Best Close-Range Weapons in Helldivers 2

EmberWave

In Helldivers 2, choosing the right close-range weapon can mean the difference between clearing a hive efficiently and getting overwhelmed by swarms of enemies. While long-range rifles and orbital strikes have their place, nothing beats the raw, immediate power of a weapon designed for tight encounters. After spending countless missions testing various loadouts, here’s a look at the top close-range options every Helldiver should consider.

1. Shotguns – Crowd Control Kings

Shotguns are the go-to choice for players who love diving into the heart of combat. Their wide spread ensures that even fast-moving enemies don’t escape unscathed. Weapons like the “Riot Breaker” and “Super Nova” excel at staggering larger foes and taking down groups in tight corridors. The key is timing your reloads; in high-intensity missions, even a second of downtime can be fatal.

2. Submachine Guns – Mobility Meets Firepower

For players who prefer staying on the move, submachine guns offer a perfect balance of rate-of-fire and mobility. Their rapid shooting makes them ideal for skirmishes in enclosed spaces where precision matters less than consistent damage output. Loadouts with upgraded SMGs can shred enemies before they even have a chance to react, giving your squad an edge in the tightest of encounters.

3. Melee Weapons – When Ammo Runs Low

Sometimes, the best defense is being up close and personal. Melee weapons in Helldivers 2, such as tactical blades and energy axes, allow for silent but deadly takedowns. While riskier than ranged options, mastering melee can save your team when ammunition is scarce, and certain builds can enhance attack speed to make melee surprisingly effective against tougher enemies.

4. Dual-Wield Options – Maximum Aggression

For players who like chaos, dual-wielding shotguns or pistols maximizes damage output and ensures you’re a whirlwind of destruction in close quarters. Though accuracy can be a challenge, pairing dual-wield setups with armor or mobility perks can turn you into a one-person demolition squad.

Bonus Tip: Resource Management

While testing these weapons, I found that upgrading and unlocking higher-tier gear often requires super credits. If you’re looking to accelerate your progress, some players consider options like buy Helldivers 2 super credits or Helldivers 2 super credits for sale to unlock premium equipment faster. These resources can give you access to elite close-range weapons sooner, letting you experiment with aggressive playstyles without waiting for grind-heavy missions.

Close-range combat in Helldivers 2 rewards players who are bold, tactical, and adaptable. Whether you prefer the satisfying boom of a shotgun, the rapid bursts of an SMG, or the visceral thrill of melee, having the right weapon at your fingertips will make every mission more manageable—and a lot more fun.