underrated picks might completely change the way you play.
1. Pick rates don't tell the whole story
Many players assume that the most popular equipment is automatically the strongest, but that's far from the truth. Some weapons with less than a 2% pick rate are still excellent in the right situations. The Spear Gun remains one of the best support weapons for staggering heavy enemies, while the Amendment marksman rifle delivers outstanding burst damage against priority targets. Sometimes low usage simply means players haven't given these weapons a fair chance.
2. Forgotten Automaton weapons still dominate
The Automaton front has several hidden gems. The Crisper sidearm doubles as crowd control and a surprisingly effective anti-tank weapon, while Seeker Grenades can track marked Gunships, making one of the most annoying enemies much easier to eliminate. Eagle Smoke Strike is another underrated Stratagem that not only blocks enemy vision but can also destroy Fabricators with proper placement. Even older defensive options like the HMG Emplacement and Anti-Tank Mines remain extremely effective for holding choke points.
3. Bugs reward creative loadouts
Against the Terminids, experimenting with uncommon equipment pays off. Arc Grenades excel at clearing dense swarms, while the recently buffed Eagle 110 Rocket Pods can reliably eliminate Charger Behemoths and heavily damage Bile Titans. The Orbital Airburst Strike is often overlooked because of its friendly-fire risk, but when dropped directly on a Bug Breach, it can wipe out entire waves before they spread across the battlefield. These tools require practice, but the payoff is well worth it.
4. Illuminate missions have their own hidden stars
Some of the strongest anti-Illuminate gear is also among the least used. The Deadeye can consistently eliminate Overseers with precise headshots, while the Arc Thrower melts groups of Voteless with ease. Electrical Conduit armor is another underrated choice, reducing lightning damage from Harvesters, Watchers, and Tesla Towers by a massive amount. Pair it with the Hover Pack, and you gain better positioning while avoiding terrain that normally blocks Arc Thrower attacks.
5. Experimenting is the real path to mastering Helldivers 2
One lesson became clear after testing these low-pick-rate loadouts: popularity doesn't define power. Many of these weapons simply demand better positioning, teamwork, or mission awareness before their strengths become obvious. Instead of blindly following usage charts, try building around weapons you've never touched before. You might discover a new set of gear in Helldivers 2 Items that not only performs as well as current mainstream gear, but also makes each mission feel fresh and exciting.
Pro Tips
Don't judge a weapon solely by its pick rate—test it in multiple mission types before deciding.
Build your loadout around the enemy faction instead of using one setup for every mission.
Combine underrated weapons with complementary Stratagems to maximize their strengths.
Practice positioning and teamwork, as many low-pick-rate weapons become significantly stronger when used correctly.
Revisit older equipment after major balance patches—many forgotten items become top-tier after updates.
Key benefits for different players
New Players: Learn that experimenting with different equipment is more valuable than copying every meta loadout.
Returning Players: Rediscover forgotten weapons that have become much stronger after balance updates.
High-Difficulty Players: Unlock new strategies that improve crowd control, survivability, and objective efficiency.
Co-op Squads: Build more diverse team compositions instead of everyone bringing identical gear.
Loadout Enthusiasts: Find hidden gems that make gameplay feel fresh while remaining highly competitive.
