Helldivers 2: The Flamethrower is The New Meta Gun

Helldivers 2 is an intense shooter where every player fights on the same side, trying to spread Unity by blowing up giant alien bugs and highly advanced Automatons. Inspired by the classic sci-fi film Starship Troopers, it has been an immediate success for Arrowhead Game Studios. 

How Could the Flamethrower Change the Meta of Helldivers 2?

After the game's first balance update, there has been an instant change to the meta when it comes to killing bugs. Until now, the Railgun was the go-to support weapon. It was a one-shot kill even on most of the toughest enemies in the game. It's not anymore. Arrowhead nerfed the Railgun, taking away its ability to kill the heavily armored bugs. 

Now the flamethrower has emerged with new buffs, taking its place as the bug-killing barbecue device it should always have been. Previously the flamethrower didn't live up to its potential. It set fire to everything but didn't kill anything. At most, it gave even the smallest bugs extra burn damage when they hit you. 

With the new buffs, the flamethrower can incinerate bugs easily, especially when used correctly. 

We have increased the flamethrower direct damage to be able to barbeque enemies that get close much faster. Please enjoy your Terminid Barbecue Device responsibly, as this also makes it even more volatile for any Helldivers caught in the stream.

-Patrik Lasota, current Head of Product Testing at Arrowhead

Helldivers 2: How to Use the Flamethrower

The buffs to the flamethrower did not increase its overall fire damage. Instead, the direct damage caused by hitting an enemy with the liquid stream has risen. It is still not a spraying weapon. 

If you use the flamethrower as you would your primary gun, and aim for the weak spots of bugs, you will cause immense destruction. Be careful not to hit your teammates as this heightened damage can hurt your squad. 

The flamethrower is still not an all-powerful, instant killer. Equip a Jump Pack to make a quick escape if the enemy gets too close. Focus on dodging and hitting bugs with a liquid inferno.

It's still too early to tell if this current gamestyle will stick around but for now, the flamethrower is the flashiest and deadliest way to deal with the alien infestation. Things could change with the Planetary Hazards and incoming Mechs. For more information on the patch, click here.