There is no single best weapon for every Automaton fight in Helldivers 2. Choose for the target’s armor and weak points, the distance you expect to fight at, the weapon’s handling and ammunition, and the gaps your squad needs to cover. That approach matters because Arrowhead’s balance updates have changed both weapons and Automaton defenses; the official notes support matchup-based choices, not a definitive ranking of every weapon.
How to choose a weapon for an Automaton fight
Start with the enemy you need to handle, not a general tier list. A weapon that is effective against exposed weak points may be a poor choice for a heavily armored target, while a weapon that penetrates armor can still be awkward if you cannot aim it reliably or keep it supplied.
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- Armor and penetration: Check whether the weapon can damage the target’s armor effectively. Armor interaction affects how much of a weapon’s damage gets through.
- Weak-point access: Consider whether you can reliably hit the target’s vulnerable areas. A weapon’s theoretical damage matters less if the fight makes those areas difficult to reach.
- Range and control: Match the weapon to the distance and aim demands of the encounter. Handling, recoil, and rate of fire affect how consistently you can land shots.
- Ammunition and reloads: Account for how much ammunition you have and how often you need to reload, especially if the fight is likely to continue under pressure.
- Squad coverage: Look at what your teammates’ support weapons and stratagems already handle. Your choice can fill a gap rather than duplicate a role.
These factors are more useful than calling one gun universally “best”: a matchup can change with target armor, available weak points, engagement conditions, and the rest of the squad’s loadout.
Which weapons are worth considering against armored bots?
Arrowhead’s October 17, 2024 patch notes described changes to armor penetration, anti-tank weapons, enemy armor, and health. They said partial damage increased from 50% to 65% of full damage and identified the Autocannon, Heavy Machine Gun, Flamethrower, and Anti-Materiel Rifle as more viable against heavily armored enemies after those changes. The same update reduced Hulk armor from 5 to 4. These are dated balance details, not proof that those weapons currently outperform every alternative or work equally well against every Automaton target. Arrowhead Game Studios’ October 17, 2024 patch notes
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Use that list as a starting point for considering armor-capable options, then weigh each weapon against the specific target and your ability to use it effectively. The notes do not provide a current, comprehensive table showing how every weapon performs against every Automaton enemy, so a precise universal order is not established.
Why dated matchups can mislead
Automaton defenses have changed over time, and a reduction in armor does not necessarily make an enemy easier to kill if its health also rises. In patch notes dated June 4, 2026, Arrowhead said Gunship body armor fell from 4 to 3 while main-body health increased from 700 to 950. Those figures describe that update; they are not a current weapon-versus-Gunship performance chart. Arrowhead Game Studios’ June 4, 2026 patch notes
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Arrowhead’s September 24, 2026 notes said Automaton tank front armor was lowered to match non-vent sections on the rear, while turret vents kept their previous armor value. The notes also said most Automaton weapons received tighter limits on projectile deviation from their muzzle angle. This is another reason to separate a target’s armor from its weak points and to date any exact matchup advice. Arrowhead Game Studios’ September 24, 2026 patch notes
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Account for weapon configuration and balance changes
Weapon suitability is not always fixed. Arrowhead’s June 2026 update introduced unlocked configuration choices for sights, magazines, muzzles, and underbarrels, and allowed players to switch configurations during mission loadout. If attachments are unlocked for a weapon, select a configuration that supports the range, control, or ammunition needs you expect for the mission. Arrowhead Game Studios’ June 2026 patch notes
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Weapon behavior can also depart from its intended design and then change in a later patch. In August 2026, Arrowhead said the LAS-17 Double-Edge Sickle had shipped with medium armor penetration at zero heat, although the intended design started at light penetration and built to medium as the weapon heated; the studio described a rebalancing. Do not treat an unusual weapon interaction as permanent without checking the date and context of the relevant patch notes. Arrowhead Game Studios’ August 2026 patch notes
Quick Recap
A practical loadout decision
- Identify the target you most need to answer. Decide whether the main concern is heavy armor, a particular weak point, or sustained pressure at a chosen distance.
- Choose for that interaction. Favor a weapon whose armor penetration and practical accuracy fit the target, rather than relying on a general ranking.
- Check the cost of using it. Consider handling, firing rate, ammunition, and reload demands alongside damage potential.
- Review squad coverage. If teammates already cover a role, choose an option that addresses a different weakness in the group’s plan.
- Check the date on specific claims. Patch notes can change both weapon behavior and Automaton defenses, so treat exact figures and matchup recommendations as version-specific.
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