We are Tired of Helldivers 2 Players Ignoring a Potent Bug Swarm Killer and Going Straight for the Airburst Rocket Launcher

Every Helldiver knows that moment: a massive bug swarm bearing down on your position, mandibles clicking, acid sacs ready to ruin your day. And what do most Helldivers 2 players reach for? The trusty Airburst Rocket Launcher, of course. It’s reliable, it’s familiar, and it gets the job done… mostly.

But here’s the thing: while everyone’s been busy launching rockets into bug clouds, Arrowhead has quietly turned another weapon into an absolute beast. Thanks to some recent modifications, this overlooked gem might just be the most effective swarm-clearing tool in our arsenal.

And yet, for some reason, most Helldivers are still sleeping on what could be Super Earth’s greatest gift to bug extermination since automated turrets.

A Hidden Gem in Helldivers 2‘s Arsenal

Let’s talk about the AC-8 Autocannon’s recent upgrade. While the Airburst Rocket Launcher got all the attention with its modest buff, the real star of the show has been flying under the radar. The introduction of programmable Flak ammunition has transformed this already solid Helldivers 2 weapon into something truly spectacular.

The genius of these Flak rounds lies in their proximity fuse mechanism. Unlike traditional rounds that need to actually hit their target, these shells detonate when they get close enough to any hostile presence. And it’s this efficiency and effectiveness that hasn’t gone unnoticed by those who’ve given it a chance:

The Flak Autocannon Is Peak
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This isn’t just about raw firepower—it’s about efficiency. While your teammates are still reloading their rocket launchers, you could be racking up kill streaks that would make even the most decorated Helldiver raise an eyebrow:

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Of course, like any sophisticated piece of Super Earth technology, there’s a learning curve. The proximity fuse system requires a certain finesse to master:

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This quirk isn’t actually a bug, but rather a feature of how proximity fuses work. They’re supposed to detonate when they’re—as the name implies—in “proximity” to any object, which is great for hitting aerial targets but can be tricky when the battlefield is littered with bug carcasses.

Mastering Super Earth’s Latest Innovation

For those who haven’t yet discovered this game-changing feature (and judging by recent missions, that’s quite a few of you), accessing it is simpler than filing a requisition form:

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Arrowhead‘s timing of introducing this upgrade has some veterans wistfully imagining how different past campaigns might have been:

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The beauty of this system lies in its versatility. While the proximity fuse mechanism might take some getting used to, the payoff is worth the learning curve. Think of it as Super Earth’s answer to the age-old question: “How do we make bug-swatting more efficient?”

For best results, just remember to take the high ground whenever possible—a classic, Obi-Wan-approved military strategy that proves particularly effective with this setup. And if you find yourself in the thick of it, just remember to watch your firing lines.

The last thing you want is to explain to your squad why you turned their carefully planned assault into an impromptu fireworks display with a lot of collateral damage.

What’s your take on this recently enhanced bug-swatting solution? Have you given it a try, or are you still loyal to your trusty rocket launcher? Share your experiences in the comments below!