When it comes to surviving the chaos of Helldivers 2, your choice of assault rifle can make or break a mission. These weapons form the backbone of most loadouts, offering a mix of control, versatility, and stopping power that fits nearly any playstyle. But with several rifles to choose from, which one truly deserves a spot in your arsenal? Let’s take a closer look at the best assault rifles and when to use them.
1. AR-23 Liberator – The Classic Choice
The AR-23 Liberator is the default assault rifle and one of the most balanced weapons in Helldivers 2. It offers moderate recoil, solid damage, and excellent accuracy, making it ideal for new players or those who prefer reliability over specialization.
It may not excel in any single area, but it’s a dependable all-rounder that handles well in every environment. For missions where flexibility is key, the Liberator remains a top-tier option.
Best for: New players and balanced loadouts.
Weakness: Lacks the firepower for high-difficulty missions or heavy-armored enemies.
2. AR-23P Liberator Penetrator – Piercing and Precise
If you often find yourself fighting Automatons or enemies with thick armor, the Penetrator variant is a strong upgrade. It trades a bit of fire rate for better armor penetration and accuracy, allowing you to pick off tougher targets from medium range.
Its precision makes it a favorite among experienced Helldivers who value headshots and controlled bursts over pure bullet spam.
Best for: Fighting Automatons and armored units.
Weakness: Lower magazine size and slower rate of fire can be punishing in close-quarters combat.
3. AR-23E Liberator Explosive – High Risk, High Reward
As the name suggests, this version brings explosive firepower to the battlefield. Each round delivers splash damage, making it fantastic for crowd control against Bugs and clustered enemies. However, you’ll need to watch your aim carefully—its explosions can harm allies as well.
When used strategically, though, it can wipe out waves of smaller enemies and give your squad room to breathe.
Best for: Clearing Bug swarms and area suppression.
Weakness: Friendly fire risk and limited ammo supply.
4. BR-14 Adjudicator – Burst Fire Specialist
The BR-14 is a burst-fire rifle designed for accuracy and power. Its bursts can drop medium enemies with a single trigger pull if aimed well. While it requires discipline and timing, skilled players can use it to devastating effect at mid to long range.
If you prefer calculated engagements rather than spray-and-pray combat, the Adjudicator rewards precision like no other.
Best for: Skilled marksmen and long-range engagements.
Weakness: Struggles in fast, close-range battles where constant fire is needed.
5. Which Assault Rifle Should You Choose?
Your best rifle depends on your playstyle and the mission type:
- For versatility: Stick with the AR-23 Liberator.
- For armor-heavy enemies: Go for the AR-23P Penetrator.
- For crowd control: Try the AR-23E Explosive.
- For precision players: The BR-14 Adjudicator shines.
Each rifle offers a unique feel, so it’s worth experimenting to find what fits your squad’s needs and your preferred combat rhythm.
Mastering assault rifles in Helldivers 2 is about understanding their roles rather than chasing raw stats. A well-placed burst or disciplined trigger finger often outperforms sheer firepower. Whether you’re defending objectives or purging alien infestations, the right rifle can turn chaos into controlled victory.
If you’re looking to gear up faster, you might want to buy Helldivers 2 medals from trusted platforms like U4GM, where players often find discount Helldivers 2 medals deals to speed up progression. Just remember to spend your medals wisely on gear that matches your combat style.