New Best Primary Weapon Against Automatons in Helldivers 2

Every Helldiver loves bringing democracy to other planets in the Galaxy. Getting the right loadout for every mission is key if you want to succeed at the higher difficulties in Helldivers 2. Since the beginning of the game, it has been well-known to everyone that the SG-225 Breaker Shotgun is the best primary weapon in the game. However, the community has found a new king against the Automatons. In this guide, we will show you everything you need to know about the new robot melter - the Plas-1 Scorcher.

Best Primary Weapon Against Automatons in Helldivers 2

You can unlock the Scorcher on the last page of the regular Warbond store. It is not just another weapon in your arsenal; it's a strategic advantage against automatons. Its unique energy explosive rounds set it apart, enabling it to penetrate defenses where other weapons' rounds would be deflected. This makes the Scorcher particularly effective against a variety of automaton units that engage players from a distance. Here is the list showing how it performs against every automaton enemy.

The Scorcher against Trooper, Marauder, Raider & Commissar in Helldivers 2

While you can kill the Trooper, Marauder, Raider, and the Commissar with a regular shotgun, thanks to the explosive shots of the Scorcher, you can one-tap them when aiming close to the head. Even if you miss the head and hit them in the body, if it's close enough, the explosion will reach their heads, and they will instantly die.

The Scorcher against Scout Strider in Helldivers 2 in Helldivers 2

A prime example of the Scorcher's effectiveness is its capability to take down Striders. These units, despite being relatively weak foot soldiers, can be challenging to defeat if you cannot flank them easily. Standard assault rifle rounds often fail, bouncing off their front plating. However, the Scorcher changes the game. With this weapon, you can target a Strider directly, and the AOE damage will affect the robot piloting the mech behind the plating, eliminating the need to flank. The weapon's accuracy, even at mid-distance, and its explosive nature make it an excellent choice for engaging these and other automaton units. 

The Scorcher against Berserker & Devastator in Helldivers 2 in Helldivers 2

Berserkers, known for their slower movement and melee attacks, can be efficiently dealt with using the Scorcher. Approximately three shots to the head are generally enough to take them down. The weapon's design encourages focusing on center mass rather than attempting to shoot off limbs, optimizing damage output and avoiding the peril of being caught in a reload while being chased.

Devastators, especially the shielded variants, typically pose a significant challenge for most primary weapons. Yet, the Scorcher's explosive damage means that their ballistic shields are merely an inconvenience rather than an insurmountable barrier. A few well-placed shots around the head area are sufficient to bring them down, showcasing the Scorcher's utility against shielded enemies.

Limitations and Considerations

Despite its advantages, the Scorcher is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Against larger foes like Hulks and beyond, the weapon's effectiveness diminishes. These situations call for more strategic shot placement or a switch to more suitable weaponry for heavy armor engagement. Similarly, for tanks and turret towers, it's more economical and effective to use a weapon designed for such targets rather than depleting the Scorcher's ammunition.

And that concludes our guide on the best primary weapon against Automatons in Helldivers 2. The Scorcher's design promotes accuracy and purposeful shooting, making it an ideal choice for players who prefer precision over spray-and-pray tactics. While it may not be the weapon of choice for taking on Terminids, its effectiveness against Automatons cannot be overstated. It allows players to conserve ammunition and maintain a more balanced ammo usage throughout missions, especially for targets weaker than a Hulk. For more Helldivers 2 news and guides, check the rest of our website.