The Machine Gun is likely one of the first Stratagems you’ll unlock in Helldivers 2. It’s a solid heavy weapon you can call down to buff your arsenal and help you cut through enemies like they were made of paper. However, you need to know what you’re doing with it to maximize kills.
Every stratagem in Helldivers 2 can be a hazard to you and your fellow players if you don’t have a clue what you’re doing with it. The Machine Gun is no exception, and it’s one I still end up accidentally killing allies with simply because it’s brutal and quite difficult to aim. If you use it under the right circumstances, though, you’ll have no trouble getting more kills than ever, helping you push through any Personal Order you have that’s linked to it.
How to get the Machine Gun in Helldivers 2
To get the Machine Gun in Helldivers 2, you need to purchase it from the Stratagem tab in the Ship Management menu. It’s one of the first Stratagems you’ll have access to and sets a good standard for what you’ll be working with when it comes to heavy weapons that take up a slot on your Helldiver.
How to use the Machine Gun to maximize kills in Helldivers 2
The best way to use the Machine Gun in Helldivers 2 if you want to get the most kills possible is to call it in as soon as you land on a planet. Pick it up and start using it as your main weapon from that point on. It’s great at killing every type of enemy, apart from Automatons with shields. Nothing is good at killing them.
Using the Guard Dog Backpack, you’ll have a rover constantly pointing out enemies in the distance. This is great because it allows you to see where your foes are, and you can pretty much just fire in that direction to get a few guaranteed kills.
The only disadvantage to the Machine Gun is that it requires you to stop and reload it. The Stalwart can be reloaded while running, which is why it’s superior. If you’re using the Machine Gun, though, you need to make sure you get to a safe space before reloading. Otherwise, it’ll be that Helldiver’s last reload.
I find that getting to a high point and firing into large groups of enemies is honestly the best way to maximize your kills with the Machine Gun. This works particularly well with Terminids because you take pretty much everything out before it gets anywhere near becoming a problem. Move forward, find a high point to defend, then repeat.
Just make sure you don’t accidentally kill your fellow Helldivers. The reticule shows how the barrel doesn’t follow your movements very quickly. Aim away from other Helldivers and nail whatever enemies you can see. Even Chargers and Bile Titans will fall to the Machine Gun if you aim for their squishy underbellies.
Best loadout for the Machine Gun in Helldivers 2
The best loadout for the Machine Gun in Helldivers 2 is the one you feel comfortable with. If you don’t know what to use and are struggling, then I’ve got a decent baseline loadout you can build off of below.
- Machine Gun
- Guard Dog Backpack
- Precision Orbital Strike
- Anti-Personnel Minefield
The idea with this loadout is for you to call in your Machine Gun and use it as much as possible. However, it’s going to slow you down when you need to reload, which is why you need the Guard Dog. This rover will take out anything that gets too close, but laying down the minefield will also help keep the bots and bugs at bay when you’re in need.
Finally, the Precision Orbital Strike is a big laser to call in when things go south. If you’re being pursued by a tonne of enemies and need some space, throw that thing out there and then run. This should give you the time you need to quickly reload and mow down anything that’s left.
Note that the best weapons you should bring into any mission in Helldivers 2 are the ones you feel comfortable using. These are incredibly personal to the way you play, so I can’t speak to what will go best with your loadout when it comes to a primary and secondary weapon or a Booster. Just go with what your gut says feels good.
