MG-206 Heavy Machine Gun CRUSHES Everything in Helldivers 2 | 7+ EPIC Best Loadout Tips & Tricks

The MG-206 Heavy Machine Gun is EPIC! Since the recent helldivers 2 patch and update there has been much debate around what are the best stratagems, best eagles, best orbital strikes and best support weapons and primary weapons. I don't think there is such thing as a "META" and to quote ThiccFila, "META" stands for "Most Exciting Tactic Available". I love this! In this video I've been exploring a range of different setups in terms of the best primary weapon and support stratagem combinations (in my opinion) which are some of the helldivers 2 best loadout choices!
We'll be exploring the Helldivers 2 MG-206 Machine Gun, the flamethrower for the helldivers 2 fire build. We'll also be looking into how assault rifles and sentries now perform. Tier lists often include the arc 12 blitzer aka the blitzer shotgun lower down than I would usually put it. Let's jump in and see if you can come to a conclusion around what is the best helldivers 2 build.
#helldivers2 #helldivers #helldivers2gameplay
00:45 - Automatons Combinations | MG-206 Heavy Machine Gun
11:43 - Terminid Combinations
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All music by STILZ!

[@PhaseShifter]

Unfortunately there was no good images for the MG-206 I could use! The Stalwart hopefully gets the point across in the thumbnail!

[@iceicebabie]

The fact I knew immediately it was the wrong one, I've played too much 😂

[@Polaris5664]

The stalwart is pretty good for bugs too, the 1050Rpm is insane and feels fun AF to use

[@PhaseShifter]

@@iceicebabie It's tilting me! It feels wrong! Haha!

[@Rafael96xD]

Explosive crossbow + Arc Thrower + 110mm rockets + Orbital railgun is my true and beloved choise.

[@TheJestersDoor]

Everyone I drop with is like🤢why use crossbow?! Then I shut down stratagem jammers from across the map! Haha

[@crawdaddy.actual]

I recommend switching out the railcannon for the precision strike; especially now that the call in time has been halved. Less than half the cool down time with wayyy more utility. Might take some getting used to, but personally after I'd mastered it I've never looked back. I could write a couple paragraphs on how much stuff the OPS can do the railcannon can't.

[@PhaseShifter]

THIS. SOUNDS. EPIC!

[@PhaseShifter]

@@crawdaddy.actual Do it!!!

[@PhaseShifter]

@@TheJestersDoor You've all hyped me for this

[@jalontf2]

Punisher Plasma + Spear for bots, Blitzer + Recoilless for bugs. GGs all around!

[@PhaseShifter]

THE MAN. THE MYTH. THE JALON! Zapzap bois unite! I need to use PP more against bots! Will check it out!

[@Magnusfication]

My go to loadout aswel. Except i swap the recoilless for the spear or flamethrower depending on what my teammates choose. Blitzer is so much fun, the fact that it staggers everything outweighs the lack of range and damage compared to the breaker imo

[@ClayInvictus]

How do you handle shriekers with that terminid loadout?

[@jalontf2]

@@ClayInvictus HMG Emplacement

[@HarryVoyager]

HMG + Scorcher is excellent against bots. It is very strong against Factory Striders. Use the Scorcher to clear out the Devastator drop, set RPM to max and dash under it to gut it in a single pass. Super epic. HMG against Gunships, go prone and set it to 450 to get solid hits. Another fun one for bugs is the Sickle + Grenade Launcher + Bushwacker. You'll want to bring heavy killer stratagems, but it has phenomenal horde clear capacity in a relatively low recoil, easy to aim package, so you can run it with whatever armor you want. I tend to run it with the Tactical armor, for a nice blend of tanky but mobile. Against bugs I've also been running the HMG and Adjudicator. It's got solid horde handling, solid, though skilly Charger handling, and just destroys Bile Spewers.

[@PhaseShifter]

I realised I missed out a strider clip. It's insane when you dump a full barrel into the undercarriage! Agreed re: the Gunships. I've gotten better since the video footage at landing those volleys. The 450RPM is also much needed most of the time I feel! Your bug loadout sounds awesome - I will try that! Thank you for the comment :)

[@Chris-uu9ce]

Why the Scorcher and not the Jar-5?

[@Raven5431]

​@Chris-uu9ce scorcher is just more consistent and don't need to worry as much about shield devastators and scout striders completely blocking a shot also does more damage to vents.

[@HarryVoyager]

@@Chris-uu9ce It fires faster, reloads much faster, and has much higher projectile velocity, handles better and has AoE with AP3, so it can damage and flinch multiple Devastators when they are tightly packed. Don't get me wrong, the Dominator has higher single target DPS and total damage, but the HMG covers the single target damage better.

[@TotPocket]

Hear me out: HMG + PlasPunisher

[@sorrysiritwonthappenagain5851]

I use the AMR alot for the bots. AMR againt scout striders can two shot to the front plate, but only near the top of the front plate. Hitting the middle will make it a 3 shot. This is a much easier shot in a rush instead of aiming for the legs.

[@PhaseShifter]

AMR is probably my favourite support weapon I think!

[@devinnewman2397]

1 shot to the joint that holds the legs, just under the pilot. The pilot will survive though.

[@raccoonmanthing]

I wanna see phase shifter, eravin, and thiccfila doing helldive missions

[@PhaseShifter]

Don't forget CrazyMrPipz to ensure the squad has maximum gainz! It would be great to get us all together for a video/stream or two! Love all their content - very inspirational stuff across the board!

[@raccoonmanthing]

@@PhaseShifter pipz only plays bugs, while eravin specializes in bots, for me they are interchangeable by what faction is being fought

[@crawdaddy.actual]

Oh you mean the special forces?

[@PhaseShifter]

@@crawdaddy.actual

[@devinnewman2397]

And Clouplays

[@joniscraft]

Standard Punisher and Heavy MG against terminids. The Punisher one-hits stalkers and anything you hit gets thrown back and staggered. You can literally push a hive guard or brood commander into an explosive strategem that is being deployed. The MG deals with spewers and hive guards (where the Punisher doesn't shine). You're essentially anti-medium and crush everything that isn't heavily armored. For that you rely on friends. Good coop strategy.

[@runnergo1398]

Just use an autocannon sentry for the mediums? Like you said, you can push them back to keep them away from the sentry?

[@Moodyman90]

Don't always do it myself by my personal take is have one weapon that's slow firing but powerful (for heavies), something that shoots fast with lots of ammo(for chaff), and then secondary and grenade slot are utility. Grenade pistol if you run stun or smoke grenades, whatever gun you feel comfortable with if you're using actual explosives. Now granted, you can spam fire the Autocannon and AMR but I'm not using them for chaff clear unless things are grouped together.

[@Notashi0]

I've taken to using the Tenderizer and Railgun on the bots. The Tenderizer lets me mop up smaller bots with short bursts and knock out Devastators that get too close, then I can pop Devastators and Hulks with the railgun, while still packing a shield generator or jump pack for defense or mobility.

[@PhaseShifter]

This sounds sick!

[@TobiasRieper_87]

Good video. Some very unique and fun looking combos, makes me want to give them a go. The ARC blitzer is one of the few truly CC weapons, I say that because even if you don't kill them as quickly as some, you can stun control the crowd giving a team mate much needed time to reload, get some space, or line up a quasar shot on a bile uninterrupted. Pummeler used to be the same for bots with the stun lock concussive. My personal bug build is similar, Blitzer, EAT, Verdict, 500kg, rail cannon for chargers. I take the EAT instead of the quasar because you can share with the team, and if you get killed you've got another one in under 80s but it's a small preference choice. Then you can fill your 4th strat with a rover or jetpack. I take the verdict for clearing bugs off of players so I don't zap them with blitz. Grenade armor gives me 6 grenades for nests so GP is not as needed. You could swap the Verdict for the Senator. Have you tried pairing Experimental Infusion with medic armors?

[@PhaseShifter]

Thank you so much for the 20 dollar super chat bro! That's super kind of you! I'm glad the video has inspired you! Love me some cc weapons! Blizter Bois unite! I have indeed - if i'm not using Peak Physique, medic is my go to!!!

[@RepublicofODLUM]

I use the medic/infusion combo and even use my flamethrower to damage myself a bit to zoom around the map like a madman lol. Probably not wise use of your stims, but it's fun and can get you around quickly when you need the zoomies

[@mikaelman6861]

Very helpful. Planning to try some of these after work later!

[@PhaseShifter]

Really glad this has worked into your planning mate! Let us know if you come up with any other bangers!

[@kranix5244]

Very informative video. A lot of combinations here I was not even aware of or have never used. Gonna give these a try. You got my sub.

[@PhaseShifter]

Yo! Really glad it's been helpful - let me know how you get on!

[@CarlosDiaz-je1bg]

HMG with supply pack, use as primary. Bring breaker for anything that gets close. Bring stuns to give you time to reload in chaos.

[@EarthBoundBean]

I have used almost exclusively the slugger or punisher. There is a bit of sickle amd plasma pun as well. Laser and hmg for support. Some combination of these hafe carried me through all my games 😌👍

[@marini11]

Some good choices ! I run Adjudicator + Machine Gun + Redeemer. Kicks ass.

[@keonwells934]

I running the same set up. I've been using the grenade pistol lately but may go back tonthe redeemer

[@PhaseShifter]

Is this for Bugs or Bots? Like the sound of this loadout!

[@marini11]

@@PhaseShifter Mostly Bugs because you can throw out so many bullets. MG at max RPM., if you run out of bullets use the Adjudicator. I also use the redeemer a lot on small bugs to save ammo.

[@keonwells934]

@@PhaseShifter bugs.

[@Viper3220]

I'll use the hmg when I can have both ergonomics and 30% less recoil at the same time. I acknowledge its power... I simply don't find it fun to use. I want an MG that I can fire that triggers the "GET SUM!" type voice lines. Not a weird, slow reloading DMR pretending to be an MG

[@PhaseShifter]

Haha I never thought about it as a DMR - I see your point

[@runnergo1398]

Using a female voice and the MG is so funny hearing her maniacal scream while you mow down a bunch of terminids.

[@ervincardoza4419]

Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@PhaseShifter]

Yo! Really glad you enjoyed it! Keep your eyes peeled for a follow up ☺️

[@user-or4ts8in2m]

Lately I’ve been running the pummeler with the MG and supply pack. With an auto cannon sentry and orbital railgun. For me it works beautifully. Oh and the grenade pistol.

[@TheJestersDoor]

For bugs: Blitzer/Verdict/Grenade Launcher For bots: Crossbow/Bushwacker/AMR

[@PhaseShifter]

GL 4 LIFE!

[@Beowulf0510]

The dominator with the peak physique perk is amazing

[@PhaseShifter]

Going to be exploring that for sure now!

[@Beowulf0510]

@@PhaseShifter I love pairing it with autocannon as it also greatly benefits from the perk and really any secondary (personal love for the bushwhacker). While it definitely does better with bots you'd be surprised how effective it is with bugs as well

[@Magnusfication]

Havent tried this yet, definately gunna give it a go! ❤

[@ClayInvictus]

Peak Physique + Dominator + HMG ❤

[@SupaMan1]

My stay back and shoot build is Eruptor and spear. I’m not out here top of the board in kills but I definitely close hives with little to no problems unless I get swarms but typically can outrun everything unless teammates help clear out bugs near me

[@daweyh8257]

MG-206 is great. Finaly an LMG worth using against all kind of undemocratic foes

[@RageAgainstYouNoobs]

I love it too but just a correction, the MG-206 is the Heavy Machine Gun and people just call it the HMG, not to be confused with the LMGs.

[@PhaseShifter]

It's SO DAMN GOOD!

[@daweyh8257]

@@RageAgainstYouNoobs true my fault. My head always says hmg = stationary so I classified this as lmg

[@Frenchtoastedfruitloops]

Bug build: Erupter, rover guard-dog, eat/rail canon/precision orbital strike (based on the situation and mission), cluster bomb, stalwart. Your choice of side arm. I like the deagle. Fire nades or stun nades, i like stun personally for easy charger kills. Only take orbital PS if you know the orbital accuracy scrabbling modifier isn’t active. Rail strike is better for more team centric games as you are going to be wave clearing mostly for your team and only helping with heavies on the side. Take EAT for more solo objective games and dedicated heavy killing. Erupter is the best bug hole weapon as it allows for fast pace long range closing and has high capacity for the job. Doubles as a great hive gaurd and brood commander killer.

[@PhaseShifter]

Scramble is a disaster for PS! Hate when I don't notice that! Thank you for the suggestions and comment!

[@cixtos]

Threat Reduction in Helldivers 2 is an incredibly valuable asset to bring to any team. It would be neat to learn how this can be achieved against the Terminids (as it’s incredibly obvious when this is achieved while facing the Automatons)

[@PhaseShifter]

I haven't even really considered that! There's so many nids it's probably impossible to notice xD

[@FurieMan]

Would recommend running against bugs Grenade launcher with ammo pack and then a incendiary shotgun. The Grenade launcher murders all medium to light enemies and with the ammo pack you have a lot of ammo so you can just spam it. The only problem is up close enemies so the incendiary works really well. Rather than grenade pistol I bring the verdict pistol, this is because incendiary is really bad at helping friends who are being attacked, you are more likely just to kill a friend. The verdict has a good balance of damage and accuracy and ammo to deal with smaller threats that are killing friends. Also since I am running the grenade launcher I do not need the utility. The grenade launcher also pairs really well with the 110mm eagle strike. Moste heavy enemies will not die to one but it will remove armor. This means you can then kill them with the grenade launcher. Usually also bring something to deal with bug breaches, mostly the gas strike but a napalm strike or a turret works well.

[@PhaseShifter]

I'd recommend trying both for unreal horde clear! If you're more concerned about saving your friends I'd say pick something with stagger or knockback!

[@ferdinandpetersen6082]

Two machinegun builds for bugs: 1: SG-8 Punisher - Grenade pistol - HMG -with the viper commando armor The SG-8 with its rounds reload pairs really well as a 'secondary' to the HMG, due to its rounds reload. It's always ready to clean up the smaller bugs that you don't want to waste your valuable HMG shots on. oh.. and it can reload WHILE chambering the next shot, meaning you have 60 shots in your mag if you play it right. I run supply pack with this build aswell. 2: Explosive Crossbow / Eruptor - Bushwacker - Stalwart This just makes your Stalwart your primary. For quick burstfire you can swap to the bushwacker to kill any hunter or stalker that sneaks up on you. When choosing between the Explosive crossbow or Eruptor just ask yourself this: Do I want to be able to easily deal with medium enemies (Broods, spitters, Hive guards) or do I want to clear bugholes faster? If you hate those medium enemies - choose the Eruptor. Both these loadouts aren't suited for dealing with bile titans, so if you want to be able to do that, pick stratagems that can do so. I found that both these loadouts are very efficient if someone on the team has a SPEAR. You simply run the supply pack. Keep them fed with rockets and clean anything up arround the spear player, so that they can deal with the bile titans for you. Happy machinegunnin'!!

[@PhaseShifter]

Amazing suggestions here, gunna explore them! Thank you for taking the time to be so thorough!

[@crawdaddy.actual]

For bots, I like to try and control the Devastator population for my team. Dominator, Railgun (on unsafe), and a shield pack. Railgun charged to 85-90% will kill a Devastator anywhere it hits. The shield pack gives you a moment to eat some rounds while you charge/ place your shot, and in my experience has saved me from an exploding weapon in my hands. On the rare occasion I fuck up. It also punches through the face plate of Striders, and even on safe can one shot a Hulk in the eye. Dominator stun locks all of them and can one shot small guys. It can also strip the front guns off a Factory Strider and one shot Devastators in the face. Its eerily more accurate on this than the DCS imo. Orbital Smoke is also nice with this for guerilla tactics. I can solo dual gunship towers without any damage. HIGHLY recommend if the rest of your team is equipped for tank killing. Getting that heat off of them really makes a difference.

[@PhaseShifter]

You've inspired me! WATCH THIS SPACE!!!

[@jhiieri7812]

The Blitzer and Quasar are my go to with a Grenade Pistol for quick nest clearance. The Quasar Cannon can eliminate nests and Bot factories from really far but where it shines the most is for taking out Shrieker Nests before you get in range of them. It's harder to aim for gunships, but doable. I just wish the Blitzer was a bit more rully on the aim and wouldn't get stopped by a bush as often as it does. A bug in a bush is almost invincible to the Blitzer. Also, I've had problems detonating mines with the Blitzer recently, although my friends tell me they don't have a problem, so I'm hoping it's an isolated bug

[@PhaseShifter]

Possibly my favourite loadout tbh! Love the setup!

[@DiscoveringOrthodoxy]

I prefer the ARC Blitzer for the stun locking

[@Psyko_Monk3y]

Personally I prefer blitzer + EAT. The charge up on the quasar is fine but I prefer being able to whip out my rocket launcher, kill the heavy, and continue to keep the horde at bay. But still keep the jetpack, it really helps keep you moving and just far enough from the bugs.

[@PhaseShifter]

I hear ya. I'm actually going off the quasar a bit so may revisit EAT!

[@jnng2058]

For the HMG/Scorcher build, you can swap in the Plasma Punisher for the Scorcher, and I think you should. It's got better blast radius for easy trash clearing, and the arcing shots gives you a different way to attack than the straight line shot you get with both the Scorch and HMG. Further, to get the eyeball kill on a Hulk, hit it with a Stun first, then pick it off with the HMG while it's hunched over and frozen.

[@PhaseShifter]

I have not explored the Plasma Shotty against bots anywhere near enough so I think that is next! Thanks for the suggestion! Stun tech is something I do, I don't know why I didn't highlight that in the video... silly me! Thank you for the comment!

[@jnng2058]

@@PhaseShifter Plas Punisher insta kills Troopers and two shots Striders (shoot between the legs or aim for the top to kill the pilot). You can stagger and kill Devs and Berzerks, but the HMG is better for those. It's technically possible, though difficult, to land plasma shots on the rear heat sink of both Hulks and Tanks when shooting from the front, but you have to get the angle just right, and I don't recommend it unless you have nothing else available.

[@MEDUSAvsSHOE]

I stopped bringing a secondary weapon in order to bring the HMG Enplacement. With the stim perk, I become the angel of death.

[@Raven5431]

Ive done some no weapon games as well. Worked out better than one might think since you can pick up dropped weapons most of the time. And he'll ya HMG emplacement can be clutch In the right position especially in takeing out gunships from two nearby factories just mow them down. And people that say to hard to hit hulks in the head....more then likely are too close to them to begin with and should probably be running Lol but I've killed 2-3 in a row and packs of devastators EZ. Only thing is get 3 drop ships in quick succession and even shield relay won't do shit unfortunately....that thing needs buffs....nothing worse than sitting under a shield that Instantly pops as soon as it activates.

[@PhaseShifter]

LOVE THIS! I want to try :D

[@isthataninfernapereference4821]

For bugs I have a cool set up for anyone who cares, punisher shotgun for primary, this thing staggers like crazy and is consistent against the lighter bugs, grenade pistol for objectives, and medium machine gun for heavier targets, vs chargers you use stun nades to circle behind it and unload into the butt with the mg, and with the new durable damage buff, you can take down even behemoths using this method. Railcannon for titans or whatever you prefer, an anti swarm strat then the last is up to you.

[@PhaseShifter]

This sounds like a very boots on the ground shooty shooty vibes approach! I like it!

[@NicoBlackXIV]

Really appreciate this video. Most Tierlists and such seem to forget that support weapons should always be evaluated based on the loadouts they form. I also like the loadouts you mentioned but I would like to suggest the most underrated weapon the Counter-Sniper, which is amazing against bots in general, I would pair it with the Quasar Cannon, but it's also the perfect match to cover for the Flamethrower's shortcomings agains bugs.

[@PhaseShifter]

Yo! Glad you enjoyed the video! I really enjoy experimenting with different setups etc and totally understand what you mean but being more open minded when evaluating overall effectiveness! I'm trying to enjoy the DCS but I just can't get there ATM. What would you suggest as a full loadout?

[@TheRisingAnarchy]

I used to always run the stalwart/scorcher combo.

[@mysterious___1]

I love your videos man. Keep doing it. 👍

[@PhaseShifter]

Man, this kind of comment is really appreciated! I'm really glad you're enjoying them. Just out of curiosity, what do you like about them?

[@mysterious___1]

@@PhaseShifter I watch you, crazymrpipz, glitch unlimited, and ohdough for HD2 content. I think the most refreshing thing about your videos is that they’re not clickbait and enjoyable. I used to watch cloudplays and stylosa when the game first launch but then I realized how bad their videos are. Cloudplays makes one or two videos a day, i don’t know if he still does, about nonsense and reddit posts. I’d say the best thing about your videos is your accent lol.

[@TimothyTinnitus]

Cool. First, I have to get cutting edge, but cool 👍

[@Boronho]

Crossbow, Bushwacker, Stun Grenades and Stalwart against Bugs brings a lot of fun atm with Prcision Strike and some Eagles.

[@Fishrokk]

Some of these I'm going to have to revisit. The others I'm going to have to try for the first time.

[@PhaseShifter]

Yooo! Fishrokk! Definitely do and let me know how you get on! :) I still need to speak to you about that spreadsheet!

[@swamp-puppy14]

My go-to chaff clear build for bugs has been dominator + stalwart, paired with a laser guard dog. Any light infantry patrol gets nearly vaporized by just spraying at it with the stalwart. It's especially good at dealing with hunter swarms. Dominator is used for hive guard and brood commanders, and if you really need to a charger butt as well. The amounft of 30+ killstreaks I get with this build is actually insane. You can also swap the dominator for the eruptor for a similar effect but gaining bug hole closing ability which frees up your secondary to whatever you want.

[@PhaseShifter]

I've literally been experimenting with the erupter stalwart combo over the weekend. Very nice if you do some fast reload weapon swaps too! Great comment :)

[@ClayInvictus]

How do you mainly deal with Chargers with this combo?

[@swamp-puppy14]

@@ClayInvictus I usually bring at least an OPS + stuns. The 4th stratagem slot is a bit of a wild card for me depending on team comp. If we need more AT then I’ll also bring like a 500kg or EAT as well. If I feel we’re good on AT then I like bringing an MG turret for even more chaff clear effectiveness. And in the worst case, you can just gun down the charger butt with stuns + dominator/stalwart mag dump

[@csukscari]

In my opinion and experience, the AMR best pairs with an SMG and the ballistic shield, with stun grenades and the grenade pistol. It's my default go to when fighting automatons, letting me take whatever two turrets/orbitals/eagles I feel like using.

[@PhaseShifter]

I'm getting more and more hooked with auto cannon and or rocket turrets!

[@Ssalamanderr]

Thanks for the video! I have been looking for a good HMG build. Still climbing difficulty levels and unlocking stuff, but the loadouts I've had most success with: Bots: Light armour, Autocannon, Plasma Punisher, Senator, stun grenades, Precision Orbital, Eagle Airstrike and either 500 KG or Orbital Gatling. Plasma Punisher is super fun, AOE and staggering make it very versatile, and you can stay in cover with its arcing shots. Bugs: Heavy armour with engineering kit, incendiary grenades, flamethrower, sickle, bushwhacker, guard dog rover, napalm or railcannon, 500 KG - This can dive into big bug nests no problem and take them out with all your grenades Hopefully I will get the grenade pistol soon, it seems to round out a lot of loadouts really nicely.

[@PhaseShifter]

Yo! Glad you enjoyed it! Man, that HMG build is SO MUCH FUN! Let me know how you get on with it. I'm addicted to Grenade Pistol most of the time!

[@oditeomnes]

smg-ballistic shield-AMR. Switching weapons decides if I am tanking the enemy or running away while protecting my back.

[@PhaseShifter]

I like it! I haven't tried this anywhere near enough!

[@oditeomnes]

@@PhaseShifter It's not a meta build, however It is useful for the team when one person pulls an aggro during base assault. Because of the role, I use armor with 50% explosion resistance, in my case medium/heavy B-24 Enforcer. A devastator rocket to my shield will knock me back and only take away 5-10% of my health while my team can dish out damage at their leisure. Also it seems that you melee range is affected by weapon length, making AMR equivalent to a spear.

[@jasony8480]

Bots: Prefer Tenderizer or Adjudicator with HMG. Rational: HMG is a closer ranged weapon and both these weapons are efficient against troopers and devastators at range. Bugs: Liberator Carbine with HMG. Rational: Liberator Carbine is like a Stalwart light. The weapon can take down a solid amount of lower HP bugs in short bursts or spray into a mass with good effect. HMG handles everything with medium armor or heavier and often sips ammo while it is at it (3 for Hive Guard, around a dozen for a Brood Commander (kills it before it can breach/reinforce!), 3-6 for a Bile Spewer, 20 for a Charger rear)

[@PhaseShifter]

Interesting! I like that you've included the lib carbine!

[@SplitFinn]

Tenderiser HMG Supply Pack Eagle Airstrike Orbital Precision Strike Stun Grenade Fortified Armor for Recoil Reduction and Explosive Resistance. Experimental Infusion Booster. Run this and you can counter practically everything the Bots can throw at you.

[@jared5583]

Any machinegun with the eruptor (quick swap tech), destroy everything!

[@PhaseShifter]

We were literally doing this on Tuesday's stream. Erupter shot into stalwart blast, rinse repeat. I totally forgot to include this! Maybe the next one?!

[@panzer00]

What is the quick swap tech?

[@mischief2223]

@@panzer00swapping quickly between your primary and secondary/support so you can quick fire it

[@panzer00]

@@mischief2223 nice

[@TraucerDaUrbania]

This is my favourite loudout, feels so good to clear small/mediums solo with peal physique you can take the HMG and even clear some heavies

[@dogon1013]

ben enjoying an all projectile build. pummeler, heavy machinegun, supply pack, and throwing assist armor. Been really digging the stunlock ability of the pummeler. esepcially against stalkers.

[@PhaseShifter]

INTERESTING!!!!

[@kracken1197]

Dominator and Stalwart for bugs. Dominator makes short work of medium armor targets and the Stalwart clears everything else. Pair with stun grenades to stop chargers and shoot their butt. Add in a guard dog and you can clear everything but a bolt titan without using a strategum

[@PhaseShifter]

Yeah I like this combo or with erupter, especially if you get into a rhythm with weapon swapping!

[@clements3715]

I'm using the tenderizer i semi auto with the Quazar canon against bugs, very effective and not ammo hungry :)

[@Raven5431]

Incindiairy breaker with supply back pack and grenade launcher. Lots of ammo to go around can take out shriekers rather well with breaker, clear hords alternating between breaker and launcher to get most out of ammo when useing the supply pack and the launcher can still dispatch chargers fairly well by aiming behind or underneath to splash damage the rear. And can clear bug holes with no issue. Bring 110mm rockets and orbital rail cannon and you have a great setup even with orbital scatter and shieker patrols.

[@DivineAccuracy1611]

Also the laser cannon is 2X better if you crouch and don’t strafe.

[@LordBloodpool]

I actually really like the Tenderizier and AMR combo, it's a good all round load out but does need to be backed up with impacts and anti-tank strikes (rocket strike and orbital strikes are my favourite)

[@nuke7777]

Stalwart gone go crazy on illuminate

[@SuperDuperHappyTime]

Hear me out on my AMR Primary: Incendiary Shotgun. Yes, even on Bots. It’s not going to destroy bot infantry immediately, but the wide range of fire allows you to hit an entire 10 man squad with 2-3 shots, and they drop like flies after a few seconds from burn damage.

[@Kabobandrice]

Adjudicator, grenade pistol, quasar. Sometimes the one handed shotgun in place of the pistol.

[@Kabobandrice]

I tried splitting off from my team with the plasma shotgun/flamethrower and a grenade pistol and kept dying. The low rate of fire + getting swarmed by the little terminids was too much even with the shield backpack. Might try it again with some other combos like Jetpack and/or redeemer.

[@shaundaly1134]

I love the Stalwart / Dominator / Machine pistol / HE Grenade combo against Bugs. Against Bots its Sickle / EAT / Stun Grenade & Machine Pistol.

[@PhaseShifter]

Solid setups!

[@cal7281]

used the arc blitzer since it's drop and it's too tier for bugs level 115 with 130k kills on bugs, I run cluster, gas, orbital barrage and a spear with frag pistol with fire frags on and 6 frags 💪

[@beakwooda.k.aadregallus8788]

I actually use Eruptor and HMG vs bots. Helps a lot with clearing fabricators and is very good at balancing long and close range.

[@PhaseShifter]

Interesting!!!!

[@Psyko_Monk3y]

Scorcher + HMG is good for bots because that explosive trait helps get damage when you miss. But for bugs I prefer the dominator + HMG because the dominator is good for hitting the bugs with that sweet sweet damage. (and it gets good use out of the peak physique)

[@LogainTheHumane]

Problem I have with the tenderizer now is with it's light armor pen it simply takes too many shots to down enemies. Combine that with it's high fire rate and the gun is just permanently out of ammo. I will literally get a resupply, and then be out of ammo within 90 seconds, then get overrun while everything else is on cooldown and I'm waiting for another resupply. Jar-5 simply doesn't have that problem

[@PhaseShifter]

I'm currently exploring the JAR more... I think I am in agreement, it's a helluva weapon !

[@thors_hammr_shot8382]

Arc blitzer, quasar cannon, laser rover backpack for bugs

[@RepublicofODLUM]

Not sure if u mentioned this, but the HMGs scope is way off. The red dot is above where the bullets actually fire, which may be why you were finding it more difficult to hit the hulks eye. Pretty much just use the third person aim until they fix it Edit: it's triggering me more than it probably should that you kept emptying your autocannon entirely before reloading lol. The reload is like 1 second if u don't empty the mag, and like 4 if u do.

[@PhaseShifter]

Fair point re: AC! Sloppy efficiency xD I've had some crazy instances with the HMG where the bullets literally go vertical from the barrel!

[@dcrass9952]

my favourite Terminid loadout atm is... Flamethrower Incendiary shotgun Grenade pistol Impact Incendiary nades Shield generator Heavy medkit armor 500kg Napalm i almost never die if not for friendly cluster bombs. but i do love to play around with combinations, will definitely try these for sure.

[@PhaseShifter]

FIRE is just unreal atm - I left that one out! Another S-Tier choice! Love the variety too mate - lemme know how you get on with the loadouts!

[@undefinedG20]

I like how not everyone is talking about the pummeler. it's seriously my go to now for both bots and bugs. Nonetheless, i'll still try all these combos out for shitz n giggles! Thanks bro!

[@PhaseShifter]

Yo mate! Good to see you again! Do you still rate the pummeller after it's stagger nerf against chargers and hulks?? Maybe I was too quick to turn away from it!

[@undefinedG20]

@@PhaseShifter I'm going to be honest, I got the pummeler after the nerf so I can't say. I just love it for how it feels...but I don't really see the issue if I'm smacking heavies with the spear, "queso", or recoilless. Or... no need to stagger if I just get straight to the point and blow em up with strategems!

[@Doc_Paradox]

because the only thing it had going for it was the stagger effect and now that it is no longer a thing on enemies that you'd receive a benefit for using it on literally every weapon is better than it now. not saying you shouldnt use it mind you. Just that theres much better options after they nerfed it.

[@TipMona]

The medic: Any armor with med-kit perk blitzer arc thrower laser dog nade pistol stun nade The Demoman any armor with fortified perk Punisher plasma/scorcher autocannon redeemer/senator/nade pistol srun nade

[@PhaseShifter]

Zapzap and Boom boom builds!

[@holden7688]

My current bot and bug loadouts Bots: adjudicator, grenade pistol and stuns with a precision, airstrike and 500kg/380 and an autocannon Bugs: incendiary breaker, grenade pistol and stuns with precision, Gatling barrage and napalm/500kg and a flamethrower

[@MrMortal686]

this game needs loadouts so you can save entire loadouts and 1 click equip them. Would be awesome

[@j2d4oi]

Incendiary Breaker does surprisingly well against the bots. Mainly the troopers and berserkers. For everything else you have the Las Cannon

[@PhaseShifter]

Interesting! I haven't tried incendiary against bots for a long time!

[@LrdBxRck]

Bugs Loadout 1 Weapons: blitzer/grenade pistol/stun grenade :med armor Stratagem: flame thrower/supple pack/napalm Bug Loadout 2 Weapon: breaker incendiary/grenade pistol/incendiary impact : engineering kit Stratagem: Spear/orbital rail Cannon strike/Auto Cannon turret/rocket turret Both of these loadouts have good Duo team synergy. Loadout 1 is a Frontline that clears chargers and stalkers. Loadout 2 clears the terminate structures and kills Titans / shriekers.

[@drag0nmancer]

Eruptor+HMG+bushwacker for both bots and bugs.

[@Slapdash_86]

Dominator spear combo for bots dominator great all rounder spear takes out everything the dominator can't

[@PhaseShifter]

Gunna try this tonight! Also thinking the DCS may be a good one too!

[@panzer00]

Counter sniper and HMG against bots is my pick

[@PhaseShifter]

There's so many I wanna try out - DCS has been recommended previously so definitely need to chase this one up!

[@panzer00]

@PhaseShifter i haven't tried the Peak Physique armor against bots yet. Idk if I can give up my Fortified armor for it but Ill give it a shot. I love the design of the heavy Peak Physique.

[@GPutlovis]

Pummeler + senator + amr. Take the ballistic shield also.

[@PhaseShifter]

Yoooo! Interesting to see people playing pumeller still. I had seen a lot of people were turned away by the nerf to charger and hulk stagger. Do you still find it really good?

[@GPutlovis]

@@PhaseShifter I never used it on hulks, and I only use that loadout for bots. For hulks I stun grenade them, and pop their visor with AMR. I primarily utilize the pummeler in tight spots, I.e. beserker hoards, and keeping the rocket devastators from manifesting a new orifice in my helldiver’s person. Pummeler is more of a utility for my purposes, so that I may acquire cover and take precise shots with the senator at close range, and AMR for mid to long range. A very fun play style. For further context, I equip the armor passive that reduces explosion damage and steadies recoil. Precision strike and eagle air strike in addition to AMR and Ballistic Shield round out the loadout. Tons of fun. And to further rant, I have been mixing it up some with jump pack and the tenderizer replacing the shield and pummeler. Gives me real ODST vibes.

[@ClayInvictus]

Interesting and mostly well functioning combos :) But there are 2 combos I don't understand: 1. Adjudicator and Railgun. You never explain what the point of the Railgun is in the combo. It's mediocre against Chargers, and it's only other purpose seems to be handling Bile Spewers, which many other primaries struggles with but the Adjudicator excels at. I would pair the Adjudicator with the Flamethrower instead. 2. Blitzer and Quasar makes you wide open to Shriekers. Wouldn't the Quasar be better paired with something more allround, like the Breaker Incendiary? And Blitzer with the AA capability of the HMG? (Breaker Incediary and HMG is a nice terminid combo as well. )

[@crumpetcommandos779]

For bots, I've been using tenderiser + autocannon for a while now and that shit shreds. Amr plus scorcher and shield backpack is also really good

[@InvaderDoom05]

Nothing beats spear/recoiless & scorcher combo 😂😂😂you shit on everything and everyone

[@saltpoweredrobot5625]

I was hoping for some interesting combos involving the machine gun or stalwart for bugs... but I don't know what I expected... Bugs force anti tank WAY too much, especially on solo play. Maybe one day Default Machine gun... maybe one day.

[@PhaseShifter]

Yo! With the Bohemoth Charger and the shear abundance of them, I totally agree. I even feel like the Quasar has had it's impact significantly lowered since the horde composition adjustments. You've got me thinking now - I will get back to you! :)

[@LrdBxRck]

I think what you guys are looking for is. Plasma punisher(broken armor)/grenade pistol/incendiary impact(for bug breaches/choke point) Peak physique Machine gun , stalwart or HMG/supply pack/ 110 pods(stick on charger)/ orbital precision strike or 500 kg

[@LuisRamos84]

For bugs I like to use machine gun and incinerator shotgun with a shield.

[@PhaseShifter]

Pure horde destruction!

[@DivineAccuracy1611]

AMR takes 4 shots on a gunship engine, just make sure you’re getting the red hit marker.

[@PhaseShifter]

Your name matches you comment perfectly! Thanks for commenting and sharing the info!

[@RovingFox]

​@@PhaseShifter Also I recommended with striders to shoot at the main shield. It takes them out in 2 shots. I know 1 shot to the leg would be better but in actual gameplay it is very difficult.

[@chloebowie2839]

Heavy machine gun with plasma punisher and grenade pistol (or senator if you want to use gems for factories) is better than scorcher in my opinion. Takes care of all of the bullshit. Tanks are the only thing that can be an issue but an air strike is good for that

[@PhaseShifter]

Yo! I think I agree with you. I've been playing around with the HMG more over the weekend and you hit the nail on the head with the plasma shotty combo. Feels awesome as a pairing!

[@thehitomiboy7379]

Hmg is 7 shots to gunships

[@not.krosshair]

Do you prefer dominator or scorcher

[@PhaseShifter]

Yo Krossie! Good to see you again! Great runs on stream the other day. I think I prefer scorcher but the jury is still out. What about you?

[@ilovedemocracyy]

R-36 Eruptor SG-22 Bushwacker FLAM-40 Peak physique armor + stun grenades. This build is very fun if you want try out something else than inc breaker.

[@ak1996able]

I do this but instead bring crossbow

[@ilovedemocracyy]

@@ak1996able yeah both can take out bug holes

[@PhaseShifter]

Nice suggestions!

[@big_gucci_scorpio328]

The HMG amd the eruptor with the new armor passive is easy mode for bots

[@BigCarso]

Everyone sleeping on the mg43

[@Mr_Big_Head]

Amr is 4 shots to gunships engine

[@DiscoveringOrthodoxy]

Engineering Armor is “better” with HMG imho

[@bocheduszko]

in short, eveyrhing is fine unless you can do the mission

[@Soknik01]

The hmg does nothing VS charger behemoths and bile titans so why take a support weapon that doesn't handle big boys when I could take a support weapon that does?

[@PhaseShifter]

The video doesn't cover the HMG in bugs - its for bots. You're absolutely correct

[@Matthias129]

Stratagems and teammates. Either bring strats that can kill/crack armor or, especially if you have teammates running a heavy AT build, build full crowd clear and stick by your AT squaddie to keep the chaff off them while they clear the big threats. Also, I haven't used the HMG much, but I thought the HMG could take out behemoth butts the same as normal chargers? And I'm pretty sure I've shot both chargers and titans with cracked armor with lower pen guns and still got red hit markers (in the cracked spots, of course). This is also ignoring the biggest reason to take things that aren't "THE META," and that's for fun or switching it up. A lot more guns are viable than people give them credit for, just trying to fit the round peg (the gun) into the triangular hole (a problem the gun isn't designed for). It doesn't help that a lot of Divers try to treat this like a Musou game and feel like they *HAVE* to fight every single enemy they come across. Breach/Bot drop right outside an objective that was just completed? Just leave, let them have the husk of a command bunker or nuked out nest! Patrol crossing left-to-right 40m in front of you on your way to the next objective? Just veer left for 5 seconds. We're not here to just kill bugs/bots and get 1k kills apiece (well, there's the Eradicate missions, but shhh) we're here to launch ICBMs, or rescue Class-A Citizens, or destroy enemy assets. If you're not trying to play Dynasty Warrior or Serious Sam, just about every gun works. I made an oopsie thinking I was on a bot planet and brought my scout armor with Sickle and Las Cannon; turns out it was a _hot_ bug planet. Still ended up with the furthest distance run, 3/4 of extracted samples, and 2nd on kill count. Was it the most optimal? Hell no, but I made it work. Tangent aside, what I'm trying to get at is; don't be afraid to take a more specialized "role" in your squad. In real armies, they don't give each member in the squad an EAT, DMR, grenade launcher, HMG, etc. etc. If you're the designated marksman and you need heavy suppressive fire, you rely on your gunner squad mate to lay down the hate. If you're the squad gunner and some armor rolls up, you're not expected to take it out yourself, but with someone properly equipped to do so (by a squaddie with AT weaponry, or more likely calling in your own armor backup, but still comes down to rely on your team to help you). But if you're comfortable taking the Quasar, Rover, and whatever else is considered meta nowadays for bugs, don't feel like you have to switch it up just because some YTer says the other stuff is awesome/fun/whatever. People love the Scorcher/Dominator/Punisher Plasma with the AC for bots. I've run that loadout, but just kept missing my Sickle and Las Cannon (and sometimes AMR, especially if I'm runnin jump pack to run overwatch, yum). I've seen people run those loadouts and the havoc they can unleash. I didn't do horribly running them but kept running into situations that I knew I'd handle smoother with the weapons I knew better. I ran the Adjudicator (pre-buff) for bugs and it was great, but I was drawn back to the Punisher I'd used before. (Part of that was definitely the 3-4 missions I brought the Adj for had at least one stalker nest and the Adj couldn't really stagger or take them down fast enough, especially if there were 2-3 stalkers at once. Punisher, or new favorite Blitzer, chews 'em up and asks for more!)

[@k_the_v]

First "combo" and I'm already disagreeing with you. Scorcher and MG-206 vs Bots? Why so much overlap? MG-206 can solo EVERY heavy unit there is, so all you need is a bit of backup to kill reg soldiers. Scorcher is too slow for this purpose and can't be used up close for things like berserkers or jetpack commissars 🤷‍♂️

[@PhaseShifter]

It's 100 percent a viable setup. Works very effectively. However, I'd be inclined to recommend using the plasma shotty or the JAR after doing some more exploring of setups this weekend!

[@k_the_v]

@PhaseShifter I actually started running HMG, crossbow and redeemer with stun nades last night. Took a bit of time, but you get so much flexibility out it! Hmg used as a primary, bow as backup for med and bigger enemies, redeemer for killing the small stuff. Bow is fast to close the bug holes, stun nades let's the HMG annihilate everything. Added in 110s and there's nothing I can't easily solo vs bugs right now.

[@k_the_v]

@PhaseShifter if the plasma shotgun would close bug holes I'd be more eager to run it.

[@sseeaall]

My guy, scorcher kills striders and you are using GL pistol ? On lvl 8-9 you run out of ammo in 2 secs and noobs will take all the ammo just for them. What a horrible suggestion

[@PhaseShifter]

I use the grenade pistol for the reason you've outlined. Ensures devastators are dealt with effectively when you need to use the scorcher. As for the ammo issue, I don't have this problem because I play with the same people so we split stuff equally. I agree that must be annoying in a PUG. Another way round that is to sack off a sentry for the supply pack. Then you can spam scorcher more effectively. Hope that helps. Thanks for the comment :)

[@Bashaka104]

If its the heavy machinegun why is the stalwart on the thumbnail Both shit tho

[@Krugnuggets]

Can you use timeline markers?