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Helldivers 2features a wide variety of hard-hitting weapons to wield against theenemies of Managed Democracyfrom across the galaxy. Some players prefer the quick, rapid-fire approach of an SMG; some prefer a steady stream of bullets from Assault Rifles. Others prefer hard-hitting Shotguns, whether they be slug or magazine-based.
Helldivers 2: Complete Enemy List
Helldivers 2 delivers blood-pumping action as you face off against two vicious factions: the bug-like Terminids and the Automaton Collective.
For fans of accurate weaponry at a decent range, with serious power behind each shot, you can’t go wrong with the SG-8S Slugger. The Slugger is a powerful Shotgun you can acquire fairly early on, though it’ll take some focused effort. This guide will detail how to acquire this powerful slug-based Shotgun, what makes it stand out against the other weapons — and Shotguns — Helldivers has to offer, and what you can do to really make it shine.
Updated by Jeff Brooks on June 14, 2025: This guide has been updated to include additional balancing information fromtoday’s balance patch. While the Slugger did receive several nerfs (reduced stagger, reduced damage by ~10%, and reduced demolition force), its overall performance is still strong, continuing its worthiness as one of the best Primary Weapons available to you. The Slugger no longer being able to break open crates is a minor frustration, but not too prohibitive when a regular grenade can do the same.
Helldivers 2
How To Unlock SG-8S Slugger
The SG-8S Slugger can be acquired through theHelldivers Mobilize Warbond, a free Warbond for all Helldivers — Arrowhead Game Studios' take on a Battle Pass. Aside from theStratagem Support Weapons(and the starting default weaponry),all weapons are acquired through Warbonds, and the Slugger is no different.
While the game launched with this free for everyone Warbond, subsequent Warbonds will costSuper Creditsto unlock.
It will take a bit of an investment to get ahold of this powerful slug-throwing Shotgun, however, as it islocked on Page 8of the Helldivers Mobilize Warbond. You’ll need to unlock quite a few things on the way to page 8, so make sure to pick up your newfavorite Emotes, somepowerful Boosters, and other powerful weapons like theP-19 Redeemersidearm or theSG-225 Breaker.
Helldivers 2: 10 Best Ship Module Upgrades To Get ASAP
Ship Module upgrades are one of the best ways to enhance your Helldivers 2 experience. This list breaks down the best ones you need to unlock ASAP.
Slugger Shotgun - What Makes It Good
Weapon Name
Weapon Type
Weapon Stats
Weapon Traits
SG-8S Slugger
*Medium Armor Penetration now correctly displays as a weapon trait after the April 2 patch.
The Slugger Shotgun has been overshadowed by the SG-225 Breaker, which is understandable — the Breaker has a good amount of ammo, does solid damage at medium range, and allows you to hold down fire when you’re in the heat of a skirmish.
Loadout To Counter Slugger’s Lower Ammo
The Slugger delivers a strong performance, and with good aim, it can easily outpace the ‘spray-and-pray’ advantages that the Breaker brings to the table (not to be confused with the actualBreaker Spray & Pray). However, the Slugger does suffer a bit in the ammo department, only coming with 60 shots max. It originally came with 40 shots, so its newer ammo capacity of 60 definitely offers some breathing room here, but if you’re constantly getting into skirmishes between objectives, you’ll quickly run out of ammo.
To help shore up this shortcoming, you’ll want to consider a few key Stratagems to help:
Helldivers 2: New Meta Loadouts (Democratic Detonation)
This guide details the best loadouts choices that complement each other across all difficulty levels as established in Helldivers 2’s new meta.
What’s your favorite Stratagem in Helldivers 2?
