Assault rifles are the bread and butter of any Helldiver’s arsenal. They strike the perfect balance between fire rate, accuracy, and damage, making them a reliable choice across most missions. Whether you’re defending objectives or mowing down hordes of Terminids, choosing the right rifle can make or break your run.
Here’s a full breakdown of the best assault rifles in Helldivers 2, ranked by performance, versatility, and overall feel on the battlefield.
S-Tier: AR-23 Liberator
The AR-23 Liberator is the go-to rifle for most players—and for good reason. It’s the default weapon, but don’t let that fool you. It delivers consistent damage with almost no recoil and solid accuracy, especially with controlled bursts. It’s lightweight, reliable, and effective in nearly every situation.
The main advantage of the Liberator is its adaptability. Whether you’re fighting Automatons or Bugs, it handles both close and mid-range encounters without issue. For newer players, it’s one of the best weapons to master before experimenting with others.
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A-Tier: AR-23P Liberator Penetrator
The AR-23P takes everything great about the base Liberator and adds armor-piercing rounds. This makes it a beast against Automatons and heavily armored enemies. You’ll sacrifice a bit of stability and get a slightly slower fire rate, but it’s a worthwhile tradeoff when you need extra punch.
This weapon shines in squad play, especially when paired with someone running crowd-control stratagems. It’s not as forgiving as the base Liberator, but when used well, it can carry a mission on higher difficulties.
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A-Tier: AR-61 Tenderizer
The AR-61 Tenderizer is a heavier, more brutal rifle with serious stopping power. It deals massive damage per shot, but it’s not the most accurate weapon at longer ranges. Think of it as a mid-range powerhouse—perfect for holding ground and shredding through swarms.
It’s ideal for players who prefer a “spray and hold” style of combat. Just be mindful of your ammo consumption; the Tenderizer burns through magazines quickly. When combined with a support backpack or a teammate with an ammo stratagem, though, this rifle feels unstoppable.
B-Tier: BR-14 Adjudicator
The BR-14 Adjudicator is a precise, semi-automatic rifle that rewards accuracy over volume. It’s great for players who like to take their time aiming for weak points, but it can feel a little underwhelming in chaotic fights.
It excels against Automatons where precision matters, but against waves of Bugs, it’s not as efficient. You’ll also need to watch your positioning—if enemies get too close, the slower rate of fire can become a real problem.
That said, it’s satisfying to use when you want to test your aim or play more tactically. If you enjoy precision rifles in other shooters, the Adjudicator might be your perfect fit.
C-Tier: AR-23E Liberator Concussive
The AR-23E is the “explosive” variant of the classic Liberator, firing concussive rounds that stagger enemies. It sounds great in theory, but in practice, the low damage output makes it difficult to recommend. The knockback can also send enemies flying in unpredictable directions, which isn’t always helpful for teammates.
It’s a fun weapon to mess around with, especially in co-op missions where you’re experimenting with builds—but it’s not the most efficient choice when things get serious.
D-Tier: AR-22C Carbine
Finally, the AR-22C Carbine sits at the bottom of the list. It’s lightweight and has decent accuracy, but its low damage and limited ammo capacity make it hard to justify using over other rifles. It’s one of those weapons you might try early on, then quickly swap out once better options become available.
Still, if you prefer mobility and quick reloads, it can be a decent pick for solo missions or hit-and-run tactics. It’s not completely useless—it’s just outclassed by nearly every other assault rifle in the game.
Assault rifles in Helldivers 2 are some of the most balanced and dependable weapons you can use. The AR-23 Liberator remains the undisputed king for versatility, while the AR-23P and AR-61 Tenderizer offer specialized power for players who like to fine-tune their loadouts.
At the end of the day, weapon choice comes down to playstyle. Some players like the reliable feel of the Liberator, while others prefer the punchy power of the Tenderizer. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you might be surprised which rifle fits your rhythm best.
Just remember: teamwork and strategy often matter more than raw damage. Coordinate with your squad, use your stratagems wisely, and you’ll clear any planet in no time.