The best guns for fighting automatons in Helldivers 2 are defined by one core requirement: consistent armor penetration against heavily armored robotic enemies. Automatons rely on dense plating, ranged suppression fire, and weak-point-based durability, which means ordinary light weapons often fall short. To succeed, players must focus on firearms that deliver high armor penetration, explosive impact, stagger control, and precise weak-point damage. This guide breaks down ten of the most effective weapons for anti-Automaton combat based on meta performance, battlefield reliability, and synergy with squad strategies.
10 Best Guns for Fighting Automatons
1. PLAS-1 Scorcher
The PLAS-1 Scorcher is one of the most reliable primary weapons against Automatons due to its explosive plasma rounds. These rounds allow it to bypass light and medium armor while dealing splash damage, making it highly effective against grouped robotic units. Its performance remains consistent even when enemies are heavily shielded or fortified behind cover.
In combat scenarios, the Scorcher excels at mid-range engagements where precision and splash damage can be combined. It allows players to chip away at armored targets while still handling groups of smaller bots. The weapon’s plasma explosions also help in disrupting enemy formations, which is critical when facing coordinated Automaton patrols.
Overall, the Scorcher is a balanced choice that offers both reliability and versatility, making it a top-tier option for most missions involving robotic enemies.
2. AC-8 Autocannon
The AC-8 Autocannon is a heavy support weapon designed specifically for dealing with armored threats. It is one of the strongest tools in the best guns for fighting automatons category due to its ability to penetrate medium armor and deal consistent burst damage to weak points.
This weapon performs exceptionally well against Devastators, Hulks, and other heavily armored Automaton units. Its high-impact rounds can stagger enemies and destroy critical components such as limbs, weapons, and armor plating when aimed properly.
In practical use, the Autocannon requires team coordination or smart positioning due to its weight and reload time. However, its damage output makes it one of the most dependable anti-armor weapons in the game.
3. Railgun (Unsafe Mode)
The Railgun is a precision-based anti-armor weapon that rewards accuracy with extremely high damage output. In unsafe mode, it becomes one of the most powerful single-shot weapons against Automaton weak points, capable of eliminating high-value targets quickly.
Its strength lies in precision targeting rather than area damage. Players who master its charge timing can destroy heavily armored enemies before they have a chance to close distance or call reinforcements. This makes it especially effective in high-difficulty missions.
Although risky to use due to potential self-damage in unsafe mode, the Railgun remains a premier choice for skilled players focused on elite target elimination.
4. Quasar Cannon
The Quasar Cannon is a long-range energy weapon designed for anti-tank performance. It features infinite ammo with a cooldown-based firing system, making it extremely valuable in prolonged Automaton engagements.
This weapon is capable of destroying heavily armored units with well-placed shots, particularly when targeting weak points. Its long-range capability allows players to engage threats before they close in, reducing overall team pressure during defense missions.
In real battlefield conditions, the Quasar Cannon is best used in a support role, providing consistent anti-armor firepower without relying on ammunition resupply.
5. Anti-Materiel Rifle (AMR)
The Anti-Materiel Rifle is a precision weapon designed for targeting weak points on armored enemies. It is highly effective against Automaton units that rely on exposed joints or structural vulnerabilities.
This rifle excels at mid-to-long-range engagements, allowing players to safely eliminate key threats such as Devastators and turret operators. Its high penetration power ensures consistent damage even against reinforced targets.
While it requires accuracy and patience, the AMR remains one of the most efficient precision tools in Automaton combat scenarios.
6. Eruptor
The Eruptor is a bolt-action explosive rifle that combines precision shooting with area-of-effect damage. It is particularly effective against grouped Automaton units and fortified positions.
Each shot delivers explosive impact damage, allowing it to destroy light armor and damage clustered enemies simultaneously. This makes it useful for both offensive pushes and defensive positioning.
The Eruptor rewards strategic placement and timing, making it a strong hybrid weapon for players who prefer tactical gameplay.
7. Breaker
The Breaker shotgun is a close-range powerhouse that performs well against lighter Automaton units. Its high rate of fire and burst damage make it ideal for clearing groups of infantry bots.
While it lacks armor penetration for heavy targets, its raw DPS at close range allows players to survive aggressive pushes and quickly eliminate threats that get too close.
It is best used in urban environments or tight corridors where close combat is unavoidable.
8. Dominator
The Dominator is a rocket-assisted rifle that delivers high-impact rounds with strong stagger effects. It is particularly effective at disrupting Automaton formations and controlling enemy advances.
Its ability to stagger medium-armored units makes it valuable in suppressive fire roles. It allows teams to maintain control over battlefield flow by interrupting enemy movement and attacks.
In practice, the Dominator is a strong mid-range weapon that balances damage and control utility.
9. Sickle
The Sickle is an energy-based assault rifle with a heat system instead of traditional ammunition. It provides sustained fire capability, making it useful for prolonged engagements against mixed Automaton forces.
Its stable recoil and consistent damage output allow it to remain effective even under pressure. While it lacks heavy armor penetration, it performs well against light to medium targets.
The Sickle is a dependable choice for players who prefer sustained combat rather than burst damage.
10. Grenade Pistol
The Grenade Pistol serves as a powerful secondary weapon with explosive utility. It is especially effective in finishing damaged armored units or clearing clustered enemy groups.
Its explosive rounds provide flexibility in emergency situations, allowing players to deal burst damage when primary weapons are unavailable or reloading.
Although not a primary damage source, it plays an important role in enhancing survivability and combat versatility.
Conclusion
The best guns for fighting automatons all share a common theme: they prioritize armor penetration, weak-point targeting, and battlefield control. Whether using plasma rifles like the Scorcher, precision tools like the Railgun and AMR, or heavy support weapons like the Autocannon and Quasar Cannon, success depends on matching the weapon to the Automaton threat type.
In most scenarios, a balanced loadout includes one anti-armor weapon, one mid-range primary, and one utility secondary. This combination ensures adaptability across different Automaton encounters, from infantry swarms to heavily armored machines.
Ultimately, mastering these weapons is less about raw fire rate and more about precision, timing, and understanding enemy weak points. With the right loadout, any Helldiver squad can turn the battlefield against the machines.
50+ FAQs About Best Guns for Fighting Automatons (Helldivers 2)
1. What are the best guns for fighting Automatons?
The best guns are armor-piercing weapons like the Railgun, Autocannon, Scorcher, and Quasar Cannon.
2. Why are Automatons hard to kill?
They have heavy armor, ranged weapons, and strong weak-point dependency.
3. What is the most important weapon trait against Automatons?
Armor penetration is the most important trait.
4. Is explosive damage effective against Automatons?
Yes, explosive and plasma weapons are highly effective.
5. Is the Scorcher good against Automatons?
Yes, it is one of the top primary weapons for them.
6. Why is the Scorcher strong?
It deals plasma splash damage that bypasses armor.
7. Is the Autocannon good?
Yes, it is one of the best support weapons for Automaton missions.
8. What does the Autocannon counter?
It counters Devastators, Hulks, and medium armored units.
9. Is the Railgun still meta?
Yes, especially in unsafe mode for weak-point damage.
10. What is unsafe Railgun mode?
A high-damage mode that increases risk of overheating.
11. Is Quasar Cannon useful?
Yes, it is excellent for anti-tank and long-range combat.
12. Does Quasar Cannon use ammo?
No, it uses a cooldown-based firing system.
13. Is AMR good for Automatons?
Yes, it is great for precision weak-point shots.
14. What enemies does AMR counter?
It counters Devastators and medium armored bots.
15. Is the Eruptor strong?
Yes, it deals explosive damage in a bolt-action format.
16. Is the Breaker good for bots?
Yes, but mainly for light Automaton infantry.
17. Is the Breaker good at long range?
No, it is designed for close combat only.
18. Is the Dominator useful?
Yes, it provides strong stagger and control.
19. What does stagger do?
It interrupts enemy attacks and movement.
20. Is the Sickle good?
Yes, it is reliable for sustained fire.
21. Does the Sickle have ammo?
No, it uses a heat-based system.
22. Is the Grenade Pistol strong?
Yes, it is strong for finishing and crowd damage.
23. What is the best beginner weapon vs Automatons?
The Scorcher or Sickle are beginner-friendly choices.
24. What is the best support weapon?
The Autocannon is one of the best support options.
25. What is the best long-range weapon?
Quasar Cannon and AMR are top choices.
26. What is the best close-range weapon?
The Breaker is effective in close combat.
27. Are shotguns good vs Automatons?
Yes, but only against light units.
28. What is the best sniper-style weapon?
The AMR is the best precision rifle option.
29. Do Automatons have weak points?
Yes, most units have exposed weak points.
30. Is headshot damage important?
Yes, it significantly increases damage output.
31. Can explosive weapons destroy bots easily?
Yes, especially grouped or lightly armored bots.
32. What is the hardest Automaton enemy?
Hulks and Tanks are the most challenging units.
33. What weapon kills Hulks fastest?
Railgun and Autocannon are very effective.
34. Is teamwork important against Automatons?
Yes, coordination improves survival and efficiency.
35. What role does armor penetration play?
It determines how well a weapon damages armored enemies.
36. Are energy weapons good vs Automatons?
Yes, especially Scorcher and Sickle.
37. Is the Quasar Cannon better solo or team?
It works well in both but shines in team support.
38. What is the safest weapon for Automatons?
The Sickle is safe due to its sustained fire.
39. What is the highest damage weapon?
Railgun in unsafe mode delivers extreme damage.
40. Are grenades useful vs Automatons?
Yes, especially for grouped enemies.
41. What is the best anti-armor combo?
Railgun + Autocannon is a strong combination.
42. What is the best crowd control weapon?
Eruptor and explosive weapons work best.
43. Do Automatons use shields?
Some units use shields or heavy armor plating.
44. Can bullets penetrate Automaton armor?
Only high-penetration weapons can do so effectively.
45. Is mobility important in Automaton fights?
Yes, positioning is critical for survival.
46. What is the best mid-range weapon?
Scorcher and Dominator perform well mid-range.
47. Are lasers good against bots?
Yes, they offer consistent sustained damage.
48. What is the worst weapon type vs Automatons?
Low-penetration light weapons struggle significantly.
49. What is the key to winning Automaton missions?
Proper loadout selection and weak-point targeting.
50. Do support weapons matter more than primaries?
Yes, support weapons often define anti-armor capability.
51. What is the overall strategy vs Automatons?
Focus on armor breaking, distance control, and weak-point targeting.