Helldivers 2 challenges players with its brutal difficulty, chaotic battlefield, and high-stakes cooperative gameplay. Among the many tools in your arsenal, heavy weapons play a crucial role in turning the tide of combat. But timing is everything. Knowing when to deploy these powerful weapons can mean the difference between glorious victory and a mission failure.
Based on my personal experience playing Helldivers 2 across multiple missions and difficulties, I’ve identified four key combat scenarios where heavy weapons truly shine. Whether you’re dropping into an Automaton stronghold or trying to survive a Terminid swarm, these situations are perfect for unleashing your big guns.
If you’re gearing up for serious battles and looking to maximize your firepower, don’t forget to stock up on essential upgrades—Helldivers 2 Super Credits for PC buy now to get access to powerful stratagems and heavy weapon unlocks.
1. When Defending Key Objectives Under Siege
Heavy weapons are most effective when you’re tasked with holding an objective under heavy enemy pressure. For instance, during a “Destroy Command Bunker” mission, enemies often spawn in waves as you try to complete the objective. In these moments, equipping a heavy weapon like the MG-206 Heavy Machine Gun or the Quasar Cannon gives your squad the sustained firepower needed to suppress advancing enemies and buy time for teammates.
From my experience, deploying the Expendable Anti-Tank (EAT) stratagem near a bunker door allowed us to eliminate incoming Automatons efficiently without risking close-range encounters. The psychological comfort of knowing you’ve got backup firepower is game-changing.
2. When Facing Armored or High-Value Targets
Light weapons are often insufficient when dealing with enemies like Hulks or Devastators. In these cases, you need something with serious punch. I remember an operation where our team encountered a group of heavily armored Automatons. My standard assault rifle barely scratched them—but when I switched to the Recoilless Rifle, everything changed. One well-aimed shot took down their lead walker, giving us the edge we desperately needed.
If you frequently encounter high-tier enemies, having a teammate with a support kit to help reload and aim heavy weapons becomes a strategic necessity. It’s not just about power—it’s about teamwork.
3. During Extraction Sequences
Extraction can be the most stressful part of any mission in Helldivers 2. You’ve completed your objectives, you’re low on supplies, and then the extraction beacon attracts every hostile within a mile radius. This is the perfect moment to use your heavy weapons.
In one intense extraction on a Terminid-infested map, our squad was overrun within seconds. Luckily, I had saved my Autocannon stratagem for just this scenario. Setting it up on the extraction pad and coordinating fire with my teammates created a safe perimeter long enough for the shuttle to arrive. That experience taught me the value of planning and weapon conservation—don’t burn your heavy rounds too early.
4. When Breaking Through Enemy Fortifications
Some missions require a direct assault on enemy-held territory, like disabling a major Automaton radar installation. These strongholds are heavily guarded and fortified. Charging in with only light arms is a recipe for disaster.
I learned the hard way that timing a heavy weapon drop before pushing the stronghold is vital. My team once tried to breach without support and got shredded. On our next attempt, I preloaded the mission with a Flamethrower and Orbital Laser stratagem. We softened the enemy defenses from afar, then pushed in with coordinated heavy weapon fire. That success felt earned—and exhilarating.
Heavy weapons in Helldivers 2 aren’t just about firepower—they’re about tactical timing, teamwork, and smart resource management. Whether you’re holding a line or blasting through enemy armor, knowing when to deploy your big guns is just as important as knowing how to use them.
For those looking to elevate their combat effectiveness, don’t overlook the importance of in-game resources. Helldivers 2 Super Credits for PC buy now to unlock more heavy weapon options and customize your loadout for the battlefield ahead. The right gear, used at the right moment, will turn you into the ultimate Helldiver.
