What makes the Maxigun so good in Helldivers 2, and why do players keep using it even when newer toys show up?
The Maxigun stands out because it's one of the few support weapons that can keep steady pressure on enemies without forcing you to reload every few seconds. When you're surrounded by Terminids or bots, that constant stream of bullets often means the difference between holding the line and getting turned into space dust. It's not the fastest or the strongest weapon in the game, but it's reliable and predictable, and that consistency matters a lot in higher difficulties. After using it for dozens of missions, I've noticed that the Maxigun really shines when paired with the right Stratagems instead of trying to carry fights by itself.
Which Stratagems work best with the Maxigun?
To get the most out of the Maxigun, you need tools that help you manage crowds or compensate for its weaknesses. The Maxigun struggles with heavy armor, and it can be rough to reposition once you're locked into firing. Because of that, defensive and utility Stratagems tend to perform the best. Orbital and Eagle support also help you deal with armored elites without having to swap weapons constantly.
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Why is positioning so important when using the Maxigun?
Because the Maxigun is slow to move and takes a moment to spin up, your position going into a fight influences everything. If you stand in the open, bots will melt you. If you get pinned by bugs, you'll barely get time to fire before they surround you. I've found that holding corners, slopes, or narrow lanes is the safest way to maximize uptime. Once you're set up, the gun basically becomes a wall of lead the enemy has to walk through.
A small tip that helped me a lot: communicate with your squad before you commit to a firing lane. The Maxigun becomes dramatically stronger when your teammates help funnel enemies toward you. If they wander off or leave you exposed, you'll get overwhelmed fast. Using simple callouts like "Holding south path" keeps everyone coordinated without needing complicated strategies.
Which offensive Stratagems pair best with the Maxigun?
Because the Maxigun isn't ideal against heavily armored targets, you should bring Stratagems that can delete those threats instantly. Orbital Railcannon, Eagle 500kg, and Orbital Precision Strike are all great options for one-shotting big enemies. They let you stay focused on mowing down lighter units while your Stratagems handle the bruisers.
Another helpful combo is throwing down Incendiary or Stun Grenades before setting up the Maxigun. Both give you a few extra seconds of breathing room, which is usually all you need. Incendiaries help with pushing bugs back, while stuns shut down ranged bots long enough to reposition.
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How do you survive with the Maxigun during chaotic late-mission fights?
Late-mission waves usually test your stamina more than your accuracy. The Maxigun can handle nonstop shooting, but you can't. Your biggest danger comes from sudden flanks or armored elites slipping into your blind spot. I recommend saving at least one high-impact Stratagem for when things get messy. An emergency Eagle strike or orbital blast lets you reset the battlefield so you can reposition safely.
Another trick I learned the hard way: don't be afraid to stop firing. The Maxigun punishes movement while shooting, so if you need to relocate, let go of the trigger immediately. It's better to lose a few seconds of damage than to get locked into an animation while a Charger barrels into you.
Is the Maxigun worth bringing on higher difficulties?
Absolutely, as long as you build around it. The Maxigun by itself will never be the strongest weapon in the game, but with the right Stratagem loadout, it becomes one of the most stable crowd-control tools available. It's great for holding objectives, defending uplinks, or helping your team kite large groups of enemies.
The players who enjoy the Maxigun the most are the ones who like anchoring their squad, providing cover fire, and controlling the rhythm of a fight. If you're the type who prefers mobility or solo picks, other weapons might suit you better. But if you like the feeling of turning an entire wave into scrap metal, the Maxigun is still one of the most satisfying options in Helldivers 2.
Final Thoughts: Should you pair the Maxigun with specific Stratagems, or is it flexible enough for any build?
While you can improvise with different loadouts, the Maxigun really shines when you bring the right support tools. Focus on armor-breaking Stratagems, defensive setups, and good positioning. Do that, and the Maxigun becomes a reliable backbone for your squad.
What Players Say: Helldivers 2 CQC-30 Stun Baton Guide (https://www.u4gm.com/helldivers-2/blog-helldivers-2-cqc-30-stun-baton-guide)