How to Beat Radicals in Helldivers 2? Best Weapons and Tips

Cyborg in Helldivers 2 has introduced several dangerous new enemies to the battlefield, and one of the most aggressive among them is the Radical. While not the most dangerous or the hardest enemy (Vox Enegine takes the honor easily), these cybernetically enhanced fighters can become extremely frustrating if they are not suppressed early.

That’s especially the case if you don’t understand their attack patterns and weaknesses. However, once you grasp these details, they become easy to counter/handle. That is why we have listed some of the best stratagems and weapons to counter them, along with a few essential tips to survive their deadly rushes.

Top Weapons and Stratagems to Use Against Radicals

Radicals are fast-moving, close-range enemies in Helldivers 2 that rely heavily on pressure and disruption. Their biggest strength is their relentless attack pattern, which consists of smoke, martial arts, and a shotgun to the face. This makes them a real threat if you let them get close to you. So the best counter is high-accuracy weapons that can eliminate them before they reach melee range.

Fortunately, Super Earth provides helldivers with a great arsenal of weapons to do just that. Here are some of the best weapons and stratagems to use against Radicals:

1. EAT-411 Leveller: The Leveller absolutely destroys anything caught in its blast. It might be overkill for regular Radicals, but if several of them are pushing together through smoke, one shot can clear the entire group instantly.
2. RS-422 Railgun: The Railgun is perfect if you prefer precision weapons. A charged headshot can delete a Radical immediately, making it great for shutting them down before they rush into melee range.
3. LAS-13 Trident: Trident is perfect for those who prefer close-range fights, as it is an energy-based shotgun that can easily melt Radicals if aimed correctly. Due to it being an energy weapon, it is great at handling multiple enemies rushing at you (you don’t have to worry about reloads).
4. AR-2 Coyote: The Coyote is a strong incendiary assault rifle with medium armor penetration, making it very reliable against aggressive Cyborg pushes. The fire damage also helps finish weakened enemies.
5. R-72 Censor: The R-72 Censor is one of the easiest weapons for quickly shutting down Radicals. Its high damage and accurate suppressed shots make headshots very consistent.
6. AC-8 Autocannon: The Autocannon is amazing against Radicals because it staggers them constantly and can wipe out multiple Cyborgs before they get close enough to attack.

Note: These are some of the best weapons/stratagems to use against Automatons, in general. Since radicals have light penetration (on their heads and other exposed areas) most weapons (even light penetration like SMG/FLAM-34 Stoker or LAS-16 Sickle) can kill them easily.

It is also worth mentioning that large explosive stratagems such as Eagle Strikes, 500KG Bombs, or Napalm Barrage were intentionally left off this list. While they can certainly kill Radicals, using high-value explosive stratagems on smaller infantry enemies is usually inefficient.

Those stratagems are far better reserved for larger threats like the Vox Engineand other heavily armored enemies, where their massive destructive power provides much greater value.

5 Important Things to Know About Radicals in Helldivers 2

At first, Radicals can feel completely overwhelming, with their smokes, melee, and aggressiveness. The good news is that once you spend some time fighting them, you start noticing that they are actually pretty predictable enemies. Most of their danger stems from your panic and poor positioning rather than their raw durability.

If you stay calm, keep your distance, dealing with Radicals becomes much easier. So, let’s learn about their weakness.

1. Always Expect a Push After Smoke: Whenever a Radical throws smoke, assume it is already charging toward you. Try to always stay mobile. Players make the mistake of standing still and trying to watch through the smoke cloud. Instead, reposition immediately and get ready for a close-range fight.
2. Headshots Make a Massive Difference: Honestly, body shots just waste time against these enemies. The moment you steady your aim and start focusing entirely on headshots, Radicals stop feeling tanky altogether. Even lighter weapons become incredibly effective.
3. Do Not Let Them Control the Distance: Radicals are dangerous only when they get close enough to start chaining melee attacks. If you keep backing up, diving sideways, and creating space, most of their pressure completely falls apart.
4. Their Melee Animations Leave Them Open: One thing to look for is that Radicals heavily commit to their attacks. After a flying knee or kick, they usually leave themselves exposed for a second. That small opening is often enough to line up an easy kill shot.
5. Use Defensive Gear in Tight Areas: If missions force you into close quarters, defensive setups like the Ballistic Shield or a turret become incredibly valuable. Combining those with stun or melee weapons can completely shut down aggressive Radical pushes.

Once you get used to their smoke rushes and stop panicking in close range, Radicals go from feeling chaotic to just another predictable threat on the battlefield in Helldivers 2. So, what’s been your most reliable weapon or stratagem for shutting down Radical rushes? Let us know in the comments below.