Secondary Weapons & Grenades

Master secondary weapons and grenades in Helldivers 2. These vital tools provide last-line defense and tactical superiority for mission success.

While your primary weapon and Stratagems handle the bulk of your combat needs, your secondary weapon and grenades are crucial tactical tools. They serve as your last line of defense, your quick-response problem solvers, and your area denial specialists. Mastering their use can turn the tide of a difficult engagement and ensure mission success for Super Earth.

Secondary Weapons: Your Reliable Backup

Your secondary weapon is your personal sidearm, always available when your primary weapon runs dry, needs reloading, or when you need a quick, precise shot. Choose wisely, as it can be the difference between life and death when the hordes of enemies close in.

• P-19 Redeemer: A high-fire-rate SMG pistol, the Redeemer is an excellent choice for emergencies. Its rapid-fire capability can quickly shred lighter enemies or provide crucial suppression.
  • Tactical Tip: The Redeemer features two fire modes. Press the reload button (R on PC, Square on PS5) while aiming to switch between a devastating full-auto spray for close-quarters emergencies and a more controlled semi-auto for conserving ammo or picking off individual targets. This versatility makes it a top-tier secondary.
• P-4 Senator: This powerful revolver delivers high damage per shot, making it ideal for precision engagements. Its slow fire rate demands accuracy, but a well-placed shot can take down even medium-armored foes.
  • Strategic Use: Best used for eliminating individual threats like Stalkers or Brood Commanders when your primary weapon is reloading or out of ammo. Its stopping power makes it a reliable choice for critical hits.
• P-2 Peacemaker: The standard-issue pistol, the Peacemaker is a reliable and balanced backup weapon. While it lacks the raw fire rate of the Redeemer or the punch of the Senator, its consistent performance makes it a solid choice for any Helldiver.
  • General Utility: A dependable sidearm for clearing small patrols, finishing off weakened enemies, or providing covering fire in a pinch.

Grenades: Tactical Tools for Every Scenario

Grenades are not just for blowing things up; they are versatile tactical instruments designed for crowd control, objective destruction, area denial, and creating crucial breathing room. Understanding each grenade's unique properties is key to maximizing your effectiveness on the battlefield.

Grenade Name	Description & Primary Use	Strategic Application
G-6 Frag	Standard fragmentation grenade with a good blast radius. Deals moderate damage to unarmored and lightly armored targets.	Excellent for clearing out bunched-up light enemies (e.g., Hunters, Scavengers), destroying bug holes, or taking out Automaton fabricators. Its fuse timer allows for precise throws.
G-12 High Explosive	A more potent standard grenade with a significantly larger blast radius and increased damage compared to the G-6 Frag.	Superior for destroying multiple bug holes/fabricators with a single throw, clearing dense enemy patrols, or dealing splash damage to larger, unarmored targets. The increased power makes it a go-to for objective destruction.
G-16 Impact	Detonates immediately on contact with any surface or enemy.	Ideal for quick destruction of objectives (bug holes, fabricators, storage containers) or instantly eliminating incoming threats without waiting for a fuse. Be cautious of friendly fire due to its instantaneous detonation. Extremely effective against Bile Spewers and Chargers by hitting their weak points.
G-3 Incendiary	Creates a burning area on impact, dealing damage over time and denying access to a specific zone.	Highly effective against Terminids, particularly when they are funneling through chokepoints. Use it to block off enemy reinforcements, protect flanks, or soften up larger enemies. Less effective against Automatons due to their resistance to fire.
G-13 Stun	Emits a powerful flash and concussive blast that stuns enemies within its radius for a short duration.	An invaluable crowd control tool. Use it to halt charging enemies (e.g., Chargers, Berserkers), create an escape route when overwhelmed, or set up targets for precise Stratagem strikes or heavy weapon fire. It does no direct damage but provides critical tactical advantage.

Choosing Your Loadout: Synergy is Key

When selecting your secondary weapon and grenades, consider your primary weapon, Stratagem loadout, and the mission objectives. A well-rounded loadout ensures you have a solution for every problem Super Earth throws your way.

• For Anti-Armor Focus: If your primary weapon or Stratagems lack anti-armor capabilities, consider the P-4 Senator for precise weak point shots, and the G-16 Impact for quick destruction of armored targets' weak spots or objectives.
• For Crowd Control: Pair the P-19 Redeemer (full-auto mode) with the G-13 Stun grenade to manage swarms of enemies effectively. Stun them, then unleash a torrent of SMG fire.
• For Objective Clearing: The G-12 High Explosive or G-16 Impact are your best friends for quickly sealing bug holes or destroying Automaton fabricators. The P-2 Peacemaker serves as a reliable backup for any stragglers.
• For Area Denial: The G-3 Incendiary is paramount for missions against Terminids, especially in defensive operations or when holding extraction points.

Your secondary weapon is your last resort, a trusted companion when all else fails. Grenades are your tactical trump cards, capable of turning dire situations into opportunities for victory. Master these tools, and you will be a true Helldiver, ready for anything the galaxy throws at you.