While most players in Helldivers 2 focus on primary weapons like assault rifles or shotguns, your sidearm can make a huge difference in clutch situations. Whether you’re out of ammo, pinned by enemies, or trying to conserve resources, a good pistol can save your mission. In this guide, we’ll go through the best sidearms ranked by performance, utility, and reliability — based on experience from the field.
The P-19 Redeemer remains one of the most popular pistols in Helldivers 2 for a reason. It offers a high rate of fire, solid accuracy, and a quick reload speed. This makes it the go-to backup for players who prefer assault-style gameplay. The Redeemer can efficiently deal with weaker targets like bugs and small bots, and with some skillful headshots, it can even help against medium-tier enemies.
Its main drawback is limited range and ammo capacity, but in the hands of an experienced player, the Redeemer rarely feels like a true “secondary” weapon.
The P-11 Protector is perfect for players who value accuracy and control. With its semi-automatic design and strong stopping power, it performs exceptionally well when you aim for weak spots. It’s slower than the Redeemer but deals more consistent damage per shot, making it ideal for players who like a calm, deliberate playstyle.
If you often find yourself coordinating fire with teammates or covering objectives, the P-11 is a reliable companion. It doesn’t excel in panic situations, but when you stay composed, it performs beautifully.
The P-2 Peacemaker sits comfortably in the middle ground of power, accuracy, and speed. It’s the default sidearm for new players, but that doesn’t mean it’s weak. In fact, its balanced stats make it a great all-purpose pistol for any loadout.
It’s especially effective during missions where ammo conservation is key. While you won’t melt through hordes with it, the Peacemaker rewards precision and timing — two essential skills for any veteran Helldiver.
For those who prefer a futuristic touch, the LAS-7 Dagger is a compact energy-based pistol that eliminates the need for reloads. It’s powered by a cooldown mechanic, meaning you can fire continuously until it overheats.
This weapon is excellent for stealthy missions or situations where you don’t want to worry about resupply. However, it’s not as effective against armored enemies, so it works best as a finisher or for clearing small threats. Pairing it with heavy weapons creates a strong loadout balance.
The P-4 Senator is a powerful revolver that packs a serious punch. Each shot hits hard enough to stagger medium-sized enemies, making it one of the most lethal sidearms in the game. The tradeoff? A painfully slow reload and limited ammo capacity.
The Senator is perfect for players who want their backup weapon to hit like a truck. If you can master its reload timing, it’s a beast in the right hands. However, missing a few shots can leave you vulnerable, so it demands precision and patience.
Unlocking and upgrading your sidearms often requires farming resources and medals. Many players choose to buy Helldivers 2 medals or invest time into efficient farming missions to unlock these weapons faster. You can also buy Helldivers 2 gear and rewards from trusted platforms like U4GM, which help you expand your arsenal and experiment with different weapon builds.
Just remember — while acquiring new weapons helps, mastering their mechanics and timing is what truly sets apart a great Helldiver.
Pistols might not be the flashiest weapons in Helldivers 2, but they’re essential for survival when your primary runs dry or your squad is overwhelmed. From the dependable P-19 Redeemer to the high-impact P-4 Senator, each sidearm serves a unique role on the battlefield.
Experiment with different pistols to find one that matches your playstyle. Whether you prioritize accuracy, speed, or sheer stopping power, having the right sidearm can turn a desperate last stand into a heroic victory.