How to get every weapon unlock in Helldivers 2
How do you actually unlock every weapon in Helldivers 2 without getting lost in menus, Warbonds, and mission rewards?
If you have ever stared at the armory and wondered why half the guns are still locked, you are not alone. Helldivers 2 does not explain everything clearly, so here is a full breakdown in a simple question-and-answer format, based on real player experience rather than dry patch notes.
What are weapon unlocks tied to in Helldivers 2?
Weapon unlocks in Helldivers 2 are mainly tied to Warbonds.
Think of Warbonds as progression tracks. Each one contains weapons, armor, grenades, boosters, and cosmetic items. To unlock weapons, you move through Warbond pages and spend medals on specific nodes.
Some weapons are available in the standard Warbond that everyone gets. Others are locked behind premium Warbonds, which require Super Credits to access first.
Do I need to level up to unlock weapons?
Not directly.
Your player level unlocks Stratagems, not weapons. Weapons are almost entirely tied to Warbonds and medals. That means a lower-level player can still unlock powerful weapons early if they focus their medals wisely.
That said, higher difficulty missions become easier with better Stratagem access, which indirectly helps you earn medals faster. So leveling up still matters, just not in a straight line.
How do medals work, and why are they so important?
Medals are the main currency used to unlock weapon nodes in Warbonds.
You earn medals by completing missions, finishing operations, and contributing to Major Orders. Higher difficulty missions usually give more medals, but they also carry more risk.
If you are short on time and want to speed up progress, some players look into options like buy helldivers 2 medals to catch up on Warbond unlocks. This is usually discussed among players who missed earlier content or joined the game late and want to access older weapons more quickly.
What is the fastest way to earn medals naturally?
The most reliable way is running short, high-success missions on medium to high difficulty.
Operations that can be completed in under 20 minutes are ideal. Focus on main objectives first, then grab nearby side objectives only if they are on the way.
Playing with a coordinated squad helps a lot. Even random groups tend to perform better if everyone understands when to push and when to extract. Failing a mission wastes time, so consistency beats difficulty when farming medals.
What are premium Warbonds, and are they required for all weapons?
Premium Warbonds are optional, but they do contain unique weapons you cannot get elsewhere.
You unlock these Warbonds using Super Credits, which can be earned slowly in missions or obtained faster through other means. Some players choose to buy helldivers 2 super credits to unlock premium Warbonds sooner, especially when a new one drops with weapons that fit their playstyle.
The key thing to remember is that premium does not mean overpowered. Most premium weapons are sidegrades, offering different strengths rather than raw damage upgrades.
Which Warbond should I unlock first?
If you are new, start by completing the standard Warbond.
It teaches you how progression works and gives you reliable weapons that perform well on all difficulties.
After that, choose premium Warbonds based on how you like to play. If you enjoy crowd control, look for weapons with area denial or stagger. If you prefer precision, focus on rifles and marksman-style weapons. Do not unlock Warbonds just because they are new. Unlock the ones that match your role in the squad.
Are there any weapons unlocked outside of Warbonds?
A small number of weapons may appear through special events or updates, but Warbonds remain the core system.
Major Orders usually reward medals or cosmetics, not direct weapon unlocks. Always check patch notes, but do not expect surprise weapon drops outside Warbonds very often.
How do I avoid wasting medals on bad unlocks?
Read the weapon descriptions carefully and pay attention to handling stats.
Damage numbers do not tell the full story. Reload speed, recoil, armor penetration, and ammo economy matter more on higher difficulties.
A personal tip is to unlock one weapon, test it in a few missions, then decide your next step. Rushing through an entire page just to reach the next one can leave you stuck with weapons you do not enjoy using.
Do weapons scale with difficulty?
Weapons do not scale, but enemy armor and behavior do.
This means some early weapons feel weaker later on, even though they are still usable. Unlocking a variety of weapons helps you adapt to different enemy factions and mission types.
Switching weapons between missions is normal. Most experienced players do not rely on a single gun for everything.
Is it possible to unlock everything without spending real money?
Yes, it is absolutely possible.
It just takes time and consistent play. Super Credits can be found during missions, and medals will pile up if you complete Major Orders regularly.
Some community discussions mention third-party services like U4GM when talking about speeding up progression, but this is more about convenience than necessity. Everything in the game can be unlocked through normal gameplay if you are patient.
What is the biggest mistake players make when chasing weapon unlocks?
Trying to unlock everything at once.
Helldivers 2 is designed around teamwork and adaptability, not completion speed. Focus on weapons that support your squad and your preferred role. You will naturally unlock the rest over time.
In the end, the best weapon is the one you know how to use under pressure. Unlocks matter, but experience matters more. Take your time, experiment, and enjoy the chaos.
System Overview: Helldivers 2 Control Group Warbond Armor Passive: Adreno-Defibrillator Explained
