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
Editor-in-Chief, US

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.