How to use Railgun unsafe mode in Helldivers 2? Modes compared

How to use Railgun unsafe mode in Helldivers 2? Modes compared
Antony Terence Updated on by

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✓ At a glance

How to use unsafe mode on the Railgun in Helldivers 2?

  • Hold the Reload button (R on PC and Square on PS5) to switch to unsafe mode.
  • A full charge will result in an explosion so aim for 75-80% on the glowing bar in the Railgun’s first-person view.
  • Charged shots are better at breaking through the armor of enemies like Hulks and Chargers.

The Railgun is an experimental weapon that’s devastating against armored foes and unsafe mode takes it to new heights in Helldivers 2. Here’s how Railgun modes work and why unsafe mode is worth the risk.

Helldivers 2 Railgun: A player aims with the Railgun in first-person mode, noticing the charge bars on each side of the weapon. Image captured by VideoGamer.
Look at the charge bars and fire before it’s too late. Image captured by VideoGamer.

How to set safe and unsafe Railgun modes in Helldivers 2

Hold the reload button, R key on a PC keyboard and Square button on a PS5 controller, to toggle between safe and unsafe Railgun modes. If you’re using an Xbox controller on PC, hold the X button. While safe mode still does solid damage against both Automatons and Terminids, it only uses about half of its full power. This won’t be able to take out armored threats like Chargers and Devastators effectively. You can aim down your sights and switch to the first-person view to see the charge level before firing the Railgun. Unlock the weapon’s full potential by using unsafe mode.

Is it worth using the Railgun’s unsafe mode in Helldivers 2?

Yes, the Railgun’s unsafe mode is worth the risk. Switch to unsafe mode and you can charge the Railgun all the way up to 100% on the charge level. Charging up in safe mode takes a second while unsafe mode takes about 3 seconds. But watch out as fully charging the Railgun will cause an explosion, instantly killing you. Charging to 75-80% of its maximum power will let you decimate medium and heavy armor on foes like Bile Titans and Hulks. Remember to aim for their weak spots. For instance, Chargers’ leg armor can be blown off while Bile Spewers can be taken down with a headshot.

Once their armor has been shattered, you can follow up with your primary weapon to secure a kill. The glowing meter gives you enough breathing room between a charged shot and losing your life. It’s a high risk, high reward option whose armor penetration outshines other supply weapons like the Flamethrower and Stalwart. Arrowhead Game Studios did nerf the weapon but the Railgun is still one of the best weapons in the game. The Railgun’s unsafe mode in Helldivers 2 makes the weapon even more of a menace, even at higher difficulty levels.

Helldivers 2 Railgun: A player charges the Railgun in the game. Image captured by VideoGamer.
Safe mode lets you fire the weapon without getting killed. Image captured by VideoGamer.

Unsafe mode vs safe mode on the Railgun

We recommend using unsafe mode whenever you use the Railgun in Helldivers 2. While some might suggest sticking to the Railgun’s safe mode, this lowers its potential. And against massive threats, you need to make the most of your firepower. The charge meter applies to every shot you fire from the Railgun so try to make them as lethal as possible against bots and bugs. Considering that the weapon unlocks at Level 20 for 10000 Requisition slips, you’ll certainly have a fine grasp of Helldivers 2 before picking it up. If you want a weapon that handles armored enemies at a lower risk to your health, consider the Recoilless Rifle, EAT-17 Expendable Anti-Tank, and the Autocannon. But they have less ammo and aren’t as mobile as the Railgun.