Summary:
This guide covers the five best Support Weapons for the Automaton front in Helldivers 2 Update 7.1, including the AC-8 Autocannon, EAT-411 Leveller, RS-422 Railgun, APW-1 Anti-Materiel Rifle, and GR-8 Recoilless Rifle. Each weapon fills a different role, from sustained fire and precision damage to heavy anti-armor attacks. Players looking to prepare their gear and resources can also check out Helldivers 2 Items. Here's how they compare and when you should use each one against the Automatons.
1. AC-8 Autocannon – Best All-Rounder
The AC-8 Autocannon remains one of the most reliable choices against Automatons.
Its 60-round capacity, fast firing speed, and strong damage allow it to handle Devastators efficiently. Two well-placed shots can usually eliminate a Devastator, while accurate fire against a Hulk's eye can stagger or finish it. The weapon can also deal with Gunships.
Its programmable ammunition adds flexibility. Flak rounds are useful against groups, while AP rounds are better for heavily armored targets and weak points.
The improved team reload is another major advantage. The assisting Helldiver no longer needs to carry the backpack, making sustained fire much easier during coordinated fights.
2. EAT-411 Leveller – Best Heavy Burst Damage
The EAT-411 Leveller is ideal when your priority is deleting heavy targets quickly.
A single shot can reliably destroy major threats such as Bile Titans and Factory Striders. Its enormous explosion radius also makes it forgiving when your aim is not perfect or multiple enemies are grouped together.
The biggest drawback is that it is disposable. However, you can repeatedly call down another launcher, and Ship Module upgrades can reduce its cooldown to roughly two minutes.
For squads expecting frequent heavy encounters, this makes the Leveller an excellent emergency answer.
3. RS-422 Railgun – Best Precision Weapon
The RS-422 Railgun rewards accurate players.
A well-placed shot through a Hulk's viewing slit can kill it instantly, while Devastators and Scout Striders are also strong targets.
The weapon becomes considerably more powerful in Unsafe Mode, allowing it to penetrate extremely heavy armor. However, charging for too long can cause the Railgun to explode.
Players who struggle with ammunition management can pair it with a Supply Pack. This keeps the Railgun supplied without consuming another Stratagem slot for dedicated ammunition support.
4. APW-1 Anti-Materiel Rifle – Best Long-Range Option
The APW-1 Anti-Materiel Rifle is the strongest choice here for players who prefer precision at range.
It can eliminate Devastators with headshots and destroy Hulks by accurately hitting their vulnerable eye. It can also target Tank heat sinks and Factory Strider weak points.
Its 7+1 magazine gives it enough ammunition for multiple targets before resupply becomes necessary.
The main limitation is bullet drop. The AMR performs best when you maintain a controlled distance rather than attempting extreme-range shots.
5. GR-8 Recoilless Rifle – Best Single-Shot Damage
The GR-8 Recoilless Rifle is built around raw destructive power.
HEAT rounds can destroy Bile Titans with headshots, eliminate Hulks through their viewing slits, and deal devastating damage to Factory Striders. It can even exploit unusual weak points, making it extremely valuable against large targets.
Its backpack requirement is the major trade-off.
However, with a teammate assisting the reload, the Recoilless Rifle becomes an extremely powerful sustained anti-armor tool. For coordinated squads, few weapons can match its combination of damage and flexibility.
Final Thoughts
The best Support Weapon depends on your role. Choose the Autocannon for versatility, EAT-411 Leveller for disposable anti-tank firepower, Railgun for precision, AMR for ranged weak-point attacks, and Recoilless Rifle for maximum single-shot damage.
For most players fighting Automatons, the AC-8 Autocannon is the safest all-round choice. Coordinated teams should strongly consider the Recoilless Rifle, while experienced marksmen can get enormous value from the Railgun or AMR. Players looking to stock up on resources can also check out buy Helldivers 2 Items.
With Update 7.1 preparing players for a stronger Automaton-focused future, learning these weapons now can make the next major front considerably easier.
