While Guns in Helldivers 2 may seem to adhere to a hierarchy, there are hidden factors that can unexpectedly elevate trash guns into epic weapons for players.
In Helldivers 2, some weapons may initially appear lackluster, but they often surpass expectations. The game’s growing player base has formed a community hierarchy around its arsenal, yet each weapon, despite its classification, offers unique strengths suitable for any mission. This adaptability is a cornerstone of Helldivers 2’s success, complementing its chaotic and enjoyable gameplay.
Currently, primary and secondary weapons in Helldivers 2 strike a balance between diversity and manageability. Shotguns, SMGs, assault rifles, marksman rifles, and energy-based guns populate the primary slot, while pistols dominate the secondary slot with ample variety. Despite leaks hinting at upcoming additions like an electric shotgun and explosive crossbow, the existing array of weapons in Helldivers 2 only scratches the surface of its potential.
Helldivers 2 Conceals Secret Weapon Stats

Arrowhead Game Studios CEO Johan Pilestedt recently disclosed on X (formerly Twitter) that weapon pages in Helldivers 2 initially contained significantly more information. However, the decision was made to streamline the interface for user convenience, resulting in the concealment of numerous secret stats for each gun. While basic information such as damage, magazine capacity, recoil, fire rate, and weapon traits like Armor penetration and one-handed usability are readily available, many hidden stats remain undisclosed. These hidden attributes, including bullet properties like incendiary ammo, provide a deeper understanding of each weapon’s capabilities beyond the surface-level overview offered to Helldivers.
Pilestedt reveals that the original weapon pages in Helldivers 2 featured a comprehensive first page showcasing additional stats like reload speed, fire rates, and muzzle velocity. This page also included a chart illustrating how recoil would impact the gun’s accuracy. A second page detailed the stats for the weapon’s ammo, which, according to Pilestedt, “defines most of the weapon stats.” In total, each gun boasts around 50 stats that highlight its intrinsic properties and performance across battles.
These hidden stats are highly sought-after by the majority of players, especially those keen on hardcore min/max builds. Given the game’s recent release, there’s a possibility that these secret stat values may make a comeback in the future. When it comes to choosing which guns to use, Pilestedt suggests prioritizing enjoyment above all else. The presence of these hidden stats reinforces this sentiment, as every gun in Helldivers 2 is equally viable, even in the game’s most challenging difficulties.
Unveiling the Hidden Weapon Stats of Helldivers 2
Thanks to Reddit user Bluedot55, players now have a rough estimate of the kind of damage numbers weapons can hit in Helldivers 2. All these calculations were done under the experiment of an EMPed Hive Commander, one of the more annoying Terminid enemies, taking repeated headshots. Bluedot55 finds that armor-penetrating weapons, like the Liberator Penetrator or Dominator, excel at hitting weak points on enemies. They estimate these weapon types have larger damage multipliers than regular guns with little to no armor penetration.
The findings by Reddit user Bluedot55 hint at a blend of concealed factors influencing damage outcomes in Helldivers 2. The presumed higher damage multiplier for penetration guns appears to compensate for their lower fire rates, shedding light on the intricate balance between various hidden stats. Beyond armor penetration, factors like ammo weight, speed, effectiveness, shape, and others might contribute to these results, showcasing the depth of the game’s mechanics.
In essence, this information underscores that, from a damage perspective, the standout guns in combat tend to either boast high Armor penetration or pack a substantial number of bullets to unleash. The complexity of these hidden stats adds a layer of strategy for players seeking optimal performance in Helldivers 2.

While current estimations and speculations represent the extent of available information for players, they provide a promising glimpse into the intricacies of weapons in Helldivers 2 and the meticulous design behind its systems. This initial exploration highlights the depth and potential for an expansive build-crafting system within the game. The hope is that the dissemination of such insights will spur the reintroduction of detailed weapon statistics, enabling players to delve deeper into experimentation and strategy.
Regardless of whether this information resurfaces and when it does, the takeaway remains clear: Helldivers should continue utilizing their seemingly inferior weapons in Helldivers 2, as these weapons harbor hidden stats that render them viable in combat situations.
Sources: Johan Pilestedt/X (1, 2), Bluedot55/Reddit
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