This guide details the Helldivers 2 meta, including best weapons and best Stratagems, for March 2024.
These days, talk of meta (most effective tactics available) weapons in PvP games is commonplace. In Call of Duty, using metas is essential when it comes to winning in Warzone. However, it’s pretty rare that people talk about meta weapons in PvE games like Helldivers 2.
Helldivers 2 dropped last month and has been a tremendous hit on PS5 and PC with hundreds of thousands of players deploying into the game to lend their services in defence of Super Earth.
The reason players are interested in the Helldivers 2 meta is because the game can be VERY hard, especially when tackling missions in the higher difficulty modes. Not only that, but some weapons and Stratagems aren’t all that great when compared with others.
Furthermore, a recent update for the game introduced new mech stratagems and dynamic weather effects. In addition to this, numerous balancing changes were made which have altered the meta.
So, if you want to give yourself the best chance to defend democracy, check out the Helldivers 2 meta weapons and Stratagems below.
Helldivers 2 meta
Best Primary Weapon in Helldivers 2
There are a raft of different primary weapons to choose from in Helldivers 2, from assault rifles to marksman rifles and everything in between. However, some are significantly better than others when it comes to saving Super Earth.
As of March 2024, the current Helldivers 2 meta weapon is the SG-225 Breaker shotgun. The other best option is the SG-8S Slugger.
SG-225 Breaker
The SG-225 Breaker is currently the best weapon in Helldivers 2 despite being nerfed. This fully automatic shotgun combines a high rate of fire with a whopping damage rating of 330.
While it only packs 13 shots into a single clip, the Breaker delivers such high damage that it’s effective against single enemies and crowds alike.
SG-8S Slugger
The SG-8S Slugger shotgun is also a great option for players.
While it’s not quite as viable as the Breaker, the SG-8S Slugger boasts high damage slug rounds. It could be considered a shotgun “sniper” in its current form, thanks to its exceptional range. Its armour penetrating capabilities are also impressive and allow it to take out light-armoured enemies in no time.
Best Secondary Weapon
For March 2024, the best secondary weapon in Helldivers 2 is the P-19 Redeemer.
P-19 Redeemer
There’s not much in the way of choice when it comes to secondary weapons in Helldivers 2. However, the excellent P-19 Redeemer is probably the only side-arm you would want, anyway.
This fully automatic machine pistol has an extremely high rate of fire and stronger damage output than the SMG-37 Defender.
The only downside to the Redeemer is its small magazine, although it is still great at fending off one or two enemies at close range.
If you want to conserve ammo and avoid reloading as much as possible, we recommend switching the Redeemer to its semi-automatic mode.
Best Grenade
The best grenade in Helldivers 2 is the G-16 Impact.
G-16 Impact
There are a few grenades to choose from in Helldivers 2; however, the G-16 Impact stands out thanks to its ability to detonate on impact. This makes it extremely effective at thinning out hordes of enemies with pinpoint accuracy.
While it can be dangerous to use to destroy bug holes, the G-16 Impact is an excellent choice especially at higher difficulties.
Best Stratagems in Helldivers 2
In March 2024, the best Stratagems to use in Helldivers 2 are: Orbital Laser, Jump Pack, Orbital Railcannon Strike, Flamethrower, Grenade Launcher, Shield Generator Pack, and the “Guard Dog” Rover.
Orbital Laser
The Orbital Laser is the king of Stratagems. Not only is it incredibly powerful, but the laser destroys everything in its path while targeting the biggest enemy in the area. This makes it very useful when you’re facing off with hordes of enemies that include a Bile Titan or a Hulk, for example.
Lift-850 Jump Pack
In Helldivers 2, it is not uncommon to die because you can’t get away from enemies quick enough. That’s where the Jump Pack comes in.
The Jump Pack allows you to jump high into the air and over long distances at the push of a button. This can be crucial when you’re cornered or are running away from fast moving enemies.
What’s more, it’s great for reaching elevated vantage points out of reach of enemies.
Orbital Railcannon Strike
The Orbital Railcannon Strike is an absolute must at higher difficulties. At least one member of your squad should be running it for harder missions.
While it is useless for dealing with groups of enemies, it is invaluable when it comes to larger targets. It will automatically lock on to the biggest enemy in the area (such as a Bile Titan) and swiftly eliminate it.
It should be noted that one-shot kills with the Orbital Railcannon Strike are not guaranteed. However, if it fails to kill, it will cause enough damage to significantly weaken the enemy.
It is also ideal for players who struggle with accuracy. Simply throw it near your intended target and let this stratagem do the rest.
FLAM-40 Flamethrower
The Flamethrower was largely overlooked when Helldivers 2 was first released. That’s mostly because it was considered weak and dangerous to use.
However, it is now one of the most viable weapon stratagems thanks to the almighty buff it has received. Its damage per second has been increased by 50%.
With that being said, it’s still dangerous if you aren’t careful. So, as long as you use it with caution when fighting hordes of bugs, you should find it to be incredibly useful.
GL-21 Grenade Launcher
The Grenade Launcher is one of the best support weapon Stratagems in the game. At higher difficulties, it can be a real difference maker thanks to its impressive damage and large capacity.
Because of its explosive damage, it is as effective at dealing with large numbers of enemies as many offensive Stratagems.
SH-32 Shield Generator Pack
The Shield Generator Pack gives users their own personal forcefield which protects them from incoming ranged attacks, including bile and laser weapons.
While it is time limited once activated and received a recharge delay nerf, the Shield Generator Pack allows users to get into the heart of the action without having to worry about taking damage from off-screen enemies.
The only downside is that it isn’t unlocked until level 20; however, it is well worth the wait.
AX/LAS-5 “Guard Dog” Rover
This powerful autonomous drone protects you with a deadly laser that will cut through enemies. It’s excellent when fighting large groups of foes and can be a real life saver.
However, you should always try to stay out of its way. It will deal a significant amount of damage to you and your teammates if you stand in its line of fire.
What do you think to these Helldivers 2 meta picks for March 2024? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
