Helldivers 2 Tier List Secondary

Quick Answer: The best Helldivers 2 secondary weapons are the ones that save you under pressure, not the ones with the flashiest damage numbers. In most current builds, the top sidearms are the Redeemer and Senator, with Peacemaker trailing unless you need a very basic fallback.

Ranking Methodology

This helldivers 2 tier list secondary ranking is built around practical combat value: how often a sidearm rescues a run, how much it helps when your primary is empty or reloading, and how well it covers situations your main weapon does not. That makes the list more useful for real missions than a pure damage-only ranking. A secondary in Helldivers 2 is not there to win every duel on its own; it is there to cover emergencies, finish off targets efficiently, and give your loadout a dependable answer when your main weapon is not the right tool.

The list is aimed at players who want a straightforward sidearm recommendation for standard play, including solo queue, coordinated squads, and higher-pressure missions where ammo discipline matters. It assumes you are using your secondary as backup, utility, or a niche answer to specific enemy behavior. That means weapons can rank highly even if they are not the best “gunfighter” option overall, so long as they consistently solve problems. That also means some sidearms rise or fall depending on the enemy faction, mission density, and how aggressively you use stratagems.

For grounding, the game itself launched on Feb 8, 2024 and is developed by Arrowhead Game Studios Source. On Steam, the game currently shows “Mostly Positive” (75.1% positive) across 1150564 reviews Source. Those facts do not determine the tier list, but they do matter because Helldivers 2 has a large, long-running live audience, and sidearm value shifts as the broader meta changes and players optimize around newer threats, weapons, and balance passes.

The ranking also leans on two practical source patterns: secondary-weapon tier writeups from Deltias Gaming and Game8, both of which agree on the broad shape of the meta. Their current guidance places the P-19 Redeemer near the top, while noting that the P-4 Senator is powerful but held back by magazine limitations Source Source. I use that consensus as a starting point, then interpret it through mission reliability rather than raw headline strength.

S / A / B Tier Table

This tier table ranks each common secondary by overall value in the current meta, with a one-line reason for each pick.

Tier	Secondary	Why it ranks here
S	P-19 Redeemer	Best overall panic button: fast, flexible, and excellent when you need immediate close-range cleanup.
S	P-4 Senator	High-impact sidearm that can delete tough targets cleanly, but it asks for careful ammo use.
A	P-113 Verdict	Strong precision sidearm that rewards accuracy and gives reliable finishing power at range.
A	P-6 Gunslinger	Solid utility pick when you want a dependable backup that feels comfortable across many fights.
B	P-2 Peacemaker	Serviceable starter pistol, but it is usually outclassed once better sidearms are available.
B	LAS-7 Dagger	Useful in specific ammo-light setups, but its role is narrower than the top-tier choices.

A table is the cleanest way to show the relative spread because secondary weapons in Helldivers 2 are defined more by function than by simple stat lines. The gap between tiers is not just “more damage” versus “less damage.” It is about how often a sidearm wins a moment for you. The Redeemer excels because it turns a bad reload into a recoverable situation, especially when enemies are already on top of you. The Senator earns S tier because it gives you high-value single shots when you need to make every pull count. Those two weapons are different answers to the same problem: surviving the exact moment your primary is unavailable.

The middle of the list is where loadout intent matters most. Verdict and Gunslinger are both good if you want a sidearm that behaves like a real backup weapon rather than a panic hose, and they are especially attractive for players who stay calm under pressure and play around positioning. Their main downside is that they do not swing messy fights as hard as the top pair. In other words, they are better when you are already in control.

The B-tier entries are not bad weapons. They are the ones most likely to be replaced by better choices as your unlocks expand. The Peacemaker is explicitly called out by Game8 as something many players replace with the Redeemer as soon as they can, and that tracks with how the current secondary pool functions Source. The Dagger is more specialized; it can work, but its ceiling is narrower, so it belongs lower unless your build is built around it.

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S Tier Picks

S tier sidearms are the picks that consistently save missions, not just gunfights. The Redeemer and Senator sit here because they solve different problems at a very high level, and both remain relevant even when the rest of your loadout changes.

P-19 Redeemer

The P-19 Redeemer is the best all-around secondary in Helldivers 2 for most players. It is the sidearm you pull when you are out of position, when a reload goes wrong, or when enemies close distance faster than your primary can respond. Its value is not subtle: it is the weapon that turns “I am dead here” into “I can still recover.”

The reason it ranks this high is consistency. In live play, a secondary earns S tier by being immediately useful in chaos, and the Redeemer is exactly that. It does not ask you to line up perfect shots or manage a clunky firing rhythm. It rewards simple, fast action. That makes it ideal against smaller enemies that swarm your position, and it also remains comfortable when the fight becomes too close for precision primaries.

It also pairs well with a wide range of primaries. If you run a weapon that is strong at medium range but awkward in emergencies, the Redeemer fills the gap. If you run a heavy hitter with a slow reload, it gives you breathing room. If you are carrying a support weapon that is not always convenient to swap to, the Redeemer remains the fastest answer in your pocket. That flexibility is why tier lists from major guides keep placing it at or near the top Source Source.

P-4 Senator

The P-4 Senator is the high-discipline S-tier pick. It is the weapon you choose when you want your sidearm to feel like a clean finishing tool rather than an emergency spray gun. Its power is obvious, but its magazine limitations force you to respect every shot, which is the main reason it is not universally better than the Redeemer.

This is the secondary for players who naturally aim for weak points, control engagements, and refuse to waste ammo. In the right hands, it can solve enemy problems very efficiently. It is especially attractive when your primary already covers crowd control and you want your sidearm to handle tougher single targets. It can also be the more satisfying option in loadouts that emphasize deliberate play.

The drawback is practical, not theoretical. A strong sidearm with limited capacity can feel worse than a weaker one if the mission turns chaotic, especially when you are surrounded, low on ammo, or juggling objectives. That is why the Senator is S tier rather than uncontested best-in-slot. It has a very high ceiling, but it is less forgiving than the Redeemer. The current community consensus also reflects this tradeoff: it is praised for power while being noted for its magazine drawback Source.

A Tier Picks

A tier sidearms are excellent picks that become top-tier when matched with the right build or player habits. They are not the most universal options, but they are strong enough to justify serious use.

P-113 Verdict

The P-113 Verdict is the best A-tier choice for players who like a precise sidearm with meaningful stopping power. It does not have to be flashy to be valuable. Its job is to give you dependable finishing damage when your primary is not the right answer, especially if you play at a measured pace and prefer accuracy over panic fire.

Verdict shines when you are already disciplined about target selection. If you are finishing weakened enemies, covering reloads, or taking deliberate shots at high-value targets, it feels excellent. It is a strong bridge between the “panic button” role of the Redeemer and the “high-impact shot” role of the Senator. That middle ground is exactly why it belongs in A tier rather than B. It is versatile enough to matter in many lobbies, but it does not dominate any one scenario as hard as the top two.

The main reason it misses S tier is that secondary weapons are often evaluated by how hard they save a bad situation. Verdict is better at stable, controlled follow-up work than at chaotic recovery. In a clean mission, it feels great. In a messy one, it is usually outpaced by the more immediately forgiving top choices.

P-6 Gunslinger

The P-6 Gunslinger is an A-tier sidearm for players who want a reliable generalist backup. It does not specialize as sharply as the top picks, but that is also why some players prefer it. When your loadout already covers most problems, a comfortable and predictable secondary can be more valuable than a narrowly optimized one.

Its strength is that it rarely feels wrong to equip. It is a respectable option for players who rotate between factions, difficulty levels, and team compositions. If you do not want to think hard about your sidearm every mission, Gunslinger offers a practical compromise. It is also a good candidate when you are trying to support a primary that is excellent at a specific job but weak outside its lane.

The reason it stays in A and not S is ceiling. The best sidearms in Helldivers 2 create emergency value that changes a fight. Gunslinger is more of a steady backup, which is useful but less dramatic. In other words, it is strong because it is dependable, not because it solves the most dangerous moments better than everything else.

B Tier Picks

B tier secondary weapons are usable, but they usually need a reason to be picked. That reason can be habit, early progression, ammo economy, or a very specific loadout plan. They are not dead picks, but they are no longer the default answer.

P-2 Peacemaker

The P-2 Peacemaker is the baseline pistol and the most obvious early-game fallback, but it is usually the first sidearm players replace once they unlock better options. It gets the job done, but it does not do enough to stand out in a game where the strongest sidearms are already very good at both close and midrange problem-solving.

That does not mean the Peacemaker is useless. It is still a workable secondary if you are early in progression, if you are intentionally running a simple loadout, or if you have not yet built confidence with more specialized weapons. It also offers a clear learning curve for newer players who want a sidearm that behaves exactly like a basic pistol should.

The issue is opportunity cost. In the current meta, sidearms are often judged by how much they improve your recovery options. The Peacemaker is fine at basic finishing, but it does not dramatically reshape your survivability. That is why guides frequently note that it should be replaced by the Redeemer as soon as possible Source.

LAS-7 Dagger

The LAS-7 Dagger is a niche B-tier pick that becomes more appealing in ammo-conscious builds, but it is still more specialized than the stronger sidearms above it. Its main value is that it can fit certain playstyles where ammunition management is a major concern and you want a secondary that behaves differently from standard bullet-based pistols.

It can make sense when you are already optimizing around sustained mission uptime, frequent fighting, or a loadout that avoids constant ammo stress. In those contexts, a narrower but efficient sidearm can be enough. It also gives players another tool for experimenting with energy-based play patterns without committing their primary slot to the same philosophy.

The reason it sits in B tier is simple: specialization. In Helldivers 2, a secondary has to either save you instantly or give you a highly reliable niche answer. Dagger can do the latter, but it rarely outperforms the better all-purpose picks. That means it is useful, but not usually optimal.

Matchup And Situational Callouts

The ranking flips in specific missions because Helldivers 2 rewards adaptation. A sidearm that is only “best overall” on paper can lose value fast if the enemy mix or mission flow changes. The same weapon can feel S tier in one run and merely average in another.

• Against dense close-range pressure, the Redeemer rises. When you are getting rushed, interrupted, or forced to reload under threat, its immediate response is worth more than precision or ammo economy. That makes it stronger in chaotic bug-side brawls and in any mission where enemies reach your line quickly.

• Against isolated tough targets, the Senator rises. If you are frequently taking clean shots at valuable enemies, the Senator’s high-impact rounds matter more than the Redeemer’s spray-and-recover style. This is especially relevant when your primary already handles crowds and you want the secondary to finish with authority.

• In controlled squad play, Verdict and Gunslinger can move up. If teammates are consistently covering you, your sidearm no longer needs to be a pure panic tool. At that point, accuracy, comfort, and disciplined follow-up shots matter more, so those A-tier weapons can feel closer to S.

• In early progression, the Peacemaker rises slightly by default. Newer players often have fewer unlocked options, and a simple pistol is easier to use than a more demanding sidearm. It is still not top-tier, but its relative value improves before the broader arsenal opens up.

• In ammo-light or energy-leaning loadouts, the Dagger can become more attractive. If your build is already designed around managing resources carefully, a niche secondary with a different ammo profile can fit better than a conventional bullet pistol, even if it is not the strongest raw pick.

The key lesson is that the best secondary is not always the one with the highest tier label. It is the one that patches the exact weakness your primary and support weapon leave exposed. A sniper-style primary wants a panic-ready sidearm. A close-range main weapon wants a stable finisher. A disciplined squad can afford more specialized picks, while solo players usually benefit from the most forgiving options.

Patch Delta Note

The exact patch-to-patch movement for every secondary is not fully known from the provided sources, so this list should be treated as a current-meta ranking rather than a precise balance-history record.

What can be said safely is that the broad shape of the secondary meta remains stable around the same few weapons. The Redeemer and Senator continue to define the top end, while the Peacemaker remains the clearest early-game replacement target Source Source. That suggests the important changes are less about total upheaval and more about relative comfort, mission fit, and how much value each sidearm provides when the fight becomes messy.

The only dated live context we can ground here is the broader game environment. Helldivers 2 is an active live-service shooter with a large player base on Steam, including 28924 players in game right now at the time represented in the supplied data Source. In a live game with that kind of ongoing audience, sidearm rankings can drift as balance patches, enemy behavior, and community build trends change. Because the patch notes themselves were not provided in the factual data, I am not inventing a specific buff-or-nerf history for any weapon.

So the practical patch-delta takeaway is conservative: no dramatic reordering is justified from the available evidence, but the top of the list remains dominated by the same two weapons, and the lower end remains mostly about comfort and unlock stage rather than hidden power spikes. If you are comparing this guide to an older secondary tier list, the safest assumption is that the hierarchy has not been overturned, only refined.

Common Mistakes

Players usually lose value from secondary weapons by using them as if they were primaries, or by picking them without thinking about what problem they are supposed to solve.

• Treating the secondary as a main damage source: This happens because strong sidearms feel good to use, especially the Senator and Redeemer. Fix it by reserving your secondary for reload gaps, emergency cleanup, and close-quarters recovery.

• Keeping the Peacemaker too long: New players often stick with the starting pistol out of familiarity. Replace it once you unlock better options, because the current meta gives you stronger tools for the same slot.

• Picking the Senator without respecting ammo: Its power encourages aggressive use, and that burns through its main advantage. Fire it deliberately, and swap back to your primary before you waste rounds on trivial targets.

• Using a precision sidearm in panic situations: Verdict-style weapons reward aim, but many players pull them during full chaos and then blame the gun. Fix this by choosing the Redeemer if you expect constant close-range pressure.

• Ignoring synergy with your primary: A close-range primary plus another close-range sidearm can leave you weak at the exact moment you need variety. Pair your sidearm with the gap your primary does not cover.

• Overvaluing niche ammo economy: A technically efficient weapon can still be worse if it does not save you in live fights. In Helldivers 2, survival value usually beats theorycraft alone.

Pro Tips

Tip 1. Match your secondary to your reload rhythm

If your primary has a slow reload or frequent downtime, prioritize a sidearm that can immediately stabilize the fight, such as the Redeemer. This matters most when you are using weapons that cannot afford to be empty at the wrong time.

Tip 2. Use the Senator when you already control the encounter

The Senator shines when you can choose your shots, not when you are being overwhelmed. Pull it after repositioning, after a stun window, or when your team has already thinned the enemy line.

Tip 3. Build one loadout around panic, one around precision

Keep one setup with a forgiving emergency sidearm and another with a deliberate finisher. That split lets you adapt to mission type instead of forcing one secondary into every role.

Tip 4. Do not waste sidearm ammo on weak enemies if your primary is ready

A common error is using the strongest sidearm for housekeeping. Save it for moments where switching matters, because the whole point of a secondary is fast recovery, not routine cleanup.

Tip 5. Re-evaluate after faction or difficulty changes

A weapon that feels average in one mission set can become much better when enemy pressure changes. If you move from calmer objective runs to higher-chaos missions, revisit the ranking instead of assuming your old preference still fits.

FAQ

What is the best secondary weapon in Helldivers 2?

The best overall secondary is usually the P-19 Redeemer because it is the most forgiving emergency option, while the P-4 Senator is the best high-impact alternative for disciplined players.

Is the Peacemaker bad?

No, but it is the most replaceable option in the current meta. It is fine early on, then gets overtaken by sidearms that solve more problems.

Should I use the Senator or Redeemer?

Use the Redeemer if you want safety and fast recovery. Use the Senator if you want stronger single-target payoff and you are confident with ammo management.

Is there a secondary that works for every mission?

The Redeemer comes closest, which is why it sits in S tier. Even so, the best choice can still shift based on faction pressure, squad support, and your primary weapon.

Do secondary weapons matter as much as primaries?

They matter less in raw damage terms, but they can matter just as much in practice because they decide whether you survive a reload, a surprise flank, or a close-range collapse.

Related Guides

• Helldivers 2 Primary Weapon Tier List
• Best Stratagems in Helldivers 2
• Helldivers 2 Armor Tier List
• Best Helldivers 2 Builds
• Helldivers 2 Beginner Guide
• Helldivers 2 Solo Play Tips
• Helldivers 2 Best Support Weapons

Sources

• https://deltiasgaming.com/helldivers-2-best-secondary-weapons-tier-list/
• https://game8.co/games/Helldivers-2/archives/446044
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helldivers_2
• https://store.steampowered.com/app/553850/

See also

• Helldivers 2 next update Explained: What Arrowhead’s latest patch changed
• Helldivers 2 major update Explained: Anti-Cheat and Super Credits Changes
• Helldivers 2 Tier List Armor: Best Armor by Tier
• Helldivers 2 Patch Notes Explained
• Helldivers 2 June Update Explained
• Helldivers 2 Tier List Warbond: Best Warbonds Ranked
• Helldivers 2 Update Today: Patch Notes Explained
• Helldivers 2 Beginner Guide: Situational Survival, Team Play, and Escape Basics
• Helldivers 2 Beginner Build Guide
• Helldivers 2 New Update Explained