The Arc Thrower is one of the most unique support weapons in Helldivers 2. Loved by some and avoided by others, it offers a very specific playstyle that can turn the tide in the right hands—or backfire if used carelessly. If you’ve been considering adding it to your loadout, here’s a detailed look at its stats, strengths, and weaknesses.
Arc Thrower Stats Overview
The Arc Thrower is classified as a support weapon that fires a high-voltage electric beam. Unlike conventional firearms, it uses a charge-based system, dealing heavy damage that can also chain between enemies. While exact numbers vary slightly depending on balance patches, its core characteristics remain:
- Damage Output: High against armored units.
- Range: Short to medium, with effective chaining in clustered fights.
- Reload/Recharge: Requires a wind-up and cooldown, making timing essential.
- Ammo: Effectively unlimited but limited by recharge rate.
The weapon excels when you anticipate enemy movements and use its chaining potential to wipe out groups.
Strengths of the Arc Thrower
- Armor Piercing Power
The Arc Thrower can punch through even heavily armored targets. This makes it extremely effective against Automatons and larger bug units. - Chain Lightning Effect
Enemies close to one another will take additional damage as the electricity arcs between them. This can thin out groups before they overwhelm you. - No Traditional Ammo Constraints
Unlike many heavy weapons, you don’t need to constantly resupply. As long as you manage the cooldown, you can keep firing. - Team Utility
Its area damage can complement teammates who are focusing on single-target DPS, allowing the squad to balance its overall firepower.
Weaknesses of the Arc Thrower
- Friendly Fire Risk
The beam and chained arcs don’t discriminate. If allies are caught too close to enemies, they’ll take damage as well. This makes positioning critical. - Short Effective Range
You need to be relatively close to your targets, which can put you at risk in chaotic fights. - Wind-Up Delay
Unlike instant-fire weapons, the Arc Thrower requires charging. This can feel clunky when you’re surprised by fast-moving enemies. - Situational Effectiveness
It shines in certain missions, like defense scenarios or tight corridors, but struggles in wide-open areas with scattered enemies.
Tips for Using the Arc Thrower
- Always Communicate with Your Team – Let your squad know when you’re using it so they can avoid stepping into the arc range.
- Use in Choke Points – Enemies clustered in narrow paths are the perfect setup.
- Pair with Crowd Control – Stuns or slows can hold enemies in place long enough for you to chain maximum damage.
- Don’t Panic Fire – If you release the charge too early, you waste its potential. Patience is key.
Should You Invest in the Arc Thrower?
For players who enjoy risk-versus-reward gameplay, the Arc Thrower offers a satisfying and powerful option. It’s not a beginner-friendly weapon, but once mastered, it delivers some of the most devastating squad wipes against enemy groups.
If you’re looking to expand your arsenal, many players choose to buy Helldivers 2 super credits to speed up progression. You can also buy Helldivers 2 items U4GM if you want more flexibility in customizing your loadouts. U4GM is often mentioned in the community as a go-to resource for players looking to round out their inventories quickly.
The Arc Thrower is a weapon that rewards planning, awareness, and precise teamwork. It’s not about spamming shots but about knowing when and where to unleash its electrical fury. While it comes with notable risks, few tools in Helldivers 2 can match its sheer spectacle when used at the right moment.