When Super Earth calls, Helldivers answer—armed with whatever democracy-spreading tools Arrowhead Game Studios has deemed worthy of our cause. Among these instruments of liberty in Helldivers 2, Assault Rifles stand as the reliable workhorses of any mission.
With seven distinct options now available in the armory, choosing the right AR can mean the difference between a successful extraction and becoming bug food. Each offers its own unique approach to freedom delivery, from the standard-issue Liberator to specialized variants that veterans swear by.
Top Assault Rifles in Helldivers 2 Armory
Before we dive into our rankings, remember that even the “worst” assault rifle in Helldivers 2 is still capable of spreading democracy with reasonable efficiency. The only “meta” in this game are the freedom-hating aliens we lay to waste along the way.
That said, some ARs clearly deliver liberty with more authority than others. Let’s break down all seven options from least to most effective:
7. AR-23C Liberator Concussive
Trading damage for crowd control, this variant sadly misses the mark in most combat scenarios. Its stagger effect briefly halts charging enemies, but the reduced damage output means they stay alive longer than ideal.
Found on page 1 of the Steeled Veterans premium warbond for 20 medals, it’s outclassed by options that follow the “dead enemy can’t attack” philosophy that Command so enthusiastically endorses.
6. AR-23 Liberator
The standard-issue rifle that’s introduced countless recruits to the art of spreading managed democracy. With decent accuracy, moderate damage, and a respectable 45-round magazine, it handles lower difficulties with respectable efficiency.
Available by default to all Helldivers, it’s perfectly adequate but unexciting—it gets the job done, but nobody’s writing home about it.
5. StA-52 Assault Rifle
This Killzone crossover weapon offers a larger 56-round magazine and higher fire rate (790 RPM) than the standard Liberator, making it initially appealing.
Available in the Super Store for 615 Super Credits, its sluggish reload and ugly iron sights hold it back from greatness. It’s reliable but unremarkable—the democracy-spreading equivalent of a participation medal.
4. AR-23P Liberator Penetrator
Medium armor penetration makes this variant shine against Automatons, trading some damage per shot for the ability to punch through tougher enemies.
Found on page 6 of the Helldivers Mobilize Warbond for 40 medals, the Penetrator excels when those Devastators come stomping around. Against the bugs and the squids, however, you might want something with more raw stopping power.
3. BR-14 Adjudicator
Originally classified as a marksman rifle before Arrowhead realized what they had created, the Adjudicator delivers high damage per shot with medium armor penetration. Its stopping power makes short work of armored targets that would shrug off lesser weapons.
Available on page 1 of the Democratic Detonation Premium Warbond for 20 medals, this battle rifle is best used in semi-auto mode to manage its substantial recoil and conserve ammo. It’s particularly effective against Automatons, though its hunger for ammunition means every shot must count.
2. AR-61 Tenderizer
With the highest damage per bullet (95) in its class, the Tenderizer lives up to its name by softening up enemies with remarkable efficiency. Its adjustable fire rate (from 600 to 850 RPM) and clear scope with multiple zoom options gives it versatility that other rifles can only dream of.
Found on page 1 of the Polar Patriots premium warbond for 20 medals, it’s only held back from the top spot by its lack of medium armor penetration.
1. AR-23A Liberator Carbine
Sometimes, the best defense is an overwhelming offense, and nothing embodies this philosophy better than the Liberator Carbine. With an astounding fire rate of 920 RPM and the highest potential DPS in its class, this weapon turns enemies into liberty-embracing corpses faster than any other assault rifle.
Available on page 1 of the Viper Commandos premium warbond for 20 medals, the Carbine excels in close-quarters combat where precision matters less than sheer volume of fire. When democracy needs spreading quickly, this is your weapon of choice.
What’s your go-to assault rifle for defending Super Earth’s values? Let us know in the comments below!
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