The S-11 Speargun is a fresh support weapon in Helldivers 2, introduced in the Dust Devils Warbond. It feels like a hybrid between a railgun and a gas grenade, offering precise long-range firepower and crowd-control utility. It’s stylish, tactical, and transforms the way you approach combat zones—especially those murky underground hive tunnels. Let’s dive into how to put it to work effectively.
The Speargun, or officially the S-11 model, bundles high-penetration impact with a gas explosion on hit. Think about it: each shot is a harpoon that punches through armor (rated AP5) and lets loose a gas cloud in a 6-meter radius. That dual-purpose capability makes it one of the most unique deployable weapons you’ll wield—part sharpshooter, part controller. It doesn’t replace your rapid-fire arsenal, but it gives you support and strategic edge when you need it.
Speargun Specs at a Glance
Here are the key stats in bite-sized form:
- Damage per shot: around 650
- Armor penetration: AP5 (very high)
- Range: reaches roughly 176 meters before significant drop-off
- Ammo: holds 12 spears per magazine, up to 4 magazines (48 total)
- Reload: single-shot reload, about 2.5 seconds each shot
This setup gives you powerful but paced utility—every shot counts, and you must aim carefully.
How to Use It Effectively
- Choke-point control: Placing a gas cloud right where enemies bunch up can stall swarms and blockers alike.
- Crowd control & disruption: A single hit on a Charger or Hulk slows them, and the gas spreads to nearby threats.
- Targeted support: Aim carefully—eye shots can one-tap Hulks, and even bile-spewing Titans can fall after a few well-placed hits.
- Complementary gear: Pair it with flashlights (for darker Hive caves) or fast-firing weapons for follow-up once enemies are tangled in gas.
Tactical Usage by Enemy Type
- Terminids (bugs): Perfect against swarms. Gas blinds and slows, turning a rush into a walking trap.
- Automatons (robots): Precision counts. One-shot Hulks, chip waypoints of gunships, and disrupt fabricators. Large bots take more shots.
- Illuminate (elite units): Mixed results. You can take down Overseers with headshots, but the gas effect doesn’t significantly hamper Voteless or Illuminates on advanced levels.
Loadout Tips and Squad Synergy
- Team synergy: If you’re your squad’s support, use the Speargun to carve safe lanes or delay threats while teammates flank or retreat.
- Ammo awareness: With only 48 spears total, use each thoughtfully—you can’t spray and pray.
- Follow-up strategy: Coordinate with teammates carrying rapid-fire or heavy weapons ready to capitalize on slowed or stunned enemies.
- Underground missions: In Hive Worlds where stratagems falter underground, the Speargun’s long reach and terrain-independent nature shine.
Pro Tips to Maximize Its Impact
- Fire at lead enemies to spread gas efficiently behind them.
- Headshots on big targets yield max effect—aim small, hit hard.
- Save spears for chokepoints, not stray enemies—conserve for key moments.
- Watch for enemy movement patterns; lead your shot if needed, especially on agile foes.
- Use gas trails to herd enemies into narrow corridors or friendly traps.
When the Speargun Isn’t Ideal
- If enemies are too heavy (like massive Bile Titans or War Striders), it can take too many hits to be worth it—opt for anti-tank weapons instead.
- The single-shot reload pace makes it less reliable in fast-escalating close quarters—keep it as a tool, not your main auto-fire.
- In open arenas without strategic cover or teammates to capitalize on gas control, its slow pacing may feel limiting.
