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TheR-36 Eruptor Rifleis back! The explosive bolt-action rifle was a favorite pick inHelldivers 2due to its sheer firepower, at least until developer Arrowhead Game Studios decided to nerf the weapon shortly after its release. With the massive sweeping changes that have recently arrived withupdate 1.001.100, the Eruptor has finally been restored to its former glory.
Even better, a lot of other weapons have also received a series of buffs. TheHelldivers 2community now has the opportunity to break away from their meta picks and find some new weapons to experiment with. Since the R-36 Eruptor is back on the menu, here are some of the best support weapons and loadouts you can choose for your build inHelldivers 2.
What Makes the Eruptor the Best Primary in Helldivers 2
TheR-36 Eruptor Riflefires explosive rounds that not only deal one of thehighest single-target damageinHelldivers 2, but alsomassive splash damageto all enemies in a considerably large area of effect. Each “jet-assisted shell” has the power to destroy medium armor, while its exploding shrapnel is guaranteed to shred light enemies upon impact.
The R-36 Eruptor can be unlocked from theDemocratic Detonation Warbond inHelldivers 2. You will need 1,000 Super Credits to buy the premium Warbond, and 120 Medals to claim the weapon from the second page.
Most primary weapons inHelldivers 2are viable against eitherlight or medium enemiesin terms of the time they take to kill. However, the Eruptor can easily kill the latter while clearing chaff at the same time, making it particularly deadly against the Terminid bugs as shown in the footage below. Its long-range precision makes it equally lethal against the Automaton bots where you have to aim at their weak spots.
Following the recent patch changes, the R-36 Eruptor bolt-action rifle takes 1–2 shots to kill enemies such asBrood Commanders,Bile Spewers,Hive Guards, andDevastators. It also dealshigh amounts of staggerto stop enemies in their place, especially against the likes ofRocket Devastators.
You can cancel the bolt-action reload animation by opening your stratagem window (Ctrl) after every shot. This can only be done while hip-firing, but it increases your fire rate.
Finally, another advantage you get with the Eruptor is the ability toclose bug holes inHelldivers 2. Even better, you do not have to align your shots. Thanks to the exploding shrapnel, you can shoot at bug holes from the side and still be able to close them as shown in the image below.
Senator or Bushwacker
Med Kit or Engineering Kit
Best Against
Terminids
TheARC-3 Arc Throweris better than ever. Its damage and range have been increased. Its lightning arc jumps additional times. Its stacking stun effect has been improved. Combine all of that with infinite ammo, and you have abuild that makes it hard for enemy swarmsto reach your location inHelldivers 2.
Use theR-36 Eruptor Rifleto take out priority targets and soften nearby enemies with splash damage before switching to the Arc Thrower to fry any enemies still standing. you may also start with chained lighting attacks to reduce enemy swarms before pulling out the Eruptor for medium enemies.
TheOrbital Railcannon Strikeis thebest stratagem inHelldivers 2to beat heavily armored enemies. The newly buffedG-123 Thermite Grenadenow does an astonishing 2,000 damage upon exploding. Stick two of them on aChargerorBile Titan, and see them fall.Both the Railcannon and Thermite are your go-to weapons for heavies.
Throwing anOrbital Gatling Barrageon a bug breach helps take out the first few waves, but you can replace it with anEagle AirstrikeorEagle Cluster Bombfor either clearing more heavies or chaffs.
Since ammunition is always an issue with the R-36 Eruptor, rely on your secondary weapons to take out smaller or lonesome enemies. TheP-4 Senatorand SG-22 Bushwacker have some of the highest damage values among all sidearms. You can also pick theAX/LAS-5 “Guard Dog” Roverto check your flank and laser chaff.
Stalwart or Machine Gun
Engineering Kit or Peak Physique
Automatons and Terminids
TheR-36 Eruptor Rifleis only held back by its slow fire rate and magazine capacity, meaning you must make your shots count. TheM-105 StalwartandMG-43 Machine Gunare theperfect support weapons inHelldivers 2to address that issue.
you may only choose one though. Where both specialize in mowing down enemies, the Stalwart offers more mobility and ammo, while the Machine Gun offers more damage and armor penetration at the cost of mobility.
Since the Eruptor can already deal with armored or medium enemies, the Stalwart is enough to complete thisHelldivers 2build. It was also buffed in the recent patch with increased damage and stagger force. That said, you cannot go wrong with more firepower using the Machine Gun.
Increase your accuracy by firing in bursts while crouched or prone. If accuracy is not an issue, consider picking thePeak Physique armor passiveto reduce the weapon sway.
TheSH-32 Shield Generator Packis always recommended when fighting the Automatons. It also gives you enough time to line up your headshots. Get theOrbital Railcannon StrikeandOrbital Precision Strikefor tanks and heavies.
Depending upon whether your teammates have enough firepower to deal with multiple tanks, turrets, and heavies onhigher-difficulty missions, you can always switch the Orbital Precision Strike with something else.
For example, theEagle Airstrikeis always an excellent pick against the Automatons, especially now that their fabricators have health and armor. It also takes care of the swarms of Hulks, Devastators, andBerserkers.
Med Kit, Scout, or Democracy Protects
This is an all-in anti-tank build inHelldivers 2, preferably for a team instead of solo. TheGR-8 Recoilless Riflehas received a significant damage boost. It can now eliminate a Charger with a single rocket and gives you room to be a little less accurate. TheG-23 Stun Grenadeensures that your priority target remains in your crosshairs, and theP-19 Redeemercan easily take care of any light enemies that get too close.
The Eruptor and Recoilless Rifle build offers an insane amount of anti-tank firepower inHelldivers 2. Hence, you must rely on terrain advantage and always be on the move to keep a distance between yourself and enemy swarms. If they get too close, you are probably going to die.
Your teammates will surely be of help here.Eagle Cluster Bombis an excellent offensive stratagem to clear enemies. You can also switch theEagle 500Kg Bombwith aA/G-16 Gatling Sentryfor sustained fire if you want to explore parts of the map solo.
