Helldivers 2's new Eruptor gun is a beast: basically a support stratagem, but as a primary weapon

Image for Helldivers 2's new Eruptor gun is a beast: basically a support stratagem, but as a primary weapon
(Image credit: Arrowhead)

The R-36 Eruptor is a hell of a democracy spreader. 

Available in Helldivers 2's new Democratic Detonation Warbond, the Erputor is a primary weapon that fires "jet-assisted shells" which explode on impact, and can destroy fabricators, bug nests, gunships, tanks, and other vehicles and structures. Basically, it packs the power of a support weapon stratagem like the Anti-Materiel Rifle, but in a primary gun.

An Eruptor nerf is already being prophesied by some players, but it does have downsides. It's heavy, slow, and although it doesn't deal a ton of splash damage, it is not safe for close-quarters combat. It only has a five-round magazine, as well.

You're definitely making a trade-off by putting the Eruptor in your primary slot instead of an assault rifle, but that isn't to say the Eruptor isn't a beast. One player says they took down a Charger—a heavily armored Terminid—with two well-aimed Eruptor shots.

Perhaps there is some power creep going on, and it might turn out that the Erputor needs a nerf. Given developer Arrowhead's novel approach to updates so far, however, I could also see it letting us indulge in increasingly OP-feeling weapons before knocking us all down a few pegs by introducing new explosion-resistant super enemies.

The Democratic Detonation Warbond is available now. You can pick it up for 1,000 Super Credits, which can be purchased for $10 or earned on missions and from other Warbonds. The Eruptor is on the second page, and the Warbond also includes an explosive crossbow. 

@cptsakan

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Tyler Wilde
Executive Editor

Tyler grew up in Silicon Valley during the '80s and '90s, playing games like Zork and Arkanoid on early PCs. He was later captivated by Myst, SimCity, Civilization, Command & Conquer, all the shooters they call "boomer shooters" now, and PS1 classic Bushido Blade (that's right: he had Bleem!). Tyler joined PC Gamer in 2011, and today he's focused on the site's news coverage. His hobbies include amateur boxing and adding to his 1,200-plus hours in Rocket League.