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Patch 1.001.100 has breathed new life intoHelldivers 2. It has significantlybuffed several weaponsand stratagems to make them considerably better than before. Returning players, in particular, no longer have to follow a meta such as spamming theAC-8 Autocannonin every mission. With most of the support weapons receiving damage boosts and other improvements, it is time to either return to weapons previously nerfed to the ground or switch to something new because of their buffs. There is no need to browse through the long patch notes though. Here are the best stratagems to pick inHelldivers 2.
7Eagle 500kg Bomb
Bigger Bang for the Buck
TheEagle 500Kg Bombhas always been one of the most popular stratagems inHelldivers 2owing to its fancy visuals. However, its mushroom cloud was only deceiving players. While it appeared like a mini-nuke had gone off, its explosion (damage) radius was small and inconsistent. Following the recent balance patch though, the stratagem has been given anincreased explosion radius to match its visuals. TheEagle 500kg Bombcan now be usedto not only blow upBile Titansbut also nearby enemies.
6Railgun
Punches Through Armor
TheRS-422 Railgunis back and even better than its pre-nerf state. Thedamage done in both safe and unsafe modes has been significantly increased, so it can one-shot most medium enemies and comfortably takes care of large enemies such as Bile Titans with a couple offully-charged unsafe shots inHelldivers 2.
Since the balance patch increased the health and armor of all enemies, the Railgun is not as efficient as an actual anti-tank weapon such as the Recoillless Rifle. However, the damage done per shot makes the Railgun ammo efficient and perfect against the Automatons.
5Orbital Gas Strike
Death by Poison
The gas mechanics have been completely changed with patch 1.001.100 to accommodate theChemical Agents Warbond. Using any stratagem or grenade to cover enemies inpoisonous gas makes them blind and disorientedinHelldivers 2. They still take damage over time, but light enemies will stop attacking. Even if the medium/larger enemies try to attack, they do so with reduced accuracy. Hence, firing anOrbital Gas Strikeon a nest or base places all enemies in a daze, allowing a team to finish them off with ease.
4Emancipator Exosuit
Walking Chaos
Everything holding back theExo-49 Emancipator Exosuitfrom matching shoulders with theExo-45 Patriot Exosuithas been addressed. Itsdual autocannons now do more than twice the damagewith an increased fire rate. Most importantly, the ammo count per arm has been increased to balance the high fire rate.
The result? The Emancipator can walk straight into a heavy nest and blow everything up without getting a scratch. It is that good. If the Exosuits could replenish ammunition, you would not need any other stratagem inHelldivers 2.
3Recoilless Rifle
One Shot Heavies Without Sweat
Every anti-tank weapon comes under one of three categories following the balance patch. With a significant damage boost, theGR-8 Recoilless Riflefalls in the top-most category as the best anti-tank weapon inHelldivers 2, higher than theEAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tank. It is now highly effective against armored heavies.
Chargers can be taken down with a single rocket, even if it does not land in the middle of the head. Bile Titans and Impalers as well by targeting anywhere on the face. Other heavies such as tanks and Hulks still require players to aim for a weak spot, but the increased damage means a guaranteed kill in every way.
In addition, structures such asSpore Spewers take only a single rocket. The Recoilless Rifle is just better in every way. It is the king of all anti-tank weapons inHelldivers 2, at least for now.
The Blitzer and Recoilless Rifle make the perfect build against Terminids inHelldivers 2, combining infinite ammo against chaff and anti-tank shells against heavies.
2Arc Thrower
Chains and Stuns at Longer Range
TheARC-3 Arc Throwerhas returned to its pre-nerf state while receiving a few more buffs on the side. Its range and durable damage have been increased. Each lightning arc jumps additional times. Most importantly, the Arc Throwernow stacks a moderate stun effecton every chained enemy. Patch 1.001.100 has made the support weapon highly effective against both Terminids and Automatons.
TheArc Thrower and Eruptor buildis incredibly overpowered inHelldivers 2following the balance patch. The latter does explosive damage to armored enemies, while the former clears chaff with ease.
1Thermite Grenade
Explodes With 20x Damage Buff
One of the most surprising buffs pushed by patch 1.001.100 inHelldivers 2is for theG-123 Thermite Grenade. Itsexplosive damage went from 100 to an insane 2000overnight. That means sticking one or two Thermites to any heavy enemy such as Chargers, Bile Titans, Hulks, and Tanks will take them down.
There is no need to stay back and watch the sparks fly. So,when facing an Impaler, just lob two Thermites at it before focusing on other enemies.
The Thermite Grenade is now easily one of the best stratagems inHelldivers 2after the balance patch. It is now essentially an anti-tank weapon, meaning players can still run builds without a Quasar Cannon or Recoilless Rifle.
Thermites can close bug holes, but only after they explode. Lob one in a nest and wait for the fuse to ignite.
