“I never leave my super destroyer without it”: As 2024 Ends, The Weapon Helldivers 2 Players Have Chosen as Gun of the Year Is a Blow to Recoilless Rifle Loyalists

SUMMARY

• The Helldivers 2 community has made their choice for Gun of the Year 2024, challenging long-held beliefs about weapon superiority.
• Recent updates and balance changes have significantly impacted how players approach their loadout choices in the fight for managed democracy.
• The winning weapon has earned its place through a combination of versatility, satisfaction, and pure entertainment value.

In a shocking display of democratic unity that would make High Command proud, the Helldivers 2 community has managed to temporarily cease their friendly-fire shenanigans long enough to crown 2024’s ultimate dispenser of liberty. Between accidentally orbital striking each other and dealing with those new Illuminate threats, players have been passionately debating which weapon deserves the title of “Gun of the Year.”

A versatile problem solver has claimed the throne. | Image Credit: PlayStation/YouTube

While the Recoilless Rifle has long been the go-to choice for many a democracy-spreading enthusiast, it seems that Arrowhead’s latest balance changes and the introduction of the Omens of Tyranny update have shaken things up considerably—leading to an unexpected shift in the community’s weapon preferences.

And as the debate rages on, one particular weapon has emerged victorious, leaving a trail of perfectly-ventilated automatons and thoroughly democratized bugs in its wake.

Democracy goes PLAP PLAP PLAP

In what might be the most surprising plot twist since the Illuminate showed up uninvited to Super Earth’s galactic democracy party, the AC-8 Autocannon has claimed the throne as Helldivers 2‘s Gun of the Year. This behemoth of ballistic freedom isn’t just another weapon in your arsenal—it’s a lifestyle choice that screams “I came here to spread democracy and chew bubblegum, and I’m all out of bubblegum.”

The path to greatness wasn’t without its share of upgrades, though. While the Autocannon was always a force to be reckoned with, recent updates have transformed it from “pretty good at spreading democracy” to “liberty dispenser extraordinaire.”

The introduction of Flak rounds, in particular, marked a turning point that had veterans questioning their long-term relationship with the Recoilless Rifle:

But what truly sets the Autocannon apart isn’t just its impressive stat sheet—it’s the pure, unadulterated joy of unleashing a torrent of freedom-spreading projectiles at anything foolish enough to stand in your way:

The weapon has proven itself equally effective against everything from bug swarms to those particularly annoying Illuminate Overseers who think they’re too good for our managed democracy. It has become the Swiss Army knife of Super Earth’s arsenal, capable of handling any situation with style and surprisingly few civilian casualties.

More than just another tool of managed democracy

Even better with a battle brother by your side. | Image Credit: PlayStation/YouTube

Of course, not everyone was quick to abandon their trusty Recoilless Rifle. Some veterans of the galactic war still cling to their tried-and-true method of delivering high-explosive democracy, one precision shot at a time:

But what truly cements the Autocannon’s position as Gun of the Year isn’t just its versatility—it’s the experience of wielding this instrument of liberty. In a war where every mission could end with an “accidental” orbital strike from your squadmate, there’s something uniquely satisfying about the rhythmic democracy distribution that only the Autocannon can provide:

The Autocannon’s rise to prominence also highlights Arrowhead‘s masterful weapon design philosophy. In a game where balance changes are as common as extraction-zone “mishaps,” creating a weapon that’s both effective and entertaining is no small feat.

Whether you’re mowing down waves of Terminids, ventilating Automaton patrols, or introducing the Illuminate to the concept of superior firepower, the Autocannon consistently delivers both results and satisfaction.

As we look forward to whatever new threats 2025 might bring (and knowing Super Earth, there will be plenty), one thing is certain: the Autocannon has earned its place in the hearts of Helldivers everywhere. Not just as a weapon, but as a testament to the fact that sometimes the best way to spread democracy is with a healthy dose of sustained fire.

What do you think about the community’s choice? Are you a devoted Autocannon enthusiast, or do you still pledge allegiance to the Recoilless Rifle? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Written by Soumyajit Mukherjee

Articles Published: 420

Soumyajit (IGN: LockDown) is a die-hard PC gaming enthusiast with an insatiable appetite for competitive excellence. A former R6 Siege competitor turned variety gamer, he's made it his mission to master every multiplayer title he touches. Currently, when he's not writing or dominating Marvel Rivals lobbies, you'll find him dissecting the latest superhero films or binging anime and thriller series.