Flamethrowers in Helldivers 2 are pure chaos on the battlefield. They’re short-ranged but can melt through groups of enemies faster than most weapons. But how do you make the most of them? Let’s dive into some loadout ideas, practical tips, and a few personal tricks I’ve picked up while burning my way through missions.

Why Choose a Flamethrower?

You might be wondering: why would I pick a flamethrower over a rifle or a heavy weapon? The answer is simple: crowd control. Flamethrowers shine in situations where enemies swarm in numbers, like on defense missions or when you’re trying to hold a choke point. Their continuous burn damage can stagger enemies, give your teammates breathing room, and even break certain defenses faster than bullets ever could.

Plus, there’s a psychological bonus—seeing enemies catch fire and scatter is just plain satisfying.

Core Loadout: Safety First

When going flamethrower, mobility and defense are key. I usually pair mine with:

Body Armor Upgrades: Even though you’re mostly in the thick of things, a little extra health helps when a stray shot or two lands.

Grenades or Explosives: Perfect for softening enemies before you dive in for close-range burns.

Support Drone or Shield: Keeps you alive while you focus on burning everything in sight.

If you want to make your flamethrower setup a bit more flexible, you can consider swapping in equipment that boosts movement speed. Being nimble makes a huge difference when you’re in the front line.

And if you’re just starting out and want to upgrade these items quickly, some players choose to buy helldivers 2 super credits to unlock the better gear faster. It’s not necessary, but it can save a lot of grinding time if you want that optimal flamethrower build.

Mixing It Up: Secondary Weapons

So what should you carry when the flamethrower runs out of fuel? I personally like a fast-firing secondary weapon, like a SMG or a compact assault rifle. This keeps me effective at mid-range without switching my main strategy too much.

Pro tip: try to balance ammo consumption. You don’t want to run out in the middle of a horde. Plan your reloads and know your flamethrower’s limits.

Skills and Perks That Work Well

Choosing the right skills can dramatically increase the flamethrower’s effectiveness. Some perks I swear by:

Burn Damage Boosts: Makes your flames last longer on enemies.

Fuel Efficiency: Reduces how often you need to reload.

Area Effects: Expands your flame radius for maximum chaos.

With these skills, a flamethrower can almost feel unfair in crowd-heavy missions, but it does require awareness—step too close, and you’ll roast yourself.

Fun Combos and Strategies

Ever thought about using flamethrowers with environmental hazards? For example, if a mission has oil slicks or explosive barrels, light them up while enemies are nearby. It’s like creating your own mini fireworks show that clears out tough mobs. Just make sure your teammates are out of range.

Another strategy I’ve used is leading enemy groups into choke points. Once they bunch up, a well-timed flamethrower burst can clear the area in seconds.

If you’re on Xbox, there’s also the option to buy helldivers 2 super credits xbox to unlock additional flamethrower mods or ammo perks. It’s a small investment for a noticeable boost, especially if you’re trying to maximize efficiency in missions that throw endless waves at you.

Personal Takeaways

From my experience, flamethrowers are as much about timing as they are about aim. Don’t rush into the thick of things blindly. Instead, anticipate enemy paths, and use your flamethrower to control space rather than simply deal damage. Also, always check your teammates’ positions—nothing worse than accidentally turning a horde into a friendly barbecue.

Remember, no single loadout is perfect. Mix, match, and adjust based on the mission and your team composition. Some days, I’ll even swap my secondary for a mobility-focused weapon if I know the mission demands speed over raw burn power.

Flamethrowers aren’t just fun—they’re tactical. With the right loadout, skills, and strategies, you can make them a key part of any Helldivers 2 squad. Take your time experimenting with different combos, and don’t be afraid to get a little creative with how you control the battlefield.

And if you’re looking to speed up the gear grind, resources like U4GM can help you get the items you want without spending hours farming. It’s a handy shortcut when you’re trying to focus more on fun than endless grinding.