If you're diving into Helldivers 2 with a squad, mastering your weapon loadouts is the key to victory. Co-op missions can get chaotic fast, and understanding which tools to bring to the battlefield makes all the difference. After dozens of missions, squad wipes, and clutch revives, here are 18 battle-tested weapon strategies that consistently help teams push through high-difficulty objectives.

1. Pair Anti-Armor with Crowd Control

One player should always bring a weapon like the EAT-17 or the Recoilless Rifle to deal with tanks and armored enemies, while others carry something like the MG-43 or Flamethrower for crowd management.

2. Suppressing Fire with the MG-206

Use the MG-206 Heavy Machine Gun to suppress choke points. Its high ammo count makes it ideal for holding back waves while your squad completes mission tasks.

3. Shotgun Tactics for Close Quarters

When objectives lead you into tight corridors, a player with a CS-36 Shotgun can clear out small enemies fast. Stack this with armor that buffs reload speed for best results.

4. Laser Rifles for High Accuracy Teams

Weapons like the LAS-16 Sickle offer pinpoint accuracy. Great for players with solid aim, they prevent friendly fire and conserve ammo in longer engagements.

5. Staggering with Explosive Support

Strategically drop mortars or grenades when the squad is about to be overrun. One well-placed explosion can shift the momentum of a losing fight.

6. Use the Arc Thrower with Coordination

The Arc Thrower can disable clusters of enemies—but it's risky. Always communicate before firing to avoid hitting teammates.

7. Suppressor Builds for Night Missions

For stealthy nighttime ops, pair suppressed rifles with thermal vision. It allows you to neutralize threats without drawing large swarms.

8. Energy Weapons to Save Ammo Crates

Laser and plasma weapons help squads go longer without resupply, especially in missions with few supply points. These weapons are perfect for endurance-focused loadouts.

9. Team Cover with the Autocannon

While slow, the Autocannon shreds enemy lines. Assign one player to cover high-threat angles while others complete objectives.

10. Backpack Weapons for Dual Utility

Backpacks like the Shield Generator or Resupply Pack complement heavy weapon builds. Support players can focus on rearming and reviving others efficiently.

11. Stun Before You Spray

Combine stun grenades or electric mods with rapid-fire guns. Stunned enemies are easy targets for cleanup.

12. Combo the Railgun with Spotting Tools

The Railgun does best when enemies are marked. Equip binoculars or motion sensors for better visibility and faster target prioritization.

13. Distribute Roles Based on Strengths

Let skilled marksmen use DMRs or the Railgun, while newcomers handle support or area-denial roles. A team that plays to its strengths always outperforms a random loadout.

14. Smart Stratagem Timing

Don’t spam weapon stratagems during cooldown. Time your drops to coincide with major enemy pushes or objective shifts.

15. Balance Reload Time Across Team

Avoid all players using slow-reloading weapons. At least one person should have a fast sidearm or SMG to provide continuous cover fire.

16. Adapt for Enemy Factions

Terminator swarms demand wide-AOE weapons, while Automatons require armor-piercing or EMP tools. Always review the mission briefing before selecting your weapons.

17. Maximize Team Medals

If you're looking to buy Helldivers 2 medals to unlock better gear faster, remember that medal-efficient builds often involve support roles. Use that upgraded resupply pack or turret to increase your value per run.

18. Affordable Progress Options

Players seeking to buy cheap Helldivers 2 medals often focus on medal farming builds. These prioritize fast extraction and high enemy kill counts. U4GM is one place where players often find budget-friendly medal boosts—but of course, strategy always comes first.

The key to dominating co-op missions in Helldivers 2 lies not just in picking strong weapons, but in how your squad builds synergy around them. By testing, tweaking, and adapting based on mission type and enemy behavior, your team can become an unstoppable force.

Whether you're a new recruit or a seasoned Helldiver, these 18 strategies offer a solid foundation to build your loadouts around—and if you’re looking to buy Helldivers 2 medals or find cheap Helldivers 2 medals, just make sure your build is ready to earn the most value per drop.