Python Commando Weapons: A Brutally Honest Review

The idea of a rifle with a built-in grenade launcher seems ideal for controlling large groups and providing powerful firepower – what’s not to like? The new Python Commando Warbond offers just that with the AR/GL-21 One-Two, along with a devastating double-barrel shotgun called the DBS-2 Double Freedom. One weapon aims to do a little bit of everything, while the other is designed for pure, destructive power. After testing both, it’s clear they perform very differently. One is surprisingly underwhelming, but the other could quickly become your go-to weapon. Here’s a closer look at why.

Key Takeaways

The DBS-2 Is the Must-Have Weapon: If you only get one item from this Warbond, make it the DBS-2 Double Freedom. Its incredible close-range stopping power makes it the most valuable and effective addition to your arsenal.
Treat the AR/GL-21 as a Utility Weapon: The hybrid rifle is best used for destroying objectives like bug holes and fabricators from a distance. Its weak primary fire and high ammo consumption make it a poor choice for direct combat.
Choose Your Weapon Based on Your Playstyle: The DBS-2 is for aggressive, front-line players who hunt elite enemies, while the AR/GL-21 fits a support role that requires a specific loadout (like a supply pack) to be effective.

What’s in the Python Commando Warbond?

The newest Warbond takes you into the jungle as part of an elite commando unit, and it’s full of cool new equipment to help you dominate the battlefield. If you’ve been collecting Super Credits, the Python Commando Warbond offers a powerful set of weapons, stylish armor, and customization options to complete the look. This collection focuses on fast-paced, close-quarters combat, with gear built for aggressive players. But before you spend your credits, let’s take a detailed look at what’s included. Is this Warbond worth changing up your usual gear, or should you save your credits for the next release? Let’s check out these new items and see if they’re as good as they seem.

Meet the New Weapons

This Warbond features two new main weapons designed for different combat situations. The AR/GL-21 One-Two is a versatile assault rifle with a built-in grenade launcher, allowing players to deal with various threats without switching weapons. While it feels good to use, it has limited ammo for both bullets and grenades. The other new weapon, the DBS-2 Double Freedom, is a powerful, short-range, double-barrel shotgun. It’s a risky weapon, but can be very effective in close-quarters fights.

Fresh Armor and Cosmetics

The new Warbond isn’t just about weapons; it’s a complete commando package! You’ll get two new armor sets – the PH-9 Predator and the PH-202 Twigsnapper – designed for a tough, jungle-fighting look, complete with helmets and capes. The Predator armor boosts weapon handling and melee damage, ideal for close-quarters combat. The Twigsnapper armor increases your overall protection, helping you survive longer. Plus, there are new capes, player cards, and emotes to fully customize your Helldiver’s appearance. It’s a great collection if you want to give your character a brand new style.

AR/GL-21 One-Two: A Hybrid That Misses the Mark

The AR/GL-21 One-Two assault rifle, with its attached grenade launcher, seems like a great idea on paper – offering both crowd control and powerful, continuous fire. However, in practice, it doesn’t live up to the hype. It tries to do too much, and ultimately doesn’t excel at any one thing. Players might be excited to unlock it, but will likely find it ineffective against tough enemies like Terminids or armored Automatons, and quickly stop using it after a few disappointing missions.

This weapon just doesn’t feel good to use, especially when you really need it. It’s not something you can depend on as your main weapon, and it often holds you back instead of helping you. You’ll likely struggle in fights where other weapons would perform well, making it hard to recommend for challenging missions where accurate shots are crucial. It looks impressive, but it doesn’t live up to expectations once you’re in the heat of battle. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this weapon fall short.

Damage and Magazine Size

The biggest problem with the AR/GL-21 is that it doesn’t deal enough damage. At only 95 damage per shot, it struggles to take down tougher enemies. Although it holds 40 rounds, its slow firing speed means you’ll waste a lot of time shooting at targets that better weapons could quickly destroy. You’ll find yourself using multiple magazines on enemies like Bile Spewers or Devastators without making a significant impact. Simply put, this weapon lacks the power needed to effectively handle the challenges you’ll encounter, making it a frustrating option in combat.

How the Grenade Launcher Works

This weapon’s standout feature is its built-in grenade launcher, which works much like a dedicated grenade pistol, giving you four explosive rounds. This is great for quickly eliminating groups of enemies or destroying distant targets without needing separate grenades. However, while useful, the grenade launcher isn’t enough to make up for the weapon’s shortcomings in its main firing mode. Ultimately, it feels more like a slightly awkward grenade pistol attachment than a well-rounded assault rifle.

Why It Needs a Supply Pack

This weapon deals very little damage on its own and relies heavily on the grenade launcher to be effective, causing you to quickly run out of ammo. To get through even a single mission, you’ll almost certainly need to carry extra ammunition with a supply pack. This is a major problem because it forces you to give up a valuable backpack slot that could be used for more helpful items like a shield, jetpack, or drone. Many players agree that a weapon that needs specific support items just to be useful isn’t a good option.

DBS-2 Double Freedom: The Real Star of the Show

The AR/GL-21 One-Two attempts to do a little bit of everything, but the DBS-2 Double Freedom has a very specific purpose: to destroy enemies at close range. This double-barreled shotgun isn’t about finesse – it’s about raw power, and it quickly becomes the best weapon in the Python Commando Warbond. As soon as you start using it, you’ll understand how effective it is. It’s the type of weapon that lets you confidently charge into dangerous situations or defend against enemy attacks.

The Double Freedom shotgun isn’t just another weapon; it’s a powerful solution to some of the toughest enemies in the game. It’s designed for one thing – dealing huge amounts of damage quickly – and it does that job incredibly well. While other weapons are more flexible or have longer range, the DBS-2 really shines in the intense, close-range fights that often decide the outcome of missions. It’s incredibly fun and satisfying to use, making it an essential addition to any Helldivers 2 player looking to build a top-tier loadout. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this weapon so effective.

One-Shot Stopping Power

The Double Freedom lives up to its name with incredible power. Firing both barrels simultaneously deals a massive 1,680 damage, instantly eliminating most enemies. You can also fire each barrel separately for a still-powerful 840 damage per shot, conserving ammo when needed. This weapon boasts medium armor penetration, allowing it to effectively damage even heavily armored foes that can withstand standard gunfire. It’s not meant for taking out enemies one by one; it’s designed for delivering powerful, game-changing shots that can quickly turn the outcome of a battle.

Mastering the Dual Barrels

Okay, so the DBS-2 isn’t just about pulling the trigger – it’s about how you pull it. Knowing when to fire a single barrel and when to go full dual-fire is where the real skill comes in. Seriously, that dual-fire mode is a lifesaver against tough enemies. I can usually take out a Charger’s tail armor in just three double blasts, which lets my team finish it off. And it’s surprisingly good against Bile Titans if I can get under them and just unload. Mastering those two firing modes means I can switch things up on the fly and become way more effective in any fight.

Excels Against Tough Enemies

This shotgun is incredibly effective against heavily armored enemies. It’s a top pick for taking down Automatons – a well-aimed double shot to the back can instantly destroy a Hulk by hitting its heat sink. It easily shreds Devastator torsos with a single blast and quickly destroys structures like turrets and tanks with just two or three shots to their vulnerable rear. This makes the Double Freedom a powerful, go-to weapon whenever you anticipate facing tough opposition – it reliably solves difficult combat situations.

How Do the New Weapons Perform Against Enemies?

You’ve got your new weapons, but how well do they actually perform in battle against waves of enemies? There’s a clear difference between them, and understanding what each one does best is crucial for winning. One weapon is a powerful, satisfying force, while the other is designed for specific, strategic situations. Picking the right weapon for each challenge will be the key to success.

DBS-2: Your Bug-Stomping Solution

The DBS-2 Double Freedom shotgun is incredibly effective against the Terminid swarm. If you’re constantly overwhelmed by enemies, this shotgun will be a game-changer. It packs a serious punch, able to instantly kill a Warrior with a single barrel. Headshots guarantee a one-hit kill, and even tougher enemies like Hive Guards can sometimes be taken down in a single blast, which is incredibly satisfying during intense fights. For larger enemies, the DBS-2 can sever a Charger’s tail with just three shots when firing both barrels. It’s also excellent against Stalkers – a double-barrel blast will either eliminate them or force them to retreat.

AR/GL-21: Structures vs. Enemies

Okay, so the AR/GL-21 One-Two is… different. It’s an assault rifle with a grenade launcher, but honestly, I don’t really use it to kill things. I use it to wreck stuff – seriously, it’s amazing at taking out enemy nests, those annoying bot factories, and even dropships from way back. It lets me clear objectives without having to rush in, which is a huge advantage. The rifle itself? It’s kinda weak. It doesn’t do a ton of damage per bullet, so you’ll burn through ammo fast even on easier enemies. I’d say this gun is more about being useful for taking objectives than being a straight-up damage dealer. It’s a tool for objective players, not a run-and-gun weapon.

Comparing Ammo Efficiency

When it comes to ammo, these two weapons are very different. The DBS-2 is surprisingly efficient – its powerful shots mean you don’t need to reload constantly, and you can often complete missions without needing extra ammo. This leaves space in your backpack for useful items like a shield or a companion. The AR/GL-21, however, uses a lot of ammo. Because it doesn’t do as much damage per shot, you’ll go through magazines quickly and likely need to carry a large supply pack, limiting what else you can bring. While it’s good at destroying objects, the high ammo consumption is a significant issue to consider.

Which Weapon Should You Prioritize?

When a new Warbond is released, players immediately want to know which rewards are worth earning with their medals. This Warbond features two new main weapons in the Python Commando set, and it’s important to spend your resources wisely. While the AR/GL-21 One-Two can be useful in certain situations, one weapon clearly stands out as a top priority.

Choosing wisely at the beginning will save you a lot of effort and headaches. Let’s face it, progressing can be tough, so you want to make sure every reward helps you build the gear you really want. After thoroughly testing both options, it’s clear which one is the better investment. If you’re not sure where to focus first, one stands out as giving you the most value and instantly making you more effective in battle.

The Grind to Fully Upgrade

Okay, so before I even think about spending my medals, I need to be real with myself about what I’m getting into. Fully upgrading these weapons is a huge time commitment. If I want to do it efficiently, I’ll need a dedicated squad ready to just blast through missions as quickly as possible. One player put it perfectly – the fastest way needs a team that’s all about speed and totally committed. This isn’t something I can just pick up on a lazy weekend; it’s a serious, focused effort. And because the grind is so intense, I really need to make sure I’m putting my time into a weapon that’s actually worth it from the get-go.

Why the DBS-2 Is the Current Meta

Okay, let me just say it: the DBS-2 Double Freedom is amazing in this Warbond. Seriously, this thing is a beast right from the start. I mean, it can pretty much stop anything that comes at you. The power is incredible, and that double-barrel blast is just so satisfying! What I love is that it doesn’t need a bunch of upgrades to be good – it feels powerful the instant you unlock it. It’s a really versatile shotgun, especially great for taking down those tough, armored enemies. Honestly, it’s a fantastic addition to the current game and will definitely help me fight both bugs and bots!

How to Spend Your Medals Wisely

If you’re only going to get one item from the Python Commando Warbond, choose the DBS-2 Double Freedom. You won’t be disappointed! It’s easily the most helpful addition in the update, and it’s so versatile and powerful that it even beats out some of the new stratagem weapons. Your medals are valuable, and spending them on the DBS-2 is the best way to improve your equipment. It’s a fantastic weapon that will be useful in many different missions, making it a smart choice for this Warbond.

Best Combat Strategies for the New Weapons

So, you’ve got the new equipment – now let’s learn how to use it effectively to achieve your goals without getting overwhelmed. Having the best tools doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to use them. Each weapon requires a different strategy. The DBS-2 excels in close combat, while the AR/GL-21 is best used for support and tactical plays. Let’s go over the best way to use each one so you can maximize your success.

DBS-2: Positioning and Tactics

The DBS-2 Double Freedom is incredibly powerful at close range. One player called it a weapon that can quickly defeat almost any enemy. This gun isn’t meant for long-distance fighting; its strength is in its massive burst damage up close. Your best approach is to aggressively close the gap with your opponents. Use cover to move forward and get within optimal range before firing. It excels at defending areas or eliminating enemies in confined spaces where intense, close-quarters combat is certain. Consider yourself the frontline fighter for your team, ready to take down anything that comes too close.

AR/GL-21: Finding the Right Loadout

The AR/GL-21 is a unique weapon that works best when combined with the right gear. It doesn’t pack a huge punch with its regular shots, so it’s better used for support rather than as your main source of damage. One player pointed out that it really shines when you have plenty of grenades available. Building a good loadout always means considering how all your items work together, and with the AR/GL-21, you can specialize in taking out enemy structures like bug holes and fabricators, letting your teammates focus on direct combat.

Target Priority and Engagement Range

It’s just as important to choose your targets wisely as it is to aim well. When using the AR/GL-21, use the grenade launcher to weaken large groups of weaker enemies from afar before they get close. Don’t use grenades on single enemies. With the DBS-2, do the opposite: let your teammates handle the smaller enemies and focus on the biggest threats. The DBS-2 is powerful enough to eliminate a Warrior with a single shot and can even sometimes take down a Hive Guard, making you your team’s specialist for taking out tough enemies.

How Do They Stack Up Against Other Weapons?

Okay, so I just got these new Python Commando weapons and I’m trying to figure out if they’re worth the Medals. You know how it is – you want to make sure you’re spending your rewards on something that’s actually going to make a difference, not just sit in your inventory. I’m going to break down how these new weapons stack up against all my favorite gear I already use and trust.

DBS-2 vs. the Shotgun Meta

While there are many powerful shotguns, the DBS-2 Double Freedom quickly stands out as a top choice. Players report it’s incredibly effective against bugs, able to instantly kill even tough enemies like Warriors and take down Hive Guards with a single shot when fully upgraded. What makes it special is its flexibility – it feels more dependable than many strategic weapons. If you’re currently using the Breaker or Punisher, the DBS-2 is a strong contender for a switch. It’s powerful and efficient enough to become a go-to weapon for Helldivers who prefer close-quarters combat against the Terminid hordes.

AR/GL-21 vs. Top-Tier Assault Rifles

The AR/GL-21 One-Two isn’t very competitive when compared to other weapons. Although the combination of a grenade launcher and rifle is interesting, it doesn’t perform well as a main weapon. It fires slowly and doesn’t deal much damage, especially against strong enemies who can withstand a lot of shots. Weapons like the Liberator or Sickle are much more powerful and efficient. To even make it somewhat useful, you’ll likely need to carry extra ammo, which limits what else you can carry. It’s a good idea, but ultimately doesn’t quite work in gameplay.

Where They Land on the Tier List

These two weapons are drastically different in terms of effectiveness. The DBS-2 Double Freedom is a top-tier choice, especially when fighting bugs. It’s strong, fun to use, and excels at what it’s designed to do – I highly recommend it as a new main weapon. The AR/GL-21 One-Two, however, doesn’t quite measure up, landing it at best in the C-tier. While it can offer unique strategies if you build your loadout around it, it’s too limited and uses ammo too quickly to be consistently reliable. If you’re deciding how to spend your in-game currency, the better choice is clear.

Your Python Commando Unlock Guide

Let’s discuss how to get the most out of the new content. If you’re aiming to unlock all the new gear, having a good plan is key to avoid frustration. The Python Commandos Warbond uses Medals, so focus on earning them efficiently. Here’s a breakdown of how to do that and get the best items, like the new shotgun, as quickly as possible.

The Fastest Path to the DBS-2

You’re probably here for the DBS-2 Double Freedom shotgun – and for good reason! It’s incredibly powerful and should be your first goal. You unlock it by spending Medals on the Warbond pages. What makes the DBS-2 special is its ability to fire each barrel individually or both at the same time for a huge damage boost. It’s a real game-changer in close combat, easily stopping even heavily armored enemies. Prioritize earning this shotgun with your Medals – you can always get the other Warbond items later.

Grind Medals More Efficiently

Okay, so getting those Python Commando rewards isn’t exactly straightforward. First, you gotta drop 1,000 Super Credits to unlock the Warbond. Then the real work starts – earning Medals! If you want to farm them quickly, definitely play missions on Harder difficulties, because they give you way more. Honestly, don’t bother trying to 100% every map. Just focus on the main objectives and get out of there fast. Playing with a good team makes a HUGE difference – we finish missions quicker and often get bonus rewards for working together. And make sure your gear is set up for speed and getting those objectives done. The faster we complete missions, the faster we can earn more Medals!

The Verdict: Are These Weapons Worth It?

Now that everything’s been tested and fixed, let’s get to the main question: is the Python Commando Warbond worth your in-game currency? The quick answer is yes, but probably only for one of the weapons. The DBS-2 Double Freedom is the standout item here, though the AR/GL-21 One-Two is an interesting idea. Ultimately, whether it’s a good buy depends on how you like to play – do you prefer powerful gear or something a bit different? Let’s take a closer look at whether these weapons will become staples in your game.

Long-Term Meta Potential

As a Deep Rock Galactic player, I’ve been thinking about the DBS-2 Double Freedom, and I think it’s got a really solid future. It’s just amazing at quickly taking down armored enemies – something other shotguns don’t do as well. Basically, as long as those tough, armored Terminids are around, I think the DBS-2 will always be a great pick for missions. It really fills a unique role!

The AR/GL-21 One-Two is a bit unpredictable. It’s useful because its built-in grenade launcher frees up a slot for other equipment. However, it has some serious drawbacks: limited ammo, awkward handling, and a small number of grenades it can fire. Unless it’s improved, it will likely only appeal to players who like a difficult weapon to master.

Is This Warbond Right for You?

If you enjoy shotguns and taking down enemies quickly, this Warbond is perfect for you. The DBS-2 shotgun is incredibly fun and powerful to use, giving you a real sense of impact. It’s a versatile weapon that you’ll find useful in many situations. For players who want the best equipment, the DBS-2 shotgun alone is worth the cost of the Warbond.

Whether or not to get the AR/GL-21 is a bit more complicated. Some players will really appreciate its distinctive look and sound, and it can be effective against weaker enemies if you’re willing to put in the effort. It also hints at the kinds of customization options Arrowhead might add later, which is promising. If you have extra medals and like trying out unusual weapon setups, it could be worth a look. Otherwise, it’s probably best to save your resources for something else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DBS-2 Double Freedom significantly better than the AR/GL-21 One-Two? Absolutely. The DBS-2 is a powerful, specialized weapon designed to quickly eliminate heavily armored enemies up close. It’s noticeably strong and dependable right away. The AR/GL-21, however, tries to be both a rifle and a grenade launcher, but doesn’t excel at either, which can be really frustrating in a fight.

Is the AR/GL-21 actually worth using? While it’s not the best gun for direct combat, it has a unique purpose. Its built-in grenade launcher is really good at taking out targets like bug nests and bot factories from a distance. If you like supporting your team by destroying objectives while they fight enemies, this weapon could be for you. Just know that you’ll need a lot of ammo, so be sure to grab supply packs often.

The DBS-2 and the Breaker are best used in different situations. The Breaker excels at quickly taking down large groups of weaker enemies, while the DBS-2 Double Freedom is specifically designed to eliminate tougher, heavily armored threats. While the Breaker might struggle against elite enemies like Chargers and Devastators, the DBS-2’s powerful burst damage can quickly neutralize them.

You don’t have to unlock every item in the Warbond to get the DBS-2. The Warbond is organized into pages, and you unlock items one after another using medals. To get the DBS-2, just unlock the items specifically leading to it on its page. This lets you focus on getting the gear you want and save medals you’d otherwise spend on unnecessary items.

The DBS-2 Double Freedom is most effective with a loadout that supports a fast, close-range approach. A Shield Generator Pack is highly recommended to help you quickly get into the action while minimizing damage. As a sidearm, a dependable pistol like the P-19 Redeemer is great for dealing with groups of weaker enemies, letting you conserve your shotgun’s powerful ammo for tougher opponents.

2025-12-16 14:35