How to Use the Railgun Against Heavy Armor in Helldivers 2
Posted: Sat Sep 13, 2025 6:19 am
The Railgun in Helldivers 2 has quickly become one of the most discussed support weapons in the community, and for good reason. When handled correctly, it is one of the most effective tools for dealing with enemies covered in heavy armor. However, using it efficiently requires timing, positioning, and a solid understanding of the weapon’s mechanics. Here’s a breakdown of how to maximize its potential.
Understanding the Railgun
The Railgun operates on a charge mechanic, which means you need to hold down the trigger to build up power before releasing a shot. The key to damaging heavy armor lies in hitting the weapon’s critical charge threshold. A fully charged shot can pierce through armor plating that most other weapons struggle against. If you release too early, the shot won’t penetrate, but overcharging can cause dangerous backfires.
Positioning and Timing
Against armored targets such as Chargers or heavily shielded Automatons, you’ll want to aim for weak points like the head or exposed joints. Keeping a medium distance is ideal—close enough to aim precisely, but far enough to give you reaction time if the enemy rushes. Always charge preemptively when you know a heavy unit is approaching. That way, you’re ready to fire the moment the weak point is exposed.
Team Coordination
While the Railgun is powerful, it works best with teammates who can distract or stagger enemies. For example, one player can use explosives or EMPs to momentarily disable armor, allowing the Railgun to line up the perfect shot. Communicating with your squad ensures you don’t waste critical shots or leave yourself vulnerable during charging.
Managing Resources
The Railgun’s ammo is limited, so treat every shot as valuable. Avoid firing at lightly armored enemies where standard weapons will suffice. Save your charges for the biggest threats on the battlefield. Some players choose to buy Helldivers 2 items that support heavy weapon builds, ensuring they have extra firepower when dealing with armor-heavy missions.
The Railgun isn’t a beginner-friendly weapon, but once mastered, it becomes a reliable answer to many of Helldivers 2’s toughest enemies. Practice charge timing, aim for weak points, and always coordinate with your squad to make the most of its power. And if you’re looking to expand your arsenal or experiment with different loadouts, you can always buy Helldivers 2 items cheap to test new combinations and strategies.
Understanding the Railgun
The Railgun operates on a charge mechanic, which means you need to hold down the trigger to build up power before releasing a shot. The key to damaging heavy armor lies in hitting the weapon’s critical charge threshold. A fully charged shot can pierce through armor plating that most other weapons struggle against. If you release too early, the shot won’t penetrate, but overcharging can cause dangerous backfires.
Positioning and Timing
Against armored targets such as Chargers or heavily shielded Automatons, you’ll want to aim for weak points like the head or exposed joints. Keeping a medium distance is ideal—close enough to aim precisely, but far enough to give you reaction time if the enemy rushes. Always charge preemptively when you know a heavy unit is approaching. That way, you’re ready to fire the moment the weak point is exposed.
Team Coordination
While the Railgun is powerful, it works best with teammates who can distract or stagger enemies. For example, one player can use explosives or EMPs to momentarily disable armor, allowing the Railgun to line up the perfect shot. Communicating with your squad ensures you don’t waste critical shots or leave yourself vulnerable during charging.
Managing Resources
The Railgun’s ammo is limited, so treat every shot as valuable. Avoid firing at lightly armored enemies where standard weapons will suffice. Save your charges for the biggest threats on the battlefield. Some players choose to buy Helldivers 2 items that support heavy weapon builds, ensuring they have extra firepower when dealing with armor-heavy missions.
The Railgun isn’t a beginner-friendly weapon, but once mastered, it becomes a reliable answer to many of Helldivers 2’s toughest enemies. Practice charge timing, aim for weak points, and always coordinate with your squad to make the most of its power. And if you’re looking to expand your arsenal or experiment with different loadouts, you can always buy Helldivers 2 items cheap to test new combinations and strategies.