Helldivers 2 is a game that doesn’t only challenge your reflexes; it demands smart strategizing and a deep understanding of your arsenal. And when it comes to the Railgun, you’ve got a weapon that’s as dangerous to your enemies as it can be to you if not handled with care. In its default setting, the Railgun is a powerhouse, sure, but switch it to Unsafe Mode, and you’re playing with a weapon that can turn the tide of battle in a heartbeat—or blow up in your face if you’re not careful.
The allure of Unsafe Mode lies in its risk-reward balance. The damage output is off the charts, capable of piercing through the toughest armor like it’s not a big deal. It’s a Helldivers 2 Railgun mode that asks, “Do you feel lucky?” and promises the thrill of incredible power at the edge of danger. In this guide, we’ll tell you how to activate the Railgun Unsafe Mode, when to use it for maximum effect, and, crucially, how to keep from becoming your own worst enemy on the battlefield.
What are the Railgun Safe & Unsafe Modes in Helldivers 2?
In Helldivers 2, the Railgun comes with two faces: Safe Mode and Unsafe Mode. Starting with Safe Mode, it’s your Railgun’s default setting, kind of like having the safety on your weapon. It’s reliable, steady, and, well, safe. In this mode, the Railgun holds back, only using half its power. Imagine you’ve got this supercharged energy waiting to burst free, but in Safe Mode, you’re only letting out a controlled stream. Sure, you can still take down enemies with a couple of shots, but it’s a cautious approach. It’s all about precision without the extra worry of accidental self-destruction.
In Unsafe Mode, your Railgun provides its full fury, dealing a huge damage that can pierce through enemy armor like its paper. But the problem is it’s a gamble. If you overcharge this beast in this mode, you might just end up blowing yourself up along with your target as it will blast in your own hands. So, it’s the ultimate risk-reward scenario. With great power comes the great responsibility of not accidentally taking yourself out in the process.
So, when you’re in the heat of battle, choosing between Safe and Unsafe Mode is more than just a tactical decision. Safe Mode is your go-to for consistent, reliable damage without the fear of self-sabotage. But if you’re feeling daring and want to unleash hell (with a side of caution), Unsafe Mode can change the situation of battle in a flash—provided you keep an eye on that charging meter and your fingers ready to react.
Switching Between Safe and Unsafe Mode
If you’re looking to switch your Railgun to Unsafe mode, here’s the lowdown. PC gamers, just tap that R key. For the PlayStation 5 controller, it’s by holding the Square button, and if you are on the Xbox console, press and hold the X button. Doing this will bring up a menu, but only if your current weapon is the Railgun or another one with extra options. Once that menu opens, flick the right directional button, and you’ve switched your Railgun from Safe mode to Unsafe.
How to Safely Charge & Use the Railgun in Unsafe Mode in Helldivers 2?
Using the Railgun in Unsafe Mode is a game of precision and timing. You’ll want to keep an eye on the charging meter that appears when you’re aiming down sights in FPS mode. The key is to release the fire button just before the meter reaches its final slot, marked in red. Charging beyond this point for even half a second could lead to your untimely demise. Properly timing your shots ensures that you deliver great damage without the risk of self-harm.
The deal is, since the nerfs hit, using the Railgun in Safe Mode feels like you’re throwing pebbles at a tank. The shots’ output just doesn’t cut it anymore, especially when you’re up against bulky robots. Their armor’s so thick, you might as well be tickling them. When you’re in Unsafe Mode, you’ve got only three seconds to charge up your shot. Push your luck any longer, and your Railgun turns into a personal fireworks show, minus the oohs and aahs, because, well, you might not be around to hear them.
But if you’re lucky enough to survive the mishap, the first thing you’ve got to do is to level up your health bar with a Stim because even if you don’t get killed, you will receive serious damage. However, in Safe Mode, you can charge up the shots more rapidly, trading off some damage for speed. Once you’ve chipped away at that armor and got the flesh showing, flipping back to Safe Mode could be your best bet to take them down.
Switching your Railgun to Unsafe Mode isn’t a magic damage booster—well, not unless you’re charging those bullets right. Simply setting it to Unsafe and tapping the trigger like it’s a race doesn’t cut it. You will not get that sweet maximum damage unless you charge each shot to 100%. And here’s how you nail it every time: Flip to first-person view when it’s time to charge, you can now clearly see the charging meter in scope view. You want to charge the Railgun right up until it hits the top-most bar. Keep an eye out for the dark red color—that’s when you know your gun is ready to fire.
It’s worth noting that the Railgun, in its Unsafe Mode, shines in scenarios where you’re facing down armored vehicles or heavily armored enemies. Its increased damage output can be the difference between a victory and a quick defeat. However, for horde situations or when dealing with a group of enemies, Safe Mode might be your go-to due to the challenges of managing the charge meter under pressure. Finally, no matter how skilled you become with the Railgun Unsafe Mode in Helldivers 2, always be prepared for the worst. Carrying plenty of Stims to heal yourself and your teammates can be a lifesaver, to make sure that you can stay in the fight longer, even if an accidental discharge occurs.
