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When it comes to spreading democracy over Super Earth and beyond in Helldivers 2, you can only do so with some of the best meta loadouts. Even if the game provides players with many ways to eviscerate enemies, certain equipment combinations make the job way easier. Whether it’s with a shotgun to the face, incendiary rounds, or a good ol’ napalm strike, the options are endless. However, if you want to take on some of the game’s most challenging operations, you might want to stick to something that’ll work without a hitch.
Best Meta Loadouts for Helldivers 2 – March 2024
Given the live service nature of Helldivers 2, the best meta loadouts will constantly change. As we know, there are a lot of plans for this installment, so something that worked at launch might not be as effective today. Besides, the developers claim they are working on balance patches occasionally, so keep an eye on this list to keep your equipment updated. Let’s see what you should bring for your missions.
1. Starter
Let’s begin with the best meta loadout for fresh-out-of-the-Hellpod soldiers in Helldivers 2. This build is aimed at those at the first five levels. Gaining medals isn’t hard, and you can unlock most of the warbonds just by completing orders. However, you’ll still need a good loadout to let you prance about the battlefield without an issue. The best thing you can grab for your first operations is the AR-23 Liberator, the Peacemaker handgun, and your only grenade. For Stratagems, we recommend the Machine Gun, the Eagle Strafing Run, Orbital Strike, and any other you want to add. It won’t matter much during the first hours.
| Primary | Secondary | Throwable | Stratagems | Armor Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR-23 Liberator | P-2 Peacemaker | G-12 High Explosive | Orbital Precision Strike MG-43 Machine Gun A/MG-43 Machine Gun Sentry Eagle Strafing Run | N/A |
2. Vanguard
Once you’re familiar with the game and you get ahold of a good team, you can start charging without fearing for your life. For that, we believe the Vanguard loadout is a great upgrade. With it, you can shoot enemies up close, reload fast, and switch to a faster handgun if needed. It won’t be a build that’ll carry you to the endgame, but it’ll get the job done in easier operations.
| Primary | Secondary | Throwable | Stratagems | Armor Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG-8 Punisher | P-19 Redeemer | G-6 Frag | Orbital Precision Strike EAT-17 Expendable Anti-tank M-105 Stalwart AX/AR-23 “Guard Dog” | Extra Padding |
3. Marksman
If being at the front isn’t your cup of liber-tea, we also have a great long-range meta loadout for Helldivers 2. This one is easy to make, and you won’t need to spend a lot of medals. It won’t do a lot of damage, but it’ll help you during your first missions against Automatons, given how they prefer long-range attacks over melee combat.
| Primary | Secondary | Throwable | Stratagems | Armor Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-63 Diligence | P-19 Redeemer | G-12 High Explosive | Orbital Laser APW-1 Anti-Materiel Rifle B-1 Supply Pack Eagle Cluster Bomb | Scout |
4. Stealth
This build is tailored to those who prefer a stealthy approach or are playing solo. We’ve tried it, and while it doesn’t provide the same explosive action as other loadouts, it’s still great for those who want to feel like Solid Snake in MG5. You’ll need to be fast with your objectives and probably miss a few samples on the way, but it’s ideal if you only want to finish major orders or play a few missions on your own.
| Primary | Secondary | Throwable | Stratagems | Armor Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMG 37 Defender | P-19 Redeemer | G-3 Smoke | RS-422 Railgun Orbital Laser Eagle Smoke Strike B-1 Supply Pack | Scout |
5. Scout
The next loadout might seem similar to the above one. However, this one has better DPS numbers due to the new primary weapon. It doesn’t provide a lot of survivability, but it has great range and better damage. We recommend taking this one when playing with other teammates who can take all the heat.
| Primary | Secondary | Throwable | Stratagems | Armor Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-63CS Diligence Counter Sniper | P-19 Redeemer | G-16 Impact | APW-1 Anti-Materiel Rifle Orbital Laser B-1 Supply Pack Eagle 500kg Bomb | Scout |
6. Endgame
This one has been one of the most common meta loadouts for Helldivers 2, and is arguably the best. If you don’t have this one when facing operations of level nine and above, chances are you’ll get wrongfully kicked. If you want to avoid random players giving you the boot, this is the build you’ll need.
| Primary | Secondary | Throwable | Stratagems | Armor Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG-225 Breaker | P-19 Redeemer | G-16 Impact | Railgun Shield Generator Pack Eagle 500K Bomb Orbital Laser | Democracy Protects |
7. Flametrooper
Flametroopers aren’t exclusive to a galaxy far, far away. You can make your own fiery Helldiver, too. Sadly, you’ll need to grind the game’s premium currency or purchase it to get the premium warbond to unlock all the items you need for it. However, the payoff is fantastic.
| Primary | Secondary | Throwable | Stratagems | Armor Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG-225IE Breaker Incendiary | P-19 Redeemer | G-10 Incendiary | Shield Generator Pack FLAM-40 Flamethrower Eagle Napalm Strike Orbital Laser | Engineering Kit |
8. Demolisher
Last but not least, we have a build for those who want to go toe-to-toe against Bile Titans or Hulks. We recommend bringing a partner to make the most out of this loadout, but if you’re fast and accurate enough, you can take those large enemies on your own.
| Primary | Secondary | Throwable | Stratagems | Armor Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG-225 Breaker | P-19 Redeemer | G-16 Impact | EAT-17 Expendable Anti-tank AC-8 Autocannon Orbital Laser Eagle 500kg Bomb | Extra Padding |
Ultimately, we recommend experimenting with all the game’s items to find a loadout you like the most. However, these are some of the most common ones that work in most situations. So, if you’re on a team, try to bring any of these. If you’re a lonely Helldiver, go crazy and spread democracy as you see fit.
