Helldivers 2 Pistol Guide – Which Sidearm Should You Carry Into Battle?

[PhantomBlazeX]

In Helldivers 2, sidearms often get overlooked, but in high-pressure missions where ammo runs low and enemies swarm from every direction, your pistol can mean the difference between victory and being torn apart by Terminids. The latest tactical briefing from Super Earth Command broke down the six main pistols currently available, offering a clear picture of each weapon’s strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a full analysis, along with some practical loadout advice from the perspective of an experienced Helldiver.

P-2 Peacemaker – The Reliable Standard Issue

The P-2 Peacemaker is your all-purpose sidearm: 15-round magazine, light damage, and low recoil. It’s easy to control and great for dispatching light to medium enemies, especially Terminids and lighter bot units. However, it lacks stopping power against larger threats like Brood Commanders or heavily armored bots.
If you’re just starting out, this pistol’s balance makes it a safe choice, though it won’t carry you through the toughest missions alone.

P-19 Redeemer – The Crowd Control King

Fast, light, and lethal against small targets, the P-19 Redeemer is a machine pistol built for swarm control. It excels at clearing out bugs and lighter automatons thanks to its high fire rate and low recoil. The downside? You’ll burn through ammo quickly, and it’s nearly useless against anything armored.
When paired with an ammo supply stratagem or a support player, the Redeemer shines—but without resupply, you’ll run dry fast.

P-4 Senator – Heavy Hitter Against Bots

If you want raw stopping power, the P-4 Senator is the weapon to carry. It’s a hard-hitting revolver with armor-piercing rounds perfect for taking down Devastators, Berserkers, and even Hulks. Against bugs, though, it’s inefficient due to the slow fire rate and poor crowd control.
Use the Senator when tackling automatons or during missions where precision against heavy enemies matters more than rate of fire. It’s not versatile, but it’s devastating when used correctly.

P-113 Verdict – The Balanced All-Rounder

The P-113 Verdict sits comfortably between the Peacemaker and the Senator. It’s powerful enough to handle medium targets, with a faster fire rate than the Senator but less punch per shot. Its performance is most consistent against bots and moderate bugs, though like the Redeemer, ammo management is crucial.
Players looking for flexibility without committing to a heavy or light build will find the Verdict one of the best-balanced pistols in the game.

P-92 Warrant – Precision and Style

Inspired by Judge Dredd and RoboCop, the P-92 Warrant offers two firing modes: guided and non-guided. It’s nearly useless against bugs but extremely effective against bots and Illuminate units when used in guided mode. With lock-on targeting, you can pick off enemies with surgical precision, making it a great option for methodical players.
Though it takes practice, the Warrant rewards accuracy and patience. Once mastered, it’s one of the most satisfying pistols in the arsenal.

M6C/SOCOM – For Stealth and Specialists

A nod to Halo’s legendary sidearm, the M6C/SOCOM is a silenced pistol ideal for stealth operations. It’s effective against small targets when used carefully, but its low ammo capacity and moderate damage make it unsuited for frontline combat.
Unless you’re running a stealth or reconnaissance build, the SOCOM is more of a novelty weapon than a practical choice in large-scale missions.

Choosing the Right Pistol

When picking a sidearm, think about your loadout and mission type.

New players should stick with the P-2 Peacemaker for its balance.

Aggressive players who love close-quarters combat will thrive with the P-19 Redeemer.

Tacticians facing bots should carry the P-4 Senator for high-damage precision shots.

Versatile fighters who value flexibility will enjoy the P-113 Verdict.

Sharpshooters and fans of guided targeting will find the P-92 Warrant ideal.

Stealth operatives can experiment with the M6C/SOCOM, though it’s situational at best.

As Helldivers know, ammo is your lifeline. Managing resources is as important as marksmanship, and this is where players often look for efficient upgrades. Some choose to buy Helldivers 2 medals or buy Helldivers 2 super credits ps5 through platforms like U4GM, helping unlock warbonds faster and expand weapon options. Whether you go that route or grind through missions, knowing which pistol suits your playstyle can elevate your effectiveness on the battlefield.

Every pistol in Helldivers 2 has its role, and mastering them can turn an ordinary soldier into a tactical powerhouse. The Peacemaker remains the dependable classic, the Redeemer dominates swarms, and the Senator reigns supreme against bots. As Super Earth’s finest, understanding your tools is the first step to ensuring freedom and democracy prevail across the galaxy.