Since the launch of Dust Devils Warbond in Helldivers 2 (September 4), the AR-2 Coyote has dominated the Primary Weapon slot. Its medium armor pen and incendiary rounds make it a reliable choice against every faction, making it easy to crowd control and do reliable damage to enemies.
But Coyote fans, don’t panic… you’re not “cheating” if you explore other primary weapons that offer similar or even superior performance in certain scenarios. So, without further ado, here are your four alternative weapons that deserve your attention:
1. R-36 Eruptor
The R-36 Eruptor has slowly become a reliable favorite for Helldivers, who want a versatile, heavy-hitting weapon. Aside from its staggering power, which makes killing off big enemies like Flesh Mobs and Harvesters super easy, it excels at delivering AoE damage.
This AoE damage helps in controlling a choke point or completing objective-heavy missions. Though slower than the AR-2 Coyote, the Eruptor’s synergy with machine guns allows squads to combine suppression with heavy damage output.
It is capable of handling everything from small mobs to tripods. For players who want a crowd-control powerhouse that complements other weapons, the Eruptor provides a strong alternative.
2. CB-9 Exploding Crossbow
The CB-9 Exploding Crossbow brings a fresh new mix of precision and explosive power to the table. It can fire high-damage bolts that can do AoE damage with its explosions, making it ideal for dealing with both single targets and clusters of enemies.
Since it is also a one-handed weapon (rare for primary weapons), it allows players to pair it with a Ballistic Shield. Additionally, its low sound signature makes stealth approaches possible.
Although the bolts are affected by gravity and travel slowly, careful aim allows players to inflict devastating splash damage on enemy groups and spawners. For any squad that wants flexibility and tactical utility in their hand, the Exploding Crossbow is a great choice.
3. PLAS-1 Scorcher
The PLAS-1 Scorcher is a weapon for players who love chaotic combat, as it excels at that. It can rapidly burn through heavy enemies like Flesh Mobs and Overseers alike. Combine that with its high fire rate and compatibility with supply packs, and it will allow Helldivers to control hordes.
The weapon is also effective against aerial threats and can soften big targets for teammates to finish off.
While it doesn’t have the armor penetration of the AR-2 Coyote, its incendiary capabilities allow it to dominate crowds efficiently. If you want a weapon that performs exceptionally well under pressure, the Scorcher is your pick.
4. PLAS-101 Purifier
The PLAS-101 Purifier is a weapon that you want when precision and high-damage output are required (which is always in Helldivers 2). However, what makes it stand out among the crowd is its charged shots, which can pierce through small to medium enemies and can even stagger big enemies.
It’s a weapon that can deliver raw damage with AoE effects, making it effective against both controlling swarms and taking down heavily armored targets. While its fire rate is slower than the Coyote’s, its ability to control battlefield chaos and target weak points makes it invaluable in high-difficulty missions.
So, these are the four weapons that offer different advantages that can rival or even surpass the AR-2 Coyote (depending on mission requirements). In the end, the choice is yours. Divers have excellent alternatives that can shake up the battlefield.
Which of these alternative primaries are you planning to try on your next mission? Comment below to let us know.
