Teamwork is at the heart of Helldivers 2, and the right weapons can make all the difference when you’re coordinating with your squad. Unlike solo missions where flexibility and survival matter most, cooperative play is all about synergy—balancing firepower, support, and crowd control. After plenty of hours experimenting with different loadouts, here are some of the best weapons to bring when fighting alongside your allies.

Assault Rifles for Consistency

The tried-and-true assault rifles are the backbone of most cooperative squads. They offer a balance of accuracy, fire rate, and ammo efficiency, making them perfect for supporting teammates in a variety of situations. When your squad is trying to hold an objective, having a couple of players with reliable rifles ensures steady damage output without relying too much on limited-use stratagems.

Shotguns for Close-Range Defense

When the bugs or automatons close in, nothing clears them out faster than a well-timed shotgun blast. The pump-action options are particularly effective for defending choke points or protecting squadmates while they interact with objectives. Pairing a shotgun with a teammate using long-range weapons can create an effective defense system that covers multiple ranges.

Heavy Weapons for Crowd Control

Rocket launchers and machine guns shine in cooperative play, especially when dealing with large enemy waves or heavily armored targets. These weapons do require careful coordination to avoid friendly fire, but when managed well, they can turn chaotic fights into manageable skirmishes. Assign one player in the squad as the heavy weapons specialist to maximize efficiency and keep the team balanced.

Precision Rifles for Target Elimination

Every squad benefits from someone equipped with a marksman or sniper rifle. These weapons allow you to take out priority targets before they reach your squad, which can be crucial in higher difficulties. Precision rifles also reduce the pressure on teammates by eliminating enemies that would otherwise demand heavy firepower.

Sidearms and Support Options

Don’t underestimate secondary weapons. Pistols and SMGs serve as reliable backups when your main weapon runs dry, but support tools such as stun-based sidearms or incendiary rounds can also help control the flow of combat. In cooperative play, these smaller contributions often decide whether the squad makes it to extraction.

Balancing Your Squad

The best squads in Helldivers 2 are not made up of identical loadouts. A strong team usually includes a mix: one or two assault rifle users for consistency, a shotgun or SMG player for close-range support, and a heavy weapon specialist for boss encounters. If you’re preparing your gear and want to try new loadouts, some players even choose to buy Helldivers 2 medals or buy Helldivers 2 items to experiment with advanced options more quickly.

Cooperative play in Helldivers 2 is at its best when everyone brings weapons that complement one another. Instead of thinking only about personal firepower, consider how your gear helps your squad as a whole. With the right mix of rifles, shotguns, heavy weapons, and precision tools, your team will be far more prepared to face whatever the galaxy throws at you.

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