Guide Helldivers 2: Is The Liberator Penetrator Worth It?

The Liberator Penetrator is a longer version of the basic AR-23 Liberator in Helldivers 2. It's a rifle that's designed to shoot from a compact position, and it's likely the first gun players get that can go through medium armor. It's a strong weapon if used well, but it often sparks debate when people talk about balancing primary weapons.

Even though it's a bigger version of the default assault rifle, the Penetrator works quite differently. This big change in how it's used surprised many players because it's not just a stronger Liberator; it offers something completely different. If you're unsure about spending your hard-earned Medals in Helldivers 2 to unlock this weapon, here are some important things you should know about it.

Liberator Penetrator Stat Overview​

• Damage: 45
• Capacity: 30
• Rate of Fire: 640
• Recoil: 19

In terms of stats, the Liberator Penetrator is quite similar to the standard Liberator. However, it has a noticeably lower damage per shot, a smaller magazine capacity, and slightly more recoil. The firing speed remains the same, but the Penetrator can only shoot in semi-automatic and burst fire modes.

The main contrast between the two Liberator versions is that the Penetrator can penetrate medium armor, which is handy for dealing with the Automatons in Helldivers 2. Its shots won't bounce off Devastators or the softer parts of Scout Striders, and it can take down Raiders with a precise headshot. Additionally, the Penetrator seems to have a much stronger multiplier for weak spot damage compared to other weapons.

Is The Liberator Penetrator Good?​

Pros​	Cons​
Medium armor penetration High handling Exceptional weakspot damage Manageable recoil	Low damage per shot Low magazine capacity

Sure, players should manage their expectations when using this gun. Unlike the standard Liberator, the Penetrator is more suited for mid-range battles. You can't just spray it comfortably because it doesn't have a full-auto mode. Its high precision damage means it's better for designated marksmen targeting important enemies. Some big foes like Automaton Hulks in Helldivers 2 can be swiftly taken down with just a Liberator Penetrator if you aim for their back.

Ironically, one of the main complaints players have with the Liberator Penetrator is also its main feature: the ability to penetrate medium armor. The damage of the weapon is so low that it can't efficiently kill medium-armored enemies if you don't hit their weak spots. This makes the armor penetration trait somewhat less useful except for missed shots or panic situations. Bullets won't bounce off medium armor, but they'll still deal very little damage. It's better not to rely too much on the Penetrator's armor penetration ability — you'll get more out of it by treating it like a Diligence. If anything gets too close, aim for the head or limbs to avoid wasting shots from the rifle's small magazine.