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With the launch ofHelldivers 2’s newPremium WarbondDemocractic Detonation, players are eating well with several new explosive weapon options are are sure to offer a powerful mix-up to the game’sevolving meta. Not only is theGrenade Pistol an incredible secondary weaponthat grants you the ability to blow up Bug Holes and Bot Fabricators… but you also gain access to theR-36 Eruptor Rifle, which in some ways feels like a miniAutocannon, creating somefantastic build flexibilityin the game.
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The R-36 Eruptor delivershigh-powered explosive shotsfrom long range, able to deal with the majority of enemies on the battlefield with ease — as long as you know when to use it (and when not to). This guide will break down the ins and outs of the Eruptor, what makes it so good, and the best loadout options you should pick to highlight this weapon’s strengths andminimize its shortcomings.
Helldivers 2
R-36 Eruptor Basics
Weapon Name
Weapon Type
Weapon Stats
Weapon Traits
R-36 Eruptor
The Eruptor Unlocks on page 2 of the Democratic Detonation Premium Warbond for 60 Warbond Medals, though you’ll need to spend 60 Medals on page 1 to unlock page 2 to begin with, so you’ll need to spend at minimum 120 Medals before being able to access this beauty.
If you’re just shy on the1000 Super Creditsrequired to unlock the Warbond, check out our handySuper Credit Farming Guide, which covers how you’re able to stock up on Super Credits, Warbond Medals, and Requisition Slips fast!
The Eruptor comes with 12 mags total (5 rounds each), along with one in the chamber when you first drop, granting you atotal of 61 explosive shotsat your disposal. Due to its small clip size and low overall ammo, the Eruptor should not be treated like a typical primary; this weapon is meant for medium to long-range engagements against groups of fodder or specific medium armor targets.
Overall, it feels a bit like a cross between theAutocannonand theAnti-Materiel Rifle, though not as good as either in their specialties — it’s too unwieldy to deal widespread devastation on group of enemies (very slow ADS), and not as effective overall as the Anti-Materiel Rifle at what it does best (taking out Hulks and others from very long range). Its fire rate is just too slow for heavy short-range engagements, and due to the bolt-action reload, you need to re-aim after each shot (which, as stated earlier, is slow),limiting your long-range barrage potential.
You can swap weapons toskip the bolt-action animationcompletely. Not strictly necessary, but if you’re pressed for space, and the enemy is closing fast, it can help get another explosive shot out before swapping over to a more close-range weapon.
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What Makes The Eruptor So Good?
So, I’ve touted the weapon’s negatives. But what makes itgood? Well, for starters, it’spowerful. It can quickly deal with some of the most frustrating enemies you’ll encounter out on the battlefield, whether you’re battlingTerminidsorAutomatons.
The Eruptor isn’t able to deal any damage directly to Hulks orBile Titans, but that would easily make this weapon far too powerful.
Closing Bug Holes & Bot Fabricators
You’re also able to close Bug Holes and destroy Bot Fabricators from great range (and complete certain mission objectives like Illegal Broadcasts and destroying Bug Nests) — same way you can with yourAutocannonorQuasar Cannon. Honestly, I prefer the Eruptor over the Autocannon or Quasar Cannonspecifically for long-range Fabricator shotsdue to its superior scope. Being able to dedicate your primary weapon to this task offers some great flexibility for your Grenade slotandyour Support Weapon of choice (more on both of these coming up next).
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Best Eruptor Loadout Options
What this weapon does well, it doesverywell, but the flip side of that is itssluggish handling(made even worse when you’re being shot at), small magazine size, inability to be used at close range withoutblowing yourself up, and the ease at which it will blow up allies when you’re trying to save them from hot pursuit. Because of these weaknesses, it’s critical that your loadout work to balance out your gameplay experience, offering you tools to shore up the Eruptor’s downsides.
Best Secondary Weapon
Best Grenade Slot
Best Support Weapon Options
Your Support weapon is really where you’re going to fill in the gaps where the Eruptor falls short. Aside from the options below, you’ll definitely want to bring along some strong boss-killer stratagems like the Orbital Laser, Eagle 500KG Bomb, or Orbital Railcannon Strike.
Best Backpack Stratagem Options
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This guide details the best loadouts choices that complement each other across all difficulty levels as established in Helldivers 2’s new meta.
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