Which Helldivers 2 Weapons Are Strongest in Patch 4.1.0?
Patch 4.1.0 for Helldivers 2 continues Arrowhead’s trend of fine-tuning the balance across weapon classes, focusing on SMGs, shotguns, and assault rifles this time around. Many of these changes aim to make weapons more viable against heavily armored targets like Chargers, Impalers, and Hulks. After extensive in-game testing, here’s a full breakdown of how these weapons perform post-update — and which ones are worth bringing to your next liberation mission.
SMG Performance: The Knight Still Reigns Supreme
Among all SMGs tested, the MP-98 Knight easily stands out as the most effective. It melts Impalers with a single magazine and takes down Chargers in just over one clip if you target the abdomen. Against Hulks, it only needs half a mag, and even flesh mobs go down in seconds. Simply put, this SMG remains the gold standard for close-range engagements.
The MS-7 SMG from the Halo ODSD Warbond follows closely, performing well against medium and small targets. It needs a bit more ammo than the Knight but still offers consistent performance with high accuracy. Meanwhile, the SMG-32 Reprimand is a solid backup, capable of downing Chargers with a single mag to the abdomen, though it lacks the stopping power of the Knight.
On the lower end, the SMG-37 Defender and SMG-72 Pummeler require more ammo to handle tougher enemies. The Defender is serviceable but demands precision targeting, while the Pummeler offers better results with fewer magazines overall. Finally, the StA-11 SMG from the Killzone crossover delivers decent results but doesn’t quite outclass the Knight or MS-7 in raw efficiency.
Shotgun Buffs: Plasma Punisher Takes the Lead
Moving to shotguns, the Plasma Punisher has become a top-tier pick post-patch. It can destroy a Charger in just six well-placed shots to the rear and drops an Impaler in about seven. Even Hulks can’t withstand more than four shots aimed at the battery pack. The Punisher now delivers both power and consistency — two things shotgun users have long requested.
The SG-8S Slugger also benefits from the update. It’s lethal against Chargers and Impalers, taking only a few shots per kill. However, it still struggles against flesh mobs due to its limited magazine size, forcing players to reload often. For squad play, though, it remains a strong and reliable choice.
Assault Rifles: Balanced But Uneven
The AR-23 Liberator and Liberator Carbine continue to perform nearly identically, offering solid DPS with manageable recoil. The Carbine’s faster fire rate makes it slightly better for clearing smaller enemies, but both rifles require about two full magazines to down a Charger.
The Liberator Penetrator used to be a fan favorite, but compared to newer options like the Coyote, it now feels underwhelming. It takes multiple mags to finish armored targets, making it less efficient for high-intensity missions.
Meanwhile, the AR-23C Concussive delivers respectable performance against Impalers and Hulks, though it doesn’t excel at crowd control. The AR-61 Tenderizer, with its boosted durable damage, now packs more punch — particularly against Impalers when aiming for the head.
The AR-32 Pacifier is best used for its stun utility rather than damage. Even with the increased stun duration, it’s not efficient for killing larger enemies. If you’re focusing on team support and crowd control, though, it still serves a purpose.
The MA5C Assault Rifle from the Halo Warbond feels somewhat underwhelming. Despite being a “legendary” weapon, it still lacks power, needing three full magazines to bring down a Charger. Players may find better results sticking to other assault rifles for now.
Lastly, the LAS-16 Sickle received a slight bump in damage, making it solid for smaller enemies but still inefficient against heavily armored foes.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Helldivers 2 Patch 4.1.0 refines rather than revolutionizes the weapon meta. The Knight SMG, Plasma Punisher, and AR-61 Tenderizer come out as clear winners, while older weapons like the Liberator Penetrator and MA5C lag behind. Shotguns finally feel rewarding, and several SMGs have become legitimate contenders for high-difficulty missions.
For players grinding for upgrades or rare equipment, it’s a good time to experiment with different loadouts. And if you’re short on in-game resources, remember there are efficient ways to gear up quickly — some players even choose to
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Patch 4.1.0 delivers meaningful buffs across multiple weapon categories. SMGs like the Knight dominate close quarters, shotguns like the Plasma Punisher excel against armor, and certain rifles like the Tenderizer finally feel worth using. While some weapons still lag behind, this update brings noticeable balance improvements that make the game’s combat loop even more satisfying.
2025-10-29 14:35
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