Helldivers 2 Best Secondary Weapons to Complement Heavy Primaries

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Question: Why do heavy primary weapons in Helldivers 2 need the right secondary weapon to shine?

Heavy primaries are amazing at clearing big threats, but they almost always come with some kind of drawback. Maybe they reload slowly, maybe they’re clunky in close combat, or maybe they leave you wide open if a bug warrior suddenly jumps out of a tunnel behind you. That’s why pairing them with the right secondary weapon makes such a huge difference. A good sidearm fills your gaps, handles close-range pressure, and keeps you alive when your heavy gun can’t.

In this guide, I’ll go over the best secondary weapons to use when you’re running popular heavy primaries. I’ll also share personal tips from actual gameplay experience, especially for players trying to push harder difficulties or speedrun missions.

Question: What makes a secondary weapon good for heavy-primary loadouts?

When choosing a secondary for loadouts built around Autocannons, Railguns, or Arc Rifles, I usually think about three things:

Emergency speed
If a Charger rushes you while you’re reloading an Autocannon, you need something fast enough to react instantly.

Reliable accuracy
Some heavies struggle at mid-range. A good secondary fills that mid-range gap without wasting ammo.

Low maintenance
Heavy guns already demand your attention. You don’t want a sidearm that also requires complicated handling.

What’s great is that most secondaries in Helldivers 2 are simple and effective. The trick is knowing which one matches your heavy gun’s weaknesses.

Question: Is the Pistol worth using with heavy primaries?

Surprisingly, yes. The standard Pistol doesn’t look flashy, but it remains one of the most balanced sidearms in the game. I used it extensively while leveling, especially when experimenting with different heavy primaries.

The Pistol reloads fast, draws quickly, and is perfect for finishing off weakened bots or popping small bugs while repositioning. It’s not the strongest option, but the smooth handling helps you stay mobile. This can be especially useful when you’re farming resources or medals. For example, players who want to buy helldivers 2 medals later on often still run missions normally to get used to enemy movement, and the Pistol is a good all-rounder during that learning phase.

If you just want stability and no surprises, the Pistol is a safe match for almost any heavy gun.

Question: Why is the Liberator Sidearm a strong pick for Autocannon and Railgun users?

The Liberator Sidearm feels like a mini version of the standard assault rifle. What makes it great is how it helps you deal with medium-armored enemies that slip through your frontline. Heavy primaries like the Autocannon hit hard but leave awkward downtime. That’s exactly when the Liberator Sidearm shines.

A quick burst of fire lets you finish off a straggler without needing to swap back to your heavy weapon. It’s also great in missions where you’re constantly moving between objectives. When I play with squads that push aggressively, I often switch to this sidearm because it makes the whole playstyle smoother.

It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable, and reliability is exactly what you want next to a slow-handling heavy gun.

Question: Is the GP31 Grenade Pistol worth using, or is it too risky?

The Grenade Pistol is one of those weapons that sounds terrible on paper but makes perfect sense in certain loadouts. If your heavy primary already handles big targets, the Grenade Pistol becomes a great crowd-control tool, especially for clearing bug nests or controlling groups of bots around corners.

I often use it with the Railgun because the Railgun is all about precision, and the Grenade Pistol fills in the explosive area-damage role. Just don’t spam it too close to yourself. A lot of new players blast themselves by accident, especially when they panic.

One thing I really appreciate is how fun it feels. Even when I’m grinding for resources or checking out services like buy helldivers 2 medals online, I still find the Grenade Pistol entertaining because it lets me approach fights more creatively. Just be smart with your distances.

Question: Why do so many players recommend the Senator as the best overall secondary?

If you’ve spent any time in community discussions or with friends, you’ve probably heard people praising the Senator revolver. And honestly? The hype is justified.

The Senator hits hard, has great accuracy, and is perfect for deleting warrior bugs or medium bots without needing your heavy gun. It’s especially useful with primaries like the Autocannon because you can thin out enemies before committing to a reload.

The only downside is the reload time. You need to stay calm and pick your shots carefully, but once you get used to its rhythm, it becomes one of the most satisfying weapons in the whole arsenal.

In squads where everyone plays different roles, I often see at least one player carrying the Senator. It’s that universally helpful.

Question: Is the Machine Pistol the best option for close-range emergency defense?

If you’re using something slow like the Arc Rifle or Autocannon, the Machine Pistol is your best friend when things get too close. It fires incredibly fast, breaks out of stuns quickly, and melts small bugs before they can overwhelm you.

I like to think of it as the “panic button” secondary. You don’t use it for planned fights. You use it when you suddenly turn around and see a bug right in your face.

Players who practice high-difficulty missions often favor this sidearm because it provides consistency even in chaotic moments. The only real challenge is ammo management, since it burns through bullets quickly. But used as a true backup weapon, it’s extremely reliable.

Some players also buy from third-party stores like U4GM when they want to accelerate their progression, but even with boosted gear, the Machine Pistol stays relevant because emergencies happen no matter your loadout.

Question: What is the best all-around secondary for heavy-weapon squads?

If you want the simplest answer: the Senator works for almost any situation. It hits hard, stays accurate, and greatly improves your ability to fight medium-sized threats without touching your heavy gun.

But if you prefer consistency and comfort, the Pistol or Liberator Sidearm is better. If you want close-range rescue power, pick the Machine Pistol. If you want fun explosives or utility, try the Grenade Pistol.

The right choice depends on how you like to play.

Question: What’s the final takeaway for choosing the ideal secondary?

The key is to ask yourself what your heavy primary can’t do.
If your Autocannon struggles against rushers, pick the Machine Pistol.
If your Railgun struggles with crowds, pick the Grenade Pistol.
If your Arc Rifle needs help finishing medium targets, the Senator is perfect.

Secondary weapons aren’t just backups. They’re tools that round out your whole kit. Mastering this pairing system will make your heavy-primary loadouts feel smoother, safer, and way more fun.

Meta Pick: Helldivers 2 New Weapon Customization System