The AR-23E Liberator Explosive isn’t designed to be the best weapon in every situation. It’s a specialized tool for controlling crowds and stopping large groups of enemies before they can overrun your team. While it won’t be your go-to weapon for all missions, if you want to excel at defense and become a key player in holding positions, this guide will teach you when and how to use its explosive capabilities to build an effective loadout.
Key Takeaways
- Treat It as a Crowd-Control Tool: The AR-23E isn’t an all-around primary; it’s a specialized weapon for managing swarms. You’re trading the standard Liberator’s stability and fire rate for explosive splash damage that excels against groups of weaker enemies.
- Always Bring an Anti-Armor Support Weapon: This rifle is fantastic for clearing infantry but useless against heavy armor. Complete your loadout with a dedicated anti-tank weapon like the Recoilless Rifle or Autocannon to handle big threats like Chargers and Hulks.
- Excel in Defensive Missions: The AR-23E’s true value emerges when you’re holding a fixed position. Use its explosive rounds to control choke points and suppress enemy waves during extractions or while defending an objective.
What is the AR-23E Liberator Explosive?
You’re wondering if the AR-23E Liberator Explosive lives up to the hype? This rifle is a modified version of the standard Liberator, and it fires explosive rounds. While that sounds like a powerful improvement, it’s more complicated than it seems. The explosive rounds significantly change how the gun handles and performs in combat. Before you use it in a match, let’s take a closer look at its strengths and weaknesses to see if it’s worth adding to your Warzone setup.
The Liberator you know, but with a bang
The AR-23E is like a more powerful, but less controlled, version of the Liberator. Unlike the standard Liberator, which is known for its fast firing rate, large magazine, and easy-to-manage recoil, the AR-23E prioritizes raw impact over stability and speed. It has a smaller magazine, fires slower, and has a strong kick. This means you can’t just hold down the trigger and expect good results – you need to aim carefully with each shot, making it better for taking out specific targets rather than firing into groups.
What makes it explosive?
Okay, so the biggest thing about the AR-23E is its “explosive damage.” Basically, it does way more damage when you hit an enemy’s weak spot, and can even knock smaller guys off their feet. It’s really good for breaking the armor of those medium-sized enemies that my regular Liberator just can’t seem to penetrate. But honestly, people are pretty divided on whether it’s actually better. A lot of players prefer the standard AR-23 because it fires faster and feels more accurate. It really seems to come down to what I like and what I’m trying to do in a mission – which is pretty typical when people talk about whether things are balanced in this game.
Key stats and ammo count
Let’s talk about how this weapon performs. The AR-23E Liberator Explosive has more kick and fires slower, so you’ll need to carefully control when you shoot to stay accurate. The biggest change is that each magazine holds fewer bullets. This means you’ll reload more often, which can be dangerous when you’re surrounded by enemies or under heavy fire. Since reloading leaves you vulnerable, every shot needs to hit its mark. This weapon requires a smarter, more careful playstyle, focusing on accuracy rather than just spraying bullets.
AR-23E vs. The Classic Liberator: What’s the Difference?
You’ve now earned the AR-23E Liberator Explosive and might be wondering if it’s better than your regular Liberator. Although they have the same name, they feel quite different in combat due to some important changes. Deciding which one to use depends on knowing what each one does best and where it falls short. Let’s compare the two so you can figure out which one should be in your gear.
Damage output showdown
The most significant update is the new explosive ammo for the AR-23E. Unlike the standard Liberator, it fires rounds that explode when they hit, creating a small blast that can damage multiple enemies nearby. This is great for quickly dealing with large groups of weaker bugs or briefly stunning groups of lightly armored foes. However, the explosive rounds deal less direct damage than the regular ones. So, while it excels at controlling crowds, you’ll need other weapons and tactical support to effectively take down single, heavily armored enemies. It’s best used for area denial and controlling groups, rather than dealing massive single-target damage.
Changes to range and accuracy
Switching to the AR-23E immediately improves its long-range performance. While the standard Liberator is stable, the explosive version has much stronger recoil, making it hard to stay on target when firing continuously. You’ll need to fire in shorter, controlled bursts to maintain accuracy. The explosive rounds also travel a bit further before dropping, so aim higher for distant targets. This weapon isn’t about precise shots; it’s designed to cover a wide area with explosive firepower.
The pros and cons of handling
The differences between these weapons really become apparent when you start using them. The Liberator is known for its large ammo capacity, quick firing speed, and easy-to-control recoil, making it a dependable all-around choice. The AR-23E, on the other hand, feels bulkier and requires more careful aiming. It holds less ammo and fires slower, so you’ll need to reload more frequently. While its powerful, deliberate shots can be rewarding, you need to be accurate, or you’ll quickly find yourself outgunned and needing to reload under pressure. Success with the AR-23E depends on making every shot count.
How Does the AR-23E Stack Up Against Other Explosives?
Whenever a new powerful weapon is released, players immediately wonder if it’s worth switching from their favorite. The AR-23E Liberator Explosive is joining a competitive market, vying for a spot as your main weapon. It’s not just about how much damage it does; things like how efficiently it uses ammo, how easy it is to handle, and how well it works with your other gear are all important. Let’s take a look at how it stacks up against the other top explosive weapons.
Eruptor and Crossbow comparison
For a long time, the best primary weapon for underwater combat has been either the Eruptor or the CB-9 Exploding Crossbow. Many players prefer the crossbow because of its massive damage per shot, which can quickly defeat enemies with moderate armor. While the Eruptor is also strong, its projectiles are slower and its explosions aren’t always as consistent.
The AR-23E isn’t designed to deal massive damage with single shots. Instead, it excels at firing a constant stream of explosive projectiles. While a direct hit might not feel as strong as some other weapons, the AR-23E is great for hitting multiple enemies at once, disrupting them and quickly eliminating groups with its continuous explosions. Think of it less as a precision weapon and more as a tool for controlling crowds, sacrificing single-target power for the ability to suppress larger areas.
Who wins the ammo game?
How much ammo a weapon holds can be crucial, especially with explosive weapons. Running out of ammunition during a swarm of enemies almost guarantees defeat. The AR-23E excels in this area. While weapons like the Eruptor and Crossbow deal significant damage, their limited ammo forces players to aim carefully and frequently request more supplies.
The AR-23E is much more forgiving when it comes to ammo. Although it holds fewer bullets per magazine and has more kick than the basic Liberator, you have enough total ammo to stay in battles longer. Many players find that having extra ammo makes it a good choice compared to other Liberator versions. You don’t need to be as careful with each shot, which is helpful in fast-paced, unpredictable fights.
Is the Grenade Pistol still relevant?
The G-6 Frag Grenade Pistol has long been popular for players wanting extra explosive power without giving up their main weapon. But with the new AR-23E, is the G-6 outdated? Not really. It depends on how you build your loadout. If you choose the AR-23E as your main weapon, you’ll have a free slot for a sidearm like the P-19 Redeemer, which is great for defending against enemies who try to attack from the sides or behind.
The Grenade Pistol is still a great weapon to pair with strong primary guns like the SG-225 Breaker or LAS-16 Sickle. It lets you quickly add explosive damage to clear out enemy groups without having to switch weapons. While it’s still one of the best sidearms, the AR-23E is a powerful alternative if you want to focus entirely on explosive firepower as your main weapon.
Why Ammo Capacity is King for Explosive Weapons
When it comes to explosive weapons, people often focus on how big the blast is and how much damage it does. But honestly, all that doesn’t matter if you run out of ammunition quickly. For weapons like the AR-23E Liberator, being able to keep firing is just as important as the power of each shot. Unlike a sniper rifle where accuracy is key, explosive weapons are about controlling an area and creating chaos. Having plenty of ammo is what turns a short, impressive burst into a long-lasting, successful mission. It’s what decides if your explosive rifle will be your main weapon, or something you only use briefly before switching to something else. Thinking about ammunition isn’t just about keeping supplied; it’s about having a smart strategy and staying effective when everything is on the line.
The power of sustained fire
An explosive weapon’s real power isn’t just about dealing a lot of damage in one blast—it’s about maintaining a constant stream of fire to keep enemies pinned down and disrupt their attacks. Having enough ammunition allows you to consistently control key areas or weaken large groups of enemies before they can reach your team. The AR-23E has the potential to excel in this area. Players often agree that how much ammo a weapon holds is crucial, making it a strong choice compared to weapons that focus on single, powerful shots like the Eruptor or Crossbow. By firing continuously, you can shift from taking out individual targets to controlling entire zones.
Lasting longer in a firefight
Extended firefights really push a weapon’s ammo capacity to its limits. When you’re holding a position or facing enemies from all directions, you don’t have time for precise shots – you need to keep firing continuously. The AR-23E, though it fires a bit slower than other similar guns, carries more ammunition. This means you can stay in the battle longer without needing to reload or search for more ammo as often. This staying power is crucial, letting you keep the enemy at bay, help your teammates, and respond to a dynamic battlefield. Simply put, a gun that lets you fire for longer helps you survive for longer.
How resupply needs affect your mission
Requesting supplies takes a team resource and leaves you exposed. A weapon that quickly runs out of ammo puts a strain on your team’s limited support options. The AR-23E, while versatile, might require more ammunition to effectively damage stronger enemies. Having a larger ammo capacity can help with this, giving you more time between needing to call for a resupply. This lets your team save those important calls for emergencies, like when a teammate needs backup or a powerful bomb to eliminate a tough enemy. Effective ammo conservation begins with selecting a weapon that doesn’t require constant reloading.
When Should You Equip the AR-23E?
It’s one thing to know what a weapon can do, but a truly skilled Helldiver knows when to use it. The AR-23E Liberator Explosive isn’t a general-purpose rifle – it’s best for really intense, chaotic fights. If you’re often overrun or need to defend a position, this might be the weapon you need. Let’s look at the specific situations where this powerful rifle excels.
Best for crowd control and swarms
Imagine you’re overrun by a horde of bugs. That’s when the AR-23E really shines. It fires explosive rounds that are great for quickly dealing with large groups of weaker enemies. Instead of trying to kill them individually, you can shoot into the middle of the swarm and let the explosion take out multiple bugs at once. The blast also briefly stuns the enemies, giving you time to reload or move to a safer spot. It’s ideal for clearing out swarms before they can overwhelm you, making it much easier to control the crowd.
Excelling at defensive positions
If you need to hold a position, the AR-23E is a top choice for defense. When you’re stuck in narrow spaces during extractions or while waiting for something to finish, the Liberator Explosive can create a powerful defensive barrier. It lays down continuous explosive fire, stopping enemies from advancing and giving your team some breathing room. This is particularly helpful for temporarily slowing down large, dangerous enemies like Berserkers, giving a teammate time to take them out with a more powerful weapon.
Which enemies does it melt?
This weapon is highly effective against lightly armored enemies. It quickly defeats groups of Terminid Scavengers, Hunters, and Pouncers, and easily handles Automaton Troopers and Marauders. While it can’t penetrate the thick armor of tougher enemies like Chargers or Hulks, it excels at eliminating their weaker, faster support units. By taking out these smaller threats, you can help your team focus their strongest attacks on the biggest challenges. Essentially, it’s perfect for wiping out large numbers of weaker enemies quickly and efficiently.
Where Does the AR-23E Fit in the Meta?
How does the AR-23E Liberator Explosive fit into Helldivers 2’s weapon lineup? The “meta” – the most effective strategies and gear – is always changing, but usually revolves around weapons that deal high damage, are adaptable, and don’t run out of ammo quickly. The AR-23E is enjoyable to use, but it isn’t a game-changer. It’s best thought of as a weapon for specific situations, not an all-rounder. While it adds explosive power to the assault rifle class, it has drawbacks that prevent it from being a top pick for every mission. It excels in certain scenarios and can be very effective when used correctly. However, if you want one weapon to handle everything, this isn’t it. It’s a gun you choose when you know what enemies you’ll face, rather than relying on it when you’re unprepared. It encourages a different playstyle, emphasizing careful positioning and teamwork. Let’s look at what players are saying and where this weapon truly stands out.
What the community thinks
Players are split on the AR-23E, but most agree it’s not a significant improvement over the standard version. The main complaint is that its benefits come with noticeable drawbacks. While it deals explosive damage, which is useful against smaller enemies and specific weak spots, it has a slower fire rate, smaller magazine, and more recoil. Many players feel the regular AR-23 Liberator is just more dependable for everyday combat. The explosive version feels strong, but its slower firing speed and frequent reloading can be a disadvantage in fast-paced battles.
Is it a meta-shaking weapon?
The AR-23E isn’t a game-changer. It hasn’t surpassed popular weapons like the SG-225 Breaker or the LAS-16 Sickle, and for good reason. It doesn’t offer enough benefits to outweigh its weaknesses in most cases. While its explosive rounds are handy against weaker enemies, it struggles to deal consistent damage to tougher opponents. As a result, most rankings place it as a middle-of-the-road or lower-tier weapon because its effectiveness is too limited. It’s an interesting idea, but it lacks the power and flexibility to become a top pick.
How versatile is it across missions?
The AR-23E isn’t a jack-of-all-trades weapon. It shines when holding a position, making it ideal for missions like Eradication where you can control a narrow space and use its explosive damage against groups of enemies. However, it struggles on larger, more mobile missions. Its relatively low damage means you’ll need to rely on your other weapons and tactical equipment to take down tougher enemies. If you need a versatile primary weapon for all situations, you’ll probably want to choose something different.
The Ultimate AR-23E Loadouts
The AR-23E Liberator Explosive is a great weapon for controlling groups of enemies, but it’s most effective when paired with the right gear. To get the most out of it in combat, you need to build a loadout that compensates for its weaknesses and enhances what it does well. A balanced setup will prepare you to face any threat, whether it’s a large horde of Terminids or tough, armored Automatons.
To truly maximize your weapon’s potential—considering everything from your main weapon to your tactical abilities—is how you transform it from useful to exceptional. Let’s explore the best combinations to make your AR-23E a vital part of your offensive strategy.
Perfect primary weapon pairings
The AR-23E is great for quickly defeating groups of regular enemies, but it doesn’t do much damage to heavily armored opponents. To deal with those tougher enemies, you’ll want to use it alongside a more powerful weapon. Consider the AR-23E as your go-to for clearing out crowds, and your other weapon for taking down heavily armored targets.
To take down tough enemies like Chargers, Hulks, and Bile Titans, focus on powerful anti-armor weapons such as the Recoilless Rifle, Railgun, or Autocannon. This approach lets you deal with groups of enemies using your main weapon, then quickly switch to a stronger weapon to eliminate the biggest threats before they overwhelm your team. This combination creates a flexible and effective setup for nearly any mission.
Stratagems to maximize the boom
If you’re already using a powerful, explosive weapon, consider building on that strength! The right support abilities can transform you into a walking artillery platform. Focus on abilities that deal widespread damage, perfect for quickly eliminating bug nests, robot factories, or any large group of enemies that gets too close.
If you want serious explosive power, the 500kg Bomb is essential. It’s ideal for destroying large, tough enemies like Bile Titans or wiping out heavily defended areas. The Gatling Barrage is also a great option for quickly eliminating groups of enemies, giving your team time to reload and get into better positions. Together, these tools show how to dominate the battlefield and maintain a constant attack.
Your go-to support weapons
Your main and secondary weapons will cover most combat situations, but your sidearm is crucial for emergencies. When enemies get too close and things get hectic, you need a dependable backup. The AR-23E is okay, but switching to a good pistol can be a lifesaver when you’re overwhelmed and need to quickly create some space.
The P-19 Redeemer is a reliable weapon thanks to its fast firing speed. Pairing it with the Grenade Pistol is a great strategy, especially when used with the AR-23E. The Grenade Pistol lets you take out enemies from afar without wasting actual grenades, and it can quickly stun anyone who gets too close. Together, these weapons give you effective options for both long-distance attacks and close-range emergencies.
How to Master the AR-23E
Now that you have the AR-23E, you’re ready to unleash its power. But simply aiming and firing won’t be enough to really excel. This weapon has unique characteristics, and understanding them is crucial to transforming it from a cool gadget into a vital asset for any mission. Becoming proficient with the Liberator Explosive relies on strategic placement, careful planning, and precise timing. Let’s dive into the details so you can maximize this explosive’s potential and become your team’s most valuable player.
Finding your optimal engagement range
The AR-23E isn’t a typical sniper or shotgun; it excels at close to medium range. You need to be near enough for its explosive rounds to be effective, but far enough to avoid self-damage when fighting groups of enemies. It’s basically a weapon that delivers controlled, powerful explosions. It works best against enemies with light armor, so focus on finding those targets and hitting them at a safe distance, letting the resulting splash damage take care of the rest.
Using the explosive radius to your advantage
The AR-23E isn’t powerful just because of the damage it deals directly; its real strength lies in its ability to affect a wide area. Use it strategically! If enemies are moving through a tight space like a canyon, that’s a great spot to fire repeatedly. If Hunters are taking cover behind rocks, an explosive round nearby will either drive them out or eliminate them. You can also use this weapon to control areas, forcing enemies to scatter and exposing them. It’s excellent for dominating the battlefield, turning enemy hiding spots into dangerous traps and making groups of weaker enemies wish they hadn’t appeared.
Smart ammo management tips
This weapon uses special ammo quickly, so you can’t just spray and pray. Each shot needs to be accurate and well-aimed. Save your explosive rounds for groups of enemies or tough targets that are weak to them – don’t waste them on single enemies. Smart Helldivers adjust their tactics as needed. The AR-23 Liberator family of guns favors players who carefully plan their position and manage their ammo. If you’re fighting a single enemy, think about switching to a different weapon or asking a teammate for help. By making each explosive shot count, you’ll get much more out of your limited ammo.
Frequently Asked Questions
The AR-23E Liberator Explosive sounds cool, but it’s probably not the best choice for players just starting out. It has a lot more kick and holds fewer bullets than the regular Liberator, meaning you’ll need to be much more careful with aiming and reloading. It’s better to get comfortable with the basic Liberator first, then try the explosive version once you’ve mastered the fundamentals.
Many players wonder if this weapon is effective against heavily armored enemies like Chargers or Hulks. However, that’s a misunderstanding. The AR-23E is designed to fight regular enemies and control crowds, not to destroy armor. While its explosive rounds are great for disrupting groups of weaker foes, they won’t even scratch the armor of a Charger. To take down those tougher enemies, you’ll need a weapon specifically built for anti-armor combat, such as a Railgun or Recoilless Rifle.
Players often make the same mistake with the AR-23E: they treat it like any other automatic rifle and just hold down the trigger. This gun has a lot of recoil, so your shots will be inaccurate, and you’ll run out of ammo quickly. To use it effectively, you need to fire in short, controlled bursts. This helps manage the recoil and makes sure each shot hits its target, especially when facing multiple enemies.
Because the ammunition is explosive, you need to be careful not to hurt your teammates. The blast can injure or kill allies who are too close to where the rounds land. Pay attention to where your team is, especially during fast-paced, close-range battles. Don’t shoot into a group where a teammate is already fighting to avoid accidentally hitting them.
Wondering if the AR-23E is worth the Medals? It’s a good weapon, but more for variety than a major competitive advantage. If you already have the best weapons unlocked and want to try something different, especially for defense or dealing with groups of enemies, it’s a worthwhile pick. However, if you’re still building up your essential weapons, it’s better to spend your Medals on something more generally useful first.
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2025-12-15 16:05