Helldivers 2: Autocannon vs. Railgun Showdown
Delve into the intense world of Helldivers 2 where Autocannons and Railguns reign supreme as anti-tank weapons. Explore the deadly dynamics of these stratagems and uncover the unequal power play between these formidable armaments.
Your primary weapons in Helldivers 2 may not be effective against the heavily armored enemies you encounter in higher difficulty missions. Weapons like the AC-8 Autocannon and RS-422 Railgun are better suited for breaching enemy armor in these situations.
These two weapons are known for their anti-tank capabilities and ability to deal significant damage while offering support to your team. As a result, they are considered the top choices for support weapons in Helldivers 2. Unfortunately, you can only select one of them to use.
Best Anti-Tank in Helldivers 2 - Autocannon or Railgun?
Helldivers 2 Autocannon Railgun Showdown - Best Anti-Tank in Helldivers 2 - Autocannon or Railgun?
The Autocannon in Helldivers 2 is a powerful weapon against light-medium armor. It can easily take down Scout Striders by targeting their armor plating directly, eliminating the need to aim for weak spots.
Similarly, the Autocannon is effective against Bile Spewers in Helldivers 2. A few well-placed shots can quickly destroy these annoying enemies. Even heavily armored Chargers are no match for the Autocannon, turning you into a moving turret that can effortlessly take out groups of enemies from a distance.
The Railgun is a powerful one-shot solution designed to take down the most heavily armored enemies in the game, such as the Bile Titan in Helldivers 2. With just a few well-placed shots, this weapon can eliminate tough foes that the Autocannon may struggle against. Overcharged shots from the Railgun are particularly effective as they can bypass any armor, resulting in satisfying overkills during missions.
Despite being one of the last weapons to unlock, the Railgun does not automatically outshine other options. It is important to consider the various pros and cons of this weapon in comparison to other anti-tank support weapons available in Helldivers 2 to determine which best suits your specific needs.
Autocannon | Railgun | |
|---|---|---|
Requirements | Level 10 (7,000 R) | Level 20 (10,000 R) |
Call-In Time | 3 seconds | 3 seconds |
Uses | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Cooldown | 480 seconds | 480 seconds |
Firing Rate | High | Single, Charged Shot |
Reload Speed | Slow | Slow |
Recoil | Slight Kick Between Shots | None |
Ammo | 5 Shots per Clip (10 Clips With Support Backpack) | 20 Shots Per Clip (2 Clips) |
Armor Penetration | Light-Medium Armor | Tears Through Heavy Armor |
Splash Damage | Yes (Small Area of Effect) | No |
Special | Team-Reloads for Uninterrupted Firing | Unsafe Mode for Higher Damage |
Other | Takes Backpack Space | Requires Precision Shots |
The Railgun Uses Only One Backpack Slot
One key advantage of choosing the Railgun over the Autocannon is the free slot it offers. The Autocannon requires two slots - one for the weapon itself and another for its Support Backpack. In contrast, the Railgun only occupies one slot, allowing you to equip an additional stratagem.
Currently, the most favored late-game loadout involves pairing the Railgun with either the Shield Generator Pack, which provides protection against enemy attacks, or the Guard Dog Rover, enhancing your firepower.
The Railgun's Devastating Power Against Heavily-Armored Elites
When the timing of your overcharged shots is perfected, the Railgun transforms into a lethal weapon that swiftly eliminates armored enemies that would typically withstand numerous Autocannon strikes.
The Railgun Allows You To Run and Gun
You can effortlessly take down tough enemies such as Devastators, Automaton Tanks, and Chargers with the Railgun. This powerful weapon enables you to eliminate these foes quickly without having to worry about aiming for specific weak spots. Additionally, the Railgun allows you to maintain a mobile playstyle, making it easier to run and gun while dealing with formidable opponents.
The Railgun in Helldivers 2 offers a distinct advantage over the Autocannon with its run-and-gun playstyle. This playstyle allows players to effectively kite enemies before delivering a powerful charged shot, a crucial tactic for solo players in Helldivers 2.
Additionally, the Railgun allows players to reload while on the move, a feature that is not possible with the Autocannon. Furthermore, attempting to kite enemies with an Autocannon poses the risk of taking damage from its own explosive projectiles at close range.
Enhancing the Autocannon's Power with Team-Reload
The Autocannon in Helldivers 2 proves to be a formidable weapon when it comes to dealing with medium-sized enemy groups. Its rapid firing rate enables players to effectively eliminate clustered enemies by delivering explosive damage. However, the Autocannon's effectiveness is momentarily halted when reloading becomes necessary.
The Autocannon excels in this aspect. Despite requiring an additional slot for its Support Backpack, it allows you to fire up to 50 explosive shells consecutively with the assistance of a teammate for team-reloading.
The use of Supply and Support Backpacks has no impact on your mobility or stamina regeneration. Your weight and encumbrance are determined by the armor you have equipped.
Using Autocannons to Destroy Nests and Factories
An important tip for new Helldivers 2 players is to utilize Autocannons to effectively close bug nests and shut down bot factories. By simply aiming at the nest hole or factory vent and firing, you can achieve this without risking your life by getting too close to throw a grenade.
Autocannons and Grenade Launchers are perfect for Blitz search-and-destroy missions where you have to close several bug nests or bot factories in a short time.
Verdict
railgun and autocannon in helldivers 2 - Verdict
If you want to kill specific armored enemies, and you have good aim, nothing beats the Railgun in Helldivers 2. If you want to clear groups of enemies, destroy structures, and generally want more utility, go with the Autocannon.
The Railgun is designed as a tank destroyer, however, not every enemy you encounter in the game is a tank. This can make charging shots for light to medium armored enemies seem excessive, especially when the Autocannon can quickly take out a horde in the same amount of time.
In comparison, the Autocannon can be seen as a versatile weapon that is effective in various situations, while the Railgun excels at eliminating heavily armored elite enemies in Helldivers 2.
There still needs to be a balance though. A full team with four Railguns will likely get overrun with ease. You need a couple of Autocannons to thin the herds when your stratagems are on cooldown.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides a comprehensive comparison between the Autocannon and Railgun in Helldivers 2, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in various combat scenarios. While both weapons are effective against armored enemies, the Autocannon excels in clearing groups and destroying structures, while the Railgun is a specialized tank destroyer with a one-shot solution.
The decision between the two depends on the player's playstyle and the specific mission objectives. For solo players or those who prefer a more mobile and run-and-gun approach, the Railgun's ability to eliminate tough enemies quickly and its compatibility with the Guard Dog Rover makes it a formidable choice. However, for team-based missions or situations where crowd control is essential, the Autocannon's rapid firing rate and team-reloading capabilities make it the better option. Ultimately, both weapons have their merits, and players should experiment with each to determine which best suits their needs and preferences.
