Quick Links
Helldivers 2features a number of powerful weaponry options, from close and medium-range Primary weapons to rapid-fire secondaries, to overpowered Support Weapons you call down from your ship. In the wake of the March 6 balance changes (full patch notes here), some weapons have moved up into player consideration, and others teeter on the brink of falling out of the meta.
Helldivers 2: How To Get SG-8S Slugger
The Slugger Shotgun is more powerful than you think. This guide covers how to unlock it and how to use it effectively in Helldivers 2.
Specifically, we’re talking about the top-tierSG-225 Breaker Shotgun, as well as the up-and-comingSG-225SP Breaker Spray & Pray. The Breaker Shotgun received a few nerfs and the Spray & Pray received some buffs, bringing these weapons a bit closer together in their relative power and usefulness. It begs the question — which weapon is the better choice to bring on missions? This will depend entirely on what you’re looking for.
Helldivers 2
Differences Between Breaker Shotguns
The Breaker Shotgun has been theking of the Primary weaponsmeta since launch, but with its recent nerfs — and the Spray & Pray’s recent buffs — can it still hold onto that title?
SG-225 Breaker Shotgun
Weapon Name
Weapon Type
Weapon Stats
Weapon Traits
How To Unlock
SG-225 Breaker
The Breaker Shotgun’srecent nerfsmight seem minor, but they’ve got the community in a bit of a tizzy. The two major changes to the Breaker are:
Previously, the Breaker was (admittedly) a bit too effective at both medium-range accuracy and also at fully unloading a clip with its Auto alt-fire while remaining deadly accurate. The increase to the Breaker’s recoil makes it more unwieldy in tense, overrun situations against the enemies of Democracy. The reduced clip size also limits how effective the weapon can be at horde clear when you and your squad are being overwhelmed.
The weapon does still deliver serious damage to enemies, and it remains extremely effective and accurate at medium range. The nerfs have made the OG Breaker more adept with its Semi alt-fire, which mitigates the weapon’s higher Recoil stat.
SG-225SP Breaker Spray & Pray
The Breaker Spray & Pray, on the other hand, was tweaked a bit more aggressively in the March 6 patch, adjusting 3 of its weapon stats.
While its Capacity took a slight hit, it’s a fairly negligible tweak and not one you’re likely to notice often, if at all. Its damage bump, on the other hand, along with its fire rate increase, both stand out as really elevating the weapon. Previously, the Spray & Pray felt more like a Nerf gun, sometimes having glitched armor penetration and even being unable to blow up explosive canisters.
With this patch, Spray & Pray becomes a much morecompetitive option. The improved fire rate elevates the Spray & Pray above the normal Breaker insofar as spam-shooting is concerned, and the increase in damage especially stands out as making the Spray & Pray much moreviable and worth your time.
Helldivers 2: How To Unlock All Guns In The Game
Powerful weapons are your first (and last) defense in Helldivers 2. This guide details every weapon in the game and how to unlock them all.
Bottom Line - Each Fills A Different Role
Each of these Breaker Shotgun variants (the OG and the Spray & Pray) serves a purpose on the battlefield. The recent stat modifications haven’t managed to drag down the SG-225 Breaker from its perch atop the meta, but it has managed to elevate the Spray & Pray into viable status. Ultimately, the weapon you decide to go with will come down to what your goals are. The biggest difference between the two weapons now is going to be crowd control vs single-target precision.
If you’re ready to go to the next level in your mastery over Helldivers 2, check out our breakdown of thebest armors in the game, as well as thebest Stratagems you may’t live without.
Helldivers 2: 10 Best Ship Module Upgrades To Get ASAP
Ship Module upgrades are one of the best ways to enhance your Helldivers 2 experience. This list breaks down the best ones you need to unlock ASAP.
What’s your favorite Stratagem in Helldivers 2?
