In Helldivers 2, surviving high-level missions often comes down to how quickly and efficiently you can eliminate threats. While stratagems and teamwork matter, nothing boosts your performance quite like upgrading your weapons for maximum DPS (damage per second). After hundreds of hours of diving into Terminid nests and Automaton strongholds, I’ve found certain upgrades that noticeably increase my killing efficiency — especially when playing solo or leading a squad.
If you’re aiming to fast-track your weapon upgrades and unlock critical gear sooner, it might be worth considering options to buy Helldivers 2 Super Credits. While grinding missions and completing objectives is the standard route, purchasing Super Credits can give you the flexibility to immediately invest in high-impact weapon mods, armor sets, or Warbond unlocks. Just remember to prioritize upgrades that suit your playstyle, so every Credit spent translates directly into improved performance on the battlefield.
Here are 11 weapon upgrades I personally recommend for improving DPS in Helldivers 2. These are based on practical in-game experience and should be especially useful if you’re looking to maximize value for your Helldivers 2 Super Credits.
1. Increased Rate of Fire – Liberator Assault Rifle
The Liberator may be a starting weapon, but with the rate of fire upgrade, it becomes a reliable crowd-control tool. I found this especially helpful when swarmed by weaker enemies. The faster fire rate means more rounds downrange before they get too close.
2. Armor-Piercing Rounds – Breaker Shotgun
Automatons are a pain, especially when their armor blocks most frontal assaults. Adding armor-piercing rounds to the Breaker transformed it into a bot-shredding beast. In one mission, I held off a group of Devastators solo by strafing and using these rounds.
3. Extended Magazine – AR-23P Liberator Penetrator
This upgrade is critical when you want to maintain pressure without frequent reloads. It’s especially effective when defending uplinks or objectives. I used to run dry too fast, but with the extended mag, I started mowing through waves much more effectively.
4. Recoil Stabilizer – SMG-37 Defender
SMGs shine in close quarters, but the recoil can ruin accuracy. With this stabilizer, the Defender feels more like a mini-AR, and my hit rate jumped significantly. This is a budget-friendly upgrade that offers high returns, especially in urban combat maps.
5. Heat Sink – LAS-16 Sickle
Energy weapons are underrated. The LAS-16’s heat sink upgrade allows longer bursts before overheating. When I experimented with this, my uptime in combat increased drastically — no reloads meant more time dealing damage.
6. Muzzle Brake – AR-23 Liberator
The muzzle brake reduces vertical recoil, making this classic rifle more controllable in long engagements. I noticed my burst fire became far more effective, especially during mid-range encounters against Charger bugs.
7. Explosive Ammo – R-63 Diligence Counter Sniper
When defending extraction points, I switched to the Diligence with explosive rounds. One shot would not only kill the target but stagger enemies nearby. This upgrade paid for itself in mission success rate — and reduced stress levels.
8. Faster Reload – SG-225 Breaker Incendiary
Shotguns dominate in close combat, but reload speed can get you killed. After investing in the faster reload upgrade, I noticed a much higher survival rate when swarmed. It’s a game-changer during intense bug rushes.
9. Laser Sight – P-19 Redeemer
The Redeemer isn’t a high-DPS weapon by default, but with a laser sight, my headshot rate went way up. This upgrade is subtle but deadly — great for those who want precision over spray.
10. Reduced Spread – SG-225SP Breaker Spray&Pray
As its name implies, the Spray&Pray can be wild. Tightening its pellet spread made it devastating at close-to-mid range. I started using this with friendlier fire off, diving into groups of enemies with confidence.
11. Armor-Damaging Shock Mods – Arc Thrower
If you use the Arc Thrower, this upgrade boosts its effect on armored targets. I used to struggle with Automatons using this stratagem, but the shock mods helped me turn the tide of several critical fights.
Make Every Super Credit Count
These upgrades don’t just enhance performance — they determine whether you walk out of a mission alive. Each of these comes at a cost, often requiring you to spend precious Super Credits. That’s why it’s smart to plan your upgrades and purchase weapons that fit your playstyle.
If you’re short on resources or looking to get ahead, many players look for Helldivers 2 Super Credits for sale online. Just make sure you’re going through reputable sources, as your account’s security should always be the top priority. Whether you’re grinding missions or looking to buy Helldivers 2 Super Credits for a fast loadout boost, investing wisely will give you a noticeable edge on the battlefield.
I’ve tested these upgrades across dozens of operations, and they’ve consistently helped me increase my personal DPS, contribute more to the squad, and survive longer. Give them a shot — literally — and you’ll feel the difference.