If you’re looking to bring justice to hordes of bugs, bots, and squids, then the Airburst Rocket Launcher might just be the perfect Support Stratagem for you in Helldivers 2. It’s excellent at clearing out light-to medium-sized enemies with ease, and even larger targets with exposed weaknesses.
Featuring two modes that bring about Managed Democracy in equal amounts, the RL-77 Ariburst Rocket Launcher is a winner with a blowback. Rockets or bomblets, pick your poison and learn all about the weapon in Helldivers 2.
The RL-77 Airburst Rocket Launcher’s Stats and Traits





The RL-77 Airburst Rocket Launcher is a Support Stratagem that can decimate all light and medium enemies with a single shot in Helldivers 2. The default mode, Flak, can rain hell via proximity fuse rockets that detonate on target detection. Its second mode, Cluster, can clear out hordes of Terminids and Fleshmobs through bomblet dispersion that explodes on impact. Remember to aim above the enemy to get a more direct hit.
STATS | DETAILS |
Permit Type | Supply |
Unlock Level | 15 |
Unlock Cost | 8000 Requisition Slips |
Traits | Support Weapon, Hellpod, Backpack, Medium Armor Penetrating, Stationary Reload |
Call-In Time | 7.75 Seconds (Standard) 4.75 Seconds (Upgraded) |
Uses | Unlimited |
The RL-77 Airburst Rocket Launcher can be unlocked at Level 15 with 8000 Requisition Slips in Helldivers 2. Flak mode launches deadly rockets, which have an inner radius of 3m, with an outer radius of 5m, along with a 7m shockwave radius, which will put you in a tough spot if you aren’t at least 30m from the area of explosion.
On the other hand, the bomblets from the RL-77 Airburst’s Cluster Mode have a 4m inner radius, 6m outer radius, and 8m shockwave radius, thus evening the odds and putting you and your entire team at risk if you’re not running for your lives after launching it. The higher you aim, the more area upon which the bomblets will disperse and deal devastating explosions, so keep that in mind before firing it above you and your team.
The rockets have 350 Ballistic Damage with 150 Explosion Damage (Flak mode), while the bomblets have 150 Ballistic Damage and a massive 500 Explosion Damage per bomblet (Cluster mode). What makes this absolutely ridiculous is the dispersion of 25 bomblets, dealing cataclysmic damage, which is why you should use the Fortified Armor Passive in your loadout if you plan on using this Support Stratagem.
Best Tactics for Using the RL-77 Airburst Rocket Launcher

Even though the RL-77 Airburst Rocket Launcher is notorious for killing more Helldivers than enemies on the Helldivers 2 battlefield, it has its uses, especially against Terminid hordes. Pop the Cluster mode, aim at Terminids of light and medium sizes, like Shriekers and Dragonroaches, and disperse the bomblets to bring them down with a single shot. Even larger targets, such as Chargers and Impalers, can be destroyed by aiming the weapon at their weak points.
When it comes to Automatons, the RL-77 Airburst Rocket Launcher performs just as well against clusters of Brawlers and Marauders, with it decimating Hulks and Devastators in one shot when aimed at their weak points. Gunships can also be brought down easily while using this weapon in Flak mode, if you can aim high enough. Watch out for the shockwave and blast radius, though, as it can bring you down as well.
MAJOR ORDER: Helldivers, it's time to choose between liberating Choohe or Penta. Depending on your choice, you will receive either the MD-17 Anti-Tank Mines or the RL-77 Airburst Rocket Launcher.
(And you'll save the citizens. Don't forget the citizens.) pic.twitter.com/YXSlgTiRuv
— HELLDIVERS™ 2 (@helldivers2) April 26, 2024
For the Illuminate in Helldivers 2, the RL-77 Airburst Rocket Launcher is a fantastic choice for mowing down hordes of Fleshmobs with nearly a single shot, due to their low Unarmored protection, resulting in the Medium armor penetration playing into the strengths of this weapon. Flying Illuminate, like the Stingrays, can also be destroyed easily if you aim high and right. Overall, this weapon is truly a blast to use, literally.
Always aim above enemies to penetrate their armor directly. So, what do you think about the RL-77 Airburst Rocket Launcher in Helldivers 2? Have you tested it yet? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.