How to Get and Use the R36 Eruptor in Helldivers 2

Image Credits: Arrowhead Game Studios, Helldivers 2

The R36 Eruptor is a powerful weapon in Helldivers 2 that can deal huge damage, especially against bugs. It’s a mix between a grenade launcher and a sniper rifle, making it unique but tricky to use. This guide will show you how to get it and use it wisely in battle.

How to Get the R36 Eruptor

The R36 Eruptor was part of the Democratic Detonation Battle Pass, so players unlocked it by leveling up during that event. If you didn’t get it, there’s still hope! It might come back in the future through other events or the in-game store. Keep an eye on updates if you’re looking to add it to your arsenal.

What Makes the Eruptor Special?

1. Three Types of Damage:

   • Impact Damage: The initial hit.

   • Explosive Damage: A blast that affects an area.

   • Shrapnel Damage: Sharp fragments that tear through soft enemies.

2. Strengths:

   • It’s one of the strongest weapons in the game.

   • Works great against bugs and structures like bug holes or bot spawners.

   • Deals both direct and area damage.

3. Weaknesses:

   • Slow to fire and reload.

   • Hard to use on heavily armored enemies like Devastators or Hulks.

   • Requires precise aiming to avoid self-damage.

How to Use the R36 Eruptor

Positioning is Key

The Eruptor works best at medium range. Too far, and the projectile will explode before it reaches your target. Too close, and you risk blowing yourself up. Stay at a safe distance to make the most of its damage.

Fighting Bugs

1. Aim at the Ground Beneath Them:
   Don’t shoot directly at bugs. Instead, aim at the ground under or behind them to hit their soft spots with shrapnel.

2. Take Down Groups:
   Bugs usually come in clusters, making them perfect for the Eruptor’s explosive damage. Chargers and Impalers are easy to handle with this weapon.

3. Bile Titans:
   Aim for their neck to stop them from spitting, but they are hard to kill completely with this weapon.

4. Shriekers:
   These flying enemies are tough to hit but can be taken down with precise shots.

Fighting Bots

The Eruptor is not as effective against bots because:

• Bots spread out making it harder to hit groups.

• Many bots have armor that shrapnel can’t penetrate.

How to Handle Specific Bots:

1. Basic Bots and Walkers:
   These are easier to take out with the Eruptor.

2. Devastators:
   Aim for weak points like their faces or backs. Shield Devastators are the easiest to kill because their weak spots are exposed.

3. Hulks:
   Try to hit the vent on their back with shrapnel, but this requires careful positioning.

Destroying Structures

The Eruptor excels at taking out structures:

• Bug Holes and Bot Spawners:
  Use its long-range blasts to destroy these from a safe distance.

• Shrieker Nests:
  A couple of shots can clear these easily.

Handling Ricochets

The Eruptor’s projectiles can bounce off surfaces at shallow angles. This can be helpful or annoying depending on your aim:

• Avoid Low Angles:
  Shots might bounce and miss the target.

• Use Terrain:
  Aim at rocks, walls, or other surfaces behind enemies to direct shrapnel into their weak spots.

Final Tips for Using the Eruptor

1. Practice Aiming:
   The Eruptor’s shots have an arc. Learn how it moves to improve your accuracy.

2. Focus on Groups:
   The Eruptor shines when used against clusters of enemies.

3. Watch Your Ammo:
   It has a small magazine and slow reload, so every shot counts.

4. Stay at Mid-Range:
   Keep enough distance to avoid self-damage but not so far that your shots explode early.

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